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Caring for Nicky, the Blind Baby Rhino

Nicky’s eye condition is caused by cataracts. This is a congenital condition that can likely be repaired through surgery. We’re hoping to arrange for a specialist veterinary surgical team to treat Nicky in the early spring of this year. If the surgery is successful, the transition from blindness to sight will likely be tough on him, but in the long run it will drastically improve his quality of life.

Because Nicky has spent his early years both blind and raised by humans, it’s unlikely that he will ever live a completely normal wild rhino life. However, it’s our goal to make sure that he is as happy and healthy as possible. Also, because of Nicky’s good temperament and comfort around humans, we suspect that he will make a wonderful ambassador for his species; allowing people to have an opportunity to interact with a black rhino and feel a connection to these creatures. At the end of the day, the demand for illegal rhino horn will stop when compassion for the animals overcomes the international appetite for wildlife products.