In the quiet expanse of Ruma National Park, where the morning mist often lingers over the savannah, a story of love, loss, and resilience unfolded; one that would touch the hearts of all who heard it.

Kisirani the rhino was born in 1992, a founding member of Ruma’s white rhino population. She was a matriarch in every sense of the word—steady, strong, and utterly devoted to her young. She had survived the odds, contributed to the recovery of her species, and earned her place as one of the park’s most beloved residents. For 34 years, she had walked these plains, raised her calves, and weathered the seasons of the wild.

Sadly, circumstances are independent of anyone’s will. In August 2026, Kisirani began to change. She spent more time napping, her body slowly deteriorating. The report was made to the veterinary team on 26th August, and they acted immediately. Detailed observation revealed poor body condition, and considering the epidemiology tying it to a health condition, the team tentatively treated her for Trypanosomiasis. The drug was delivered remotely via two darts, carefully balancing the need for treatment against the risks of separating mother and calf.

Following treatment, Kisirani showed signs of improvement. She grazed more actively, visited watering points, and moved across the savannah with renewed energy. A repeat treatment had been scheduled for a fortnight later. Alas, this was never to be.

On the afternoon of 2nd September 2026, a tiny calf was seen alone, roaming the plains. In spite of her inexperience in the wild, she seemed intently focused on an as-yet-unknown destination. When the team followed, they realized she was leading them, following an invisible thread, walking toward a place she had never been taught to find but somehow still knew. She led the team to where her mother lay partially submerged in water—still, silent, and gone. There was a palpable chill in the air that was so atypical of mama’s comforting warmth.

The team knelt beside the calf, their hands gentle, their hearts heavy. The little rhino, barely seven months old, <span;>was frightened, confused, and utterly alone.
With a fair amount of internal lamentation, they lifted her into the vehicle.
In the days that followed, KWS teams worked tirelessly to stabilize her. She was transported to the Nairobi Safari Walk, where she would receive round-the-clock care, specialized feeding, and the love she so desperately needed. Upon her arrival, she was given a name: Ruma Princess—a tribute to her origins, resilience, and the legacy of her mother. The team lent the calf strength when life worked against her, covering every permutation between hope and heartbreak; exhausting every option to give her a fighting chance.

‘If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster and treat these impostors just the same’ —those words from Rudyard Kipling’s poem “If—” echoed in the minds of the team. Kisirani’s life had been a triumph of conservation. Her death was a disaster. But the team refused to let disaster have the final word. They continue to pour their energy into little Ruma Princess, ensuring that Kisirani’s legacy lives on.

<span;> This bitter-sweet rescue is a quiet promise that every life matters, every loss is mourned, and every survivor is given a second chance. Ruma Princess is now in safe hands. Her journey will be long, but she carries the spirit of her mother: resilience, survival, and hope.

<span;>To support the care and rehabilitation of Ruma Princess and other orphaned wildlife, please visit https://kwspay.ecitizen.go.ke/donate. Your contribution helps provide the specialized care, feeding, and medical attention that give these animals a second chance at life.