Rhino notching and horn trimming with Future Toyota South Africa. At first the weather looked very dubious with rain predicted and a helicopter to come in from 2 hours away. However, in the end Mother Nature plated along and both vet Dr Gerhardus Scheepers and pilot Dolph Vd Merwe made it here safely. A rhino cow and her young calf (named Mbali by the group) were immobilized, dehorned, and notched. Notching is a methodical numbering method done to the ears of the rhino so that its identity can be determined by simply looking at its ears, either with the naked eye or with binoculars. Knowing the identity of a rhino assists park management in knowing who is who and what areas the rhino covers, who is mating with who, and who has had a calf, etc. De-horning is done to protect the rhinos. It’s not a process anyone wants to have done to rhinos, but for now it’s necessary.
This operation was once again a success with all the necessary work being completed without any issue. When the vet has the rhino in hand he also administers additional vitamins etc., so that the rhino is better off after the operation. Mom and calf woke up at the same time and joined up beautifully afterwards. Toyota SA has been incredibly instrumental in their support of the rhinos in Pilanesberg National Park & Wildlife Trust as well as parts of Natal. Their financial and media support has made a difference to the population of rhinos and the awareness of the rhino crisis. Thank you from our side Toyota SA!
Though many of you may think rhino poaching is no longer a threat, it most definitely still is. Many rhinos are still being slaughtered for their horns. Needlessly, as their horns have no value except to those who put a value on it for their own personal greed. Support in rhino protection is consistently needed if rhinos are to be protected for future generations in South Africa, and indeed all of Africa. Though Pilanesberg has dehorned their entire population of rhinos, the protection of these animals still continues. Many other protective factors are still in play, and will remain so indefinitely.
Thank you to all that made this possible. Thank you to the public who stopped by and took interest in the work being done. To our A Team, thank you for the amazing work: Zodiac Dierekliniek, Heligame Services, and Toyota Future World.
