Baby Rhino Who Lost Her Mom Finds New Best Friend To Cuddle With

<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/HoedspruitCheetahCentre/photos/a.164491463603590.50658.129226903796713/1161807300538663/?type=3" target="_blank">Facebook/HESC</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/HoedspruitCheetahCentre/photos/a.164491463603590.50658.129226903796713/1161807300538663/?type=3" target="_blank">Facebook/HESC</a></p>

This baby rhino has already suffered a devastating loss - but she's bouncing back with the help of friends.

Olivia, a young white rhino, didn't want to leave her mother's side - despite the fact that she had died. Her mother, like many other rhinos, had fallen victim to poachers. Her horn was already gone by the time rescuers from South Africa's Protrack Anti-Poaching Unit arrived on scene, one day in late April.

In a video of Olivia's rescue - which does content graphic content - the young rhino is seen in distress, running around in circles as she nudges at her fallen mother. She was only about 3 months old at the time.

Thankfully, Olivia was saved and taken to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Center (HESC), surrounded by a village of people to fill the hole that her mother's death undoubtedly left. It took Olivia a while to get used to her new surroundings.

But these days, she's happily growing bigger and stronger thanks to caretakers who are there for her every step of the way ....

... and other rhinos like herself ...

... who have taken to her quite well.

Olivia's become rather close to one rhino in particular - a male named Nhlanhla, fondly known as Baby N.

Baby N, who arrived at HESC in early April just before Olivia, was rejected by his mother for unknown reasons. He was severely emaciated, dehydrated and in need of emergency medical attention to ensure his survival. Baby N managed to fight through the rough patch and now enjoys spending his time taking naps with Olivia ...

... and sometimes cuddling close to her as well.

Olivia and Baby N both had very rough starts to their lives ...

... but they've since overcome the worst and now have much better times to look forward to - together.

Want to help HESC continue doing good work for animals in need? See the ways you can contribute and help make a difference here.

Watch this video about a baby rhino who met a much bigger rhino and couldn't get enough of him: