Sometimes the wildest friendships are born out of heartbreak.
At the Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary in South Africa, two orphans—a baby zebra named Daisy and a young rhino called Modjadji—have found comfort and family in each other.
Two Lost Souls, One Unlikely Bond
Daisy the zebra was discovered alone and dangerously weak in Kruger National Park, just hours after birth. She needed round-the-clock care to survive, from emergency feeding to constant monitoring of her temperature and health.
Not long after, Modjadji the rhino arrived at the sanctuary’s ICU, barely a week old and found immobile after heavy storms. Like Daisy, he needed intensive care—and a friend.
Healing Together
It didn’t take long for Daisy and Modjadji to bond.
As both animals regained their strength, they became inseparable—growing braver and more curious by the day. They spend their days exploring together and their nights cuddled up for warmth and security.
“Rhinos are social creatures and need companionship,” say sanctuary staff. “Daisy finds comfort in Modjadji, and he returns the affection. They’re more like siblings now than just friends.”
More Than Just Survival
Their friendship does more than soothe lonely nights: it helps Daisy avoid becoming too dependent on human caretakers, preparing her for a return to the wild.
In a world where so many animals are orphaned by poaching, storms, and habitat loss, stories like Daisy and Modjadji’s prove that hope—and family—can bloom in even the hardest places.
