Aquila Private Game Reserve has reported a close encounter with poachers at its 7 500-hectare reserve in the Western Cape.

Aquila is home to the Big 5 and has a large, family group of five rhinos, two of which are thought to be pregnant. Aquila previously received much press coverage when the first two rhino were born in the Western Cape since the Big 5 were shot out near Cape Town 250 years ago.

On November 29 at around 21h00, a helicopter flew approximately 25-50 metres over the reserve, making two passes with 15-minute intervals and then disappeared.

The chopper appeared to be using night vision as its lights were off, except for one small red light. Rangers and security were immediately dispatched to the rhino to create a presence as a deterrent, said the reserve in a statement.

“The South African Police were called. They arrived at 22h00 and two of their members were taken into the veld to assist our effort. We immediately contacted the South African Defence Force to see if there were any military or air-force operations in the area and we established that there were not, nor could we find any lodged flight plans.

“Irrespective, I am led to believe that Aquila, being a game reserve, enjoys a 1 000 metre flight free zone. The military also informed us that it was illegal to fly over our area,” said Owner, Searl Derman. “Management and staff have previously been briefed on the modus operand and risk of rhino poaching and we believe that their quick actions served as a deterrent. “The rhino poaching crisis is of immense concern to us. We are sparing no expense or effort ensuring the safety of our animals. They will be under 24-hour surveillance and protection.  This will not be an easy task as there are over 7 500 hectares of valleys, rivers, mountains and kloofs that need to be patrolled. I am not in a position to reveal our extensive security measures but I can say that we have invested in a radar forewarning system. I am very proud of our astute managers and brave staff whose reaction time averted a potential tragedy,” concluded Derman.