LIMPOPO – A devastating crime scene greeted wildlife conservationists of Entabeni Safari early Tuesday morning, a rhino was poached.
Melanie Cilliers, Ambassador and Development for Legend Foundation, said that after a female white rhino was not seen for 24 hours, the anti-poaching unit stationed at the conservancy sent out a search team to find the rhino. The search team found the rhino shot and both of her horns removed by poachers.
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The rhino has a 21-month-old calf that was harmed. “The calf has been stabilised and the way forward will be determined by the veterinarian, with the option of placing the calf in the care of The Rhino Orphanage also being taken into consideration,” she said.
Arrie van Deventer, rhino conservationist at Entabeni, said the past 23 years this conservancy was poaching-free. “Sadly this Big Five conservancy has now also been the victim of the horrendous poaching epidemic our country is facing,” he said.
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Van Deventer added the poachers won this battle “but certainly not the war against poaching”. Entabeni will continue their anti-poaching efforts despite this heart-wrecking incident. Authorities are aware of this crime and a full investigation is ongoing.
redaksie.bosvelder@nmgroup.co.za
