Whilst visiting a conservancy in Laikipia on the 17^th October, 2010, we received the sad news that our precious little rhino, Maalim, who was born premature on the 17th December 2008 in the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, Tsavo West National Park, died in his sleep, covered by his precious mattress.  Maalim had been unwell for sometime, having suffered from a serious onslaught of pneumonia.  Having been so premature, he was always more susceptible than usual to respiratory problems, but his sudden demise was unexpected, because his breathing had improved dramatically of late even though his long struggle with pneumonia left him suffering from pressure sores and a weakened hind limb due to all the injections he underwent.

Maalim would have been two years old in December, but he was little bigger than a 6 month old.  Perhaps he would never have been able to make it as a wild rhino bull who has to fight for territory and rank, so perhaps his peaceful and painless end should be viewed as a blessing in disguise.  During his short life, he was adored and much loved, and above all, he was happy and playful, living each day to the full, until the pneumonia took its toll.