Ranger injured by bleeding rhino

Published Jan 31, 2014

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Durban -

A ranger was seriously hurt by an injured black rhino in the Mkuze game reserve in Zululand on Thursday afternoon.

Two field rangers were on a foot patrol in the reserve when they found a trail of blood, Musa Mntambo, a spokesman for Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, said on Thursday night.

“They were tracking the stains when they encountered the injured animal,”

“We are not aware of all the details yet, but one of the rangers was attacked and they had to radio for help while trying to get away from the animal,” said Mntambo.

Robert McKenzie, of KwaZulu-Natal EMS, said they were unable to fly the ranger to safety because of poor weather.

“The ranger was assisted by colleagues and transported to the gate of the reserve where they met an ambulance.

“The ranger was examined and treated on the scene by the paramedics for serious injuries sustained during the attack before being transported to Bethesda hospital in Umbombo,” said McKenzie.

It is unclear why the rhino was bleeding.

“We cannot speculate as we have not examined the animal yet, but the injury could be from a failed poaching attempt or an attack by another animal.”

The Mercury

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