This morning Lisa Thomas, working on Panthera leopard project in Pilanesberg, called in an injured Black rhino. The female Black Rhino known as Mandy was seen limping, her wound was not very visible, and to be on the safe side a vet and helicopter were called in. Almost immediately on arrival at Pilanesberg, Vet Dr. Gerhardus Scheepers and Pilot Kahn Jager found Mandy, darted her and her calf (so as to nor stress the calf out while Mom is under anesthesia), and got to work on the foot that was causing the problem.

A small broken part of bone came out of the wound. It looked like an old injury due to the discoloration of the bone. We cannot determine that this is a bullet wound so we would rather say it was a natural injury sustained on a stump. A foot collar has been fitted so we can track Mandy.

The calf was notched as #2. DNA was also taken to list on the data-bank at Onderstepoort. After all the necessary ecological work was done both Mom and calf were woken up.

Many thanks to Lisa for her observations that something was amiss with Mandy. Also to the Pilot Kahn and Vet Dr. Gerhardus for making themselves available as soon as possible!

To all the visitors in the Park – thanks for your patience!