Jazz was abandoned by his mother when he was only two days old, but he found a companion in Hunter, a Belgian Malinois who enjoys caring for orphaned animals. Hunter just had to bid his last goodbyes to his best buddy.
A farmer discovered Jazz dehydrated and alone a few days after his birth. They sought assistance from The Rhino Orphanage in Limpopo, South Africa, where Jazz met Hunter and received excellent care until his death.
People on social media fell in love with the two animals and their amazing connection as they grew closer.
Hunter seemed to notice anything was amiss with his pal Jazz on Friday, December 6. Hunter waited at the young giraffe’s side till he died, as he began to wobble.
The Rhino Orphanage
Jazz’s breakdown was caused by a cerebral bleed, according to orphanage staff.
The Rhino Orphanage
On Facebook, the crew wrote:
“Jazz began to appear shaky on his feet and bored in the days leading up to his death, almost as if he wasn’t registering everything. We could see blood pooling in his eyes as he abruptly slumped.”
The Rhino Orphanage
“Jazz’s heart rate dropped and he began to develop neurological symptoms. Hunter, his companion, sensed something was amiss when he returned to the giraffe and refused to go. Hunter and all of Jazz’s human mothers were at his side as he took his final breath.”
The Rhino Orphanage
Hunter would remain in front of his empty room for hours after Jazz passed.
“So now we know Jazz didn’t have a nasty giraffe mother abandon him; she just knew. Mother Nature understands this, as we’ve seen so many times before. But, no matter how difficult it is, we must always attempt.”
The Rhino Orphanage
Hunter, for one, is recuperating from his grief and continues to assist other animals at the orphanage.
The Rhino Orphanage
Hunter is doing well. He stayed till the very end and bid farewell. We’ll keep everyone updated on his development now that he’s allowed to retrain to be a tracking dog. He’s eating well and is once again playing with his sibling. What a wonderful young man.”
