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
