Treating Thuza's eyes!

During the rainy seasons of both 2023/24 and 2024/25 a great deal of fly activity was reported around the eyes of one of our rhinos, Thuza. It became clear that he was experiencing a great deal of discomfort and irritation and we found out that he had developed cutaneous habronemiasis of the eyelids, which has not previously been reported to affect rhino in Africa.

Attempts to apply both fly repellant to Thuza's face and administer eye drops by CRCI staff and scouts were unsuccessful, and his eyes became worse.

On 20th February 2025, Zimbabwean veterinarians Dr Chris Foggin and Dr Mupondi treated Thuza’s eyes. A number of different samples, including eyelid biopsies and blood smears were collected. More about this here

Several veterinarians discussed the case and how to best prevent Thuza's eyes, especially his right one, worsening during the rainy season when fly activity is very intense.

In April 2025, a tourist group organized by employees of the Palm Beach Zoo in Florida (USA) on safari with Imvelo Safari Lodges discussed with CRCI staff how in Zoos they can habituate animals to become tolerant of human interaction; this helps with necessary medical treatments and application of fly repellants, eyedrops etc. This sparked the idea that perhaps Thuza could be trained to be treated!

In August 2025, two animal trainers from Precision Behaviour (Thad and Angi) visited Imvelo as tourists and stayed at Camelthorn Lodge. They advised and guided CRCI staff and scouts on how to habituate this rhino to receive eye treatment as suggested by the local vets. Within ten days the CRCI scouts were successful and this rhino now accepts topical treatments to and around his eyes, including a fly repellant to keep flies away from his eyes, sometimes giving him a "panda" look!

Thank you to Thad and Angi for their expert suggestions which have allowed our scouts to treat Thuza's eyes daily!

For more information about the Community Rhino Conservation Initiative, contact us  here