We have read with interest the paper by Alibhai, Jewell & Towindo: Effects of immobilization on fertility in female black rhino (Diceros bicornis) (J. Zool. Lond. (2001). 253: 333--345). As conservation professionals who have devoted our careers to serving the needs of endangered species while employing only the highest standards of veterinary care, we feel it necessary to point out that Alibhai, Jewell & Towindo's experimental design, selection of data for analysis, and basic conclusions may be flawed in several critical ways.