As part of an initiative to save rhinos from poaching, Getaway was invited to the Pilanesberg recently to observe the heroes in khaki dehorn several rhinos. At times tough to watch, it is never-the-less necessary to prevent the animals from being butchered at the hands of poachers who have few cares when it comes to the animals’ well-being, often mercilessly slaughtering dozens of rhinos – babies included – for a few centimetres of horn.
By Alan Valkenburg
We saw how the rhino team darted the animals from the helicopter, followed them until the drugs took effect, tracked them in their Toyotas and then dehorned them. The stumps where the horns were removed were then treated to try and prevent further damage and sprayed with a pink liquid to prevent infection.
The team also tagged their ears, injected deworming drugs and put eye drops in the rhinos before administering the wake-up drug and bolting to a safe distance to watch as the rhino returned groggily to its feet. The whole process took less than 15 minutes per animal.
READ: North West breeder aims to rewild 100 rhinos annually
It was fascinating to watch how the team came together – vet, helicopter pilot, rangers, interns and volunteers – to save these magnificent and powerful creatures from the gruesome fate that could otherwise be in store. Their efforts would not be possible were it not for the help of the organisations listed below.
Be sure to look out for the article in the September issue of Getaway.
For more information, read about the anti-poaching unit active within the Pilanesberg National Park in the North West Province.
Also check out:
https://rhino-force.org/projects.html
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