In the lead up to World Rhino Day on Sunday, 22 September, Babanango Game Reserve in Zululand in KwaZulu-Natal, has dehorned the last of their rhino population as part of their ongoing action in conserving the species . This effort is part of the reserve’s conservation strategy to combat poaching and safeguard these threatened animals. With the assistance of Wildlife Solutions Africa, this latest operation took place over two days, concluding the horn trimming cycle of the entire population for 2024.
Safe sedation The procedure was led by reserve ecologist, Stuart Dunlop , with local wildlife vet Dr Ryan van Deventer , and helicopter company, Heligistix, who worked together to ensure the safe sedation, health checks and dehorning of the rhino. “Today’s operation was a great success with several rhinos having their horns trimmed. The entire rhino population on Babanango Game Reserve has now been dehorned and this would not have been possible without a dedicated conservation team, including support from wildlife vets, security teams, and most of all, our conservation donors” says Stuart Dunlop, Reserve Ecologist, Babanango Game Reserve.
Babanango Game Reserve is a unique project in rural Zululand where sustainable conservation, eco-tourism and community development intersect. The majority of the land incorporated into the reserve (74%) is owned by three community trusts (Emcakwini, Esibongweni, and KwaNgono). “Rhino are a very important aspect of African wildlife.
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