Rhinoceros in trouble – Mozambique

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Rhinoceros in trouble – Mozambique

12:52 CAT | 12 Dec 2017

Picture: Mozparks courtesy

On the 1st of December DAG (Dyck Advisory Group) anti-poaching unit reported a young white rhinoceros cow, extremely lame near the SGP/ KNP (Sabie game park / Kruger National park) fence.

Thanks to SGP/Mozparks veterinary unit and DAG APU’s (anti-poaching unit) helicopter the animal was assessed and darted within 30 minutes after the initial report.

blossom1

The severe lameness was caused by a gunshot wound through the right carpal joint (equivalent to the wrist). Synovial fluid was coming out of the entrance wound suggesting extensive joint damage.

Due to the severity of the injury a decision was made to transport the animal to a holding facility (500 square meter paddock) where it would be possible to monitor her progress and provide ongoing treatment.

Despite the obvious pain, young Blossom (Rhino´s new name) settled into the boma with the provision of fresh grass and water, veterinary care and 24-hour armed security.

On the 5th of December an expert veterinary team with x-ray, ultrasound and arthroscopy equipment arrived in SGP from South Africa to help treat and assess the full extent for Blossom´s lesions.

At 5.30 am the next morning, as the veterinary team were preparing to immobilise, examine and treat the endangered patient, the security team next to the boma informed us that young Blossom was lying down, struggling to stand and having trouble breathing. The team rushed to her side but unfortunately it was too late. What we came across was a heart-breaking scenario. Since day one young Blossom would always sleep/rest while laying down on her left side, with the “good leg” on the ground. For some reason on this occasion she was lying on her right side, on top of the leg with the gunshot wound, as a result she could not get up. The post mortem evidence suggest that she persevered to stand up throughout the night, to such an extent that her lungs were traumatized and as a result she eventually exhausted herself.

Rhino 1 (1)

The post mortem and X-rays also revealed a terrible fracture with multiple bone fragments in the carpal joint. Blossom’s prognosis for a full recovery would have been very slim and unfortunately the odds were stacked up against her.

Despite these tragic events the fight continues, Mozparks Foundation and its partners will endeavour to save the victims of human greed and situations like this one will only strengthen our resolve to do so.

RIP Blosom and thank you for the privilege of your company.

Rhino poaching is a serious threat to this species long term survival, Mozparks Foundation veterinary unit is working in the Mozambican frontline saving the precious animals that manage to survive these terrible poaching incidents.

This work would not be possible without our donor´s and partners, ANAC, DAG team, Saving the survivors, Dr Carlos Lopes Pereira and many more.

To donate to our cause please follow the link, https://www.mozparks.com/donate