World’s First Rhino Orphanage Gives the Species a Fighting Chance. Oh, and It’s Really Adorable Too (VIDEO)

Much like the elephant species, the African rhino is in great danger of extinction due to the illegal wildlife trade. Targeted for their horns, which are believed to have powerful medicinal benefits, the rhino population has declined drastically in the past few decades. It is estimated that three rhinos are killed every day for their horns and the Western Black Rhino has already been declared extinct in the wild. When adult rhinos are killed for their horns, their babies are often left behind to fend for themselves. Like human children, baby rhinos rely on their parents for their first few years of life and without them they have a very low chance of survival.

Thankfully, the world’s first rhino orphanage is making great progress in helping to rescue and rehabilitate injured rhino babies. Located in Limpopo Province, South Africa, The Rhino Orphanage, takes in rhino calves with the goal of releasing them back into the wild once they are strong enough to survive on their own.

The amazing staff at the orphanage happily takes on the role of the rhinos‘ absentee mothers, providing everything from food to TLC to help these little guys grow up happy and healthy. While we wish that there wasn’t a need for an orphanage of this kind, we are so happy to see these babies getting the care that they need!