Seha

Strength, Survival and a Growing Legacy

On 24 September 2016 — the very day that CITES CoP17 opened in Johannesburg and South Africa’s President described rhinos as “our proud heritage” — Saving the Survivors responded to one of the most devastating poaching cases we had ever encountered.

A twelve-year-old white rhino bull lay critically injured in the North West Province.

He was named Seha, short for Sehawukele — meaning “have mercy on us” in Zulu.

Seha was the only survivor after five rhinos were poached on the same property. Both of his horns had been brutally hacked off, leaving a massive wound measuring 49 cm by 26 cm, extending deep into his nasal cavities. Not since the attack on Hope had we witnessed such extreme cruelty.

Initially, his owner — overwhelmed by the severity of the injuries — believed euthanasia was the only option. But Saving the Survivors stepped in, determined to give Seha a chance.

A Fight for Survival

Over the months and years that followed, Seha underwent multiple treatments under the expert care of Dr. Johan Marais and the Saving the Survivors veterinary team.

Despite unimaginable trauma, Seha showed extraordinary resilience.

By 2018, his recovery had progressed to the point where we were able to introduce him to two females. This marked a critical milestone — not just survival, but the possibility of restoring his genetic contribution to the species.

In June 2019, that hope became reality with the birth of his first calf, Daniel.

This moment reinforced a core principle of our work:
saving survivors is not only about preserving life — it is about securing the future of the species.

Back to the Wild

In January 2022, Seha was successfully reintroduced into a protected reserve in Limpopo Province — a new chapter in his journey back to a truly wild life.

With the support of our partners Baby Rhino Rescue, two breeding-age females — Tshilidzi and Dakalo — were introduced to accompany him, with the hope that Seha would continue to pass on his strong genetics.

The road was not without challenges.

Due to the severity of his injuries, Seha’s sense of smell had likely been compromised, making it difficult for him to locate the females. His first winter in the wild also proved tough, and he struggled to maintain condition. Thanks to the vigilance of his dedicated rhino shepherd and the rapid support of our team and donors, supplementary feeding was provided — helping Seha regain his strength and return to full health.

Unexpectedly, the two females introduced to him were already pregnant, and had to be temporarily separated for the safety of their calves. It soon became clear that this particular reserve was not ideal for Seha’s long-term recovery.

A New Home, A New Chapter

In 2023, Seha, along with the two cows and their calves, was relocated to a more suitable reserve — one that better supports his healing and long-term wellbeing.

Here, Seha now thrives.

Dr. Johan visited in February 2024 and reported fantastic progress — his wound continues to improve, and he is in excellent physical condition. He roams freely across the reserve, living as a truly wild rhino once more, often socialising with the cows in what is now his very own crash.

A Legacy Continues

We are now incredibly proud to share that Seha has sired another calf, making him a two-time father since surviving his horrific poaching attack.

This is a powerful and deeply meaningful milestone.

From the brink of death… to contributing once again to the future of his species.

We are currently awaiting further information and images from the field on this newest addition to Seha’s growing family, and we look forward to sharing this special moment with you soon.

Proof of Purpose

Seha’s journey stands alongside that of Thandi and others as undeniable proof that Saving the Survivors’ mission works.

By rescuing, treating, and rehabilitating these animals, we are not only saving individuals — we are restoring bloodlines, strengthening populations, and ensuring that the legacy of these magnificent animals continues.

Every calf born is a victory.

Every survivor that thrives is a testament to what your support makes possible.

Thank you for standing with us. Together, we are securing a future for rhinos.