Baby Rhino, 'Miracle,' Saved In European Zoo (VIDEO)
The scene was looking bleak for Karamat, a baby rhino born breeched (back feet first) at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo. Traumatized by her challenging birth, Karamat was in shock, and unable to stand. Her mother, unsure how to handle the situation, avoided her baby altogether. And so the calf lay still, dehydrated with a low temperature.
It was at this point that zoo staff decided to intervene. But fluids and warmth weren't enough for the suffering calf. She needed milk and was too weak to suckle. But according to ZooBorns, it was the kindness of local farmers and pregnant dairy cows that saved the day, and the rhino was fed antibody-rich colostrum milk from a bottle.
Now nourished back to health, Karamat is suckling milk from her mother all by herself, and the calf is healthy and growing. By the end of this video, the baby rhino is even nuzzling her mother lovingly. "Karamat" means "miracle" in Nepalese. Be it a Christmas miracle or the kindness of strangers, Karamat is one lucky and much-loved rhino.
Sadly, not all rhinos are as cared for as Karamat. Many rhino species are endangered - there are less than 50 Javan rhinos alive today, and the Black Rhino is listed as "critically endangered" on the IUCN Red List. There are organizations working to help the rhinos, such as the International Rhino Foundation, which offers opportunities for you to give a gift membership or Adopt A Rhino.
WATCH this rhino baby regain her strength:
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The Huffington Post Joanna Zelman First Posted: 12/19/10 08:04 AM ET Updated: 05/25/11 07:20 PM ET