Njamba's Story

On the 10th September, mid-morning, a male baby White Rhino was spotted all alone. Estimating the calf to be 4 - 6 weeks old, the team continued to monitor it’s behavior for a few hours. The calf continued to run alone, making desperate calls. With heavy hearts the team monitored the situation further, as the calf desperately tried to find company or safety amidst a herd of Impala, and hopelessly trying to suckle not only from another adolescent Rhino, but also from a large male Rhino.

The team followed the calf, trying to locate it’s mother somewhere close by, but to no avail. After some time, a decision was made to rescue the little baby, as there seemed to be no hope of locating its mother.

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Safely in his new stable, the early days were tough. He was dehydrated, traumatized and dis-heartened, and often had tears running down his cheeks. For the first 10 days, feeds could only be made from over the stable door as he did not welcome anyone into his personal space Day 9 after his rescue, he slowly began to allow his carers to give him brush rubs, but only from above. Three weeks after his rescue, with gentle persuasion by his carer, the calf was encouraged to come out of his stable, into his outside enclosure, and begin feeding at the same level Week 4 brought about many new changes - the start of deep trust and love, between the calf and his carers and a great big spring in his step!

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Due to the prolonged drought in 2023, the mother could not produce enough milk which forced her to abandon the little calf. Having endured so much trauma, heartache and many challenges in his few weeks of life, it was decided that the calf should be named Njamba meaning conqueror or brave warrior in the local Kikuyu tribal language.

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Receiving constant care, love and companionship from his carers and his sheep friend Madam Sox, Njamba continues to thrive each day. Days are spent playing with his carers, the tyre game being his favorite followed by his daily mud bath spa and twice daily walks with his carers and companion, Madam Sox

Once fully grown, Njamba will return to join the wild Rhinos of Solio.