Rhino Evacuation Planned for Hundreds in S. Africa

[alsame]

Rhino Evacuation Planned for Hundreds in S. Africa

[IMG][/IMG]

South Africa plans to evacuate hundreds of rhino from the famed Kruger National Park to safe havens beyond horn smugglers' reach, the environment minister announced Tuesday.

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The authorities "could relocate up to 500" rhino, which can weigh a ton or more, said South African National Parks ecologist Sam Ferreira.

Illegal rhino killings have spiked from 13 in 2007 to 1,004 last year, steadily increasing despite the deployment of soldiers in the vast nature reserve, which is roughly the size of Wales or Israel.

The animals' horns -- made from the same material as finger nails -- are coveted in some Asian countries as a traditional medicine and as a status symbol.

http://news.discovery.com/animals/endangered-species/rhino-evacuation-planned-for-hundreds-in-s-africa-140813.htm

[Autumn]

1. Amazing that their ankles are strong enough to support all that weight being suspended like that.

[alsame]

3. Really! I thought they'd use a harness or

something that distributed the weight more evenly.

[Autumn]

4. Me too. I mean those bones are rather small to hold a ton suspended in mid air.

[joeybee12]

2. If it works, go for it...

Disgusting how these creatures are slaughtered needlessly...shame on humans, and hooray for the humans who want to save them.