A wildlife ranger died from injuries after a black rhino attacked him at Save Valley Conservancy. Knowledge Mudzimureka worked for the anti-poaching team and passed away Sunday at age 37. The man fought for his life during two weeks of hospital treatment. Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority confirmed the death.
The attack happened May 26 during a routine patrol mission. Mudzimureka and another ranger tracked a different rhino through the conservancy. The pair surprised a mother rhino with her baby calf. The angry animal charged at both men without warning.
The rhino injured Mudzimureka across his stomach and left lung. The animal also hurt his head, shoulder and knee during the attack. Medical crews flew him to a Harare hospital for emergency treatment. Doctors performed two major operations to save his life.
Save Valley Conservancy operates as one of Africa's largest private wildlife reserves. The facility sits across southeastern Zimbabwe and protects endangered animals. Rangers work daily to stop poachers and monitor rhino populations. Zimparks spokesman Tinashe Farawo said doctors had expressed hope before the ranger died.
The attack happened May 26 during a routine patrol mission. Mudzimureka and another ranger tracked a different rhino through the conservancy. The pair surprised a mother rhino with her baby calf. The angry animal charged at both men without warning.
The rhino injured Mudzimureka across his stomach and left lung. The animal also hurt his head, shoulder and knee during the attack. Medical crews flew him to a Harare hospital for emergency treatment. Doctors performed two major operations to save his life.
Save Valley Conservancy operates as one of Africa's largest private wildlife reserves. The facility sits across southeastern Zimbabwe and protects endangered animals. Rangers work daily to stop poachers and monitor rhino populations. Zimparks spokesman Tinashe Farawo said doctors had expressed hope before the ranger died.
