A little miracle has arrived at Jabulani Safari Lodge, the size of a new-born rhino calf, successfully and safely delivered by a rhino named Philippa.
Philippa is a rhino dear to Jabulani Owner and MD, Adine Roode, who has a special bond with Philippa that began on January 18, 2016, when Roode managed rhino rehabilitation at the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (HESC).
Philippa and her mother had been attacked by poachers and while her mother was killed, Philippa underwent seven months of treatment at HESC for her wounds and ultimately made a full recovery.
Inspired by her resilience and endurance, Philippa was named after Roode’s grandmother Philippina, a nurse who was instrumental to HESC’s work, and Philippa Kort, a Jabulani representative in the United States. Both ladies passed away due to cancer, making the name very special to the Jabulani team, and a symbol of strength.
In September 2016, a rhino bull named Ike arrived, and it was decided that Philippa and Ike were better suited sharing land together than the rhinos Philippa was previously put with. Philippa and Ike have since gotten along well, and the team hopes that the birth of the calf will allow her to continue to thrive in her protected wilderness.
