Since December 2008 I have been fostering a black rhino orphan named Maalim at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya.
Maalim was born prematurely on 17 December 2008 in the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, Tsavo West National Park. He weighed approximately 50 lbs when rescued. Maalim loved dirt baths, mud wallows and sleeping under a mattress in his stable.
Maalim seemed to be thriving, even though he was still very small for a black rhino. He was a favorite of visitors to the refuge, at least in part because he was playful and of a size they could relate to.
Maalim contracted pneumonia in August, 2010 but seemed to be on the mend after a relapse. According to the attending veterinarian, he would be prone to respiratory problems because of his small size and premature birth.
Maalim died in his sleep, covered by his beloved mattress, on 17 October 2010.
