Instagram – Mar 25, 2021 @ 14:41
The words ‘dehorning a rhino’ provoke a range of emotions and reactions, ranging from disbelief to sadness and perhaps even anger. But the statistics show that it’s incredibly successful in the fight against poaching and to save the species from extinction.
Read on for an accurate and informed description from our partners @blackbeanproductions , and the excellent @savetherhinointernational 🦏 Please also visit the @blackbeanproductions account to watch the film we made in conjunction with the team and @wildlandssa
Posted @withregram • @blackbeanproductions As so many of you know – dehorning a rhino is not something any wants to do. As conservationists, vets, land owners, it’s such a difficult decision to make. But it’s proved successful as part of a bigger strategy. And right now – with the state of poaching in Southern Africa – we have to do everything that we can to save every rhino that we can.
Dehorning a rhino aids in this fight to save every single rhino that we can – a deterrent to poachers who are incredibly active currently in many parts of Africa. Dehorning is most effective when coupled with extensive anti-poaching security and monitoring efforts. It plays an effective part in a bigger plan for poaching prevention.
Have you seen our film made with @empowersafrica @wildlandssa “Dehorning a Rhino in the Wild”? Directed by @sam_thegirl and filmed by @oli_caldow this film showcases the reality of poaching, and the various challenges conservationists face in the fight for Rhino.
How is a rhino dehorned? @savetherhinointernational say:
– Rhinos are usually darted from a helicopter, but occasionally from the ground in smaller reserves
– A pen is used to mark the point of removal – usually 7cm from the base of the front horn and 5cm from the base of the back horn
– While under anaesthesia, a chainsaw or hand-saw is used to cut the horn off horizontally
– Eyes and ears are covered to prevent noise / disturbance / damage from the saw
– The stump is trimmed to remove excess horn at the base, then smoothed and covered with Stockholm tar to prevent cracking and drying
📸 by @alex.in.transit on assignment for @mountcamdeboo