Nine-month-old rhinoceros called Vuma (C) rests with two others rhinoceros at the animal orphanage of Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve on July 21, 2010 in South Africa. The animal orphanage recently welcomed Vuma, who was orphaned after poachers hacked off his mother's horn and left her dead.
- [Stephane De Sakutin/AFP/Getty Images]

To protect rhinos from poachers, veterinarians begin a new experimental treatment on Spencer the rhino's horn at a private game reserve near Johannesburg, South Africa.
- [Erin Conway-Smith/GlobalPost]

In the treatment process, a DNA sample is taken, and holes are drilled in the rhino's horn. Then the horn is infused with an indelible dye and an anti-parastic drug that is toxic to humans if consumed. A microchip and tracking device are also inserted.
- [Erin Conway-Smith/GlobalPost]

A veterinarian drills into the rhino's horn. Conservationists hope the toxic drug will lessen the demand for rhino ivory.
- [Erin Conway-Smith/GlobalPost]

The rhino is rolled over by park rangers during the procedure.
- [Erin Conway-Smith/GlobalPost]

The southern white rhinoceros can weigh over 7,000 pounds.
- [Erin Conway-Smith/GlobalPost]

A veterinarian takes the sedated rhino's pulse from a vein on its ear. The rhino's ears are stuffed with cotton to muffle sounds, and a towel is wrapped around its eyes to keep it calm.
- [Erin Conway-Smith/GlobalPost]

A veterinarian measures the hole that was drilled into the rhino's horn. Sadly, Spencer the rhino did not recover from the tranquilizer and died. An autopsy showed that he had a weak heart.
- [Erin Conway-Smith/GlobalPost]