Police to visit UK zoos in security boost after poachers kill rhino and cut off horn in France

Heightened security: Greater one-horned rhinos in Whipsnade Zoo in 2013.
Getty Images
Francesca Gillett9 March 2017

Security has been heightened at zoos and wildlife parks across the UK after poachers shot dead a white rhino at a French zoo.

Police are now planning to visit every wildlife centre in Britain that houses rhinos following the attack.

The head of National Wildlife Crime Unit in Britain, Ch Insp Martin Sims, told the Guardian police officers were to visit zoos to “discuss security and any reassurance or patrolling that needs doing”.

He said both the safety of the animals and the workforce were at stake if firearms are being used, as was the case in Thoiry zoo where the rhino suffered three bullets to its head.

The Zoological Society of London said it will be bolstering security patrols at Whipsnade zoo in Bedfordshire where it has a herd of rhinos.

A spokesman said in the Guardian: “These animals are kept in secure enclosures guarded by full-time security teams, who also conduct regular patrols across the zoo.

Vince the rhino was found dead in its enclosure

“Our security teams at ZSL London zoo and ZSL Whipsnade zoo are aware of this tragic incident and will be increasing their on-site patrols.”

The rhino horn which was taken in the French attack could make up to £35,000 when it is sold illegally.

Rhino horns are believed to be an aphrodisiac and are popular in China and Vietnam.

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