Facing the rhino. THESE HEART-BREAKING images show the dehorning of a rhino in a bid to protect the rhino from being killed by poachers for the ivory
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Contributor:
Media Drum World / Alamy Stock PhotoImage ID:
2PHFT2WFile size:
68.7 MB (2.9 MB Compressed download)Releases:
Model - no | Property - noDo I need a release?Dimensions:
6000 x 4000 px | 50.8 x 33.9 cm | 20 x 13.3 inches | 300dpiDate taken:
27 October 2020Photographer:
Media Drum WorldMore information:
Facing the rhino. THESE HEART-BREAKING images show the dehorning of a rhino in a bid to protect the rhino from being killed by poachers for the ivory trade. One image shows the rhino crying, tears rolling down its cheek at the loss of its horn, while another image shows the staff taking a chainsaw to the rhino's horn, shaving it down to the base to reveal a small heart in the centre. The pain on the face of staff from having to carry out this protective measure is clear from the images. In 20222, 124 rhinos were killed in Kruger National Park, with 448 rhinos being killed in South Africa. However bad this may sound, due to conservation efforts, this is a 40 percent decrease from 2021 figures. The rhino is darted and sedated before the process, protecting them from pain during the procedure. This dehorning is not permanent as the horns grow back quickly. The horn requires trimming down to the base every 12 to 18 months making it a costly exercise. These images were captured by photographer and conservationist Justin Sullivan (31) in the Greater Kruger in South Africa, using a Panasonic S1 camera. ?The removal of the horn is just one of the tools used to safeguard the rhino population, ? said Justin. ?The removal of the horn is meant to deter poachers from wanting to gain access to areas inhabited by rhinos, as the reward for pursuing a dehorned rhino or rhino with a little horn is not worth the risk. ?I appreciate the emotive stillness a black and white image brings- I?ve always felt that a black and white image is less ?distractive? and it draws you to focus on the subject. ?These images are moments in time that are capturing a heart-breaking process. ?People who aren?t familiar with the ?dehorning? process are often very shocked and angry, thinking we were hurting the rhino. ?For those that understand the process, it plucks at the heart strings and people become very emotional, especially the close ups of the animals faces.? To read more about conservation e