Poachers Kill Rhino at French Zoo, and a Rare Giant Elephant in Kenya

 

Wildlife trafficking and seizure of animal parts have increased dramatically in the past few years, as demands from black markets like Vietnam increased. The country where rhino horn is believed to have aphrodisiac properties. The illegal wildlife trade is worth tens of billions of dollars each year.

Rhino horn: over $60,000/kg (2014)

Elephant ivory: $2,142/kg (2014)

It is contributing to the extinction of tigers, bears, elephants, and hundreds of other amazing species. Many non-governmental organizations and government agencies are strengthening anti-trafficking enforcement in the field around the world. However, illegal hunters always find a way to harm and kill animals.  A rhino named Vince has been shot 3 times in the head by poachers at a zoo at Thoiry zoo, France in what is believed to be the first such incident in Europe.  Keepers found the four-year-old white rhino, dead in his enclosure with one of his horns hacked by a chainsaw. The other zoo's two white rhinos "escaped the massacre", the Thoiry zoo revealed. The attack took place despite security cameras and the presence of five members of zoo staff. An investigation has been launched into Vince's death but it is not yet known what kind of weapon was used.

Another killing happened in Kenya, where a rare 50-year-old 'giant tusker' elephant was found dead on Monday. Satao II, named after another 'giant tusker' who was killed in 2014, was killed by poachers after they shot him with a poisoned arrow. Two poachers believed to be responsible for the killing were apprehended before they could cut off its ivory. The elephant was beloved by visitors to the Tsavo National Park where he roamed. The huge animals are called tuskers because of their impressive long tusks. Unfortunately, Only 25 of these rare elephants are left in the world.