Due to the concerning increase in rhino poaching incidences in KwaZulu Natal's Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park (HiP) between 2023 and 2024, Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife has decided to dehorn its rhinos. 

RHINOS DEHORNING

About 325 rhinos were lost to poaching in 2023/ 2024, according to Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, with 307 of the poaching incidents occurring within HiP. On April 8, Ezemvelo launched a HiP dehorning program in response to this situation. Ezemvelo chief executive officer (CEO) Sihle Mkhize expressed the seriousness of this choice by saying: "It is with a heavy heart that the organisation has decided to dehorn. Rhino dehorning goes against the grain of what we stand for, but the persistent threat posed by poachers has necessitated more drastic measures to protect our rhinos,' he said. Mkhize said that dehorning is costly and requires repeated efforts every 18 to 24 months to protect and to keep the rhinos healthy.

CRIPPLING POACHERS

Mkhize stressed that although dehorning is not a cure-all, it is a component of a complete strategy meant to weaken poachers who prey on animals with horns. "The dehorning initiative marks a pivotal moment in Ezemvelo's anti-poaching efforts, aligning with proven strategies implemented elsewhere such as in Kruger National Park,' he said, adding that Ezemvelo remains committed to the implementation of the recently approved Ezemvelo KZN Guardianship Strategy for Rhinoceros which aims to significantly reduce poaching incidents. According to Mkhize, the strategy is endorsed by the KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Board. "It sets ambitious goals to mitigate poaching, complementing ongoing efforts which include intensification of anti-poaching patrols and surveillance, improvement of boundary fences and ranger living conditions, integrity testing and now dehorning," he said.