Baby rhino savaged by hyenas finds hope in knitted blankets from British grandmothers
- Hercules, a three-week-old baby rhino, was rescued after a hyena attack left him with severe injuries.
- A group of elderly residents from a care home in Redcar knitted colorful blankets for him, which were sent to a sanctuary in South Africa.
- Their efforts provided comfort to Hercules, who is now expected to make a full recovery.
In South Africa, a baby rhino named Hercules is recovering from serious injuries sustained during a hyena attack. The attack left the three-week-old animal with multiple fractures, crush injuries, and infected wounds that required substantial care and attention. Thanks to the heartfelt efforts of a group of elderly residents from Hazelgrove Court Care Home in Saltburn-by-the-Sea, near Redcar in the UK, Hercules was given a blanket made specifically for him by the "Knitting Nannas." The residents, many of whom are lifelong animal lovers, felt a strong connection to the project and dedicated their time over several months to knit colorful blankets for vulnerable rhinos. These blankets were shipped over 5,000 miles to the Care For Wild Rhino Sanctuary located in Mpumalanga, South Africa. Betty Wood, one of the 100-year-old knitters who was born in South Africa, expressed her emotions upon seeing the pictures of Hercules covered in the blanket made by the group. She remarked on feeling she had contributed positively to her homeland by participating in such a compassionate initiative. The kindness of the nursing home residents showcases how individuals can make a meaningful difference internationally through small gestures. In the midst of this heartwarming story, the nursing home's staff and the residents found immense joy when they received photos of Hercules recovering under their blanket, which added to their enthusiasm for the project. Other residents shared their happiness, stating how seeing Hercules thriving brought tears to their eyes. The blanket had transformed from a simple object into a symbol of love and support, proving the profound impact the women’s kindness has had on the life of this young rhino. As Hercules continues to recover in the sanctuary, he stands as a testament to the power of community and care, bridging the gap between continents through compassion. The nursing home has proudly displayed a photo of Hercules in their lounge as a reminder of their contribution, highlighting the sentiments of connection and hope linked to this initiative. The response to their actions further emphasizes the affection for animals shared by the residents and their desire to engage in charitable activities that reach far beyond their neighborhood.