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Ceratotherium simum
Iconic animal of Africa for its horns and for the rate poaching has destroyed the population. This pair(and the rest residing in this private reserve) have been dehorned to discourage poachers. This works against trophy hunters and those looking for dagger handles, but in terms of"medicinal" or status horn, not so effective. Removing the horn can make them vulnerable in jousting matches with other rhinos
These two led us a merry hunt through acacia. Having only been darted and measured and had their horns sawn off, it is understandable why they were shy
3 Comments
Yes, those are both true, and to dart the rhino can often turn for the worst - some have never woken up afterwards... so very dangerous for the animal either way... :(
From what I've been reading this is very controversial for a variety of reasons. They cannot successfully spar against a male who does have a horn, and even worse, poachers will take them for the base of the horn.
Pitiful to see them defaced like this, but alas, it is the only way! May they live till old age take them... thank you for adding this important series to the Rhinos of the World mission!