Wild Tomorrow has been supporting the Zululand Rhino Orphanage since their inception in 2017, standing side by side with their incredible team to protect and rehabilitate orphaned rhinos. We are thrilled to share a heartwarming milestone: the release of two beloved orphans, Leko and Tweed, into the wild! Read more in the blog post below about Leko and Tweed’s story of rescue, rehabilitation, and, ultimately, release!

*The day Leko & Tweed were walked to freedom. Photograph by Chantelle Melzer.*

After nearly four years of love, care, and tireless dedication, Leko and Tweed are now embarking on their new chapter as wild rhinos. Their release is not just a triumph for these two rhinos, but a testament to the power of conservation and community. As the team at Zululand Rhino Orphanage put it, "We are extremely grateful for everyone involved in Leko and Tweed’s rescue, rehabilitation, and release! These boys remind us why we do what we do and what it’s all about."

Meet Leko and Tweed

Inkululeko (Leko), meaning ‘Freedom’ in Zulu, was born in April of 2021. Known affectionately as the ‘Little Guy,’ Leko’s story began with hardship. Rescued at just one day old from a private reserve, he was found vulnerable and in desperate need of nourishment. His mother’s udders were severely damaged and infected, leaving her unable to feed him. Leko’s early days were lonely, especially as the only other (much older) orphans, Khula, Bhanoyi, and Zimi were preparing for their release. To provide him with companionship, Leko was paired with a goat - a common practice for young rhinos coping with trauma. Over time, he captured hearts far and wide, from his carers at the orphanage to supporters around the world.

Tweed was born in January 2022 on a private game reserve in Zululand. His story is equally heart-wrenching. At just three months old, Tweed’s mother was shot by poachers. Though she fought bravely to survive, she eventually succumbed to her injuries, leaving Tweed orphaned. He was swiftly rescued and brought to the orphanage, where he found safety, care, and eventually, a bond with Leko.

Bonding rhinos to one another is an important part of their rehabilitation journey. Being released together provides them with familiarity and comfort in an otherwise unfamiliar world. When faced with new surroundings, scents, and other wildlife, having a known companion by their side can help reduce stress and ease the transition into the wild. The bond Leko and Tweed share will serve as a foundation of support as they navigate their new environment.

*Little Leko sleeping alongside Simoné Marshall-Smith. The two shared many long nights together through his rehabilitation process.*

A Caregiver’s Role

Simoné Marshall-Smith, the Orphanage Manager when Leko and Tweed first arrived, played an instrumental role in their rehabilitation and road to release. Taking in Leko at just one day old was an overwhelming responsibility, and Simoné had to quickly step into the role of a full-time caregiver, ensuring he survived and thrived. Unlike Leko, who bonded quickly with his carers, Tweed was more independent, requiring patience to gain his trust.

“Leko and Tweed have shown so much growth throughout their rehabilitation journey, especially the last few months in the rewilding camp where they had very little human interaction. I never would have thought that a tiny little rhino who was so dependent on humans would one day become such a big independent boy, capable of looking after himself. The fact that they still have each other makes me very happy. It is so bittersweet, saying goodbye to an animal that I have such a strong bond with, but knowing that he has come this far and stepped back into the wild is so rewarding!”

— Simoné Marshall-Smith

The Release

Leko and Tweed’s release was nothing short of emotional. As their big day approached, torrential rains in Zululand delayed their journey slightly by a day or two. Even after the skies cleared, the muddy, humid conditions posed additional challenges. But thanks to the dedication and hard work of the team - sweating and slipping through the mud - the rhinos were successfully loaded, transported, and released together to their new home on a secure reserve (location undisclosed for security reasons).

To ensure they stayed close, a screen was set up during their release, guiding them toward one another as they stepped out of their crates and into their new home. Watching them take their first steps into the wild was a moving experience for everyone involved—a culmination of years of hard work by so many people involved!

Wild Tomorrow was proud to assist in funding the horn pods attached to Leko and Tweed late last year. These advanced tracking devices will play a crucial role in monitoring their well-being, ensuring they adapt to their new environment, and tracking their progress as they roam free in the wilderness. With telemetry technology, carers and rhino monitors can ensure the boys find food, water, and successfully navigate their wild surroundings.

Tracking horn pods being fitted, October 2024. Photograph by Chantelle Melzer.

The release of Leko and Tweed is a beacon of hope amidst the ongoing rhino poaching crisis in South Africa. With poaching continuing to devastate rhino populations, positive and hopeful stories like Leko and Tweed’s highlight the critical importance of conservation efforts. Through partnerships, funding, and community support, Wild Tomorrow is committed to ensuring these animals have a future in the wild.

A Collaborative Effort

This incredible journey was made possible thanks to the tireless efforts of the Zululand Rhino Orphanage and Zululand Conservation Trust, alongside dedicated support from Helping Rhinos, other conservation partners, and a network of donors and supporters who believe in a future for rhinos in the wild. The unwavering commitment to rhino protection, rehabilitation, and rewilding makes stories like Leko and Tweed’s possible. For more information on the rhino poaching crisis and how you can help, read our blog Protecting Rhinos.

Thank you to everyone who made this possible. Like most successful conservation initiatives, this was a collective effort, with many individuals, organizations, and corporations playing a role. Together, we are creating a wild tomorrow.

If you’d like to donate to Leko and Tweed’s friends at the Zululand Rhino Orphanage, you can do so here:

DONATE TO ORPHANED RHINOS

TWO ORPHANED RHINOS RETURNED TO THE WILD