Unlikely friendship between rhino, zebra captures hearts at Nairobi Nursery

In what seems somewhat odd and unusual, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust shared a video capturing the heartwarming relationship between Tytan, a young black rhino calf, and Notty, a zebra foal, both residents of the Nairobi Nursery.

The footage shows the duo partaking in synchronized milk feeds, standing shoulder to shoulder as they drain their bottles under the careful watch of trust staff.

“Rescued just a week apart, these two orphans are now inseparable. Where one goes, the other follows: during milk feeds, the two stand shoulder to shoulder, draining every last drop of their bottles,” said the Trust.

Meet Nairobi Nursery's most unlikely dining companions – Tytan the rhino and Notty the zebra! Rescued just a week apart, these two orphans are now inseparable. Where one goes, the other follows: during milk feeds, the two stand shoulder to shoulder, draining every last drop of… pic.twitter.com/LoMuWv0vXG

— Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (@SheldrickTrust) November 10, 2025

Tytan, now approximately seven months old, endured a harrowing ordeal before his rescue.

His mother, Mumu, tragically fell from a cliff in Borana Conservancy whilst being pursued by a male rhino.

Tytan managed to find his way down the same treacherous terrain to be near her, not understanding she was gone.

For 48 hours, he evaded rescue teams, navigating thick bush and deep valleys on his own before being located on a camera trap.

After an urgent helicopter-guided rescue operation, he was rescued and taken to arrive at the Sheldrick Nursery.

He was named Tytan as a nod to the strength and bravery.

Tytan is our brave little black rhino who survived a dangerous cliff face and two nights alone to be here today.

His mother, Mumu, tragically fell from a cliff in Borana Conservancy whilst being pursued by a male rhino. Seven-month-old Tytan managed to find his way down the same… pic.twitter.com/TDdh0e7fpR — Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (@SheldrickTrust) November 8, 2025

Notty, rescued just a week prior, suffered a similar loss when his mother was killed, leaving him vulnerable and in need of care.

The rapid bond formed between the two orphans has become a focal point of the trust's rehabilitation efforts, with staff noting that such companionships significantly lower stress levels and aid emotional recovery.

Although elephants remain central to the organisation’s mission, its compassion and care extend to all animals in need. Among the most remarkable of its rescues are orphaned zebras.

To help the young foals adjust, the keepers wear specially designed striped coats that mimic the unique markings of a zebra’s mother.