This Haunting Video Of Baby Rhino Mourning His Mom Should Inspire You To Action

By Mandy Froelich / Truth Theory

Rhinos and elephants alike are very empathetic creatures. Their very nature is to be strong yet supportive of their kin. So, when either is murdered by a poacher for their ivory parts, it can be considered nothing except a tragic loss. Unfortunately, poaching of both African rhinos and elephants is on the rise.

In 2012, 669 rhinos were killed each year by poachers in South Africa. Just one year later, that number increased to 946. Now, it’s estimated that two rhinos are killed each day. If we want the fierce creatures to be around for our children and their children, immediate action needs to be taken. Hopefully, the following video will propel more people to get started.

Recently, a baby rhino was found mourning the loss of his mother. Footage of the haunting scene was shared by the Petronel Niewouldt of the Care for Wild Team. The group wrote: “It was instinctive for him to try and stay close to his mother to protect her, and the poachers with no sympathy or hesitation whatsoever lashed out at him so that they could finish their heinous crime of taking his mother’s horn as quickly as possible.”

Watch the video below: 

https://www.facebook.com/careforwild/videos/336917693542347/

Though it was too late for the rhino’s mom, it wasn’t too late for him. He was transported to Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary, the world’s largest rhino sanctuary and orphanage. There, he received medical assistance for the machete wound on his back and an injury to his nail bed.

Because the calf was terrified, he was sedated. Shortly after, a plastic surgeon was called in to stitch up his wounds, with an emphasis on leaving as little scarring as possible.

The rhino, who was named Arthur by his rescuers, is recovering well. He still misses his mother, which is a heartbreaking ordeal for the team to endure. “He still calls for his mother, it is a heart-wrenching sound and one that he should never have to make,” wrote the group. “Her death will affect him emotionally long after his physical wounds have healed.”

Arthur may never fully recover from the emotional loss of his mother. A baby rhino will stay with his mom for up to 3 years in the wild. The team explained: A rhino calf stays with his mother for up to three years and in that time, she teaches him everything he needs to know, from what to eat and how to keep himself safe. She will teach him how to behave when in the company of other rhino and he will learn everything necessary from her so that he has a good chance of growing into a strong adult. Who is going to teach him now?”

Fortunately, Arthur has the support and protection of and conservationists. He may still thrive, but it’s going to be challenging work by animal rights activists. You can help by supporting the Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary and by raising awareness about rhino and elephant poaching. 

Source: Newsner

Image Featured: Care For Wild