Meet Romdoul the rhino

Romdoul is a young female rhino who arrived at Rhino Sanctuary Namibia at just one year old, after surviving repeated poaching attempts in the Kalahari. Today, she is safe. Calm. And slowly growing into the life she was nearly denied.

At three years old, Romdoul moves quietly through the sanctuary. She stays close to the other youngsters, learning, observing and finding her place in the herd. She may be smaller than some, but her strength shows in other ways. In resilience. In awareness. And in the confidence that comes from finally being protected.

Romdoul’s journey is a reminder that survival is only the first step. What truly matters is what follows: safety, belonging and the chance to grow strong in the wild.

Engelstoft Foundation and their commitment

Romdoul was named by the Engelstoft Foundations, after Cambodia’s national flower, the Romdoul. A small, fragrant flower that symbolises beauty, grace, strength and a protective spirit in Khmer culture.

The name reflects the foundation’s close ties to Cambodia and its work through the HiS (Hope in Seeds) programme, which focuses on supporting at-risk populations through initiatives in agriculture, nutrition, early education, WASH and sustainable community building.

The foundation sees a clear parallel between its humanitarian work and the protection of white rhinos. Just as marginalised communities need long-term support to build peaceful and resilient futures, so too does the white rhino depend on sustained protection to survive.

Romdoul embodies this belief. Quiet strength. Gentle presence. And the importance of standing up for those who cannot protect themselves.

“As the marginalised need support to build a more peaceful and harmonious world around us, so does the white rhino for its survival.” (Engelstoft Foundations)