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A group of grannies from Saltburn-on-Sea has helped a baby rhino recover from a hyena attack by knitting him a woolly blanket.
The orphaned three-week old calf, called Hercules, suffered multiple fractures, crush injuries, and several infected wounds following the vicious attack in South Africa.
However, he is now recovering - and safe and warm - thanks to the North Yorkshire care home knitting group called The Knitting Nannas.
After being knitted by the group, from Hazelgrove Court Care Home, the blanket was flown more than 5,000 miles from North Yorkshire to the Barberton Nature Reserve, in Mpumalanga.
The young rhino is now on his way to full health at the Care For Wild Rhino Sanctuary, in the greater Barberton Nature Reserve, in Mpumalanga, in the north east of the country.
Joyce Wooffindin, 83, who is one of The Knitting Nannas, said: “I feel extremely proud that I have been part of this project and to see Hercules wearing one of our blankets brought a tear to my eye.”
Fellow resident Betty Wood, 100, was born and raised in Durban, South Africa, before moving to England with her late husband, Ron, after the end of the Second World War, in 1945.
She said: “I feel by taking part in this project I have done something for my home country and Hercules is so cute.”
Sheila O’Neill, 83, another member, said it “made my day” to see the “cute little fellow” in a blanket she had helped knit.
The group’s members have been producing the blankets for several months for the charity Blankets For Baby Rhinos - but it is Hercules who has captured their hearts.
Sharon Lewis, activities coordinator at Hazelgrove Court Care Home, said: “Our residents were delighted when Liz sent us a photo of Hercules wearing one of our blankets.
“After being attacked by hyenas at just three-weeks-old, little Hercules was left fighting for his life, but this little rhino calf has shown immense strength, endurance and determination and is on the way to recovery.
“It has been the icing on the cake getting a photo of Hercules being comforted by wearing one of our blankets. It was wonderful for our residents to take part in this project and Hercules’ photo has taken pride of place in our home.”
Liz Conroy, from Blankets For Baby Rhinos, said: “Care For Wild Rhino Sanctuary is the largest orphaned rhinos sanctuary in the world. They specialise in the rescue, rehabilitation, rewilding and protection of orphaned and injured rhinos.
“Blankets For Baby Rhinos was launched to support wildlife orphanages such as this by supplying them with knitted and crochet blankets and clothing. We also use our crafts to raise funds for our beneficiaries to supply much needed equipment and animal feed.
“We welcome knitters, crocheters and crafters to produce items that we can use as donations and The Knitting Nannas from Hazelgrove Court Care Home were kind enough to get involved.
“Their donations are really helping with the care and recovery of orphaned baby rhinos in South Africa, including little Hercules, so we thank them for their support and hope others will be encouraged to join us in protecting this critically endangered species.”
Where: Saltburn-on-Sea, Teesside, United Kingdom
When: 05 Dec 2024
Credit: Hillcare/Cover Images
**EDITORIAL USE ONLY. MATERIALS ONLY TO BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH EDITORIAL STORY. THE USE OF THESE MATERIALS FOR ADVERTISING, MARKETING OR ANY OTHER COMMERCIAL PURPOSE IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. MATERIAL COPYRIGHT REMAINS WITH STATED SUPPLIER.**
