Company Creates Colourful Blankets For Orphaned Rhinos

Baby rhinos who have had a horrific start in life are taking some solace in cuddling up under beautiful crochet blankets.

The adorable orphaned rhinos parents have cruelly been killed through poaching, leaving the horned baby animals alone to fend for themselves.

While the recover at orphanages, they are taking some small enjoyment in snuggling under warm blankets, knitted by kind charity-givers.

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Conservation group Blankets for Baby Rhinos provides the blankets for the creatures to provide warmth and security when they are at their most vulnerable.

Elisa Best, from South Africa, founded the organisation with a friend in 2016 after discovering baby rhinos arriving at orphanages hypothermic.

The pair launched an appeal on Facebook for knitted squares in order to make blankets, but instead found themselves inundated with a number of beautiful colourful blankets from all over the world.

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"I was overwhelmed by the talent and good will. We soon had more than we needed for rhinos so branched out to other species," said Elisa.

"We have donated over 2000 handmade blankets since we started.

"We also make beanies, scarves and gloves for those out on patrol.

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"The rangers particularly are touched to receive hand made good often from very far away, many of them may never have left their local area, let alone the country and it means a great deal that someone on the other side of the world is thinking of them and grateful for what they do.

"We ask our members to attach notes of support for the rangers, which they do and its lovely to see how touched they are.

"We feel that the extra moral support is vital for these people on the front line."

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The organisation also sells or raffles excess crafts to raise money to purchase food for the animals and vital equipment for rangers and orphanages.

Due to its success, Blankets For Baby Rhinos began providing blankets for all kinds of African animals from zebras to elephants and monkeys.

To find out how you can help the baby rhinos and other animals, check out Blankets For Baby Rhinos' website.

Topics: Life News, Life, Animals

Ciara Sheppard

Ciara is a freelance writer working for Tyla. After graduating with an English Lit and Media degree from the University of Sussex, Ciara held jobs at GLAMOUR and Yahoo Style before packing up for a solo travelling trip around South America.

@ciarasheppard