The Rhino Orphanage, in South Africa, is a wonderful non-profit organization dedicated to the rehabilitation of rhinos and other wild animals.
Sadly, many animals in South Africa are the victims of illegal poaching. After injury or separation from their parents, many need help to be reintroduced back into the wild.
The Rhino Orphanage doesn’t only help rhinos, though. Many different species call their sanctuary home— like zebras, baby buffalo, a 3-legged squirrel, an elephant… and, well, the list goes on and on. Employees at the Rhino Orphanage never turn away animals in need.
Because one of the main goals of the orphanage is to release these animals back into the wild, many are restricted in terms of human interaction— staff doesn’t want them to imprint on the humans and depend on them for care.
But cats? Cats are fair game!
Mewie was found by the sanctuary when they rescued him as a tiny, orange kitten. He needed extra care and attention, and the loving humans at The Rhino Orphanage helped raise him despite his rough start.
Mewie liked the Rhino Orphanage and was lucky enough to call it home. He grew up with animals much larger than him— but the kitty was filled with patience and compassion and had no trouble waiting for them to accept him.
Jamila the Rhino was rescued and brought to the sanctuary at just one-month-old. She was rescued after being injured trying to protect her Mama from poachers.
“We think, based on her feisty personality. that she was trying to protect her mother,” Jamie Traynor told The Dodo.
In nature, rhinos stay with their mothers until nearly 3 years old, so at only one-month-old, poor Jamila was still just a baby. Rhinos are very needy as babies; they need their Mamas around for proper bonding and cuddles— and Jamila, of course, was no different.
“They’re very social animals, they need that constant company,” Jamie explained
The sanctuary was stuck in a hard place. They had a baby rhino that needed nearly constant attention and snuggles but was still too small to play safely with the other animals. On top of that, Jamila’s human interaction also needed to be limited to ensure she would one day be okay in the wild.
This is where the ever patient Mewie steps in— and although Jamila was hesitant at first, the ginger kitty didn’t give up.
Longingly staring at Jamila from afar, little Mewie kept his composure and poise, hoping that with patience, the baby rhino would eventually see him as a friend. Mewie was rescued, himself, so he certainly understood the need for companionship and love.
After a while, the ever diligent Mewie finally got his wish! Jamila came around and finally started seeing him as a buddy!
At first, the two would spend time walking and running together.
“Mewie’s always loved walks. He’s like a dog,” Jamie told The Dodo.
Then, pretty soon, the kitty and baby rhino were the best of friends— even cuddling for naps between playtimes!
“Ugh, I just about died. I melted! Like I couldn’t handle it, it was so cute!”
After Jamila’s initial hesitation, the unlikely (and adorable!) pair became instant BFFs. Everyone at the orphanage loves seeing the duo together— but then again, who wouldn’t?!
Jamila is still young, but one day, she will be released back into the wild. Her caretakers are confident she will do great on her own— although it looks like Mewie may be tempted to come along for the ride!
Other rhinos at the orphanage have also made friends with other rescue kitties too! This just goes to show size doesn’t matter; love is love.
Jamie a veterinary student at The Rhino Orphanage and is proud of the work she does. She also has a super fun Instagram of her journey, filled with adorable pictures of all the animals at the sanctuary.
Hear Mewie and Jamila’s story below!
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