A motherless baby rhino has developed a very strong bond with his human keepers. The animal was taken to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Center or HESC in South Africa after witnessing his mother being killed by poachers.

A motherless baby rhino has developed a very strong bond with his human keepers. The animal was taken to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre or HESC in South Africa after witnessing his mother being killed by poachers.

Staffers gave him the name of Gertjie. It seems as though he is doing well, despite the horrific ordeal that led him to the facility.

On May 7th, rangers were notified that poachers were in the Kapama Private Game Reserve. The rangers rushed to the scene but sadly they were too late. The poachers were gone and a mother rhino had been killed.

Next to her body was Gertjie and he was reportedly crying uncontrollably. He was picked up and transported to the endangered species center so he could receive the proper care.

During the past month, Gertjie has been spending his days roaming the grounds and getting acquainted with his keepers. He affectionately creeps over to them and rests his head on their laps for attention.

He’s scared to sleep alone at night, so staffers at HESC cuddle up next to him for comfort. While he’s got a long way to go, Gertjie is gaining some confidence back little by little.