Save the Rhino Day

Save the Rhino Day is a day not only to raise awareness and educate about what exactly is happening to the species as there are great threats to these creatures, but also to learn new things about these animals and honor them.

Save the Rhino Day is celebrated on May 1st every year in order to draw attention to the plight of Rhinos in the wild.

Fun Facts about Rhinos

• The name rhino means 'nose horn' and is often shortened to rhinoceros.
• There are five different species of rhinoceros, three native to South Asia and two native to Africa such as Black Rhino, White Rhino, Indian Rhino, Javan Rhino, and Sumatran Rhino.
• All five rhino species can grow to weigh more than 2,200 pounds
• White rhinos can weigh more than 7,700 pounds
• The white rhino is generally considered to be the second largest land mammal (after elephants).
• Three of the five rhino species are listed as endangered.
• Rhinoceros have thick and protective skin.
• Compared to its large body size, rhinos have small brains.
• Rhino horn is made from a protein called keratin, which is similar to nails and hair.
• Rhinos are herbivores (eating plants).
• A group of rhinos is known as a 'swarm' or 'collision herd'.
• Despite their name, White Rhinos are actually gray in color.

The main threats to rhinos

• Illegal wildlife trade: The trade in rhino horn is prohibited under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Rhino poaching remains a major threat, especially in parts of Asia.
• Habitat loss: Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park was once thought to have the largest population of Sumatran rhinos, but as the forest has been taken over by rice, coffee and other agricultural industries, land in Zimbabwe was once a conservationist. for the encroached rhinoceros. of humans, reducing the amount of land that is safe for animals, leading to increased poaching.
• Diseases: Because rhinos land is now used for agriculture, rhinos are developing diseases that scientists believe are transmitted from livestock in the park, leading to an increasing number of rhino deaths.

History of Save the Rhino Day

Rhino is the fifth largest land animal. The genus has two species, the Indian rhinoceros and the Javan rhinoceros. Although both members are endangered, the Javan Rhino is one of the most critically endangered large mammals in the world with only 60 individuals surviving in Java. The Indian rhinoceros once inhabited the entire Ganges Delta, but over-hunting has greatly reduced its natural habitat. Nowadays, there are about 3,000 rhinos in the wild with 2,000 in India's Assam alone.

How to celebrate Save the Rhino Day

• Take today to visit zoos or sanctuaries, libraries or presentations and learn more about this naturally powerful creature. Do activities such as coloring puzzles and share all your experiences with others.
• Donations: World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is an organization that works to help raise awareness and raise money through donations to protect Rhinos. When you contribute to support WWF's global conservation efforts, the fund will return a gift of thanks! For anywhere from $25 to $250, WWF lets you symbolically adopt a Rhino and in return receive a stuffed animal version of your new friend, a photo of your Rhino, Certificate of Adoption, etc. All proceeds will support WWF efforts around the world.
• Education and Change Happens: WWF and eco18 believe that one of the most important ways to help preserve Rhinos is to speak out and join the fight against wildlife crime. Like most complex issues, the fight against wildlife crime starts with the government. Here are some suggestions from WWF on how you can speak up:
  • Empower governments to protect endangered animal populations by strengthening law enforcement, adopting stringent deterrents, reducing demand for endangered products, and respecting international commitments made under CITES.
  • Speak up on behalf of those on the front lines who are threatened by armed poachers so that they are appropriately equipped, trained and compensated.
  • Reduce demand for illegal wildlife parts and products by encouraging others to ask questions and learn the truth before purchasing any wildlife or plant product.