Rhino Files: Three rhino died after becoming stuck in mud
This week in the Rhino Files: Three rhino died after becoming stuck in mud, 3 Mozambiquan poachers given 16 year jail sentences for killing a white rhino & its calf, and World Rhino Day is coming up!
3 RHINOS DIE AFTER GETTING STUCK IN THE MUD
Three rhino died after becoming stuck in mud at a Free State nature reserve in August, a provincial environmental spokesperson said on Monday. "Three rhino perished in an unfortunate incident after being stuck in mud for three days at Sandveld Nature Reserve," said Kgotso Tau.
The rhino were thought to have got stuck in a mud patch because of the low level of water at their natural drinking place at the Bloemhof Dam, bordering the reserve. Tau said the animals were found by rhino guards on 20 August. "They apparently sustained serious muscle injuries in their efforts to escape from the mud," he said.
POACHERS GET SENTENCED
3 Mozambiquan nationals were given 16 year jail sentences for killing a white rhino & its calf in the Kruger National Park last week. Julius Ngewenya, Daniel Jadere & Antonio Malunga pleaded guilty on 5 charges when they appeared in the Nelspruit Magistrates Court.
They were arrested in the Crocodile Bridge Area in May last year. During their arrest, a fourth suspect known as “Benet” was shot dead. The judge commented that even though they seemed remorseful, they had given the rangers a hard time – to the point that a helicopter was needed to search them out. Poaching does not pay!
WORLD RHINO DAY COMING UP
Remember World Rhino Day is coming up on 22 September – this is the time to show your support for rhinos.
SIBUSISO VILANE TALK – TONIGHT
Renowned extreme adventurer & mountaineerer Sibusiso Vilane will be doing a motivational talk TONIGHT - Tuesday 3 September with proceeds going to StopRhinoPoaching.com.
Sibusiso has completed the Grand -Slam of Adventuring known as the three poles (Mount Everest, North and South Pole.) He has completed the 7 summits of the world (The highest mountain on each continent).
His talk will be on 3 September, at 7 PM at Universiteits Oord (Cnr Duxbury & Herold Sts) Pretoria. Tickets are only R 50 for adults & R 40 for students, with proceeds going to help rhinos. More info – stoprhinopoaching.com. Tickets will be available at the door.