STAFF at Knowsley Safari Park have been keeping up a constant ‘poacher watch’ over their herd of seven rhinos after the price for the animals’ horns reached a staggering £25,000 a kilo.
After the soaring cost of rhino horn in the Far East, zoos and safari parks in the UK, including Knowsley, have been put on red alert over concerns they could be the target for ruthless poachers.
It follows a warning from the National Wildlife Crime Unit over increasing worries that the soaring prices could prove tempting for criminals.
However David Ross, general manager at Knowsley Safari Park, said he was confident that their security measures, which were already in place, are more than adequate.
He said: “Yes, we were given a warning. It’s unbelievable the price of this on the black market.
“It costs around $40,000 (£25,000) a kilo, and people are going to great lengths to get it.
“Poaching has gone up from a relatively low level to more than 400 animals last year.
“The demand dictates the price. These people kill the rhino and saw off the horn. Unfortunately everything has a price.
“Ours here are particularly secure. We have seven at the moment and they are breeding like mad.
“We have strict security, with several people living on site who constantly monitor them. We were already ahead before the warnings.”
He stressed that thefts of animals from some zoos is common, especially birds and in particular parrots.
He added: “But when people are willing to pay ridiculous prices for rhino horn, that’s some weight to have on your nose!”
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