Save the Rhino - Let's forget about the whales for now Warning Explicit content!!
I know all countries have their own problems and yet another good thing about the STEEMIT platform is that there are now an audience to raise awareness of the terrible things that are happening across the world. Please note that this posts contains very graphic images of Rhino's that was slaughtered. Unfortunately I do not believe that there is any other way of really bringing this to the attention of the rest of the world without showing these graphic images! These images a freely available on the internet!
One of Africa's many problems and this is a serious problem!
Poachers are killing Rhino's to the extend, that our children will not be able to see any rhino's within the next few years. The killing is about the horn's as there is a mystical believe that the Rhino horn contains healing power. The horn of an African Rhino can weigh anything from 1-3Kg's and it is currently being sold for up to $100 000/Kg
Rhino's are being slaughtered, the horns removed and sold at incredible rates for a few reasons:
Rhino horn was prescribed by the Chinese as a medicine for liver problems and fevers as early as 1800 years ago. Luckily it was removed from Chinese prescriptions in the early 90's. This made a massive difference in the rate of poaching and only 15 rhinos were killed for their horns between 1990 and 2007.
Then the killing surged to an unforgiving rate of around 1.4 killings average per day!
2008 - 83 Killings
2009 - 220 Killings
2012 it hit 668 Killings!
2014 - 1004 Killings!!
2015 - 1336 Killings and still counting the killings in 2016!!!
So what happened in 2008 that started the killing spree...
In early 2000 a rumour started in Vietnam that using Rhino horn cured cancer of one of their politicians and the rumour is still active today. Well respected doctors in Vietnam still prescribes Rhino horn as a cure for Cancer. Note that Rhino horn is made of a protein called Keratin, which is exactly what normal human hair and nails are made off. The amount of millionaires in Vietnam grew more than 145% over the same period. Is all of this just for personal wealth creation?
Guess what another craze in Vietnam is that Rhino Horn is a party drug as it is apparently good for the liver … Now we are back with the Chinese believes of more than 1800 years ago!!
People from across the world are trying to take stance against the poaching of Rhino's for their horns. Another fact is that Rhino Horn are now more expensive than most of the street drugs we all know, like heroin and cocaine. In fact it is a symbol of status to own Rhino Horn in Vietnam even though it is illegal to buy Rhino Horn in Vietnam. It is very difficult to come up with a solution to the problem if people are buying it without even being legal.
I am calling on all Vietnamese People who is using Steemit to please assist in spreading the message that the purchasing of Rhino Horn must please be stopped!!! And in turn the killing of these poor animals will hopefully be reduced dramatically. Please I am not judging anyone, I am just highlighting the facts of of what is happening to these animals in order for anyone to purchase Rhino Horn.
All of us have a responsibility to ensure that the necessary steps are taken against the poaching. Just think what happens to the babies of these animals when there mother is killed!!!
If you want to participate in the fight against Rhino Poaching please donate here :
This is just terrible!
Yes, and the problem is that we are doing everything we can to try and stop this. But everyday on the news we just hear of another killing!
No lunch for me now!
Feel the same way @gavvet. The only thing we can do is make people aware of what is actually happening!
Thanks for sharing this ongoing atrocity with the community.
I noticed you mentioned both the Chinese and Vietnamese and was wondering what other countries have high demand for rhino horn?
Hi @tncreative , I actually felt bad on mentioning the names of these two nations, but didn't know how else to get the point across. I personally have many Chinese friends. My path has not crossed with many Vietnamese yet. From what I understand it is mostly Asian countries. Yemen and South Korea is also mentioned quite a lot... I do however believe that when buying Rhino Horn, people do not really think of how it was actually processed and got to the market where they are buying.
There's no need to feel bad, as it highlights the countries with high demand and helps us better understand what is driving poaching. My question was truly more out of curiosity, great article.
True, I guess I don't have to feel bad about mentioning the countries as it is true and happening on a daily basis.
How cruel a man can be! :(
This is true @stranger27
Edit : Another massive issue in the fight against Rhino Poaching is that the poaching syndicate's is much better funded through the selling of these horn's. The rangers which protects these animals are fighting against automatic rifles, night equipment etc. They are really struggling to buy the equipment, vehicles and all that they need to win the fight.
I love this post- endangered animals don't get nearly enough attention, and even less than average is concerned with Rhinos. Cheers, and you get my up-vote! Good soul and good guy Jacor.
Thank you for the kind words @crypt0. I really hope a lot of people see the cruelty which is done for the Rhino Horn.