World Rhino Day was first celebrated on September 22, 2011, but was first announced by World Wildlife South Africa in 2010. It took the joint effort of Lisa Jane Campbell of Chishakwe Ranch in Zimbabwe and Rhishja Cota to pull this feat off in 2011. With the increasing rates of poaching of rhinoceros species, it was imperative to call together cause-related organizations, wildlife conservation centers, N.G.O.s, zoos, and concerned individuals to seek effective ways to stop rhino poaching and possibly preserve endangered species.
Rhinos are large mammals belonging to the rhinocerotidae family. They have no natural predators except humans. Rhino species worldwide are threatened and are on the brink of extinction, with more than 7,000 rhinos lost to poaching between 2008 and 2017 in South Africa, which is home to over 70% of the world’s rhino population. In 2011, the African black rhino species was declared extinct.
Every day, approximately three rhinos are killed and poached for their horns. Poachers use tranquilizers to disable the rhinos and inhumanely cut off their horns. The rhinos are then left to bleed to death. Anti-poaching efforts have been frustrated, as most poachers are armed with sophisticated weapons and blinded by greed to see the pain inflicted on the poor creatures. World Rhino Day is the perfect opportunity for us all to stand against the trade of rhino horns and preserve these incredibly magnificent creatures.
Under The Harvest Moon 