Rhinos originally inhabited many parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa, and they were shown in cave drawings by early Europeans. 500,000 rhinos inhabited Africa and Asia at the turn of the twentieth century. Rhino numbers had plummeted to 70,000 by 1970, and only about 27,000 rhinos remain in the wild today. Due to decades of poaching and habitat loss, few rhinos exist outside of national parks and reserves.
Meet Daisy and Modjadji, two unusual buddies at the Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary who are helping each other heal. Daisy was discovered alone and weak in the Kruger National Park in South Africa when she was just a few hours old. She was sent to the local sanctuary’s intensive care unit, where she was cared for by the personnel until she recovered. Daisy required round-the-clock care, including feeding and medications, to keep her immune system and temperature in check.
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“Modjadji was admitted to the sanctuary’s ICU at the end of November after being found immobile and hardly breathing on the reserve following strong rains and storms,” Louwhen Bowker told The Dodo, shortly after Daisy was admitted.
The sanctuary’s media contact stated, “Modjadji was considered to be barely a week old.”
The two created an immediate bond and became one and the same family on a good note.
“As they grew larger and braver, their curiosity overtook them, and they began interacting with one another,” Bowker explained.
“Rhinos are very gregarious animals which require constant company. In fact, Daisy enjoys Modjadji’s companionship and finds him quite affectionate. “They cuddle together at night, which provides Daisy comfort and security,” says Daisy. “After barely a month, they have become more like sisters than just good friends.”
In conclusion, Modjadji is a companion who can be with her at all times, which helps Daisy avoid too much human contact.