At Rhinory, conservation has never been something that happens in the background. It is the reason behind what we do, and because of the continued support of our Conservation Circle Members, that commitment reaches far beyond our tasting room in Texas.

Last year, that support allowed us to symbolically adopt Hercules, a Southern white rhino calf undergoing rehabilitation at Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary in South Africa.

There is encouraging news to celebrate: Hercules’ external injuries have healed.

However, the internal damage caused by his original crush injury remains an important consideration as he continues to grow. To better understand the condition of the affected joint and surrounding bone, Hercules recently received additional specialized veterinary care, including a CT scan.

The information gathered from the scan is being carefully reviewed by his veterinary team as they determine the best approach for his continued rehabilitation and long-term care.

It may be a small step forward, but it is forward nonetheless.

Hercules’ rehabilitation will continue to require patience, close observation, and specialist care as his team learns more about how his joint develops and how his leg responds as he grows.

Of course, rehabilitation isn’t all doctors and CT scans.

One of the most important parts of Hercules’ routine has been his daily walks with his sheep companions, giving him some much-needed company while keeping his rehabilitation safe and controlled.

And recently, another friend joined the crew.

Meet Willem, a young wildebeest who has quickly become one of Hercules’ newest buddies.

Because Hercules cannot yet safely interact directly with the other orphaned rhinos, who can understandably get a little energetic and boisterous, companions like Willem give him an opportunity for social interaction without putting his healing leg at unnecessary risk.

As Hercules continues to grow, so does his appetite. He is now enjoying up to 16 liters of milk every day, divided between five feedings.

For now, his days are filled with milk, walks with friends, careful monitoring, and a whole lot of growing.

Hercules’ journey is just one example of what wildlife rehabilitation truly looks like.

There isn’t always a quick fix. Recovery can take months or even years. It requires veterinarians, caregivers, specialized equipment, nutrition, around-the-clock observation, safe spaces to recover, and the resources to adapt as an animal’s needs change.

That is why organizations like Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary are so important.

And it’s why the Rhinory community means so much to us.

Our support of Hercules was made possible because of our members and their continued commitment to Rhinory’s conservation mission. When you support Rhinory, you become part of stories like his — stories that are still being written.

We’ll continue following Hercules as he grows and sharing milestones from his rehabilitation along the way.

On Saturday, October 17, we’ll come together for the 2026 Rhinory Foundation Gala: An Evening of Purpose, Passion, and Preservation.

Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary will be one of the conservation beneficiaries of this year’s Gala, alongside the International Rhino Foundation and Ol Pejeta Conservancy.

The evening is about more than raising funds. It is about helping ensure organizations on the front lines of rhino conservation have the resources they need to continue protecting, rescuing, rehabilitating, and caring for animals like Hercules.

His story is a powerful reminder of exactly what that support can mean.

Join us October 17 and help us continue changing the future for rhinos.