Durban - Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife says the two white rhinos that had escaped from the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park have been located and are expected to be returned back to the reserve by Wednesday.
The community around the park yesterday said they were on edge following the news of the escape of the rhinos. They escaped on Tuesday.
The community claimed other animals had escaped from the reserve before and residents are growing increasingly concerned about their safety and the security of the park.
Ezemvelo spokesperson Musa Mntambo said the rhinos should be back in the park by later on Wednesday.
“Yes, it's true. Reports of two white rhinos were received yesterday. We looked for them on Tuesday but did not see them.
“This morning (Wednesday) our guys received a message from the locals on the same rhinos. We now are aware where they are. Our rangers and police are now guarding them as our game capture team gets ready to capture them within the next hour or two,” he said.
The community of Nqulwane located next to the reserve said they were fearful the animals might harm humans and were even more fearful that these animals had escaped into the community from the reserve.
“We are warning all Nqulwane community members and nearby communities to watch out for the white rhinos that escaped from Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park,” they said in a statement.