Lions Attack Sole Rhino Survivor After Disastrous Kenyan Relocation

Lions have attacked the sole survivor of the disastrous relocation of 11 black rhino to Tsavo East National Park in Kenya.

The relocation was intended to save and protect the rhino, a species whose future is in jeopardy… as poaching syndicates wipe them out to feed an Asian market that mistakenly believes the rhino horn has medicinal qualities and can cure cancer and help impotent men. The rhinoceros horn is also perceived to be a status symbol by some who are either too ignorant – or too callous – to care that rhino are actually slaughtered to cater to their whims.

But instead of protecting the rhino, the relocation resulted in the death of ten of them… largely due to the casual negligence of conservation officers as the stressed and thirsty rhino were allowed to drink from salty water which poisoned them.

Reuters reports that Kenyan Tourism Minister Najib Balala confirmed an independent inquiry had found that negligence was to blame for the deaths; and that six of the conservation officers have been suspended.

“Even one rhino is a huge loss. So we are sad and we are disappointed in some of the officers who should have taken responsibility. They didn’t take their work seriously. They were casual in their job,” he said.

On Thursday Balala announced the further tragic news that “unfortunately, the eleventh rhino has been attacked by lions. Yesterday it was treated.

“So far we are monitoring this eleventh rhino.”

He added: “It’s a sad situation.”