Rhino killing devastates Natal Lion Park authorities

The 11-year-old rhino was an orphaned rhino hand-raised at the park.

Maxine was killed by poachers this week. Picture: Natal Lion Park on Facebook

Another rhino has been killed by poachers, this time, at the Natal Lion Park, reports the Northglen News.

The park put up a post on their Facebook page saying they were “devastated” that an orphaned white rhino, Maxine, had been shot and killed this week. The 11-year-old rhino was shot while sleeping before poachers removed her horn.

“Maxine was an orphan rhino that was hand-raised at the Lion Park. She was 11-years-old,” read the Facebook post.

“According to the veterinary surgeon, who examined her yesterday morning, she was killed instantly by a bullet to the head while she was asleep, so the one blessing is that she didn’t suffer when they removed her horn.

“We are so sad and in shock, and will do everything possible to find the culprits responsible for this heinous crime. We are grateful to the Stock Theft Unit, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and the SAPS for responding to the call so quickly. We hope that arrests will be made soon so that the poachers can be brought to justice.”

The killing comes two months after Thula Thula Rhino Orphanage was attacked by armed men who butchered two rhino calves.

Read the full statement on the Natal Lion Park Facebook page here: