A Special Way to Save These Special Rhinos

In South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana, black rhinos are safely relocated by helicopter, dangling from their feet. This tried-and-tested solution is increasingly being used by conservationists to save the critically endangered horned herbivore.

“Airborne inversion is the safest option,” explains Robin Radcliffe, associate professor of wildlife and conservation medicine at Cornell University. “The anatomy of the rhino means it is, remarkably, able to breathe comfortably upside down. The great thing about lifting the rhinos upside down by their feet is that they’re aerodynamic themselves.”

Researchers and conservationists used two main helicopters to transport black rhinos: the cost-effective Airbus AS350 AStar and the military-grade UH1-H Huey. The former is a small and cost-effective helicopter readily available in South Africa. Black rhinos are moved for three reasons: to protect them against poaching, for monitoring purposes, and to ensure their genetic population is as diverse as possible. The WWF South Africa Black Rhino Range Expansion Project has translocated some 270 rhinos, of which 160 have been airlifted. Once the rhino is immobilized through a potent opioid and a tranquillizer, it is hung by its legs. The animal can then extend its head and neck downwards, straightening its spine. Eventually, the technique used to airlift large ungulates – or large mammals with hooves – upside down could be applied to other species like elephants and some endangered antelopes.