Rhino Notching

Programme

1. Early morning meet up with guests at prearranged point.
2. Park Ecologist – Steve Dell – will give guests a briefing on the general aspects of the rhino, poaching and procedure, as well as “do’s & don’ts” while at the Notching.
3. The Vet will also give info on the veterinary procedures that will be performed.
4. Thereafter the Vet and Pilot will get airborne to find a suitable Rhino and call it in on the radio to the parties on the ground.
5. Once the Vet finds a suitable Rhino we all move to the area the Rhino is in.
6. After the Vet darts and immobilises the Rhino, the guests will be advised as to when they may safely approach the immobilised Rhino.
7. Immediately after the Rhino is immobilised the Vet and Park Ecological Services will do the necessary notching and DNA and data collection while guests get to watch and learn about the process as well as get up close to one of South Africas' big 5". 
8. Once all veterinary and ecological work is done, and in consideration of the Rhinos’ absolute welfare, individual and group photos can be taken.
9. When all the required aspects are completed the Vet will reverse the anaesthesia, which wakes the Rhino up within 3 minutes.
10. At this time all guests will beat a safe distance, and quietly watching the rhino wake and move off to continue its day!

Why, if so much is being done to prevent poaching, are Rhinos still being killed?