This past week, the Painteddog.tv crew joined a team of conservation experts to broadcast LIVE a crucial mission to protect Black and White Rhinos in a remote reserve in South Africa. Braving tough terrain and a tight schedule, our goal was simple — trim the horns of all the Rhinos on the property quickly and discreetly.
Click here to watch a short highlights video >>
Trimming Rhino horns is a proactive measure against poaching. Earlier this year, Rhino Revolution received an urgent request from a state-owned nature reserve needing to trim the horns of about 100 Rhinos. The last trimming was in 2020, putting the animals at serious risk. Such an operation requires a team of specialized wildlife experts and substantial funds. Recognizing the importance of protecting these threatened animals, Painteddog.tv stepped in to help raise the necessary funds.
To ensure the animals’ safety, the operation was scheduled for mid-winter in South Africa. A Rhino’s horn is trimmed by immobilizing the animal with a sedative shot from a helicopter by a wildlife veterinarian, who then herds the Rhino to an accessible area for the ground team. For this operation, Dr. Ben Muller and the WildScapes Veterinary team, along with pilot Gerry McDonald of Big Game Heli Services, led the effort. Once sedated, the ground team stabilizes the Rhino, checks for microchips and ear notches, collects DNA samples if needed, and trims the horn using a chainsaw. The horn, mostly compacted keratin, is trimmed without pain if done correctly. The vet measures a four-finger distance from the horn’s base and marks it with chalk for guidance. The trimmed horns are collected by provincial authorities, and the Rhino’s rump is marked with spray paint to identify it as processed.
The operation took six intensive days, locating and trimming the horns of 92 Rhinos, with the highest total being 22 in one day. Cool temperatures allowed full days of work.
The success of this operation is attributed to the dedicated team, likened to The A-Team for Rhinos, who have devoted their lives to safeguarding Africa’s wildlife. Their humility and passion are showcased by broadcasting the operation live to a global audience. Live streaming conservation events not only entertains but also raises awareness and changes how people perceive wildlife conservation. There are no retakes or scripts, offering a raw and real look at the challenges and successes of conservation work.
By making these operations accessible in real time, Painteddog.tv aims to remove the filters that oversimplify conservation and highlight the complexities involved. This initiative also provides a platform for organizations like Rhino Revolution to reach a broader audience and make a difference.
The collaborative effort in this operation highlights the power of people coming together with a shared purpose. Painteddog.tv is honoured to support South Africa’s conservation heroes and work alongside them. The red dust lingering in our systems and belongings serves as a reminder of the vital work being done to protect our natural heritage. We are privileged to share this journey with you and look forward to the next adventure.
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