Monday Miracles: Rhino poaching survivor gives birth to calf

At birth, baby rhinos weigh between 25 to 45 kilograms. Photo: Ryan Kilpatrick / flickr

As wonderful as the birth of baby animals might be, the newest little rhino arrival at Jabulani Safari Lodge in Hoedspruit has an added measure of miraculousness.

According to Travelnews, the baby rhino was successfully and safely delivered by poaching survivor Philippa, who, along with her mother, had been attacked by poachers in January 2016. Phillipa’s mother was tragically killed, and Phillipa had to endure seven long months of rehabilitation treatment at the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (HESC) for her wounds.

A little bit of love for Phillipa

In September 2016, Ike, a rhino bull was introduced at Jabulani Safari Lodge, and whether it was love at first sight for Phillipa or not, the team decided that Philippa and Ike were suited well enough to share the same land together. Philippa and Ike have since gotten along well, and the birth of their baby only serves to strengthen their bond and, hopefully, allows Phillipa to thrive in her protected wilderness.

ALSO READ: Timbavati Nature Reserve: A place for the wild at heart

The Rhino poaching problem

The current poaching crisis began in 2008, with increasing numbers of rhino killed for their horn throughout Africa until 2015. Thankfully, poaching numbers have decreased across the continent since the peak of 1 349 in 2015. Yet, a these magnificent creatures are still killed every day: there is a lot more to do, according to Save the Rhino.

Sundeeka Mungroo

Sundeeka Mungroo is a content writer, foodie and all-round adventure-seeker. She's a graduate of the University of South Africa with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature, and has worked as a copywriter and editor in the digital marketing industry. Sundeeka currently writes for I Love South Africa and The South African. She lives in the beautiful Mother City and loves exploring all that South Africa has to offer.