Big Rhinos Need Big Hearts Too

by Wildlife Conservation Trust
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Big Rhinos Need Big Hearts Too
Big Rhinos Need Big Hearts Too
Big Rhinos Need Big Hearts Too
Big Rhinos Need Big Hearts Too
Big Rhinos Need Big Hearts Too
Big Rhinos Need Big Hearts Too
Big Rhinos Need Big Hearts Too
Big Rhinos Need Big Hearts Too
Big Rhinos Need Big Hearts Too
Big Rhinos Need Big Hearts Too
Big Rhinos Need Big Hearts Too
Big Rhinos Need Big Hearts Too
Big Rhinos Need Big Hearts Too
Big Rhinos Need Big Hearts Too
Big Rhinos Need Big Hearts Too
Big Rhinos Need Big Hearts Too
Big Rhinos Need Big Hearts Too

Project Report | Dec 18, 2025
Esme undergoes another dehorning procedure

By Lente Roode | Project Leader

HESC curator Anya covering Esme's eyes
HESC curator Anya covering Esme's eyes

Gentle soul and superb surrogate mother Esmé still peacefully spends her days with the calves, as well as faithful companions Mielie and Liquorice.

Along with Thaba, Bula, Peter and Mango, she underwent another dehorning procedure in October. While we would prefer never to have to take this step, it does offer an added layer of protection when it comes to keeping rhinos safe from poachers. Esmé was a superstar and was back to her usual self in no time. The dehorning procedure involved darting her to sedate her, covering her eyes with a mask to also help keep her calm, inserting ear plugs to lower the noise of the saw, and then removing the horn as far as possible before smoothing the remaining stump and letting her slowly get back up and move around again.

Angie and Eve couldn’t wait to get to her after being kept outside while she underwent her procedure. They love staying close to her.

Removing Esme's horn
Removing Esme's horn
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Organization Information

Wildlife Conservation Trust

Location: Pretoria - South Africa
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