VIDEO: Rhino airlifted for auction

AMERICA has become a significant partner in providing funds and resources to fight the global war against poaching.

US President Barak Obama last year issued an executive order on combatting wildlife trafficking in which he pledged to throw his weight behind poaching and trade in protected species.

He promised to engage with countries where these problems are rife and reduce demand for the illegal products.

Obama established a Presidential Task Force to implement the order and the strategy was unrolled in February this year.

In March, American philanthropist Howard Buffet donated R255-million to SA National Parks, specifically for high-tech equipment to combat poaching in the Kruger National Park.

Dr Mkhize said Ezemvelo would benefit from the new Kruger technology, especially the drones used to detect poachers.

2 April 2014 9.54am

A YOUNG rhino bull was moved by helicopter to a boma in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Wildlife Park yesterday.

Zululand Observer Editor, DAVE SAVIDES was there to witness the mammoth task.

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife hope to fetch up to R550 000 for the animal at its auction next month. The rhino will be sold to a screened buyer.

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife hosted US Ambassador to South Africa, Patrick Gaspard, his wife Raina Washington and US Consul General Taylor Ruggles when the team airlifted the rhino from the wilderness. The operation costs up to R15 000 per rhino and CEO of Ezemvelo, Bandile Mkhize hoped the auction would bring in at least R15-million.

A total of 40 rhino will be sold as part of the biodiversity conservation programme.

This was part of a strategy where there are just three rhinos allowed per square kilometre in the park.

Anyone who buys a rhino, had to apply for permits from the national Department of Environmental Affairs.