Rapid Rescue Operation Saves 2 Rhino Calves Left to Fend for Themselves
Good Things Guy | 02.03.2026 18:30
Against rugged terrain and extreme heat, two vulnerable rhino calves, who had joined together for protection, were airlifted in a rapid rescue operation, saving them from the looming threat of poaching.
Kruger National Park, South Africa (02 March 2026) – When two young male rhino calves were spotted alone in the bush in the Kruger National Park, rangers on patrol went into rescue mode. Jock Environmental Monitoring Unit (JEMU) members, worried the calves were likely orphaned as a result of poaching, contacted the Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary.
According to reports, the two calves, believed to be around 12–14 months old, had joined together for protection and support in the absence of their mothers.
Concerned for their safety, SANParks Kruger staff, veterinarian Dr Lufuno Netshitavhadulu, Chief Pilot David Simelane, Marius Snyder, Craig Williams, the JEMU team, and the Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary team joined forces for a carefully coordinated and complex rescue.
“While some of the Care for Wild team prepared at the sanctuary, another team drove to Kruger to assist on the ground. The rugged terrain meant vehicles couldn’t reach one of the recovery points, so the older calf was airlifted to the nearest accessible road, placed on a drip, and transported by trailer back to Care for Wild,” the organisation said.
Upon arrival, the calf underwent immediate assessment by Dr Lufuno before handing over the reins to Petronel and the Care for Wild team, who transported him to the juvenile high-care unit, where he was moved into a recovery area.
The second calf was then airlifted directly to the sanctuary. The heat was extreme and the humidity unforgiving, but the team wasted no time in providing the fluids, water and monitoring both little lives needed.
Every person knew their role. Every decision mattered.
“Our deepest thanks go to every single person involved in this rescue, those who committed, adapted, refused to give up, and stayed with these calves until the very end to ensure this operation was seen through safely and successfully. We are so grateful for these teams.”
