When I signed up with African Conservation Experience (ACE), I didn’t realise how profoundly my time spent volunteering would affect me. Leaving behind the scorching summer of the Midwest and a heatwave in France, I arrived in South Africa’s winter, dry, yellowed, and harsh. It’s exactly during this season that wildlife is most vulnerable, and that’s when I truly understood how important the work of the orphanage is.
ACE placed me at the Golola Rhino Orphanage, a discreet but vital haven for orphaned rhinos. My days quickly filled with meaningful tasks: preparing food, feeding orphaned rhinos, and helping with their daily care.
One of the most unforgettable moments was bottle-feeding a baby rhino for the first time!
The bottle itself was nearly the length of my forearm, and it required patience, gentleness, and precision. That simple act carried a profound sense of connection and responsibility.
I also witnessed the rescue of a baby rhino who arrived dehydrated and with a fractured leg. Watching the veterinary team, led by Dr. Pierre Webster, act so swiftly and skillfully was both humbling and inspiring. It showed me the dedication and expertise required to give these animals a second chance.
What struck me most was how much rhinos matter to the entire ecosystem. They’re not just majestic creatures - they’re gardeners of the savanna, dispersing seeds, creating paths, and shaping habitats for countless other species. Protecting them means protecting biodiversity itself.
Volunteering through ACE gave me the opportunity to not only care for these incredible animals but also to understand the bigger picture of conservation.
The experience was challenging, moving, and deeply rewarding. I returned home with a renewed sense of purpose and admiration for everyone who works tirelessly to ensure rhinos have a future.
I would wholeheartedly recommend ACE to anyone considering conservation volunteering.
It is life-changing to know that, in some small way, you’ve been part of protecting a species and preserving an ecosystem.
Feeling inspired by Fanny Clonch's experience?
Learn more about Golola Rhino Orphanage And Rehabilitation Centre.
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