A week ago, the calf and its mother were attacked by a large pride of lions in the crater. The cow tried to protect her cub, but eventually had to flee to save her own life. The calf was left behind and was now a target for the lions. Safari guides observed the incident and courageously intervened – scaring the lions away with their cars.
The little rhino was then taken to the ranger station where its wounds were treated and where it is now being cared for around the clock.
The calf is milk-dependent for at least another year, but rhinos are very sensitive and require a very special milk composition. Fortunately, the elephant milk sponsored by the Academy of Zoo and Wildlife, which has also been used to successfully raise many elephant calves, meets the required conditions.
At the moment, the veterinarians of the Kilimanjaro Animal C.R.E.W .are on their way to the Ngorongoro Crater, on the one hand to continue caring for the calf and on the other hand to make a plan on how to best support the animal in the future.
The whole team is working tirelessly to provide, care and nurture this individual of such an endangered species and we are very happy that the little rhino’s condition is so far stable.