Absolutely disgusting...
A rhinoceros at a Paris zoo has been shot dead by poachers overnight.
The poachers broke into Thoiry Zoo last night and shot the rhinoceros four times in the head before cutting off his horn with a chainsaw.
The victim was Vince, a four-year-old male rhinoceros, and his second horn was partially torn off which indicates that the perpetrators may have been interrupted during the break in.
A source told
Le Parisien newspaper that it is believed the poachers were targeting all three animals but were disturbed and did not have time to kill the other two animals. Thankfully, they are both safe and sound.
Rhino horns are extremely valuable with local media reporting that they can sell for in excess of €50,000 to the right buyer. They're extremely popular in China with many believing them to have aphrodisiacal qualities.
In a Facebook post, the zoo said that they were shocked by the events and were very upset over the incident, particularly his keeper who had looked after him.
An investigation is underway into the incident but at the moment, no arrests have been made.
