Rhino dies after brave fight
Another rhino has died after a poaching incident in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park
YET another rhino has died after a poaching incident in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park.
Despite a slow recovery of the adult female, it was eventually decided to euthanise her due to the animal not adapting to her boma environment.
The rhino had been shot through the hump of her neck, temporarily stunning and immobilising her.
While paralysed, the poachers set about hacking off her horn in a terribly cruel manner, leaving her paralysed, but alive.
The incident was reported to the section ranger and the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Game Capture team, along with the vet, rushed to the scene to assess and stabilise the rhino’s condition.
Treatment was immediately started and the animal was taken to the veterinary boma.
She was monitored regularly and received weekly treatment by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife veterinarians using pharmaceuticals and surgical equipment supplied by African Wildlife Vets.
A decision was eventually made to euthanise the rhino.
The Council of Contributors and Nick Bartlett generously supported the vets and aids on the ground on this project.
Statistics
The last official national figure reported on 21 September for rhino poaching stood at 508 animals.
According to Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, a total of 142 rhinos were poached in KZN during 2018.
Although this is 80 animals fewer than in 2017 and 20 less than in 2016, the situation remains critical and conservation bodies continue to fight the poaching scourge.
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