
18/09/2025
We had the privilege of sitting down with Yolandé van der Merwe, Carer and Head Manager of The Rhino Orphanage in one of our archived episodes.
We’ve admired their work since the day they opened their doors in 2012, so having Yolandé join us felt like a dream come true.
The Rhino Orphanage’s story is one of heartbreak and hope-of moments where a single encounter with a life in danger changes everything. It’s about stepping in when others can’t, and refusing to give up even when the odds feel impossible.
In our conversation, Yolandé shares what it takes to care for orphaned baby rhinos-many of whom arrive scared, injured, and grieving after losing their mothers to poaching. She talks about the long road to healing, the bond between carers and rhinos, and the joy of seeing them strong enough to one day return to the wild.
What the team at The Rhino Orphanage does is nothing short of heroic. They’re not just saving rhinos-they’re giving them a future.
We left this conversation inspired, humbled, and even more certain that compassion, dedication, and action can change the world.
Yolandé, thank you for everything you do. And seriously-if you ever need coffee or a sandwich during bottle time, you know where to find us.
Lots of love.