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WHAT WE DO
Our Mission
The dehorning of African White and Black Rhinos
Our Focus Area
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi, KZN, South Africa
Why Dehorning
The street value of rhino horns has soared to about $65,000 a kilogram (2.2 pounds), making it more expensive than gold, platinum, diamonds and in many cases cocaine, especially in Vietnam and China.
No horn, no poaching.
Why is the rhino horn so valuable?
Due to their perceived medicinal and status-symbol properties, particularly in some Asian cultures. Despite no scientific evidence, the horns are ground into powder and used to treat various ailments or gifted as a symbol of wealth and social standing. This demand fuels the illegal poaching of rhinos, making their horns more valuable than gold or cocaine in some markets.
What is Rhino Horn made of?
Rhino horn is primarily made of keratin, the same protein that forms human hair and fingernails. Unlike the horns of many other animals, rhino horns do not have a bony core. They are solely composed of densely packed keratin fibers.
How de we dehorn a rhino?
Dehorning rhinos involves a multi-step process to remove their horns, primarily as a measure to deter poaching. The procedure involves sedating the rhino, covering its eyes and ears, and then using a chainsaw to cut off the horn, followed by smoothing and sealing the stump. This is done because rhino horns, made of keratin like human fingernails, grow back and need to be periodically trimmed. Dehorning needs to be repeated periodically, typically every 12 to 24 months, to remain effective. This adds to the long-term cost.
The dehorning Procedure
Rhinos are usually darted from a helicopter (or occasionally from the ground in smaller reserves). Once the anesthetic has set in, a ground team approaches and important checks are made and samples are taken, as well as the animal’s eyes and ears covered to prevent disturbance.
A pen is used to mark the point of horn removal, usually around 7cm from the base of the front horn and 5cm from the base of the back horn. A chainsaw or hand-saw is used to remove the rhino’s horns above these lines. Usually around 90-93% of horn is removed, being trimmed just above the germinal layer (an important cell layer that supports horn re-growth). The trimmed stump is smoothed and covered with Stockholm tar to prevent cracking and drying.
Is it Painful for the Rhino?
No, dehorning doesn't hurt the animal – it's like cutting fingernails or trimming horses' hooves.
How much does it cost to dehorn a rhino?
The cost to dehorn a rhino can vary depending on several factors, but estimates suggest it typically costs between $1,200 and $1,500 USD per animal.
The estimating cost factors are:
- Locating the rhinos on foot, vehicles, horseback, and helicopters
- Specialized Wildlife Veterinarians
- The terrain
- Helicopters and Pilots
- Specialized Veterinary Equipment for darting and sedating
- Ground Crew
WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT
Become Our HERO
Your donations and contributions, it does not matter if it's big or small, will enable us to meet our goals and fund our mission.
GAT Foundation is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
all your donations are tax deductible
CONTACT US
Hours
Mon | 09:00 am – 05:00 pm | |
Tue | 09:00 am – 05:00 pm | |
Wed | 09:00 am – 05:00 pm | |
Thu | 09:00 am – 05:00 pm | |
Fri | 09:00 am – 05:00 pm | |
Sat | Closed | |
Sun | Closed |
OUR CORPORATE VALUES
GROWTH - Continually Learn, Unlearn, and Relearn.
REALITY – Recognize that Everything Worthwhile is Uphill.
HUMILITY - We Recognize that we Need Others.
EFFORT – We go Outside our Comfort Zone.
TRUSTWORTHINESS – We will get the Job Done.
GENEROSITY – Give First, Give Continually.
COMPETENCE – The Ability to Lead Well.
COURAGE - Move Forward Courageously in the Midst of Uncertainty.
CONSISTENCY – Trying to do Well all the Time, not just Sometimes.
CHARACTER – Being Bigger on the Inside than the Outside.
INTEGRITY – The Alignment of our Values and Actions.
LOVE – We Care.
GAT Foundation INC.
2682 M33 HWY, CHEBOYGAN, MI 49721
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