Save the Rhino Day

Save the Rhino Day

Save the Rhino Day, on May 1st, is a day not only to bring awareness and education about what exactly is happening with the species as there are major threats to these creatures, but to also learn new things about these animals and celebrate them. 

The Rhino is the second largest land animal in the world and found mostly in Asia and Africa.

Fun Facts About Rhinos

• The name rhinoceros means ‘nose horn’ and is often shortened to rhino.
• There are five different species of rhinoceros, three native to southern Asia and two native to Africa. The Black Rhinoceros, White Rhinoceros, Indian Rhinoceros, Javan Rhinoceros, and Sumatran Rhinoceros.
• All five species of rhinoceros can grow to weigh over 2,200 pounds
• White rhinos can weigh over 7,700 pounds
• White rhinoceroses are generally considered the second largest land mammal (after the elephant).
• Three of the five rhinoceros species are listed as endangered.
• Rhinoceroses have thick, protective skin.
• Relative to their large body size, rhinoceroses have small brains.
• Rhinoceros horns are made from a protein called keratin, the same substance that fingernails and hair are made of.
• Rhinoceroses are herbivores (plant eaters).
• A group of rhinoceroses is called a ‘herd’ or a ‘crash’.
• Despite their name, White Rhinoceroses are actually gray.

Major Threats to Rhinos Include:

Illegal Wildlife Trade: Trading Rhino horns is banned under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Rhino poaching is still a major threat especially in areas of Asia.

Habitat Loss: Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park was once said to have the largest populations of Sumatran rhinos, but due to the forests being taken over by rice, coffee, and other agriculture, land in Zimbabwe that was once a conservatory for Rhinos is being overtaken by people, reducing the amount of safe land for the animals, leading to an increase in poaching. 

Disease: Because the Rhinos land is now used for agriculture, Rhinos are developing diseases that scientists believe were transmitted from the cattle in the parks, leading to an increased number of Rhino deaths.

Here’s How You Can Help

Donate: The World Wildlife Foundation(WWF), is an organization that works to help increase awareness and raise money through donations to protect the Rhinos. When you make a donation in support of the WWF’s global conservation efforts, the foundation gives you a thank you gift in return! For anywhere between $25 and $250 the WWF allows you to symbolically adopt a Rhino, and in return get a stuffed animal version of your new pal, a photo of your Rhino, an Adoption Certificate, and more. All proceeds will support WWF’s efforts around the world.

Educate and Make Change Happen: The WWF and eco18 believe that one of the most important ways to help Rhino conservation is to speak up and join the fight against wildlife crime. Like most other complicated issues, fighting against wildlife crime starts at the government. Here are a few suggestions from WWF on how you can speak up:

• Push governments to protect threatened animal populations by increasing law enforcement, imposing strict deterrents, reducing demand for endangered species products and honoring international commitments made under CITES.
• Speak up on behalf of those on the front lines being threatened by armed poachers so they are properly equipped, trained, and compensated.
• Reduce demand for illegal wildlife parts and products by encouraging others to ask questions and get the facts before buying any wildlife or plant product.

Charities that Support Save the Rhino Day

African Wildlife Foundation
Defenders of Wildlife
International Rhino Foundation
Wildlife Conservation Society
World Wildlife Fund

How to Celebrate Save the Rhino Day

Spend today going to zoos or sanctuaries, the library or lectures and learn more about this strong natured creature. Do activities on the subject: coloring, puzzles, etc. And share all these learning experiences with others.