TWO rhinos were killed and dehorned while a third, which was also dehorned, survived after poachers struck at Tala Private Game Reserve, near Camperdown in broad daylight on Saturday, 17 May.
According to the reserve’s general manager, Derek Grose, the poachers darted the animals between 9am and 11am. The white rhinos were found at about 1pm. The survivor, the youngest which is about eight-years-old, was immediately given an antidote, which resulted in her survival.
“On Wednesday, the veterinarian checked up on her and administered more antibiotics. She is doing fine,” said Derek.
Tala is the closest reserve to Amanzimtoti.
He said the staff is devastated at the loss. “Everyone is emotional.”
He thanked neighbours, law enforcement agencies and private helicopter owners for their help in the search for the perpertrators.
“The Hawks have been phenomenal and are making progress.”
Although security has always been tight at the reserve, it has been beefed up even more, with the rhinos now under 24-hour armed guard.
As of Wednesday, 14 May, the Department of Environmental Affairs said 376 rhino were poached in South Africa this year. In 2013, 1,004 rhino were poached in the country.
The public is urged to report incidents of poaching to the anonymous tip-off lines 0800 205 005, 08600 10111 or Crime-Line on 32211.
