Baby rhino recovers from life-threatening bacterial infection

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 09:02 · Archive

Amali, a southern white rhino calf born at Marwell in March, has recovered from a serious salmonella infection diagnosed in late May.

Amali, a southern white rhino calf born at Marwell on March 15, fell seriously ill in late May with salmonellosis, a bacterial infection that nearly claimed her life. She became lethargic and developed digestive problems before being diagnosed.

The calf developed severe diarrhoea and inflammation, leading to significant fluid and nutrient loss. Though salmonella is harmless to many adult animals, in a young rhino calf it can be fatal. Amali remained under intensive care for more than two months. Marwell's veterinary team worked with specialists from Liphook Equine Hospital and consulted rhino experts in South Africa to identify and treat the infection.

A key challenge was keeping Amali with her mother, Zahra, throughout treatment. Zahra developed mastitis during Amali's illness, reducing her milk supply, so the team introduced supplementary bottle feeds whilst allowing the calf to continue nursing from her mother. Dr Elysé Summerfield-Smith, principal vet at Marwell, said Amali is 'still receiving supplementary feeds and is still being closely monitored' and is 'making really encouraging progress', though her recovery is not yet complete.

How it is being reported

• Baby rhino recovering at Marwell after battling infectionA baby rhino is back on her feet after battling a life-threatening illness.Romsey Advertiser · 16 Oct, 08:44
• Baby rhino recovering at Marwell after battling infectionA baby rhino is back on her feet after battling a life-threatening illness.Southern Daily Echo · 15 Oct, 03:30

In this story: Amali · Marwell · Zahra · Liphook Equine Hospital · South Africa

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem