One-horned rhino killed in self-defense by Nepal Army patrol in Chitwan National Park

Chitwan. A one-horned rhinoceros was killed after a Nepal Army patrol team, deployed for security in Chitwan National Park, opened fire in self-defense following an attack.

According to a press release issued by the Chitwan National Park office on Friday, the incident occurred on Thursday at approximately 12:50 PM when a team from the Sri Naya Gorakh Battalion encountered a female one-horned rhino with a sub-adult calf in the park's core area.

Despite attempts to take safety measures, the rhino suddenly attacked a soldier. The team initially fired 10 rounds into the air to deter the animal. When the rhino did not retreat, an additional 4 rounds were fired into the air.

As the attack continued, the team fired 2 rounds to save the life of the injured soldier. The park office stated that one of the bullets struck the rhino in the ribs above the abdomen, resulting in its death at the scene.

The injured soldier was airlifted by a Nepal Army helicopter to the Birendra Military Hospital in Chhauni, Kathmandu, where he is currently receiving intensive care.

The press release, signed by Park Information Officer Abinash Thapamagar, stated that the security personnel were forced to open fire to protect their lives.