Are You My Mother?
If the story of this baby rhino doesn’t make you want to stop poachers, nothing will.
Photo: Debbie English/FacebookIt’s hard to get used to the heartbreaking images of the poaching epidemic, but the tale of this little rhino will make even the most hardened among us weep. Debbie English, a veterinary student in South Africa, Facebook-posted the story of what one rhino calf did after losing his mom to poachers in Kruger National Park.
When English found him, “Donnie” was wandering along a tourist road, trying to adopt passing cars as parents (or “imprinting,” in zoology lingo). Fortunately, he had some human guardians who were prepared to be a bit more nurturing than a SUV. English’s father is a regional manager at the park, and he and a veterinarian tranquilized the little guy and flew him to Care for Wildlife Africa, a rehabilitation center for injured and orphaned animals.
But the rescue mission wasn’t without incident—the pilot had to make an emergency landing when Donnie flatlined. Thankfully, the team managed to resuscitate him, and he’s now recovering well. Hang in there, Donnie.
Photo: Debbie English/Facebook
Photo: Debbie English/Facebook
Photo: Debbie English/FacebookonEarth provides reporting and analysis about environmental science, policy, and culture. All opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the policies or positions of NRDC. Learn more or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
onEarth provides reporting and analysis about environmental science, policy, and culture. All opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the policies or positions of NRDC. Learn more or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.