Baby Rhino Falls In Love With Her Rescuer's Cat

The Scene

greater one-horned rhino — Newborn Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis). Image via Deposit Photos

In the vast landscapes of Africa, where wildlife roams free, and the circle of life unfolds, moments of unexpected tenderness capture our hearts. A recent video showcases one such heartwarming tale: a baby rhino, orphaned and distressed, falls in love with in the most unlikely companion – her rescuer’s cat.

A Heartbreaking Beginning

Rhino Falls In Love With Cat — Screenshot from “Watch This Baby Rhino Fall in Love with Her Rescuer’s Cat” Source: YouTube, Uploaded: The Dodo

The video starts somberly, highlighting the grim reality of poaching that has led to the skyrocketing need for rhino orphanages. The baby rhino, Dubuque, lost her mother to this cruel act. The tragedy of her story is compounded by the fact that rhino horns, the primary target for poachers, are made of keratin, the same substance as human nails.

A Ray of Hope

Young Scottish Wildcat. Peter Trimming from Croydon, England, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Furthermore, upon her arrival at the orphanage, Dubuque was understandably traumatized. The caregivers spent considerable time with her, ensuring she felt safe and gradually building her trust. But it wasn’t just the humans who played a role in her recovery. A cat, belonging to one of the rescuers decided to join in on the “rhino babysitting” duties.

An Unlikely Friendship

The bond between Dubuque and the cat, Jimmy, is nothing short of magical. The two were inseparable, whether sleeping in the same room or exploring the surroundings. Seeing a massive rhino and a petite cat walking side by side is amusing and touching.

The Video

YouTube video — “Watch This Baby Rhino Fall in Love with Her Rescuer’s Cat” Source: YouTube, Uploaded: The Dodo

A Mission to Protect

Moreover, the ultimate goal of the orphanage is to release the rhinos back into protected areas, ensuring their safety from poachers. The journey from being orphaned to being released is long filled with challenges. But with the support of dedicated caregivers and, in Dubuque’s case, a feline friend, these rhinos find the strength to move forward.

A Broader Vision

Sand cat at Ree Park zoo – Ebeltoft Safari, Denmark. Image via Malene Thyssen, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The video also touches upon the broader vision of the orphanage. As it aims to become a rehabilitation center for all South Africa’s wildlife. The dedication and passion of the rescuers are evident. With one of them even pursuing higher education to serve the cause better.

Conclusion

Ginger cat self-grooming. Image by riverchild via Unsplash

In conclusion, the video of Dubuque, the baby rhino, and her feline friend, Jimmy, serves as a poignant reminder of the deep bonds that can form between different species. Lastly, it’s a testament to the resilience of wildlife and the incredible humans who dedicate their lives to protecting them.

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Linnea H, BSc Sociology

Author at Animals Around The Globe. BSc Sociology

Linnea is a born and bred Swede but spends as much time as possible in Cape Town, South Africa. This is mainly due to Cape Town’s extraordinary scenery, wildlife, and atmosphere (in other words, because Cape Town is heaven on earth.) That being said, Sweden’s majestic forests forever hold a special place in her heart. Linnea spends as much time as she can close to the ocean collecting sea shells or in the park admiring puppies.

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