World Rhino Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Rhinos

World Rhino Day is annually observed on September 22. World Rhino Day provides an opportunity for non-governmental organizations, zoos, wildlife conservation centers, research institutions, and concerned individuals to unite and seek new methods to mitigate poaching practices and prevent the extinction of certain critically endangered rhinoceros species. Poachers have hunted rhinos for their horns and blood, which are used in traditional Asian medicine and believed to contain a remedy for cancer, fever, convulsions, and increased male virility, over the years. In Vietnam’s exotic markets, rhinos are also poached for their perceived value.

The background of World Rhino Day

World Rhino Day was first celebrated on September 22, 2011, but World Wildlife South Africa first announced it in 2010. Lisa Jane Campbell of Chishakwe Ranch in Zimbabwe and Rhishja Cota collaborated in 2011 to accomplish this feat. It was imperative to bring together cause-related organizations, wildlife conservation centers, non-governmental organizations, zoos, and concerned individuals to find effective methods to stop rhino poaching and possibly preserve endangered species.

The rhinocerotidae family consists of giant mammals called rhinos. Humans are their only natural predator. More than 7,000 rhinos were poached to extinction between 2008 and 2017 in South Africa, which is home to more than 70% of the world’s rhino population. Rhino species globally are endangered and on the verge of extinction. The African black rhino species was proclaimed extinct in 2011.

Approximately three rhinos are slain and poached every day for their horns. Poachers incapacitate rhinos with tranquilizers and inhumanely remove their horns. After that, the rhinoceros are left to bleed to death. Poaching efforts have failed because the majority of poachers are armed with sophisticated firearms and too greedy to see the suffering they inflict on the poor animals. World Rhino Day is the ideal occasion for us all to take a position against the rhino horn trade and preserve these incredibly magnificent animals.

Save The Rhino Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Rhinoceros