South Africa’s Wildlife Forensic Academy fights poaching
Investigators are being taught to preserve crime scenes and seek justice for animals like rhinos
South Africa’s Wildlife Forensic Academy has trained more than 500 people. Photo: AFPThe Wildlife Forensic Academy in South Africa is a school that helps stop poaching.
The school has real stuffed animals to show students the importance of their work. One is a rhino named “Frikkie”, who was killed by poachers.
Phil Snijman, a trainer at the academy, said the first people at a poaching crime scene are very important. They protect the area so essential clues are not lost.
South Africa is facing a poaching crisis. More than 10,000 rhinos have been killed since 2007, but not many poachers are caught and punished in court. Even then, they often do not get a strong punishment.
Since opening in 2022, the academy has trained more than 500 people. Their fees help local rangers train for free.