Two missing orphaned rhino calves have been found and moved to a rehabilitation centre after their parents were horrifically poached.
South Africa (22 July 2017) – The Saving Private Rhino ‘Rapid Rhino Response’ team was created after Aquila Private Game Reserve was hit by a horrific poaching incident that saw three rhinos attacked in August 2011.
After preventing two previous poaching attempts, Aquila was hit by a horrific poaching incident that saw three of their rhinos attacked on Saturday 20 August 2011. One survived, while two succumbed to their gruesome injuries.
They believe that their anti-poaching teams interrupted the poachers.
“We know this based on our findings early that Saturday morning. ABSA was found still alive with his front horn removed, while the smaller back horn was left half hacked off. The female rhino was found heavily tranquilised, but still alive with her horns intact.”
“Thanks to rapid response, we managed to administer the antidote which saw her recover completely.”
“Unfortunately, when we came across our third rhino, our worst fears were met and we found him butchered and left to bleed to death.”
The team were left with the massive task of providing intensive care to ABSA who showed unbelievable resilience to this horrendous attack (ABSA was the first rhino reintroduced into the Western Cape since the species was hunted out 250 years ago).
The Aquila team embarked on a cutting-edge operation to relocate ABSA from the veld to a temporary boma at Aquila’s Animal Rescue and Conservation Centre (ARC) situated opposite the reserve.
Appeals for assistance were issued to help with the building of a temporary boma. This call to action was met by huge support from both companies and the public and donations of funds, equipment and services began to pour in.
This shocking tragedy has led to the establishment of the ‘Saving Private Rhino’ campaign, to ensure this doesn’t happen again.
The ‘Saving Private Rhino’ initiative has been established to ensure the future conservation of Africa’s rhino and wildlife heritage by providing the most comprehensive integrated anti-poaching solution available to every private game reserve in Africa that needs assistance defending its wildlife.
The Saving Private Rhino ‘Rapid Rhino Response’ team were called to assist a distressed rhino owner earlier this month. The farm suffered a tragic poaching attack where a number of rhinos lost their lives, however our team where thankfully able to capture, stabilise and relocate two calves left orphaned.
“These little guys have now started their rehabilitation in an appropriate facility.”
Watch the capture video below:
For more info about 24-hour free national rapid rhino response service, including a rhino orphanage, rhino rehabilitation centre, free anti-poaching courses and K9 anti-poaching training centre. Click here.
FREE 24 HOUR SUPPORT LINE: 08611 RHINO (74466)
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