If you thought that was a lot, the following will make your head explode...

New heights reached at 2011 Thaba Tholo auction
September 2011

On 21 September, Thabazimbi in Limpopo province was a hub of excitement as it played host to the 2011 Thaba Tholo animal auction.

The Etana Wildlife and Tourism team was on hand to provide the necessary insurance cover for the auctioning process that took place.

"For these events the Etana Wildlife and Tourism product line provides a cover path for clients," mentions Joan Jackson, who heads this team. "We insure the animals from the time they are captured, kept within a boma facility, transported and located at the auction house, and handed over to the buyer. We also provide 14days cover following step-off."

At this year's auction the main attraction was the auction of a highly prized buffalo bull. Going by the name Senatla, this nine-year-old possesses impressive traits, and rangers and experts in the field remarked that he is an exceptional breeding bull in terms of pedigree.

"At previous events, bids for animals have surpassed the million rand mark," says Joan. "This showcases the interest in this industry and how business is thriving. At the 2010 Thaba Tholo auction the highest sale was an impressive R9-million. This year was simply incredible. Senatla's final selling price was R18-million, a new record at any auction."

These events created a general excitement among all who attended the auction. The wildlife and tourism industry is a vibrant one, and wildlife such as Senatla the record-breaking buffalo bull highlight the potential.

Etana Wildlife and Tourism valued the event as an opportunity to gain further understanding of the amount individuals will spend at auctions to secure highly sought-after animals.

Source: etana.co.za

NOTE: The above mentioned record selling bull has a spread of 50 inches, and has massive bosses. But, IIRC, the genes for the horns are passed on by the females.