Rhino calf survives hyena attack

A RESCUED rhino calf has undergone two veterinary procedures to treat its tail after it was attacked by hyenas.

- THOBEKA NGEMA

Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary last week received an urgent call for an injured rhino calf that was en route and 20 minutes away by helicopter.

The calf, estimated to be around 18-20 months old by Kruger National Park veterinarian Dr Peter Buss, was too large to fit inside the aircraft. Moreover, a road recovery would have taken too long, due to the extent of his injuries.

“Tragically, with no mother to protect him, hyenas had attacked, their bites severing his tail close to the base,” Care for Wild said.

The sanctuary explained that to save his life, the veterinary team decided to sedate the calf and airlift him with suspension ropes. With an experienced pilot and highly trained air and ground crew, this method of wildlife translocation is fast and safe.