Some safari mornings begin quietly, with the rustle of grass and the search for lions. Others begin with something altogether different: the hum of a helicopter and the knowledge that you are about to take part in something few have seen and fewer still have helped make possible.
On the recent Grand Tour safari, guests joined a specialist wildlife team for a rare first hand experience in the protection of rhinos. This was not a typical game drive. It was a glimpse into the behind the scenes effort required to keep one of Africa’s most vulnerable species safe.
The day began just after sunrise. A pride of young lions were resting near the chosen clearing. The moment the sound of the helicopter broke the morning stillness and began to draw near, the lions scattered into the bush, making way for the operation to begin.
A fixed wing aircraft acted as a spotter, sweeping across the reserve to locate a rhino cow and her calf. The mother had been identified for horn trimming, and the calf was due for notching – a process used to create a unique identifier for future monitoring and protection. Once located, the vet was flown in on the helicopter and the darting was carefully executed from the air.
What followed was a calm and highly coordinated effort on the ground. As the team approached the sedated rhinos, guests were invited to observe and participate. The vet offered a clear explanation of each step. Guests monitored the rhinos’ breathing, touched the rough texture of their skin, and stood close as the procedure unfolded.
The mother’s horn was trimmed with care. It is a straightforward and painless procedure, but one that plays a vital role in her protection. Without a horn, she becomes a far less likely target for poachers. At the same time, the young calf was notched – a small ear marking that will help conservationists track its movements and wellbeing in the years to come.
