News

Spat ends after 'wounded' white rhino bull found in good health

November 24, 2009 Edition 2

DURBAN: A white rhino bull feared wounded by an American hunter months ago was found in good health in the Mkhuze section of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (EKZNW) said yesterday.

"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," it said.

Staff in the Mkhuze section of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park reported that the rhino was in excellent health, albeit a bit skittish.

"The conservation manager of Mkhuze examined the animal while waiting for an EKZNW vet to arrive to confirm the 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."

The rhino was the centre of a heated legal battle between wildlife officials and one of the richest men in America.

EKZNW chief executive Dr Bandile Mkhize said 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 November 19 and this whole matter has been amicably resolved," said 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 said.

He said that neither Kelly nor his client expressed any further interest in the trophy value of the animal.

"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."

The rhino survived a hunting attempt by Texas property tycoon H Ross Perot jr, son of H Ross Perot, 79, the former US presidential candidate, who stood against George Bush sr and Bill Clinton in the 1992 presidential elections.

According to reports, the initial decision was to allow Perot's agents to have a second attempt at the hunt, but this drew strong opposition after it emerged that the animal would be shot by EKZNW if there was a visible bullet wound from Perot's large-calibre hunting rifle.

It was later announced that there would be no second hunt. - Sapa