rhino poaching

Photo: Stock/Canva

Severely mutilated white rhino cow euthanized in Kruger National Park

SANParks said the rhino cow was euthanized due to the extent of her wounds and level of infection after her horn was brutally hacked off.

rhino poaching

Photo: Stock/Canva

A rhino cow in the Kruger National Park (KNP) had to be euthanised after she was shot several times and left severely mutilated after her horn was brutally hacked off.

THE MUTILATED WHITE RHINO COW WAS FOUND ON SATURDAY

KNP spokesperson Isaac Phaahla said the injured white rhino was found on Saturday morning.

“According to the SANParks Veterinarian and the Section Ranger who attended to the rhino, it appeared as if the animal had been shot a few days prior to being found. Bullet wounds were visible in her head and foreleg, and there were open wounds to her nasal cavity where her horn had been brutally hacked off. There were additional injuries to the lower back, presumably dealt to stun her,” Phaahla said.

He said they are aware of a video circulating on social media depicting the severely injured white rhino cow and warned that the video is distressing to watch.

ALSO READ: Seven-month-old rhino calf orphaned after poaching incident

SANPARKS WARNED OF DISTRESSING VIDEO MAKING THE ROUNDS

Phaahla said the decision was made to euthanize the rhino due to the extent of her wounds and level of infection.

“SANParks Environmental Crime Investigations Unit attended to the scene to collect all available evidence.

“The incident takes place despite the continuous and dedicated efforts by SANParks to curb Rhino poaching in the Kruger National Park through a number of focussed initiatives,” he said.

A TOTAL OF 69 HAVE BEEN ARRESTED THIS YEAR ALONE IN THE PARK

Phaahla said a total of 69 poachers had been arrested this year alone in the Park, with a further 105 perpetrators of environmental crime arrested outside the boundaries of the Park.

The Skukuza Regional Court has recently imposed heavy sentences on those who were found guilty of rhino poaching in the KNP which has been welcomed by SANParks.

“This horrific incident has left our Rangers and colleagues traumatised as they are doing everything they can to protect these magnificent animals and threatened species. Rhino sightings are a key reason why tourists visit the Park and, in so doing, contribute to the local economy.

“We are appealing to members of the public to assist law enforcement agencies in bringing these criminals to book, the Managing Executive of the KNP Gareth Coleman said.