When hyenas noticed that this rhino was in bad condition, they looked to take advantage. So, the hyenas pulled the rhino’s tail off and started biting a hole in its backside.
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Danie Bester, a frequent Kruger visitor, filmed this very rare sighting and shared their story with us.
It was during an early morning drive that Danie saw the hyena pack and rhinos together. Initially dismissing it as a rare, but routine sighting. That changed when he noticed some of the hyenas targeting one of the rhinos in the back!
Danie quickly stopped, and he could see how the hyenas were persistently biting at the rhino’s hindquarters. After taking a closer look, Danie noticed that there was an underlying injury.
The rhino had a terrible limp, and this was likely the reason for the hyenas’ bold attack. As Danie began filming, one hyena tore the rhino’s tail right off its rump while others bit at the open wound.

The injured rhino tried to fend them off, with the two other rhinos staying close but offering minimal assistance. The attack lasted about seven minutes before the rhinos all bolted toward the riverbed
The hyenas gave chase, and that’s when Danie lost visual. Leaving everyone with lots of questions about the uncertain outcome!
A ranger who was also at the sighting reported it, and park veterinarians later found and darted the injured rhino.
A Sad Conclusion
The vets found that the rhino’s leg was badly broken, likely from a fight with another bull. Unfortunately, they determined the injury was untreatable and decided to euthanize the animal.