EASTERN Cape conservation officials on Tuesday denied that 35-year-old Tom, South Africa’s oldest white rhino, would be auctioned as a hunting trophy to raise R200000 for nature conservation in the province. Tom is believed to have the longest rhino horn in Africa. Jaap Pienaar, Eastern Cape conservation assistant director said the idea was considered, but no decision was ever taken. The 300ha Thomas Baines Nature Reserve is no longer suitable for rhinos because of a mineral deficiency in the soil, he said. A number of rhino calves born in the reserve have died and it is likely that a remaining calf and cow will be relocated to a more suitable reserve. Amid a public outcry, the Wildlife Action Group has said it will raise the R200000 to rescue the rhino, if necessary.
16