A Mother’s Strength in the African Bush
Out in the African bush, survival is never easy. Every day brings new challenges, and even the strongest animals can suffer painful injuries in the wild. Recently, the veterinary team from Saving the Survivors responded to help a Southern White Rhino cow found with a significant wound to her back leg, most likely caused by the horn of an overenthusiastic bull during a confrontation or mating interaction.
When the team arrived, it was immediately clear that the injury required urgent treatment. In the wild, even relatively common wounds can quickly become life-threatening if infection sets in. Dirt, insects, mud, and constant movement all work against the healing process, making rapid intervention critical.
After safely immobilising the rhino, the team carefully cleaned and thoroughly flushed the wound to remove contamination and reduce the risk of infection. Once the area had been properly treated, an innovative natural dressing was applied using honey and specially prepared leather.
Honey has long been recognised for its remarkable natural antiseptic and healing properties. Combined with the durable leather covering, the dressing acts much like a natural “plaster,” protecting the wound from dirt, insects, and further trauma while maintaining ideal moisture conditions for healing. Importantly, by using natural materials, the team avoids introducing artificial products into the environment — a small but meaningful consideration when working in fragile wild ecosystems.
While the treatment itself was challenging, there was another unforgettable part of the intervention — the rhino cow’s very young calf.
The calf remained close to its mother throughout the entire procedure and repeatedly attempted to defend her by bravely charging members of the veterinary team. Although undeniably adorable, even a rhino calf about the size of a Labrador can be an extremely powerful battering ram, complete with a horn as hard as steel. These determined little protectors can certainly catch you off guard if you are not paying attention.
Thankfully, the intervention was a success. Once the procedure was complete and the anaesthetic had worn off, mother and calf slowly disappeared back into the bush together, where they can continue the healing process in peace. The Saving the Survivors team will continue monitoring them carefully from a distance over the coming weeks.
Every wildlife rescue and veterinary intervention carried out by Saving the Survivors is made possible entirely through public support. The organisation receives no government funding, meaning every treatment, rescue mission, vehicle, medicine, and piece of equipment is funded directly through donations from people around the world who care deeply about wildlife conservation.
Those wishing to support the work of Saving the Survivors can donate or become a monthly supporter via the organisation’s website. Monthly donors play a vital role in ensuring emergency veterinary teams can continue responding whenever wildlife needs help most.
You can also watch the full video of this intervention on our social media channels.
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