December 6th 2024.
At just three weeks old, baby Hercules suffered a serious injury after being attacked by a pack of hyenas in South Africa. Fractures, crush injuries, and infected wounds left the poor rhino in a vulnerable state. Thankfully, he was transported to a specialized rhino hospital where he could receive proper care and treatment.
During his recovery, Hercules needed to be kept warm to aid in his healing process. This is where a group of knitting grandmas from a care home in Yorkshire stepped in to lend a helping hand. These kind-hearted ladies lovingly knitted a blanket for the little rhino, all the way from their home 5,000 miles away.
Known as the "Knitting Nannas," the group from Saltburn-by-the-Sea in Teesside dedicated their time and skills to create a cozy blanket for Hercules. Thanks to their efforts, the baby rhino will make a full recovery. In heartwarming photos, Hercules can be seen resting and recuperating under the handmade blanket made by these Yorkshire ladies.
One of the Knitting Nannas, Betty Wood, who is 100 years old, was born and raised in Durban, South Africa. After marrying her late husband and moving to England after World War II, she felt a strong connection to her home country and was delighted to be a part of this project. "I feel like I've done something for my home country and Hercules is just so cute," she shared.
Another Knitting Nanna, Joyce Wooffindin, 83, expressed her pride in being a part of this project and seeing Hercules wearing one of their blankets brought tears to her eyes. Fellow member Sheila O'Neill, 83, also shared her joy in seeing the little rhino wrapped up in their colorful creation.
The Knitting Nannas have been tirelessly producing knitted blankets for Blankets for Baby Rhinos, a wildlife charity. These blankets were then delivered to South Africa by the charity's trustee, Liz Conroy. "Care For Wild Rhino Sanctuary," Liz explained, "is the largest orphaned rhino sanctuary in the world. They specialize in the rescue, rehabilitation, rewilding, and protection of orphaned and injured rhinos."
Through their knitting and crocheting skills, the Knitting Nannas have not only provided comfort to little Hercules but also support for wildlife orphanages like Care For Wild Rhino Sanctuary. The charity also uses their crafts to raise funds for much-needed equipment and animal feed.
The women's talent and dedication to their craft are undeniably remarkable. Countless colorful blankets have been made by this group, all in the name of helping young animals in need. The charity welcomes anyone who is willing to donate their knitted or crocheted items to aid in the care and recovery of orphaned baby rhinos in South Africa.
Sharon Lewis, the activities coordinator at Hazelgrove Court Care Home, shared the residents' delight when they received a photo of Hercules wearing one of their blankets. "This little rhino calf has shown immense strength, endurance, and determination," she said, "and it has been the icing on the cake to see him being comforted by wearing one of our blankets."
The photo of Hercules has taken pride of place in the care home, and the residents were overjoyed to be a part of this project. Liz Conroy expressed her gratitude for the support and donations from the Knitting Nannas, which have greatly helped in the care and recovery of orphaned baby rhinos like Hercules. She hopes that more people will be encouraged to join in and help protect this critically endangered species.
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