Rhino Poaching 2014

[PennyinSA]

Ahhh so nearly 48 hours after the event a public statement is made by Sanparks updating us. Updating us my voet in 'n visblik - all they did was acknowledge the incident and tell us that they were searching for the rhino! I am utterly gobsmacked at how lightly they appear to be taking all the negative happenings in the Kruger Park recently! They do not own the Park - they are custodians of our natural heritage but the way they are behaving is giving a completely distorted view of the way they see management!

[Bushcraft]

I have no access to the Sanparks FB page because I left the group because I am too outspoken on it ie I don't stick to posting pretty pictures and get flamed so now I cannot read any comments there because it is a closed group.

The total response to this topic on Sanparks website forum minus my own contributions and moderators is about four or five comments. Sanparks forum is a joke.

Sanparks communication is a joke.

Sanparks PR is a joke.

It is about time they employed PR people who can ACTUALLY engage with the public in a mutually beneficial way instead of the dolts they currently have.

It is the weekend Mith, if they couldn't get somebody to attend a conference in London because of the State of the nation address, you won't get a reply on weekend, this whole attitude runs through our parastatals. But we will accept money and the rest of the world will just hand over money, we need the situation ( poaching ) to remain so that the money flows in. If this govt and in extension Parastatals wanted to slow or stop the poaching a bigger commitment from .gov would have been forthcoming. Look at the commitment from Botswana's gov and look at their poaching stats.

That’s the problem mith for many saffies. I can relate to penga’s post about saying “too much” and getting banned as many of us already know the outcome because it’s obvious when looking at what else is failing in SA and the same will apply unless pressure forces change and the correct management people are put back in place

[Toko]

A Media Release that does not release any info but at least they don't ignore of hide the incident

Media Release: Visitors spot a rhino with its horn hacked off in the KNP - Date: 2nd March 2014

[Toko]

According to Lowvelder

Mabasa confirmed this morning (Sunday) that the search is being continued. He explained that all the rangers of that section of the park are involved in the search, tracking on foot, motorbike and bicycle.

[Richprins]

From the photograph it is clear that the animal’s left eye is also damaged, probably deliberately done by the poachers.




I think the eye was targeted by scavengers like vultures while the animal was unconscious...

Whatever...the outrage may help, so it will not die in vain!

[nan]

Whatever...the outrage may help, so it will not die in vain!

... and one more... and one more... and...
maybe... certainly a lot suffering like that ... and "tourists" didn't seen

[Flutterby]

VISITORS SPOT A RHINO WITH ITS HORN HACKED OFF IN KNP

South African National Parks (SANParks) would like to confirm an incident of a rhino with its horn hacked off in the Kruger National Park (KNP).

According to SANParks Acting Head of Communications, Reynold Thakhuli, the rhino was spotted on Friday 28 February 2014, near Phabeni Gate in the KNP by visitors who managed to alert the authorities.

Thakhuli said a helicopter and Rangers were dispatched on the ground to locate the animal and by late Saturday it had still not been found due to the dense bush as a result of the recent rains in the Lowveld.

He said investigations are continuing and more information will follow as soon as the animal is located.

****Ends****

For previous media statements on this matter please go to http://www.sanparks.org

Issued by:

South African National Parks (SANParks) Corporate Communications: Tel: 012 426 5170

Media enquiries:

Reynold Thakhuli: Acting Head of Communications, SANParks. Tel: 012 426 5203; Cell: 073 373 4999; Email: rey.thakhuli@sanparks.org
Ike Phaahla: Media Specialist SANParks. Tel: 012 426 5315; Cell: 083 673 6974; Email: Isaac.phaahla@sanparks.org

Picture by Frans Lombard

[Wild Doggy]

"we" the family propose the following: Any person associated with poaching, the driver of the vehicle transporting the poachers, any person dealing with Rhino horns, whomever, when caught should be given life imprisonment, no parole and Diplomatic immunity does not apply. let's toast to the prosperity and well being of these magnificent animals. What a wow moment to see a Rhino mother and calf running through the bush! Better still - a group grazing in the grasslands.

[Flutterby]

Couldn't agree more Elize. Welcome and congrats on your first post.

[H. erectus]

I am for the lack of words to express my sadness,...

not my kind of thread/cum topic!!!