Eight rhino killed by poachers in Kruger Park

11 January 2012 - 12:43
By Sapa
A dead rhino and calf killed by poachers. File photo.
Image: AFP PHOTO/STRINGER A dead rhino and calf killed by poachers. File photo.

Eight rhino carcasses have been found in the Kruger National Park, SA National Parks says.

"Yesterday [Tuesday] on patrol, eight rhino carcasses were found. Three carcasses were found in Lower Sabie and five in the Pretoriuskop section of the park," said spokesman Reynold Thakhuli.

He said all the carcasses were of adults which had been shot and de-horned.

"They [officials] are busy with investigations now although there are a few leads they are working on as we speak," said Thakhuli.

"We call upon anyone with information to contact the nearby SA Police Service."

Last year, about 443 rhinos were killed for their horns, with 333 killed in 2010.