South African rhino gets treated after poacher attack
Source: AP
By CHRISTOPHER TORCHIA
JOHANNESBURG (AP) A rhino in South Africa that survived an attack by poachers who cut off her horns, leaving a massive wound on her face, has had a setback in her medical treatment. However, conservationists said Friday that the rhino is starting to heal.
The rhino damaged a protective mask by rubbing her face against enclosure walls, forcing veterinarians to remove the mask, according to a conservation group, Saving the Survivors. It had been placed on the 4-year-old rhino's face in a May 18 surgery in Eastern Cape province.
Poachers had darted the rhino with a tranquilizer and severed her horns while she was sedated. The rhino's rescuers named her Hope.
In a statement, veterinarian Dr. William Fowlds said Hope's face shield must be left off for now, despite concerns about infection. But he said tissue formation and improved blood flow to the wound area indicate that healing has begun.
FULL story at link.
Before bandage was removed.
Read more: http://bigstory.ap.org/article/19faf24b8618427c9b50a9f8e53a9ca2/south-african-rhino-gets-treated-after-poacher-attack
Original LBN post on Monday:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10141102397