When I first visited a national park in Africa, I was so excited to see rhinos; I find them absolutely incredible. I knew numbers were dwindling, but thought that as they’re the second largest land mammal in the world, I’d surely be able to see one fairly easily. But I was very wrong. The careless poaching they are subjected to as a result of the illegal wildlife trade is putting the world in danger of losing this iconic African species completely.

On the black market, rhino horn is marketed as a remedy for various ailments and is valued as a more expensive commodity than gold, despite it having no medicinal purposes whatsoever. This trade has catapulted the status of the White Rhino to ‘Near Threatened’ and the Black Rhino to ‘Critically Endangered’. Many of these devastating poaching incidents leave behind young, defenceless, traumatised orphaned calves.

When I first heard about Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary,  the largest orphan rhino sanctuary in the world, I knew I wanted to help them in some way. They rescue, rehabilitate, rewild, release and protect rhinos in South Africa. 

The story that touched me the most was that of Arthur, The Brave. 

In the early hours of Sunday 20th May 2018, the section ranger in Kruger National Park received a radio call from field rangers alerting him to gun shots in the Skukuza area. Helicopters were deployed and soon found a deceased rhino cow whose horns had been brutality removed. Lying next to her was her small, orphaned calf. 

Veterinarian, Dr Peter Buss was called to the scene where he established that the machete injuries to the young calf’s back and foot were likely sustained when he tried to fight and chase the poachers away from his dying mum.

Care for Wild (CFW) then received a notification that Arthur was en route to the sanctuary and would arrive by helicopter within 15 minutes. Tiny Arthur, who weighed just 80kg, was sleeping in blankets in the back of the helicopter. A tiny, miniature rhino calf, so small, he could be easily carried to the back of the CFW vehicle. CFW founder, Petronel, made an urgent call to veterinary professionals as well as plastic surgeon, Dr. Nolene du Plessis, as Arthur had a machete wound to his back and front right toe. Arthur was given an extensive veterinary examination and miraculously, there was no damage to his spine. 

His injuries were cleaned, dressed, and bandaged. Just a few hours after his arrival, Arthur began to wake up and took his first bottle of milk.

Arthur’s personality quickly came to light. A little ray of sunshine; full of energy, positivity, and playfulness. Despite the horrific treatment Arthur and his mum endured, he trusted his human caregivers very quickly. Over the next few months Arthur’s wounds began to heal under the care and support of veterinary professionals, and the dedication of the CFW team. Whilst still in the ICU, Arthur was introduced to fellow orphan, Summer, and the two have become inseparable ever since. 

Arthur was later awarded a badge of bravery by the children of the Voortrekkers and received numerous cards from children all over the world. His story of bravery and courage effected thousands of people. 

As well as rescuing, rehabilitating and rewilding rhinos, Care for Wild also involve the local community at every level, creating employment and a sustainable future for all. 

The sanctuary currently employ 150 local people and has established three sustainable community projects which you can read more about here: https://careforwild.co.za/about/our-community.

You can also watch a video about their work here: https://youtu.be/yTJO8W0XiHs

When I found out that I had a place in the London Marathon through the ballot, I knew it was an unmissable opportunity to increase awareness of Care for Wild and hopefully raise some vital funds to help them protect these amazing animals.

£5 can buy bandages to help patch the wounds of the injured calves.

£22 can buy a teff bale for the older rhinos to feed on so they can increase their strength ready for rewilding.

£79 can buy milk powder to feed the orphaned calves.

£314 can purchase a radio to be used by the rangers, helping the team to respond and rescue as quickly as possible. 

Any support would be greatly appreciated!