Rhino notching and trimming with Tintas Suvinil of Brazil today. A truly awesome experience since the guests who were here had no idea of the experience they were about to have. It is always an emotional space to be in with these iconic creatures that roam Africa. Gentle giants who bring so much pleasure viewed in the African bush. As you may know we dehorn our rhinos in Pilanesberg continuously in order to protect them as much as possible. And it is with the sponsoring of this project by guests like this that it is possible to do so.
After a briefing by Steve about the work we do and why we do it, the guests are also briefed by the Vet Gerhardus Scheepers about the drugs used, their effect and what the rhino will experience etc. The guests are then taken into the park by their guides and we all follow the helicopter till the rhinos we need to work on are found. The rhinos are immobilised by the vet from the helicopter and as soon as possible their ears and eyes are closed to limit any sounds and sight. Once this is done the guests are encouraged to disembark and come closer to the rhino. The vet will then do the necessary work while explaining to the guest what is happening. There is no harm done to the rhino, and they feel no pain. Dehorning rhino is like cutting your nails. The vet is very specific in his method and always extremely careful – the horn bed is left untouched. The rhino is woken up as soon as the work is done, usually within 20 mins, and they then calmly move away. Calling each other if you sit quietly and listen.
Please note that though the group is large we needed to get the entire group in for a photo. A group this size works on quite a few rhino and not just the 2 rhinos seen here. The size of the group does not affect the rhino however as it is under anaesthesia the entire time till woken up. The guests are always asked to be quiet and respectful around the rhino as well. Thank you Chevonne and Sandown Travel for advising the client of this opportunity to assist the Pilanesberg National Park & Wildlife Trust in keeping the rhinos here as safe as possible. Thanks once again to our amazing A Team for making this as seamless as possible.
