Kruger National Park

Archived News

Media Release: SANParks dispels Beeld report on destroyed rhino DNA samples

Date: 2013-02-18

KNP spokesperson, William Mabasa said on the weekend of 13 October 2012, only seven collected DNA samples decomposed due to a power failure experienced at Skukuza Airport and not 60 as reported in the paper. "It is important to note that the samples that went off included blood, tissues and part of a rhino ear, and as result of this loss a new sample was collected to replace the one that decomposed."

Mabasa said apart from the samples that are prone to decomposition other samples can be collected from tail hair and toe nails which would not in any case decompose. "Therefore an insinuation that data was lost is far from the truth and misleading based on hearsay."

According to Mabasa measures have been put in place to ensure that when power failure is experienced an alarm will go off to alert the authorities. "It must be noted that samples are not kept indefinitely at this facility in KNP. "The facility is merely used as a holding place until they are moved to Ondestepoort in Pretoria for further process and data collection."

The fight against rhino poaching will not be detracted by this side shows, designed to create confusion and mistrust. "We are confident in winning this war and invite members of the media to verify their facts before publicizing," concludes Mabasa.

Released by:
Reynold Thakhuli: GM: Media Liaison, Telephone: 012 426 5170 Mobile: 073 373 4999 e-mail: rey.thakhuli@sanparks.org

For Media Enquiries:
William Mabasa, Kruger National Park: Head of PR & Marketing, Tel: 013 735 4363 Mobile: 082 807 3919 e-mail: william.mabasa@sanparks.org
Ike Phaahla, Media Specialist, Tel: 012 426 5315 Mobile: 083 673 6974 e-mail: isaac.phaahla@sanparks.org