Obama envoy outraged by rhino-kill scene

SKUKUZA – On a whistle-stop visit to the Kruger National Park (KNP) at the weekend, accompanied by the SA minister of environmental affairs, Ms Edna Molewa, US Secretary of the Interior, Ms Sally Jewell witnessed first-hand the aftermath of a rhino-poaching incident. A 15-year-old male white rhino had been found slaughtered near Skukuza two days earlier. Jewell attended the scene, where Mr Frik Rossouw, head of environmental crime investigation in the KNP, and his team were processing the forensic evidence.

Visibly moved, Jewell – co-chairman of President Barack Obama’s task force on wildlife trafficking – reaffirmed her country’s steadfast commitment to help South Africa fight “the scourge” of poaching. “I am heartbroken,” said Jewell. “We are working hard to eliminate poaching, but we need to work harder. There is corruption in every country, because there is so much money in it.”

Jewell presented Molewa with a gift of R75 000’s worth of anti-poaching equipment, including night-vision goggles. The US has already given SA around

R5 million to assist in the efforts to eliminate poaching. Jewell said the US was not blameless when it came to the slaughter of rhinos and other endangered animals. “We are a transit centre and we are a demand centre. Some of the poached products end up on the US market.

“South Africa has done such great work to bring the white rhino back from the brink of extinction. It is so sad to see this. Primarily this visit is about building relationships between our two countries. We have to work together. It is an international issue that demands international attention.

“I think every country in the world could do a better job. This iconic species has deep meaning in the ecosystems of the world.” Jewell was on the last leg of a tour that included Gabon and Kenya, where she formalised new partnerships in the global fight to combat the illegal trade in wildlife. Molewa said, “This battle can’t be won by government alone. We need to get our communities into empowerment programmes so that they are not lured by rhino poaching.

“Since the integrated-management approach was introduced many of those attempting to poach our animals are being pushed back by our rangers. I am very happy the world is supporting our efforts. I would like to express our appreciation to all those who join us in the war against poaching. No donation can be regarded as small. Help us change mindsets, and change habits so that animals like these are not only seen in history books in the future.”

On Saturday Jewell accompanied chief SANParks veterinarian, Dr Marcus Hofmeyr, during an exercise to dart and examine a female black rhino. She assisted the vet during the procedure. Afterwards she told Lowvelder, “Three days ago I was at an elephant orphanage in Kenya, patting the stomach of a baby elephant. But I have never encountered anything like this (being in close proximity to the black rhino).

“What incredible work is being done here by the scientists and anti-poaching guards and veterinarians. I feel a blend of sadness and anger that we as human beings can kill these magnificent animals. It is an outrage.”

Molewa said of the visit by Jewell, “The R5 million already donated by the US was put towards three programmes looking at empowerment, surveillance, tracking and security. We are working together to identify further areas of cooperation. It has been very good to spend this time with the US Secretary of the Interior. We understand each other. When your hearts are on the same side, you understand each other immediately. International cooperation is key to bringing perpetrators and the kingpins of poaching syndicates to justice.”