Watch: Why the Kruger National Park dehorns rhinos
US ambassador witnesses KNP’s rhino dehorning process to enhance anti-poaching measures and ensure the safety of these majestic animals.
The Kruger National Park (KNP) regularly does rhino dehorning maintenance and installs trackers to trace these animals’ movements to ensure their safety.
Another dehorning of a rhino was done in the park on Wednesday, with the media in attendance.
US ambassador Reuben Brigety was present to observe the process and to determine how they can assist the KNP with anti-poaching.
According to KNP wildlife veterinarian Dr Lufuno Netshivhadulu, the dehorning of the rhinos is done in such a way that the animals aren’t harmed. The process is undertaken by professional staff.
“Since we started dehorning the rhinos, we have seen a decrease in the poaching numbers in the park. We are aware that poachers are targeting the horns for their so-called health and sexual powers. Once the horns have been removed, [the rhinos] are useless to them. That is why we do maintenance time and time again; to ensure that the rhinos grow big and do not attract poachers to kill them,” he said.
According to Netshivhadulu, the tracker installation is also of huge benefit, as the rhinos’ movements can be traced and they can be found and prepared for dehorning.
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