As children, it’s common to not want to sleep alone. Being in the dark all by yourself can be scary. But eventually, as you get older, the dark doesn’t seem so scary, and you learn to sleep by yourself in peace.
But not every young child gets to have this experience, human or otherwise. Sadly, this was the case for Gertjie, a precious baby rhino.
Gertjie had a traumatic start to his life. He was found lying next to his dead mother’s body after poachers executed her for her horn.
The ordeal was so upsetting that Gertjie can’t fall asleep by himself. He needs a keeper to lie with him until he eventually falls asleep.
When rescuers discovered Gertjie, the three-month-old rhino refused to leave his mother’s side.
The poor baby rhino was “crying inconsolably” according to his rescuers. He was not able to calm down until he was sedated and transported to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Center (HESC).
But thanks to the efforts of the rescuers at the HESC, there is hope for Gertjie.
After months of unconditional love and affection, Gertjie is beginning to come out of his shell.
The process is slow, and the rescuers know they can’t push Gertjie too hard. But in time, Gertjie will hopefully be able to sleep on his own, without the help of a handler.
Thanks to the HESC, Gertjie is getting a new lease on life. This is a second chance that not many orphaned animals – especially wild animals – get to have.
Gertjie had a horrible start to life, but here’s to hoping Gertjie continues to improve and goes on to live a happy rhino life.
Please SHARE this sweet rhino’s story with your friends and family.
