Daisy and Modjadji would have never met in the wild.

However, at the Care For Wild Rhino Sanctuary, the young rhino and zebra have become unlikely friends and are aiding each other in their recovery.

In South Africa’s Kruger National Park, rangers discovered Daisy alone and struggling at the beginning of December. Daisy was just a few hours old and quite frail, so her rescuers brought her to the sanctuary’s intensive care center by helicopter. Daisy required 24-hour care and feeding, as well as other treatments to strengthen her immune system and regulate her body temperature.

However, Daisy was not the only animal infant at the hospital.

“Modjadji was admitted to the ICU at the end of November after being discovered immobile and hardly breathing on the reserve following heavy rains and storms,” Louwhen Bowker, media contact at Care For Wild Rhino Sanctuary, said to The Dodo. Modjadji was believed to be only a week old.

The two young orphans became each other’s chosen family through their tight connection.

“As they grew bigger and more courageous, their curiosity overcame them, and they began interacting with one another,” Bowker explained. “Rhinoceroses are highly sociable and require companionship. Modjadji is a wonderful companion for Daisy and is really attentive towards her.”

After a month of living together, Modjadji and Daisy resemble sisters more. Modjadji is not far behind wherever Daisy is.

Bowker stated, “At night, they cuddle together, which provides Daisy with warmth and security.” “[Modjadji] is a companion who can be with her at all times, which helps keep Daisy from having too much human contact.”

Daisy and Modjadji will one day be allowed to roam freely and interact with other rhinos and zebras. For the time being, though, all they need is each other, demonstrating that the family you select is the family that matters most.

To help orphaned and injured rhinos like Daisy get the care they need, you can make a donation to Care For Wild Rhino Sanctuary.