Heartbreaking News, sadly we can't win everytime, but how we all wish we could.
ACACIA'S STORY
It is believed that Acacia’s mother was killed by poachers three and a half weeks before he was rescued.
On 21st March 2019 two female rhinos were killed on the Timbavati / Kruger National Park border.
Next to the poached rhinos, an older calf’s tracks were found. Rangers continued to look for signs of the calf for the next three and a half weeks, as hope faded each day.
Andreas Liebenberg who has experience in tracking lost children, picked up the tracks of the calf. He said that the tracks of this lost calf followed a similar pattern to that of a lost child. The lost calf's tracks are very different compared to the tracks of a mother and calf, which clearly shows that there is a confidence in the pace and direction that the mother and calf travels; the mother has a plan of where she is going however with this calf had no clear direction or plan, he was just trying to survive. He was lost, alone and badly injured.
On Thursday 11th April 2019, just before nightfall, the calf was located. Wildlife veterinarian, Joel Alves, sedated the calf and treated the tail injury. With the night fast approaching, concerns were raised about keeping the calf sedated for too long. A VHF tracking collar was fitted to the orphaned rhino. The decision was made to release the calf back into the area and find him again in 48 hours time.
An urgent request for help came in to Care for Wild. At 3:30am on Saturday 13th April 2019, Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary staff began their journey to the Timbavati Game Reserve.
On arrival, a spotter plane was launched in the last known location of the calf to establish a visual sighting. With no success, the helicopter was then sent up along with the tracking equipment. A signal was picked up and the aircraft began scanning the area again. The calf was eventually sighted under the protection of a tree. The calf had remained in this area for some time, likely utilizing the river close by for water as well as the protection of the Acacia trees, from which his name comes.
Acacia was sedated and loaded for transportation to the safety of the Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary. He was in poor condition and quite dehydrated. The Care for Wild staff stopped throughout the journey to monitor him and change IV fluid bags.
On arrival at Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary, veterinarian Dr Ferreira du Plessis met the team to admit the calf and assess the injuries to his tail. The tail had been bitten off right down to the base by hyena with a piece of bone protruding. The injured tail was cleaned and dressed. The protruding bone was amputated to try to prevent infection up the spine. Medical treatments and wound dressing changes continued bi-weekly under the guidance of the veterinarian, hoping for the best outcome.
Acacia weighed 468kg and his age was estimated to be between 18-24 months.
Acacia spent his nights in a warm night pen where he found comfort. After a few days of monitoring Acacia, it was noted that he was not very active, which may be indicative of many underlying issues.
It was decided to introduce Acacia to two of the friendly resident orphaned rhinos, Leo and Faye, for support. This seemed to have improved Acacia's condition a bit, but he was still struggling.
Despite all the signs indicating Acacia's progress, the long-term trauma experienced by this young orphan was unimaginable.
Sadly, Acacia passed away on Friday night, 3rd of May 2019.
Dearest Acacia, this song, by Richard Marx, is dedicated to your memory:
"Wherever you go,
Whatever you do,
I will be right here waiting for you.
Whatever it takes,
Or how my heart breaks,
I will be right here waiting for you.
I took for granted, all the times,
That I thought would last somehow.
I hear the laughter, I taste the tears,
But I can't get near you now."
We will miss you. Your place here at Care for Wild will always be empty.
May You Rest In Peace.