Zimbabwe plans to dehorn 700 of its strong rhino population in an effort to discourage poaching. This comes after 50 animals were illegally killed last year, a wildlife conservation group said Tuesday.
Surging demand on rhino horns has led to more poaching in the country. According to Reuters a record of 1305 rhinos were illegally killed in Africa last year. Most of them were from South Africa, according to conservation groups.
Lisa Marabini, director of operations with Aware Trust Zimbabwe, said the organisation was one of two groups helping the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority remove horns.
“We want to send a message to poachers that they will not get much if they come to Zimbabwe. The park’s policy is to dehorn all the rhinos,” Marabini said. Reuters reports
