Big Rhinos Need Big Hearts Too

With the release of Lula and Khulula, Esmé is currently the only remaining adult rhino at the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre. She first arrived as a tiny, malnourished calf in 2017, and was taken care of by curator Linri. To this day, she recognizes Linri and has a special bond with her. She even brings her face up close to Linri, as if to ask for a kiss – something that was done when she was still small.

Esmé currently has her hands full, being a surrogate mom to all the rhino calves. During the evenings, she is placed in a boma with Thaba, Bula, Mango and Peter. Angie is still keeping Eve company in the adjacent quarantine boma, but introductions will be made when the quarantine period is over. Angie already knows Esmé, but Eve has yet to be introduced.

Every mom knows that a good support system makes mothering easier, and thanks to Pedi sheep Mielie and Liquorice, Esmé has a good team by her side to assist her with keeping the calves in line.

Esmé has blossomed into a gentle giant, full of grace and kindness. While her future release into the wild remains uncertain, she is currently making a profound impact on the younger rhinos. These precious young rhinos are growing into strong, beautiful individuals who, one day, will return to the wild where they belong. There, they will play a vital role in ensuring the survival of the white rhinoceros - a mission that embodies hope and resilience for their species. And Esmé too would have played a successful part in that.