Sound The Horn!!

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Don’t we all love watching movies? All the pleasures of adulthood combined cannot match the impact of animated movies, the sheer innocent appeal yet so profound. Many of you would remember Officer McHorn and Officer Krumpanski from Zootopia? If not, I’m sure you remember Master Thundering Rhino from Kung Fu Panda. Think about a child watching those characters- the sheer fascination an exposure to such beautiful creatures would bring. Now ask yourself- how many twinkles of young eyes do we want to kill?

The rhinoceros is a magnificent beast immediately recognizable with prominent features that make it stand out- horn upon its snout and sturdy heavy body. It is indeed ironical that a presence so powerful in reel life stems from one of the most assaulted group of beings on the planet. Global trading market of the rhino horn is a real and immediate threat to the existence of the species, as is the case with many gifts of nature we exploit.

As of 2010, the rhinoceros population was alarming- limited to only about 30,000. This caused a surge in concern which led to a landmark moment in the cause for preservation- WWF-South Africa announced World Rhino Day, celebrated every year on 22nd September in an effort to save the world’s remaining rhinos. An effort that grew to be an unprecedented success, with various animal rights organizations rallying beside the cause.

The theme of every year’s World Rhino Day is Five Rhino Species Forever. The theme celebrates both the African and Asian rhino species (Black, White, Greater One-horned, Sumatran, and Javan). One of World Rhino Day’s primary causes aims at diminishing the demand for the rhino horn. The way to do it is to debunk the plethora of myths surrounding it’s medicinal and other properties. The international theme is a clarion call that we, as the custodians, of the last five remaining species of rhino in the world, ensure their future survival.

World Rhino Day, in the hands of two incredible women, Lisa Jane and Rhishja, has become a phenomenon that spreads across the globe and is a resounding success. There’s still work to do though, as there are less than about 80 Sumatran Rhinos left in the world(as of Nov 24, 2019) and between 60-65 Javan rhinos. Documentaries like The Last Animals (2017) and Trophy (2017) are startling deep dives into the evolving relationship between big-game hunting and wildlife conservation that will leave you in self-examination, and this battle of right and wrong individually is the piece that will solve the larger puzzle.  This is how we can support the conservationists, scientists and activists battling poachers and transnational trafficking syndicates.

So let us celebrate this day by educating ourselves about the rampant attack on nature that springs up in every nook and corner. In a world full of misery, an impressive symbol of strength, resilience, and tenacity would be too big a loss.

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