NAIROBI, Kenya —The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has treated a six-month-old white rhino calf injured at Solio Rhino Sanctuary, after a bull accidentally wounded her while pursuing her mother.
In a statement shared on Sunday, KWS said the incident occurred on Friday when the young calf, described as “small, brave, and unaware of the many hands working to protect her,” sustained a deep, penetrating wound to her left chest.
“She is only six months old; young, vulnerable, and never far from her mother’s side,” KWS said. “On Friday at Solio Rhino Sanctuary, a bull accidentally injured the calf while pursuing her mother, leaving her with a deep wound to her chest.”
Veterinary teams from KWS, supported by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (Sheldrick Trust), responded swiftly. Both the mother and calf were immobilised during the procedure to preserve their bond and prevent distress that could arise from separating them.
“Swiftly, the KWS Vet Unit, with support from Sheldrick Trust, moved into action. Both mother and calf were immobilized to preserve their unbreakable bond and spare them the distress of separation,” the agency said.
The calf received treatment for the chest wound and is now under close monitoring by wildlife authorities. KWS said teams remain on standby to intervene if complications arise.
White rhinos are classified as Near Threatened globally, but populations in Kenya remain under constant surveillance due to threats ranging from poaching to habitat pressure and natural territorial aggression among bulls.
Sanctuaries such as Solio play a critical role in breeding and protecting the species, which is considered iconic in Kenya’s conservation landscape.
KWS appealed to the public for continued support in conservation efforts, inviting donations through its official channels to help sustain veterinary interventions and habitat protection.
“Now, we monitor. We hope. We stand ready,” the agency said.
