Rhinos feel fear, stress, and pain when they are being poached. They may try to flee from the poachers or defend themselves, but ultimately they are often overpowered and killed. The poaching process can be extremely traumatic for the rhinos, as they are usually shot with a gun or injured with a sharp object before their horns are brutally removed. The feeling of helplessness and suffering that they experience during the poaching process is likely intense and unbearable. Rhinos are known to be social animals, so they may also feel a sense of loss and grief if they witness other members of their herd being poached.
