Large-scale horn trimming operation to protect rhinos
RHINO 911 has sponsored a successful rhino horn trimming operation at the Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary to safeguard rhinos from poaching.
Care for Wild said it recently completed a large-scale horn-trimming operation to enhance the protection and conservation of the rhinos under its care.
The operation, sponsored by Rhino 911 involved darting and immobilising a significant number of rhinos from both the ground and air.
It said a large team of registered vets were supported by Care for Wild’s ground team, Wildlifevets.com, SANParks, and MTPA as well as internationally renowned vet Dr Evan Antin.
“Horn trimming, which involves the safe removal of a portion of the rhinos’ horns, was carried out to deter poaching attempts. In addition, each rhino received a vaccination (sponsored by Design Biologix) and vitamin supplements (sponsored by Kyron Laboratories as extra support,” Care for Wild said.
“Thanks to the collaboration of these teams and a collective effort of dedicated professionals, the operation was a resounding success, bolstering the security and conservation efforts of these precious rhinos.”
Meanwhile, earlier this year, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) Minister Barbara Creecy announced that 448 rhinos were poached in South Africa in 2022, a slight decrease from the 451 rhinos poached in 2021.
Creecy said in total across the country, private rhino owners lost 86 rhinos.
“The steady decline in rhino poaching in national parks is related to the relentless war that has been waged by our fearsome anti-poaching machinery as well as a comprehensive dehorning programme,” Creecy said.
She said the outcomes showed collaboration between conservation authorities, the SAPS, revenue authorities and international agencies’ work.