Dehorned Rhino Found And Put Down

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.”

Issued by:
South African National Parks Corporate Communications