Raise a Twitterstorm for rhinos
Give a thought for our rhino - promote Rhino Day
PHOTO: Larry Bentley
ANNUAL World Rhino Day on Sunday will focus on raising awareness on the increasing threat of rhino poaching and the illegal trade in rhino horn.
Since its inception in 2010, the day has become a global phenomenon, giving every concerned citizen the opportunity to stand up for rhino conservation.
This year, WWF South Africa will be taking World Rhino Day to new heights through a global Twitterstorm, centred around the hashtag #iam4rhinos.
This year alone, South Africa, which is home to some 75% of the world’s rhino population, has lost 618 rhinos.
However, the fight against rhino poaching will not be won solely by interventions in Africa.
It requires international effort, especially in Asia which is the source for the demand for rhino horn.
Recent consumer research from Vietnam has generated important insights about rhino horn users, identifying them primarily as successful middle-aged businessmen who value the opinion of their peers and make use of rhino horn mainly as a status symbol.
The research also shows that many aspiring young people in the growing middle class intend to buy and use rhino horn once they can afford it.
With this in mind, WWF South Africa is targeting some of the world’s most prestigious brands and influential people to pledge their support for rhinos by declaring #iam4rhinos on Sunday.
