Hopes dim for rhino mutilated by poachers

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With the mistaken belief that rhino horn treats fever, rheumatism, gout, and other disorders, the poaching of rhonos has reached an epidemic proportion.

According to the 16th century Chinese pharmacist Li Shi Chen, the horn could also cure snakebites, hallucinations, typhoid, headaches, carbuncles, vomiting, food poisoning, and “devil possession.”

As a wildlife cinematographer, I’ve been fortunate to have visted South Africa and seen rhinos in the wild.  It truly was one of the most incredible experiences I’ve had as a natural history filmmaker.

It saddens me greatly to think of these majestic creatures being shot with machine guns and their lifelss bodies mutilated with chainsaws to obtain a horn that is only of use to the rhino.

 

Hopes dim for rhino mutilated by poachers

“The species declined to near extinction in the early 1990s and is currently listed as “vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Kaziranga has fought a sustained battle against rhino poachers who kill the animals for their …Mother Nature Network”
http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/animals/stories/hopes-dim-for-rhino-mutilated-by-poachers

I’m not sure if it’s possible to stop rhino poaching. There are people with so much power, money and greed that they can get anything they desire. 

I hope that if we can keep enough rhinos alive eventually a younger generation will realize the stupidity of their previous generations and the killing will stop.

Hopefully countries that have rhinos will realize their importance when it comes to tourist dollars and they will step up measures to ensure the safety of this remarkable wildlife species.

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