What was your favorite animal when you were a kid?
Though most of us probably still have a favorite animal, the topic is a particularly divisive one when we are kids. On the one hand, some people like cuter animals that seem kind and cuddly—maybe something like a rabbit or a hamster. On the other hand, many of us are in awe of animals that seem mysterious or powerful, animals that are larger than life. Some common ones in this category might include giraffes, gorillas, elephants or even rhinos. Still, the fantasy is to combine these two categories: can’t we be friends with a cute, baby version of the larger animals?
This story shows just how possible that really is.
The Rhino Orphanage is a sanctuary for rhinoceroses found in the Limpopo Province of South Africa.
The group is the world’s largest non-profit dedicated to that purpose and takes in injured rhino calves as well as rhinos who need to be rehabilitated and returned to the wild. One adorable baby rhino has been attracting attention on the internet. Her name is Jamila, and she came into the Rhino Orphanage when she was only one month old.
Although she’s safe now, Jamila’s story is a sad one.
Jamila came to the orphanage after being seriously injured.
The little rhino was involved in a skirmish with poachers who were trying to steal her mother’s horns. When she came in, there were three stab wounds in her back and she was in rough shape. Fortunately, the staff at the Rhino Orphanage were able to show Jamila all the love and care she needed to get back to full health.
Although Jamila struggled to survive without her mother, staff members at the orphanage stayed with her 24/7 to make sure she got lots of attention.
As it turns out, rhinoceroses are just as adorable and loving as any other animal under the right circumstances.
Although she started off relatively confined from the bigger animals, she made good friends with a cat named Mewie who also lived in the orphanage. The two animals are very gentle and loving with one another. Although Jamila is too small to play with the other rhinos just yet, the two animals’ relationship has helped Jamila adapt and grow into a vibrant, feisty young rhino.
A special thank you to all the special people who showed Jamila all the love she needed to recover—especially to Mewie!
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