I have submitted this posts a few days ago, but I feel so strongly about the subject that I am reposting this.
I do not want to be seen as a Spammer, but also do not believe that the post got the traction that it should have.
Please note that this posts contains very graphic images of Rhino's that was slaughtered. Unfortunately I do not believe that there is any other way of really bringing this to the attention of the rest of the world without showing these graphic images! These images a freely available on the internet!
Poachers are killing Rhino's to the extend, that our children will not be able to see any rhino's within the next few years. The killing is about the Horn's as there is a mystical believe that the Rhino horn contains healing power. The horn of an African Rhino can weigh anything from 1-3Kg's and it is currently being sold for up to $100 000 / Kg.
Rhino's are being slaughtered, the horns removed and sold at incredible rates for a few reasons:
Rhino horn was prescribed by the Chinese as a medicine for liver problems and fevers as early as 1800 years ago. Luckily it was removed from Chinese prescriptions in the early 90's. This made a massive difference in the rate of poaching and only 15 rhinos were killed for their horns between 1990 and 2007.
Then the killing surged to an unforgiving rate of around 1.4 killings average per day!
2008 - 83 Killings
2009 - 220 Killings
So what happened in 2008 that started the killing spree...
In early 2000 a rumour started in Vietnam that using Rhino horn cured cancer of one of their politicians and the rumour is still active today. Well respected doctors in Vietnam still prescribes Rhino horn as a cure for Cancer. Note that Rhino horn is made of a protein called Keratin, which is exactly what normal human hair and nails are made off. The amount of millionaires in Vietnam grew more than 145% over the same period. Is all of this just for personal wealth creation?
Guess what another craze in Vietnam is that Rhino Horn is a party drug as it is apparently good for the liver … Now we are back with the Chinese believes of more than 1800 years ago!!
People from across the world are trying to take stance against the poaching of Rhino's for their horns. Another fact is that Rhino Horn are now more expensive than most of the street drugs we all know, like heroin and cocaine. In fact it is a symbol of status to own Rhino Horn in Vietnam even though it is illegal to buy Rhino Horn in Vietnam. It is very difficult to come up with a solution to the problem if people are buying it without even being legal.
I am calling on all Vietnamese People who is using Steemit to please assist in spreading the message that the purchasing of Rhino Horn must please be stopped!!! And in turn the killing of these poor animals will hopefully be reduced dramatically. Please I am not judging anyone, I am just highlighting the facts of what is happening to these animals in order for anyone to purchase Rhino Horn.
All of us have a responsibility to ensure that the necessary steps are taken against the poaching. Just think what happens to the babies of these animals when there mother is killed!!!
If you want to participate in the fight against Rhino Poaching please donate here :
Boucher Legacy - Stop Rhino Poaching
Image Credits -Lowvelder Newspaper
