rhino update

1004.

1004 rhinos were poached in South Africa last year. That is nearly 3 per day! 343 poachers were arrested.

86.

86 rhinos were poached in South Africa in January. Yep, 86 in one month. 21 poachers have been arrested.

You might remember from my last rhino post that the illegal trade of their horns fuels poaching. Asian countries, primarily China and Vietnam, believe the horn has medicinal properties (i.e. a hangover cure) and pay a very high price to get the horns. However, the horns have no medicinal value and are actually similar to human fingernails. Just think: rhinos could be wiped out because of a ficticious hangover cure. So, so sad. The key to conservation is to decrease demand through education - by spreading the word that the rhino horn does not cure anything.

Have you seen this PSA that Price William, David Beckham and Yao Ming made? Note: this YouTube video link might not work on your iPhones and iPads because you need Flash, but it will on a normal computer. You can also search it on YouTube.

If you are interested in adopting a rhino or donating to the Save the Rhino conservation effort, here is a link to help you get started. DO IT!!!!!!  Save the Rhino donation link

Love,

Jess & Mat