Dr Peter Morkel has spent a few days in Mkomazi, firstly to change the transmitters in
the horns of the 3 x Czech rhino. The original transmitter life-spans were coming to an
end. It was quite an intensive day, at least 10 hours field work. The Rhino Sanctuary
personnel were outstanding as always, with Fred Ayo on Pete's right hand side and Semu
Pallangyo tracking the rhinos and directing the men in the field.

Pete started darting Jamie, the oldest bull (4 years old). It is extremely difficult to get a
dart into a rhino in this very thick bush but Pete made a successful shot, Jamie ran for
about 4 minutes and then came down under a tree. The guys cleared the area where he
had come down, Pete got to work immediately and one hour later Jamie was brought
round again.

Pete then went back to do Deborah (who is always with Jamie). He got the dart in and
she ran for about 5 minutes so it took quite some time to find her with 11 guys spanning a
huge area. The spanner in the works was Jamie who was on guard. So they had to work
extra hard to get round him and get to Deborah. They succeeded and again one hour
later Deborah was brought round with a new transmitter.

Pete then did Jabu, the youngest bull (3 years old). The dart went in successfully and his
transmitter was replaced.

IMAGE with caption (Clearing the area around the rhino after he has come down.
Chain saws and pangas used.)

IMAGE with caption (Moving the body so that the legs and head are in the best position)

IMAGE with caption (Pete Morkel preparing)

IMAGE with caption (Jabu sedated. Horn transmitter replaced and
secured into place with dental acrylic. Masking
tape wrapped around the horn.)

IMAGE with caption (Drilling into the horn. Fred holding the rhino head)

IMAGE with caption (Drilled hole ready to take the transmitter. Semu
holding the rhino head.)

IMAGE with caption (Head resting on a log. Horn about to be drilled. Monitors on the breathing and oxygen levels)

Pete holding the dental acrylic in place on the front horn whilst it sets. Penieli in the background with a bottle of
tick medication which each rhino was washed down with.

Each rhino was checked over thoroughly and washed down for ticks whilst sedated.