This article explores rhino poaching in South Africa. Government reports show that poaching nearly doubled in 2025 within Kruger National Park, where 175 rhinos were killed compared to 88 the year before. However, the nationwide figures tell a different story: across the whole country, the number of poached rhinos actually dropped by 16% in 2025, with a total of 352 animals killed. The Ministry of the Environment credits this national decline to dehorning programs, where horns are removed to discourage hunters, and better detection technology. Meanwhile, Kruger National Park recently fired seven staff members after employees were required to take polygraph or lie-detector tests.