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Loading...Rhino Accidently Killed In Demo Aimed To Stop Poachers
A demonstration to show new anti-poaching techniques developed by an animal reserve in South Africa took a disastrous turn when the rhino used in the procedure accidently died.
The Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve in Pretoria, South Africa invited journalists and animal activists to watch the process where veterinarians inject the horn of a rhinoceros with a neon pink dye and an insecticide as well as a tracking device in order to stop poachers from killing the endangered animals.
The dye is similar to the one used by banks to mark money during robberies. The idea is to help law enforcement to identify rhino horns that may be sold on the black market. The insecticide is used to protect the animals against ticks.
Twenty rhinos have already undergone the procedure at the animal reserve without any problems.
Lorinda Hern, spokesperson for the reserve said the technique was developed to stop poachers from killing the endangered animals and taking their horns. Last year, a record 448 rhinos were poached in South Africa, so their horns could be used in traditional Chinese medicine.
The horns have become popular among middle-class Asians who believe they possess medical benefits.
Tests are underway to determine why the male rhino in his twenties died, but veterinarians think there were complications from either the sedative or the drug used to revive the animal.
Ms. Hern said, “It’s sad for us; it’s the loss of another animal. It’s a death that I still chalk up to poaching.”
Joseph Okori, a wildlife veterinarian and a World Wildlife Fund rhino expert was present for the demonstration. He said, “There is always a potention risk that a sedated animal will die.”
“The whole issue is, we are facing a serious rhino poaching crisis. This is a war. The desperation is quite high for rhino owners, to do whatever it takes to protect their rhinos,” said Okori.
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Read more: animal rights, animal welfare, animals, anti-poaching campaign, endangered species, illegal poaching, poaching, rhino poaching, wildlife
Photo from ripton via flickr.
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Good news, and I sincerely hope they are able to overcome all opposition to equal rights for all.
Glad someone helped these poor kittens. Shows that there are still some kind people out there.
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191 comments
+ add your ownSad news... :'(
We need to go back to the drawing board to improve sedation and treatment of rhinos. The only thing pure in life is intent.
=(
Thank you for sharing.
Rhinos definately need help against poachers. just a shame this had to happen.
I'm with Seth H!
This is a sad situation. But it is better that a few may die accidentally in this way than for the majority to be deliberately slaughtered by poachers.
All poachers should face an automatic death penalty if and when caught and all game wardens should be given the order to shoot poachers on sight.
Good reason, bad outcome.
The root of the rhino problem as we all know by now are the Vietnamese and Chinese insatiable demand for the horn as a medicine,which is a myth, even though there are many alternatives that work that they know of- The Yemen is also responsible for using the horns as dagger handles, the poacher is merely the paid messenger used to kill the animal,,and they should be shot on sight to send a message to other poachers. The most hideous thing about all the rhino poaching is that some rangers and vets are involved - the law just is not strong enough and the punishment is not severe enough. The Chinese are getting more devious by the day, and even helicopters are now involved in the killing of the rhino. They were brought back from near extinction in the 60's and now looks like another crisis so we must do something drastic before they go the way of the Dodo.
Put a bounty on poachers caught dead or alive and pass the word so it reaches the poachers.If it doesn't stop it it'll slow it down drastically after the 1st poacher ends up with bullet holes in him at a morgue
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