RHINO CALF SURVIVES HYENA ATTACK

A HELPLESS rhino calf survived an hyena attack after being found by rescuers.

Last Thursday afternoon, Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary received an urgent call for an injured rhino calf that was en route and 20 minutes away by helicopter.

The calf, estimated to be around 18–20 months old by Kruger National Park veterinarian Dr Peter Buss, was too large to fit inside the aircraft.

A road recovery would have taken too long, due to the extent of his injuries. 

But the ratse doctors decided to sedate the calf and airlift him with suspension ropes.

With an experienced pilot and highly trained air and ground crew, this method of wildlife translocation is both fast and safe.

The Care for Wild group said in a statement: “Tragically, with no mother to protect him, hyenas had attacked, their bites severing his tail close to the base.

“Maintaining constant ground-to-air communication, the calf was carefully lowered into the back of our emergency vehicle and taken to our juvenile high-care unit.

“Sadly, the hyenas bit close to the base of the tail, which can increase the risk of infection and complications.

“Fortunately, we’ve developed excellent wound care and treatment protocols, but this young rhino calf is not out of the woods yet. He has a long road to recovery ahead.

“He seems strong and is showing signs of being a little fighter, which we believe works in his favour.”

Care for Wild said Dr Smith is overseeing the calf’s careful pain management programme, and the care team is monitoring him around the clock to ensure he receives the care and support he needs.