Rhino Poaching 2014

[Penga Ndlovu]

They found the rhino.
It was shot because it was in very poor condition and it had a bullet lodged in it's brain.

[nan]

alive till they found him/she
poor... poor Rhino

[Flutterby]

DEHORNED RHINO FOUND AND PUT DOWN

Media Release
4th march 2014

South African National Parks (SANParks) intensified its search again this morning for the dehorned rhino spotted by visitors on Friday, 28 February 2014 in the Kruger National Park (KNP).
According to SANParks Acting Head of Communications, Reynold Thakhuli, the Rangers took off again this morning in search of the dehorned rhino, it was found alive, but in a bad condition. It was found within the Phabeni Section of KNP but quite far from where it was initially seen. “An assessment was conducted to determine the extent of the injuries and suffering. It was discovered that a bullet had lodged in the rhino’s brain and therefore any chance of survival was slim.”
Thakhuli said the Ranger in charge after a thorough assessment of the animal, took a decision to put it down to end the suffering that it had endured since the poaching incident. “There was simply no chance of surviving for this poor animal and unfortunately it had to be put down.”
SANParks would like to extend its gratitude to the visitors who alerted the authorities about this heart-breaking incident as well as to the Rangers for a sterling job and dedication to finding the animal despite challenges with the weather conditions and tough terrain they had physically tackled in search of this animal. “We will continue to work hard in the fight against the overwhelming scourge that is currently targeting the KNP... “to us one rhino killed is one too many.”
****Ends****
For previous media statements please go to www.sanparks.org

Issued by: South African National Parks (SANParks) Corporate Communications: Tel: 012 426 5170

Media Enquiries: Reynold Thakhuli: Acting Head of Communications, SANParks. Tel: 012 426 5203; Cell: 073 373 4999; Email: rey.thakhuli@sanparks.org

[nan]

the Rhino was seen near Phala...
why they need an helicopter ... to frightened the poor Rhino who ran lot of km

[Flutterby]

It was near Phabeni nan, not Phalaborwa.

[nan]

sorry ... but almost the same, near a gate

[Flutterby]

[Richprins]

it was found alive, but in a bad condition.

Not a very bright comment, yet again...

Ja, Penga, also intrigued by this "Bullet in the brain"...one tough rhino! But yes, forensics take out the bullets to match with confiscated firearms!


It was Front Page in today's lowvelder. What's not on the webpage is a comment, apparently from Mr Mabasa, that "It was known that poachers hacked out the eyes due to the belief that field rangers could see them in the eyes of the dead or dying animal"...
Will check up a bit about this...but if true, it shows you what we are dealing with!


SP were out in full force, though...patrols, motorbikes, bicycles, helicopters...the full monty, so credit to them!

[Flutterby]

A comment about the eyes being stabbed was also made on FB!!

[Richprins]

From the photograph it is clear that the animal’s left eye is also damaged, probably deliberately done by the poachers.




I think the eye was targeted by scavengers like vultures while the animal was unconscious...

If my post was wrong, it was wrong? No Probs!