At dawn on Thursday morning, a rhino mom and her calf were found lying side by side in Pilanesberg National Park, South Africa. If only they were sleeping. But in another heartbreaking scene that is becoming too familiar – the pregnant rhino mom and her calf were dead… after having been shot and killed by poachers who then fled the scene before completing their greedy task.

Pilanesberg has suffered several rhino poaching tragedies… and in late August, there was also a pregnant rhino cow, who was carrying a full-term baby, killed by poachers.

Pilanesberg National Park and Wildlife Trust uploaded the photos on this page today, along with a message saying: “There are no words. Mom and calf shot and killed by poachers.

“Horns are still on as the murderers fled the scene when they heard a game drive approach.





“Mom looks very pregnant as well. We are devastated…”

Three hours later a photo of the foetus was also uploaded, showing that there were three rhino killed today.

Pilanesberg said: “These are brazen murderers. And there is a reward for any information leading to an arrest and or prosecution.”

The Pilanesberg Wildlife Trust hopes that the public will share these tragic photos and hopefully raise awareness and much needed funds to aid in the protection of the rhino.

Video courtesy of Nico Jacobs of Rhino 911:

Pilanesberg: Sadly we have lost 2 more Rhino this morning. ?? pregnant mom and calf. Horns are still on as the poachers were interrupted. We are heartbroken. These are brazen murderers. And there is a reward for any information leading to an arrest and or prosecution. ? Posted by Perry Steve Dell on Thursday, November 2, 2017

All photos sourced from Pilanesberg National Parks & Wildlife Trust’s facebook page. Please follow Pilanesberg here.



