Images of a young rhino named Daisy reuniting with Springbok captain Siya Kolisi have warmed the hearts of animal lovers.
The rugby star, as well as several other players, paid a visit to the Care For Wild Rhino Sanctuary in Mpumalanga. This followed their 48-7 victory against Argentina at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit over the weekend.
Little Daisy – whose story has made international headlines – was rescued as a baby in 2021.
SIYA KOLISI RECONNECTS WITH RHINO DAISY
In pics posted on their Instagram account, the Care For Wild Rhino Sanctuary revealed their special visitors – the Springboks themselves!
And that included captain Siya Kolisi, who reunited with a special friend he last saw in 2022.
In the pics, the 33-year-old was seen bottle-feeding Daisy, an orphaned white rhino.
The heartwarming caption read: “Siya first met Daisy when she was just a few months old, and she immediately connected to him, gravitating toward his calm and compassionate energy”.
It added: “Daisy holds a special place in his heart and she still remembers him!”
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FROM ABANDONED TO INTERNET SENSATION
In 2021, Daisy was rescued by a SANParks team during a routine operation in the Kruger National Park. The little rhino was just hours old and had still had her umbilical cord attached to her.
Through the collective efforts of medical specialists and conservationists, Daisy received round-the-clock care and attention. She is now healthy and thriving.
According to Good Things Guy, Daisy befriended another orphan, a baby zebra named Modjadji.
Their story and unlikely friendship have made headlines abroad, with many calling it a “Disney movie.”
The rhino has also been sent home-made blankets from around the world, which she wears over her body during winter.
Once they are old enough, Daisy and Modjaji will be reintroduced into the wild.
