Hanging rhinos upside down by their hooves is important for their survival! I know, it sounds like the opening to a bad joke and you’re probably waiting for the punch line. But the story is real. New research has found that dangling rhino’s upside down from helicopters is actually good for their health! These enormous animals are critically endangered with poachers hunting them for their hide and horns. Because of this they often need to be moved to wilderness areas with no road access. But transporting them is tricky, requiring the need for tranquilizers. They are then airlifted by their feet, allowing for swifter and safer transport. Though done for a decade, there is always concern that the use of strong opioids combined with hanging them upside down could exacerbate negative side effects. However, the research shows that this procedure actually improves pulmonary function and ventilation.

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