Sunday, August 12, 2012

Protecting the Rhinos


When someone talks of Rhinos, I am reminded of the movie Hatari which I saw when I was a kid. The movie and the tune ‘Baby ElephantWalk’ was a big hit in the early sixties. (Hatari means “Danger” in Swahili )

Who can forget the way Elsa Martinelli walks down with the three baby elephants to the river to have a bath. The movie deals with a group of people who catch Rhinos and sell them to the zoos.


The animals used in the shooting of the movie were live, wild and untrained, a procedure that is banned now as Rhinos are close to being extinct in many parts of the world.
Among the different  species of Rhinos, the Javan, Sumatran and the Indian Rhinos are found in Asia. Last year it was confirmed that the Javan Rhinos were extinct in Vietnam.


Right now there are only 29 of the Javan Rhinos surviving in Indonesia and researchers are working to save these 29 currently living in Ujon Kolong (Indonesia)
The reason for the dwindling figures of the Rhinos is the rampant poaching for its horn.
The demand for rhino horn comes principally from Asia, with the major destination appearing to be Vietnam. The  increasing  demand have been fueled by rumours of Rhino horn being a cure for cancer. It is also used as a recreational drug, such as ‘Rhino wine,’ to improve male sexual performance, and to treat hangovers.  If we can get rid of these misconceptions, then maybe the demand for the horn will drop, thereby saving the Rhinoceros from being extinct. To continue reading, click here

15 comments:

Christine H. said...

Maybe we need to pass a rumor that something terrible happens of you ingest the horn.

Saru Singhal said...

I haven't seen the movie and I can't understand why humans are crazy about killing animals for self use and that too those who are endangered. We have a responsibility to protect them for our future generations.

Thanks for sharing this.

A said...

Fascinating! I had NO idea whatsoever.

Marie said...

This is very sad... I wish this video was played before every movie at the theater. People need to know what is going on in the world and that include animals. Everyone should care about God's creatures.

Rajesh said...

This is very sad. I don't understand why humans do not realize like us they also have right to live happily in this world.

Bikram said...

Well its easy to save the rhino, the wildlife authorities should catch the animal and saw off the horn, Hopefully the poachers wont have any need to kill the big magnificient animal...

as I said a lion killing a man is called a maneater and shot .. A man who kills a animal should be a ANIMAL-Killer and SHOT toooo

Bikram's

deeps said...

such a nice post..
this is more than informative...

dr.antony said...

Human are the only spices who kills when they are not hungry.
There must be serious punishments for poachers.Like life imprisonment.

Neha said...

You are one of the few who really does some great research on writing their posts.

Regarding the post, stricter laws should be imposed to ensure poachers don't have their way ever!

Connie said...

Well-written post. It's a terrible shame that rhinos and other animals are exploited in such ways. It's a very sad situation.

I remember that song "Baby Elephant Walk." I have always like it.

Alexa said...

Such a moving post! And very true.

Joseph Pulikotil said...

Very useful information. Everyone talks of tigers but no one has thought of rhinos. I remember seeing this movie. The baby elephant walk was indeed a great hit. I can still hum the tune. Lovely photos.
Joseph

Insignia said...

Its sad the way these innocent creatures are killed. Is it a crime to possess something unique?

sujata sengupta said...

It is funny how easy it is to mould minds. For reasons, no more, than material gains, people have been brainwashing and feeding rubbish to the mob and they just go ahead and absorb everything. Why cannot they just think for themselves?

The information was very useful. Worth sharing with a lot of people. Rhino wine!! really??!!

Anonymous said...

WE JUST HAVE TO SAVE THESE WONDRFUL CREATURES .The AFRICAN RHINO IS IN MORTAL DANGER .Cindy