Take a stand against poaching on World Rhino Day
If poaching continues at this rate, the rhino population will be extinct by 2036.
POLOKWANE – 22 September (today) is known as World Rhino Day. On this day, cause-related organisations, NGOs, zoos, and members of the public celebrate rhinos and it serves as a day to bring awareness to the plight of rhinos.
World Rhino Day activities vary in size and impact as they range from peaceful demonstrations, classroom projects and fund-raising dinners to auctions and poster displays on public property.
A number of programmes have been initiated over the last few years to help in the fight against rhino poaching. Over 5000 rhinos have been poached in the country in the past 8 years. South Africa is home to over 74% of the world’s rhino population and Limpopo plays host to the majority of the country’s rhinos. There are only 18 900 white rhinos and 2040 black rhinos left in the country. According to the Stop Rhino Poaching website, there has been an alarming number of rhinos poached since 2013 with more than 1000 of them killed for their horns.
If poaching continues at this rate, the rhino population will be extinct by 2036. This daunting fact, according to local game farmers and nature lovers, should be the focus of World Rhino Day activities the world over.
The latest statistics on poaching show that between January and April this year, no less then 30 rhinos had been poached in Limpopo alone. This is the third highest number in the country. Local farmer Danie Cronjé spoke to Review about why it is important to protect endangered animals. He has been involved with farming for the past seven years and says the care and process of buying and selling animals is an expensive business.
“Farmers like myself depend on tourists who visit our farms to go on game drives to see animals such as rhinos. If there aren’t any more rhinos, we won’t make any money and then the future of our farms are in jeopardy,” Cronjé said.
People who are willing to make donations to the cause of stopping rhino poaching can visit the Stop Rhino Poaching website at www.stoprhinopoaching.com for further details.
Donations can be made either by credit card or by direct deposit or PayPal.
For direct deposits / EFT donations, kindly forward a payment notification to 082 5577 615, or e-mail info@stoprhinopoaching.com.
Your donated amount will then be added to the counter on the Home Page.
Stop Rhino Poaching bank details:
Bank: FNB
Acc Name: Stop Rhino Poaching NPC
Acc Type: Cheque
Acc Number: 62348792517
Branch Code: 251037
SWIFT Code for use by international donors: FIRNZAJJ
