Hoedspruit: Black rhino airlifted to safety
After a massive example of teamwork a black rhino that somehow found its way out of the Balule Nature Reserve and into the Tribal lands north of the Olifantsriver was found, sedated and safely airlifted back to Balule.
A team of Balule‘s well known Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit started the ball rolling when they found rhino tracks in this area, known for being a hot spot in the bush meat trade, with wire snares being discovered frequently.
The Black Mamba members informed their supervisors of their discovery over the radio and were ordered to follow the spoor and find the rhino.
This turned out to be the theme of the next four days at an estimated cost of R200 000.
Countless attempts were made to corner the lost rhino (By now identified as Balule’s well known black rhino, November) but he somehow managed to disappear into the bush every time.
Four days, five helicopters, four Land Rovers, three tracking teams,and one safe black rhino later, the bills were astronomical.
Due to a generous donation by Germany’s o Rettet das Nashorn, this rescue was made possible.
But it was not only Africa’s overseas friends’ contribution that mattered.
On the day (or four days) a variety of locals pitched up and brought skills and assistance to the mission.
Balule’s Black Mambas and Johan Grobler, the York Anti-Poaching Unit, Craig Spencer (Balule’s Senior Warden), Balule’s Rian Ahlers, Transfrontier’s William Hodgson, dr Peter Rogers (who missed out on a Johnny Clegg show to go help in the rescue), Protrack, Working on Fire, Moholoholo, were all involved in this operation somehow.
After four days of searching and working in tough conditions, November was finally darted by dr Peters, strapped up and airlifted back to Balule.
Yet another South African fairy tale of cooperation with a happy ending.
