It sucks that in order to protect our Rhinos, their horns need to be chopped off. But until cultures, ideas and superstitions change, it is what it is.
I was asked to document the experience at Tala Game Reserve, just outside Pietermaritzburg. The Rave Rhino project looks after the Rhinos, (with fiery passion, well equipped 4×4’s and highly trained Belgian Malinois dogs ) and it is up to the reserve to create an environment which is sustainable for custodianship and education.
Coffee strategy sessions are followed by a multiple vehicle “move out”. The vet efficiently darts, follows and then runs in when the Rhino drunkenly opts for a snooze. With a thumbs up, the other vehicles are allowed to come in closer.
It is one thing photographing a Rhino from a vehicle. It is another thing entirely to hop out and approach these massive creatures. (Can a rhino fake a snooze? One wonders as we approach gingerly). But there is something very special, something that gets the heart racing, to be able to run ones hand over the mud caked grey skin, while it’s deep breaths blow up dust in the veld next to your foot.
The whole experience lasts a few minutes. In that time trepidation turns to exhilaration and once the chain saw work is completed, and medical samples are collected, there is even time for a selfie or two.
The moment the order is given to get back to the vehicles however, nobody is hanging around and there is a general scampering back to 4×4 safety and binoculars, to watch the rhino wobble up and strike as dignified a pose as possible while the drugs wear off.