Heroes in Pilanesberg dehorn several rhinos Posted by Ilhaam Hoosain on 15 June 2022 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 https://boucherlegacy.co.za/ ALSO READ TB is detected in one in seven Kruger rhinos Related Posts Cape Town’s sustainability: Leading the way in environmental initiatives 1 June 2023 As National Environmental Month commences in South Africa, Cape Town stands proudly at the forefront... read more Kapama to host Safari Guide of the Year Awards 2023 1 June 2023 Kapama Private Game Reserve near Hoedspruit will host this year’s Safari Guide of the Year... read more Blood Lions relaunches for public viewing on YouTube 1 June 2023 Award-winning documentary feature film Blood Lions has been relaunched on YouTube for public viewing, creating... read more PREV ARTICLE NEXT ARTICLE
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