Rose's Story

Rose’s journey began near the Phabeni Gate of the Kruger National Park, where her mother was critically injured during a poaching attempt. She had been shot in the front leg, leaving her unable to stand or survive in the wild. Although veterinary teams reached her in time, her injuries were too severe, and the difficult decision was made to euthanise her. In the aftermath, her tiny calf was left alone, becoming an orphan in a landscape she was far too young to understand.

Rose was taken to Veterinary Wildlife Services (VWS) in the Kruger National Park, where she was monitored for 24 hours before being transferred to Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary for specialised care. She arrived on 14 June 2017, travelling by road in a transport crate, and was immediately placed into the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where round-the-clock monitoring began.

That first night, she drank her very first bottle of milk. The following day, her blindfold was removed, and she cautiously explored her new surroundings for the first time before settling beside her soft pink blanket, a small comfort that became a constant source of reassurance during her early days of adjustment.

Just a few days later, Rose met fellow orphan Khanya. The difference in size between them was immediately clear, and Rose reacted with bold, determined vocalisations, refusing to be intimidated. Khanya responded in kind, but what began as a cautious introduction quickly developed into a strong and lasting bond. Their friendship became the foundation of Rose’s early rehabilitation.

As time went on, Rubybelle and Fern joined their group, forming a close-knit crash of young orphans who grew up together. Moving into the larger bomas, they began to develop the behaviours, confidence, and social structure needed for life beyond rehab. Rose, in particular, revealed a spirited and energetic personality, always running, exploring, and testing boundaries. Her playful nature and bold confidence became defining traits as she matured.