Cruel But Necessary
Dr. Johan Marais on Dehorning Rhinos to Save Them
At STS, we are often faced with heartbreaking decisions in our mission to protect endangered wildlife. One such measure is dehorning rhinos — a controversial but increasingly necessary action taken to prevent these magnificent animals from being killed by poachers. Recently, our founder and lead veterinarian, Dr. Johan, shared his thoughts and field experience in an in-depth interview with Salon, now featured on Yahoo News.
“Most vets will tell you that we hate to dehorn these animals,” Dr. Marais told Salon, “but because of the current situation, it’s one of the tools that we have to use.”
In the article, Dr. Marais explains the complexities of rhino conservation in today’s world — from the painful realities of poaching, where he has treated rhinos with “half their faces hacked off,” to the hard decisions conservationists must make to prevent such suffering.
While dehorning is not a permanent solution — horns grow back, and poaching still occurs — recent research shows that it can significantly reduce poaching rates. The article also explores broader issues including inequality, corruption, and the global demand for rhino horn, all of which fuel this crisis.
Dr. Marais also speaks to the importance of reinvesting in conservation, even considering regulated sales of stored rhino horn to fund better security and habitat protection.
“Maybe, just maybe, it will make a difference,” he says.
We encourage all of our supporters, partners, and fellow conservationists to read the full article and understand the complex, sometimes painful, decisions made every day in the fight to save one of the world’s most iconic species.
Read the full interview by clicking HERE
Thank you for standing with us, and with the rhinos.
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