National Geographic Posted by Marcus & Kate Westberg on December 17, 2012
If Nicky’s blanket falls off during the night, he squeals and jumps on top of his minder. All photos by Marcus and Kate Westberg
Nicky is just like any other baby rhino. He likes to play and is curious about the world around him. Only the world doesn’t look the same to this little black rhino because he was born blind.
With his lack of vision, Nicky is particularly vulnerable and at risk from predators in the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya.
To keep him safe from harm, Nicky has been living at the family home of Mike Watson, Lewa’s CEO, since he was one month old. He has his own boma (enclosure) with a padded play area and a straw-lined room for sleeping. His best animal friend is a yellow Labrador, one of the Watsons’ family dogs.
The Watson family and two experienced handlers, Yusuf and Tonga, care for Nicky around-the-clock. He is never left alone for a minute and there is always someone on hand to look after his needs and show him the way. He spends his days running around, taking afternoon naps and wallowing in his mud bath.
To read the rest of this story and view more photos visit National Geographic
