Orphanage How to support Rhino conservation this World Rhino Day
Photo Credit: On File

World Rhino Day (22 September) is the perfect day to talk about rhino conservation!

 

South Africa – It’s always a good time to do our part for rhino conservation, but in case you need more of a reason, this coming Sunday – 22 September – is World Rhino Day.

The current rhino poaching crisis began in 2008, with increasing numbers of rhino killed for their horn throughout Africa until 2015. Thankfully, there has been a decrease in the number of rhinos poached across Africa since the peak of 1,349 in 2015.

Yet, two and a half rhinos are still killed every single day: there is still a lot more to do.

World Rhino Day is celebrated on September 22 every year! This special day provides the opportunity for cause-related organisations, NGOs, zoos, and members of the public to celebrate rhinos in their own unique ways. It’s a day to celebrate these marvellous creatures and to highlight how we can ensure that generations to come don’t have to only see these majestic beasts in photos and books.

Below are five ways in which we can all play our part in making sure that rhinos do not become extinct.

Just swipe your MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet card

This is perhaps one of the easiest ways to support rhino conservation which costs us nothing. All we have to do is remember to swipe our cards at Woolworths and other participating retailers, and if the MyPlanet Rhino Fund is one of your selected beneficiaries, you’ve done your bit! The MyPlanet Rhino Fund started in 2010, raising a meagre R30 in the first month. But today over 54 000 South Africans are helping to give back over R250 000 per month towards rhino protection and rehabilitation.

Buy a Relate bracelet

When you purchase a rhino Relate Bracelet from a participating retailer, a portion of your money goes towards the Endangered Wildlife Trust Rhino Project. This trust helps fund several essential conservation activities such as the deployment of equipment, skilled field staff, anti-poaching and sniffer dogs, a rapid response platform for rhino orphans, and end-user awareness campaigns, to ensure the survival of this iconic animal.

Attend an event

There are a number of fun events happening right across the country that help raise funds for rhino conservation. Just a quick browse through the Quicket website has brought up a food market fundraising event, a rhino run, a day out in the countryside and a rhino peak challenge.

Keep fit for rhinos

There are several cycling events throughout the year, each one giving riders the opportunity to support a worthy cause. You could choose to ride for charity and pick a beneficiary that does amazing work towards rhino conservation. The Rhino Security Project is on the list of charities for the Cape Town Cycle Tour, while the Wildlife Conservation Trust in on the list for the 947 Ride Joburg race.

Educate, educate, educate

Education has the power to change the world. This saying has never been truer when it comes to conservation. It is imperative that we continue to spread the facts about rhino poaching and the importance of rhino conservation. We need to continue to learn about the hard truth – our rhino population is dwindling. Keep reading up about rhino conservation, keep supporting all the initiatives, keep educating the younger generation. Together, we can turn the tide.


Sources: Opinion Piece  | World Rhino Day 
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Brent Lindeque is the founder and editor in charge at Good Things Guy.

Recognised as one of the Mail and Guardian’s Top 200 Young South African’s as well as a Primedia LeadSA Hero, Brent is a change maker, thought leader, radio host, foodie, vlogger, writer and all round good guy.

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