World Rhino Day

World Rhino Day History

World Rhino Day is an annual global event that aims to raise awareness about rhinos' plight, as their populations face increasing threats from poaching and habitat loss. The Observation not only highlights the significance of these iconic creatures in their ecosystems but also celebrates their incredible resilience and potential for recovery with the right conservation measures. By supporting World Rhino Day, people across the globe can promote the importance of conserving these magnificent animals and their habitats for the benefit of future generations and our planet's biodiversity.

Although the event started in South Africa in 2010, World Rhino Day has since expanded to become a global phenomenon, and the United Kingdom, with its strong history of environmental conservation and animal welfare, has joined the movement. In the UK, organizations such as Save the Rhino International contribute to international conservation efforts by supporting anti-poaching and monitoring programs, engaging with local communities, and promoting sustainable use of natural resources in regions where rhinos are found. Additionally, many zoos and wildlife parks across the United Kingdom actively participate in rhino conservation and World Rhino Day festivities.

On World Rhino Day, which occurs on the 22nd of September each year, numerous events and activities happen across the United Kingdom to raise awareness and funds for rhino conservation. These may include awareness campaigns highlighting the plight of rhinos, special events at zoos and wildlife parks, educational activities for children, and fundraising initiatives. British citizens are encouraged to engage with these events and learn more about rhinos, their struggles, and the vital conservation work to protect these magnificent creatures and their habitats.

World Rhino Day facts

• There are five species of rhino: black, white, greater one-horned rhinos, Javan and Sumatran. All Rhinoceros are herbivores, meaning that they only consume plants, and lots of them.
• In 1960, there were more than 2,000 northern white rhinos in Africa. Today, there are only 2 of them remaining. The last male of the subspecies, Sudan, died March 19, 2018. He was the father and grandfather of the two remaining ones, both of which are females held in captivity in Kenya with round-the-clock armed security against poaching.
• In 2021, the first-ever artificial insemination (AI) birth of a rhino in the UK occurred at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo. A southern white rhino named Belle successfully gave birth to a calf, which is a significant breakthrough for the conservation of the species.
• There have been instances of attempts to remove the horns of rhinos in UK zoos for their perceived value on the black market. In response, many zoos have increased security measures and some have even preemptively removed horns from their rhinos as a preventative measure. However, this has faced criticism as it can impact the animal's natural behavior and cause them distress.

In the News and Trending in the UK for World Rhino Day

Top things to do in the UK for World Rhino Day

• Go to the zoo. Most zoos have special separate talks with keepers about different types of rhinos and the problems they face in the wild.
• Spend some time learning more about other endangered species on the brink of extinction.
• Many zoos and organizations offer the opportunity to adopt a rhino, where your contribution helps support their care and the conservation of their species. Consider adopting a rhino from a UK-based zoo or conservation organization on World Rhino Day.
• Some parks and sanctuaries have virtual tours or live streams of the animals. Try to find a rhino-themed one!