It’s Rhino Day on 22 September.
This year, we’re saluting rhino heroes, the brave men and women who devote their lives to defending rhinos. Some of them lose their lives.
South Africa’s rhinos are still facing a poaching onslaught, caused by the illegal rhino horn trade driven by demand from Asia. Rhino poaching is often carried out by well-armed, international criminal syndicates using sophisticated technology.
More than 380 rhinos have already been killed by poachers this year.
The courageous effort of rhino heroes must be backed up at other levels. This includes making sure that those guilty of rhino crimes do not walk free on technicalities, and that punishment is commensurate with the crime.
In South Africa, officials have begun to conduct more rigorous prosecutions and impose stricter sentences. WWF has called for a corresponding commitment by countries in Asia where illegal demand for rhino horn is driving poachers.
More on African rhinos
