The procedure, led by reserve ecologist Stuart Dunlop and wildlife vet Dr Ryan van Deventer, involved the safe sedation and dehorning of the animals. Dunlop praised the collaborative effort, stating, ‘Today’s operation was a great success…this would not have been possible without a dedicated conservation team.’
Rhino dehorning, a humane method involving the painless removal of keratin-based horns, is widely used to reduce poaching risks. Bongani Khumalo, a wildlife monitor at the reserve, emphasized the importance of this work, saying, ‘Knowing that all the animals we look after are still alive and in good condition makes us proud to do what we do.’
Despite these efforts, rhino poaching remains a serious threat in South Africa, with 229 rhinos poached in the first half of 2024. KwaZulu-Natal’s rhino populations are particularly vulnerable to poaching syndicates, highlighting the ongoing need for conservation measures.
Watch the story in the video below:
Photos: Stewart Nolan, Love Africa Marketing
Film credit: Love Africa Marketing | Calvin Thompson
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