Every year, World Rhino Day is celebrated around the world. This holiday is observed on September 22nd and is designed to raise awareness about the urgent need to protect rhinoceros populations from worldwide extinction. Currently, rhino populations are in freefall around the world.

In the 1970s, their numbers had dropped to 70,000, and now there are only about 27,000 rhinos in the world. Black rhinos are being slaughtered for their horns, which are traded illegally on the international market, and that’s the number one reason why their populations are still declining. Fortunately, there is hope to help these animals, and it all begins with this holiday.

The History of World Rhino Day

This holiday was first created in 2010 by the World Wildlife Fund. It was created as a way to highlight the problems that rhinos face, especially as it pertains to the illegal rhino horn trade.

It didn’t take long before the holiday became a global movement that was observed by individuals, organizations, and governments all around the world. It remains so to this day as there is still an ongoing effort to curb the illegal rhino horn trade.

For years, rhinos have been hunted so that their horns can be harvested. Poachers then take the rhino horns and sell them on the illegal market. Rhino horns are extremely popular in Asian countries where they are used in traditional medicine.

The fight to end this trade hasn’t been as successful as the WWF and other organizations wished, but the fight continues and must continue to ensure the survival of these majestic animals.

Some Important Facts About Rhinos

Below are some important facts about rhinos that we feel everyone can appreciate. All of the following facts come from reputable sources and will hopefully provide everyone with a little bit more information on these amazing animals.

• There are two African rhino species in the world: the Black Rhino and the White Rhino.
• There are also three Asian rhino species: the One-Horned Rhinos, Sumatran Rhinos, and Javan Rhinos.
• Rhinos can weigh over 3 tons.
• Black and white rhinos are both gray.
• Rhino horn is made of keratin, the same protein that makes up our fingernails.

Observing World Rhino Day

As we stated earlier, this holiday is observed all around the world. It’s observed with fundraising events, educational programs, public awareness campaigns, and a number of initiatives that highlight the plight of these animals.

This holiday also serves as a grave reminder that humans have to do better to protect all of the animals that contribute to the world’s biodiversity before they’re lost forever. With that being said, we encourage everyone to support rhinos by spreading the word about this holiday.

This can easily be done using the hashtag #WorldRhinoDay online and by telling friends and family members about this holiday. If we all work together, we can save rhinos before it’s too late. The only question left now is, will we