Wildlife Workers Carefully Treat Endangered Rhino's Eye Infection

Conservationists use innovative methods to administer eyedrops to a critically endangered white rhino in Zimbabwe.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Wildlife workers in Zimbabwe, with the help of animal behaviorists from the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society, successfully treated a parasitic eye infection in an endangered white rhino by carefully administering eyedrops while the animal was confined in a small chute. The innovative approach, which involved transferring the medication skills to the local wildlife guards, helped save the rhino's eyesight and highlights the challenges of protecting this critically endangered species.

Why it matters

White rhinos are a critically endangered species, with only around 16,000 remaining in the wild due to poaching and habitat loss. Treating health issues in these large, powerful animals is crucial for their conservation, but also poses significant challenges. This story showcases the creative problem-solving and international collaboration required to save individual rhinos and the species as a whole.

The details

Wildlife workers in Zimbabwe, in partnership with animal behaviorists from the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society, devised a plan to administer eyedrops to an endangered white rhino suffering from a dangerous parasitic eye infection. The team carefully confined the 2-ton rhino in a small chute, similar to a livestock handling system, which allowed them to safely apply the medication. Over the course of two weeks, they were able to train the local wildlife guards to continue the daily eye treatments, ultimately saving the rhino's eyesight.

  • In August, animal behaviorists from the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society traveled to Africa to help treat the white rhino.
  • Within about a week, the team was able to successfully administer the eyedrops to the rhino while it was confined.
  • By the end of two weeks, the local wildlife guards had been trained to continue the daily eye treatments.

The players

Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society

A Florida-based zoo and conservation organization that partnered with local wildlife workers in Zimbabwe to treat the endangered white rhino.

Daniel Terblanche

A security manager with Imvelo Safari Lodges in Zimbabwe who was initially skeptical of the plan to treat the rhino but ultimately helped implement it.

Ceratotherium simum

The scientific name for the southern white rhinoceros, the largest living rhino species that is critically endangered with only around 16,000 individuals remaining in the wild.

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What’s next

The team will continue to monitor the rhino's progress and ensure the local wildlife guards are able to properly administer the eyedrops on an ongoing basis to fully treat the infection.

The takeaway

This story highlights the innovative and collaborative efforts required to save critically endangered species like the white rhinoceros. By combining international expertise with local knowledge, the wildlife workers were able to devise a successful plan to treat the rhino's life-threatening condition, demonstrating the importance of conservation partnerships in protecting these majestic animals.