STOP - BEFORE YOU READ; SANParks has been selling rhino for many years for the purpose of population management and income generation. Lowvelder was privileged enough to witness the capture of a white rhino bull in the Kruger National Park on June 3, 2014. Clinical trials on how to improve the efficacy of anesthesia on these rhino. The possibility exists that the rhino will be sold at a later stage in the name of conservation, as the Kruger National Park is probably the most dangerous place for rhino at this stage. PLEASE NOTE IN THE NAME OF CONSERVATION AS THIS USUALLY MEANS THIS POOR SOUL MAY BE HUNTED WHICH IS (NOT CONSERVATION)........ White rhino are being sold on an annual basis to allow them to breed within other populations and obviously, Kruger’s risk is spread through this process as the animals are protected from potential poachers SANParks has been selling rhino for many years for the purpose of population management and income generation. However, as poaching incidents have reached unprecedented levels, the conservation role of this practice is becoming more evident. Only last month, six black rhino were flown to Botswana, not only because a reserve there had requested additional animals from SANParks to augment its small population, but also to spread the risk of poaching. Lowvelder was privileged enough to witness the capture of a white rhino bull in the park on Tuesday. The animal is being kept in a boma where clinical trials are conducted on how to improve the efficacy of anaesthesia on these rhino. White rhino are being sold on an annual basis to allow them to breed within other populations and obviously, Kruger’s risk is spread through this process as the animals are protected from potential poachers. The team responsible for the capture comprised various veterinarians, researchers, capture staff and SANParks’ airwing. The process was slightly delayed as the helicopter had to respond to a poaching scene. Piloted by Mr Charles Thompson, it arrived at about 08:30. The team wanted a white rhino bull of about five years old. The “target” wasn’t preselected, but spotted from the air in the Skukuza area, and darted. Dr Markus Hofmeyr explained that they tried doing this reasonably close to the tourism and management roads so that the truck could reach the animal with ease. Once it was darted, it was steered towards the road by the helicopter. The dart contained an anaesthetic and tranquilliser which took effect within minutes. A team on the ground, consisting of six men, quickly blindfolded the animal and secured a rope around its horns with which it could be steered. It finally succumbed to the full effects of the anaesthestic and fell to its knees before rolling onto its side. The team worked quickly. It became clear that it was a dangerous exercise as the rhino could still inflict serious injury with its kicking feet and horns. Blood samples were taken and its oxygen and carbon dioxide levels were determined within minutes. More blood and stool samples were taken which would be analysed later. The anaesthetic caused tremors and Hofmeyr said they were not quite sure what the mechanism was, but that it was drug related. It was quickly given a partial antidote to recover from this effect.The rhino’s horns were measured and fitted with microchips. With all the necessary samples gathered, it was given a light electrical shock to get it back onto its feet. It was then steered into a crate which was lifted onto the truck and transported to the boma in Skukuza. The rhino was released into its own camp and received a long-acting tranquilliser that would be effective for three days so that it could ease into its new environment. The time between darting and getting it into the crate, was only about 20 minutes. It was quite a comical setup that greeted Lowvelder at the boma as “Air Balloon”, a song by Lily Allen, played over speakers. Hofmeyr explained that the rhino were tuned into Jacaranda FM to calm them down down even more. youtu.be/Ef8M5WlinjY Donate here today - > https://facebook/pages/International-Animal-Rescue-Foundation-World-Action-South-Africa/199685603444685?id=199685603444685&sk=app_117708921611213
Posted on: Sat, 07 Jun 2014 00:33:38 +0000
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