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2005: The World in Our Hands - Highly Commended Print

Matthias Graben Enlarge image White rhino - sold

Matthias Graben (Germany)

White rhino - sold

Once a year, the world's biggest auction of African wildlife takes place in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa - animals destined for wildlife parks and zoos. In 2003, when Matthias covered the event for a feature story, a white rhino was sold alongside more common species such as antelopes, zebras and giraffes. White rhinos were brought close to extinction because of poaching for their horn. Here, an official checks a microchip that has been implanted into the rhino's front horn to enable it to be identified should it be sold or killed. A tranquilliser dart sticks in its neck - preparation for transport to its new owner.

Nikon F90x with 24mm lens; 1/125 sec at f5.6; Fujichrome Sensia 100.

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