Orphaned Baby Zebra and Rhino Help Each Other Heal and Become Best Friends

In a heartwarming tale at the Care For Wild Rhino Sanctuary, two orphaned animals, a baby zebra named Modjadji and a baby rhino named Daisy, have formed an extraordinary friendship, supporting each other through their healing process.

Daisy, the young rhino, was discovered by rangers in a distressed state in South Africa’s Kruger National Park, which is renowned as one of Africa’s largest game reserves. She was only a few hours old, still attached to her umbilical cord, and fighting for her life. Immediately, she was rushed to the sanctuary’s intensive care unit. While the exact reasons for her abandonment remain unknown, her discovery coincided with a tragic week when numerous rhinos fell victim to poachers. Often, rhino calves are left behind after their mothers’ horns are mercilessly harvested by poachers for the lucrative trade to Asian countries like China.

Given the circumstances, Daisy required constant care and feeding to strengthen her immune system and maintain a healthy body temperature.

However, Daisy was not the sole recently orphaned baby at the sanctuary.

“Modjadji was brought to the ICU at the end of November after being found motionless and barely breathing on the reserve following heavy rains and storms,” shared Louwhen Bowker, media contact for Care For Wild Rhino Sanctuary. “Modjadji was estimated to be only a week old.”

In due course, the two orphaned babies formed a profound bond, providing solace and support to one another.

“As they grew stronger and more confident, their curiosity led them to interact with each other,” Bowker stated. “Rhinos are highly social animals and require companionship. Modjadji is an excellent companion for Daisy and displays great affection towards her.”

After spending a month together, these two orphaned animals have become inseparable. Wherever one goes, the other is not far behind.

The heartwarming story of Modjadji and Daisy serves as a reminder of the resilience and capacity for connection among animals, even in the face of adversity. These two young souls have not only found friendship but have also become pillars of support for one another, exemplifying the profound bond that can develop between different species.