Our focus was so much on Belita over the three weeks while we were trying to figure out how to help her that we hardly noticed how much strain little Chip was taking.
As soon as it was obvious that Belita was not going to make it, our focus shifted to Chip….to get him to a facility where he would receive round the clock expert care.
Chip had to be kept in a separate boma so that
- He could learn to drink milk from a bucket
- His meds could be easily administered
- His food intake could be monitored
- He could settle down after the last 3 weeks of upheaval. Stomach ulcers caused by stress ( poor health/ poor diet/ lack of milk/ loss of mom/change of environment etc ) is the number one risk of loss of life in orphan rhino.
I was so heartbroken to see Chip on his own, without rhino company. I got so used to his constant conversational squeaks over the weeks I tried unsuccessfully to nurse Belita back to health. It was really hard to visit him and not hear a single sound from him.
I shamefully admit to NOT leaving it to the experts and putting quite a lot of pressure on his carer to put Chip together with the two other calves at the centre. Poor Dr Will caught in the middle, trying to placate us but also having to keep a level head and support the carer into not rushing into things.
The GOOD NEWS is that he has now settled in well enough to be introduced to two similar aged calves. While this may not seem to be Big News to you, I can tell you that it is very much so to us and to Chip. It’s been the saddest thing to see this little guy all alone. One minute his life went from being with his mom all day and night since birth, to no mom and not even another rhino for reassurance and company. All alone all day and all night. It broke my heart at each visit.
I feel like he can get his mojo back now, even though they are still to forge a bond, knowing that he is grazing and sleeping with two little buddies will go a long way towards his physical and mental wellbeing. ( mine too I won't lie :) )
The introduction went so well, you too would have loved to see them together, playful little chunky monkeys bouncing all over their camp :)
As much as we would so love to have our little Mr Personality back at Kragga Kamma Game Park as soon as possible, he has to stay at this rehab facility for at least another 6 months. He is not completely out of the woods yet – needing bucket loads of milk over this time, as much lucerne as he can hover in, and a constant watchful eye for any possible stress related medical issues.
How can you help save Chip?
We have never felt comfortable asking for contributions towards our rhino, at the same time we are acutely aware that we are merely the custodians of these rhino and that so many of you feel a sense of ownership towards them, some of of you have already offered to assist us in some way or another.
We are going to need some help to get Chip to the point where he can come back ( or be released back into a wild situation on another property ). His milk alone will cost between R5000 and R6000 per month.
So, in exchange for your contribution towards getting Chip back on his feet, we would email you a few ‘behind the scenes’ images of Chip as well as a detailed update on his progress, with each contribution made over his 6 month stint in rehab.
Contributions towards Chip’s rehab can be made to :
Kragga Kamma Game Park
First National Bank account number – 6217 5299 215
Branch code - 261050
( Please use ‘’CHIP” as reference )
If you are based outside of South Africa, you can make contributions via OSCAP’s payfast facility. 100% of your contribution will go towards Chips rehab costs.
Oscap PAYFAST link : https://www.payfast.co.za/donate/go/oscap
( Please use ‘’CHIP” as reference )
Email me on ayeshacantor@mweb.co.za your contribution details so that I have your email address to send you Chip updates and pics.
We are unendingly grateful to all of you who have followed Belita and Chips dilemma these past few weeks, for your heart warming messages of support and condolences. It’s been a terrible blow to us and to Chip to loose Belita, let’s get her special little guy to a place where he has the best chance of living a healthy and happy life .
Thank you so much
Ayesha Cantor and the Kragga Kamma Game Park Team
