November 23, 2009;
MEDIA RELEASE No: 2009 - 18
MKHUZE RHINO FOUND IN GOOD HEALTH
For Immediate release:
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife staff in the Mkhuze section of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park report that the white rhino bull in the Mkhuze Controlled Hunting Area that was supposedly wounded by a hunting client some months ago has been found to be in excellent health although is “a bit skittish.”
Three Mkhuze field rangers positively identified the animal by its unique ear notches and horn shape recently and after a lengthy examination through binoculars found no trace of a wound.
The Conservation Manager of Mkhuze also examined the animal a short while later while waiting for the EKZNW vet to arrive to confirm their observations.
He saw no trace of any wound and noted that the animal moved normally in all respects although it was “quite skittish” and disappeared into the thickets before the vet could examine it.
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife CEO Dr Bandile Mkhize noted that the apparent dispute over the fate of the rhino had been resolved.
“I met the hunting outfitter Mr Gary Kelly and his legal team on 19 November 2009 and this whole matter has been amicably resolved,” said Dr Mkhize.
“The issue around this particular rhino has always been concern on the part of all parties about its welfare and Mr Kelly and his client have expressed relief that the rhino has been found in good health,” he added.
“Neither Mr Kelly nor his client have expressed any further interest in the trophy value of this rhino,” said Dr Mkhize.
“I thank all our concerned members of public for their comments expressed through the media and would like to assure them that although this incident was most unusual, its resolution came through frank and open discussion by all the parties concerned,” he said.
AJG/ Media Release No: 2009 - 18 22-11-09
Media:
For further information contact the Media Manager on 033 845 1235; email jeff@kznwildlife.com or fax 033 845 1299.
For Immediate release:
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife staff in the Mkhuze section of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park report that the white rhino bull in the Mkhuze Controlled Hunting Area that was supposedly wounded by a hunting client some months ago has been found to be in excellent health although is “a bit skittish.”
Three Mkhuze field rangers positively identified the animal by its unique ear notches and horn shape recently and after a lengthy examination through binoculars found no trace of a wound.
The Conservation Manager of Mkhuze also examined the animal a short while later while waiting for the EKZNW vet to arrive to confirm their observations.
He saw no trace of any wound and noted that the animal moved normally in all respects although it was “quite skittish” and disappeared into the thickets before the vet could examine it.
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife CEO Dr Bandile Mkhize noted that the apparent dispute over the fate of the rhino had been resolved.
“I met the hunting outfitter Mr Gary Kelly and his legal team on 19 November 2009 and this whole matter has been amicably resolved,” said Dr Mkhize.
“The issue around this particular rhino has always been concern on the part of all parties about its welfare and Mr Kelly and his client have expressed relief that the rhino has been found in good health,” he added.
“Neither Mr Kelly nor his client have expressed any further interest in the trophy value of this rhino,” said Dr Mkhize.
“I thank all our concerned members of public for their comments expressed through the media and would like to assure them that although this incident was most unusual, its resolution came through frank and open discussion by all the parties concerned,” he said.
AJG/ Media Release No: 2009 - 18 22-11-09
Media:
For further information contact the Media Manager on 033 845 1235; email jeff@kznwildlife.com or fax 033 845 1299.
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