Rescue in the Bush:
A Young Rhino’s Lucky Escape
Earlier this week, Saving The Survivors was called out to a case that began with great concern—and thankfully, ended with a life saved.
Rangers at the Insimbi reserve had spotted a young Southern White Rhino bull with wire wrapped around his head, neck, and body. The sight of wire on any wild animal instantly raises fears of a snare trap—devices set by poachers to catch smaller game like antelope for bush meat, but which tragically often ensnare and severely injure or kill larger species like elephants, lions, giraffes, and rhinos.
Fearing the worst, the rangers went on high alert, aware that the presence of a snare could mean poachers were active in the area. They contacted our founder and head veterinarian, Dr. Johan Marais, who immediately mobilised to respond.
No Helicopter? Call in the HurleyBird
In situations like this, time is critical. The fastest way to locate and dart a distressed animal in the wild is from the air. Unfortunately, no helicopter support was available. But in the conservation world, collaboration is everything—and we’re lucky to count on friends like Michelle Hurley, the original “HurleyBird,” and her incredible BathHawk anti-poaching plane.
Michelle quickly took to the skies and began scouting the reserve. From the air, she located the rhino and expertly guided Dr. Johan and the rangers—who were navigating off-road in dense bush—directly to the animal’s location.
A Different Kind of Danger
Once on the scene, Dr. Johan was able to get close enough to safely dart the young rhino. As the team moved in to cut the wire, it quickly became clear that this wasn’t a poacher’s snare after all. The wire was fence wire, and the rhino—about 3.5 years old—had evidently charged through a fence, becoming entangled in the process.
The change in atmosphere was immediate. What had started as a high-stress emergency with potential poaching threats turned into a focused rescue effort, aimed at freeing this young bull and ensuring he could return safely to his crash.
A Lucky Break
Thanks to the rangers’ vigilance, the wire had not yet caused significant injury. But it easily could have—fence wire and snares alike can cut deep into skin and muscle, causing long-term damage, infection, and often death. We’ve seen the worst, and we know how lucky this rhino was to have been spotted in time.
Thank You for Making This Possible
This rescue was only possible because of the dedicated people involved—and the generosity of those who support us.
To the Insimbi management, staff and rangers, who noticed something was wrong and acted fast: thank you.
To Michelle Hurley, who always answers the call to help wildlife in need: we are deeply grateful.
And to you, our loyal supporters: this young rhino is alive today because of your donations.
Saving The Survivors is 100% donor funded. Every rescue, every recovery, every life saved depends on your continued support.
If you’d like to help us be ready for the next emergency, please consider donating today.
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Together, we are saving the survivors.
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