KZN rhino orphanage tightens security after devastating attack
The Fundimvelo Thula Thula Rhino Orphanage in KwaZulu-Natal is implementing tight security measures after an attack earlier this week.
A group of at least five poachers stormed the Fundimvelo Thula Thula Rhino Orphanage on Monday night - assaulting staff members and killing two calves.
The armed men disarmed a security guard and held staff hostage for several hours. One of the rhinos had its horns removed and died immediately.
The orphanage's Karen Trendler says the second rhino had to be euthanized due to the extent of its injuries.
"At the moments we are all pulling together. The team was absolutely phenomenal in the way they handled it, despite being very traumatised and anxious. All we're doing now is carrying on with routine feeding and care, but at the same time getting in additional security," says Trendler.
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The two rhino were days away from being moved to the next stage of their rehabilitation before their eventual release back into the wild - when they were shot.
Trendler is concerned the attack could be the beginning of a new trend in poaching incidents - where people are directly targeted.
"As with any violent crime, the violence in the poaching has escalated. The amount of mutilation of the carcases and aggression involved has escalated. And it is just deeply concerning. Have we been the first unfortunate group to be hit this hard?" asks Trendler.