Mpumalanga reserve dismisses second poaching rumour

The owners of UBhetyan-o-Africa have dismissed rumours that another rhino fell victim to poachers following last week’s attack in which a female rhino was killed and her month-old calf rescued,reports Middelburg Observer. The speculation followed the death of another female rhino on the reserve over the weekend.However, owners Deon and Susan Cornelius confirmed that there was no indication the animal had been poached. According to the owners, the rhino, believed to have been more than 30 years old, died of suspected natural causes.

“According to the veterinarian’s initial inspection and report, it is believed that she had an infection, specifically originating from her reproductive organs, which led to the unforeseen death of the elderly female rhino,” one owner said. The death comes just days after suspected poachers killed and dehorned a rhino named Behati on the reserve, leaving behind her orphaned calf Owhati. The month-old calf was found and airlifted to a wildlife rehabilitation centre, where she continues to receive specialised care.

Meanwhile, the case against thetwo suspects arrested shortly after last week’s poaching incidentis expected to continue in the Phola/Ogies Magistrate’s Court. The pair were arrested after the police recovered rhino horns, a hunting rifle and ammunition from their vehicle. They face charges relating to the illegal possession of products from a protected species, as well as the possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

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