Ngala's Story

When a young male rhino calf, approximately one year old was found wandering alone, with no sign of his mother nearby, it was immediately clear that something was wrong. At this age, rhino calves are still entirely dependent on their mothers, and it is very unusual to find one alone in the wild. Sadly, it was suspected that his mother had been killed by poachers, leaving him to fend for himself.

Far too young to survive on his own, he was safely rescued from immediate danger and cared for overnight before making his journey to Care for Wild.

As he was a little too big to be transported by helicopter, the rescue team collected him by road using the Care for Wild rescue trailer, bringing him safely back to the sanctuary.

He was named Ngala, meaning lion, a fitting name for a little boy who had already shown such courage and inner strength.

On arrival, Ngala was admitted to the Juvenile High Care Unit, a purpose-built facility that provides specialised care for orphaned rhinos from around 10 months of age. As he began settling into his new surroundings, he started calling out. From the neighbouring boma, Victoria and Havannah’s group immediately answered his calls.

It was a lovely moment and a very positive sign. The dividing door was opened to allow the rhinos to meet, and without hesitation, they approached to investigate their new little neighbour.

It was the beginning of something special.

Ngala soon settled in with his new crash and began making friends. Chembi, in particular, took a real shine to him and quickly became his little buddy. The two spent time together, with Chembi encouraging him to play and showing him plenty of affection.

For an orphaned rhino, these early friendships are about so much more than having someone to play with. Companionship with other rhinos provides comfort and reassurance, helps reduce stress and isolation, and allows young calves to learn important social skills and natural behaviours from one another.

Through play, interaction and simply spending time together, they begin to build relationships and regain a sense of security. Just as importantly, these bonds help them become less dependent on their human caregivers and more connected to their own kind, an essential part of preparing them for life back in the wild.

Seeing Ngala so readily accepted by his new crash, and finding such a special friend in Chembi, was a wonderful reminder of the importance of these relationships. After losing everything familiar at such a young age, this brave little boy had found comfort, companionship and a place where he belonged.