Abstract
The following study outlines the value of human-animal interaction as it explores the experiences of young people in care with orphaned rhinos as contributors to resilience. Additionally, this study contributes to the international realm of human-animal interaction by providing a uniquely South African perspective on the impact of human-animal interaction with orphaned and endangered rhinos. The voices of young people in care and social service professionals are brought to the fore in this dissertation and presented in two separate articles.
The first article Human-Animal Interaction and Resilience: Identifying Resilience Enablers from Human-Animal Interaction between Young People in Care and Orphaned Rhinos. Stories from the young people’s perspective present the inimitable “All About Rhinos and Me” experiences of young people in care meeting orphaned rhinos for the first time. From the viewpoint of the young people, the findings convey their subjective meanings and realities that are of primary interest to the researcher's aim, indicating that caring connections with animals enable resilience. Furthermore, the findings highlight human-animal interaction’s fundamental role in the lives of young people in care. Every word shared by the young people conveys the direct impact of human-animal interaction. It is a testament to the intrinsic relationship that animals play toward one’s well-being, further enlightening us about how deeply interconnected we are. By comparing our human stories with those of animals, we seek a greater understanding of our pain, suffering, resilience, and healing.
The second article explores Social Service Professionals’ Perceptions of the Value of Human-Animal Interaction between Young People in Care and Orphaned Rhinos. The article explores the social work manager of the child and youth care centre and house parent (who are contributors to this research study) sharing their insights into the value of human-animal interaction highlighting identified resilience enablers. Since the overall aim was to explore the perceptions and experiences of both participants, the findings suggest consistent and significant similarities. A sense that we are journeying through this together and not alone in a world shared of parallel realities whereby we recognize that animals are individuals and sentient with distinct personalities and feelings like our own. The emphasis on resilience and the role of an unspoken connection that these ancient animals play in the lives of young people in care might be a valuable aid toward the further development of resilience, hope, and healing.
Overall, this dissertation highlights human-animal interactions’ essential and significant role in the lives of young people in care. The insights shared may lead to meeting many of the inherent needs of young people in care.