Trans African Concessions’ adopted “babies” – rhino Wyntir, Tana and Mabush – continue to flourish at Care For Wild Rehabilitation Centre near Mbombela (Nelspruit) in Mpumalanga. These magnificent creatures have been part of the TRAC family for almost three years, during which time we have been amazed by their relentless courage, willpower and determination not only to survive, but to thrive.

Looking at these incredible animals, it is hard to imagine their painful past. They all stared death in the face when their mothers were cruelly poached. All three arrived at Care For Wild in a dismal state, barely alive. But today, thanks to the dedicated and informed care of the centre’s employees, they are the picture of rhino health and happiness.

Being babies on their arrival at the centre, Wyntir, Tana and Mabush were

initially fed a special, liquid diet. However, as they grew, their dietary requirements changed to include solids. These days, they merrily eat field grass and supplemented dry feed all day long, which has ensured steady, healthy weight gain over the past six months. At a recent weigh-in, male rhino Mabush tipped the scales at 815kg. Tana weighed in at 776kg and Wyntir is a hefty 770kg.

According to their caregivers at Care For Wild, the rhino are “fat and happy”, which is evidence that they have fully recovered. This in itself is a miracle. Orphaned baby rhino don’t easily survive in captivity and those that do are often not as healthy as the TRAC trio. As their sponsor, it delights us to see them doing so well – something for which we salute their passionate, devoted and knowledgeable caregivers.