After many requests I have decided to comply and create this blog to share my experiences and the many stories that I have from working at The Rhino Orphange in South Africa…and man do I have many. Every day is different. Some busier than others but I will try to post as much as possible as well as add a couple photos here and there.
Before I start into the story-telling I should first do a few brief introductions. I currently work for a man named Arrie Van Deventer. He owns the rhino orphanage and if I were to describe him I would just say...wow! The man demands respect when he walks in a room without even trying but then sits with you and tell stories from his eventful past over coffee like old friends. His experience over the years has made him such a wise and caring man. His wife is named Marietjie. She also does a lot of work for the orphanage as well as for the Wild Care Center, up the road, with Arrie. Guest come there to see different kinds of animals including lions, even the rare white lions, as well as the African Wild Dogs. Those are truly amazing species that I have grown to really love the more I learn about them. They aren't just dogs roaming the streets by the way, they are actually call Wild Dogs…you should google…so cute!
Then there is the manager at the Rhino Orphanage, Gaby. She is from Mexico and is really great. Always making things happen here in no time. The difference from the time I came in 2013 to 2014 was a significant change…for the better. She has and is still doing an amazing job and I really admire her.
Simoné is another employee, from South Africa, with so much experience. She has worked on the reserve, Entabeni, next door and the stories she tells is awesome. She knows so much about the bush and I love learning from her. She has already taught me so much about the bush as well as one of the native languages here, Afrikaans. Along with that I have noticed her patience since she is always having to repeat herself over and over again because I can't ever remember what she just told me. Poor girl. Jamie is also from South Africa and is studying vet nursing on the side. She, too, has taught me a lot and in the short time (a month and a half) that I have known her. She is constantly making me laugh. Full of energy and spunk. Both these girls have become such good friends of mine. We have become so close living and working together. They are always making me smile and I feel I can tell them anything. It is so nice to work with those who shares the love of rhinos and other animals as I do. We all have the same view points and mutual understanding on why we are here. Sure are social life usually consists of just us and we don't go out much and we miss our families and friends more than anything in the world but those rhinos have stolen are hearts and they are worth it all to try to save them. I am honored to be working with all of them.
We received a new volunteer yesterday. Her name is Angie and she is originally from Canada but has spent many years in Costa Rica. Already I like her and can't wait to get to know her over the course of the 3 months she will be here.
So the rhinos… the rhinos that make it all worth while. I will just tell you about a few for now. Each of these rhinos have their own personalities and are equally as special. "The Teenagers" consist of 3 rhinos. First up is Lesedi. When he first came here he was very untrusting…which is understandable as humans did kill his mom. Over time we have reached a point that now we can rub his belly and he has even gotten to where he will lay down near us and let us rub his belly. That is a sign that he is comfortable around us. We still keep an eye on him when he starts walking toward us with a purpose since he is a wild animal and is…well...Lesedi. I am so happy that we have gotten to see his sweet side. He has closely bonded with the female of this group, Nyani. She is so easy going and loving. Loving of us (we are pretty sure she thinks she's a human) and well as of her milk. She was weened of milk but a recent injury caused us to have to start giving her more milk and she is always there waiting…mouth wide open. If we go into their enclosure she will follow you around lips up, mouth opened, hoping that you have milk to give her. She is hilarious. Although Lesedi thinks he's in charge…we all know Nyani is. Where ever she goes the others go. Once we had to separate Nyani from the others and we thought Lesedi was going to break through the wall. He cried and ran around so worried about his Nyani. I have never heard or seen him like that. She has won his as well as our hearts. Then there is Shaka. He's the black rhino of the group…and well we also think the slowest…in the smarts department. Bless his heart…he jumps at every noise and gets confused..all the time. He just stares off into space and always wonder what and if anything is going on in there. He is also the most talkative rhino I have ever seen but man is he so sweet. He gives some of the best kisses and hugs ever.
Now we've got the "Babies," "Tots," "Poopsies," and on many days the "Brats." They are the younger ones and man…they are all pieces of work. Kumba is the oldest of these 3 and I think is most obedient rhino here. When we call he (usually) comes and will lay next to you and cuddle. He gives Shaka competition on the best hugs and kisses. He also thinks he's a human and is probably the rhino that everyone feels comfortable with. Sweetest as can but has his moments. He is the one pictured in the back ground of this blog. Lunga is younger and literally does what he wants, goes where wants, steps on who he wants, hits who he wants and is a little independent booger. However, he too can be so sweet. He loves getting his belly rub. The look on his face when getting scratch is hilarious and you can help but love him. Faith is the little girl of the group. Same age as Lunga and follows either him or Kumba everywhere. She can't be away from them. One moment she comes up to you leans her head against you legs begging to be rubbed and the next minute bashing you with her horn. She is a little madame but one we all love so dearly.
Ok well those are a few brief introductions and hopefully over time you all will learn more about them and will fall in love with them just as I have.
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