Baby Zebra Comforts Orphaned Rhino Calf And Helps Her Heal

In the wild, Daisy the baby rhino and Modjadji the young zebra would never have met. But at the Care For Wild Rhino Sanctuary, they’ve become unlikely best friends, helping each other heal.

Daisy was rescued in early December from Kruger National Park, just hours old and very weak. She was flown to the sanctuary’s ICU for intensive care. Modjadji had arrived a week earlier, found barely breathing after a storm. She was estimated to be just a week old.

The two orphans bonded quickly, forming a strong friendship. As they recovered, they began interacting and became inseparable. Rhinos need companionship, and Modjadji gives Daisy comfort and affection—especially at night, when they cuddle together. Their friendship also helps reduce Daisy’s contact with humans.