Rhino Man: Raising Awareness

     When people think if nature I fear that the only things that come to mind are picturesque landscapes, sunsets, and starry nights; but that isn't the only thing nature is about! Our backyard extends beyond our own porch, it extends worldwide! We seem to forget about the things that we cannot readily see in our own lives. There are problems that are across seas and over mountains that need our attention and our help.

     Nature is about wildlife too, and there is a serious issue happening in South Africa that desperately need our attention, and we have been failing to answer the call. Poaching is rapidly becoming a serious problem in South Africa since 2008, and is causing populations of rhinos, elephants, and lions (just to name a few) to decease at alarming rates. Poachers are slaughtering these animals for personal gain and nothing more. Poaching in general is a problem, but I want to focus on the rhinos that are being killed for their horns.

Black Rhino

     Rhinos are dying rapidly due to poaching practices and if nothing is done about it soon than the amount of rhinos being born will be less than the death rate; meaning they will be dying faster than they are being born. The projected year for that to happen is 2016 (not all that far away)! When this happens it will only be a matter of time before they are all gone (2026 is the projected year).

White Rhino and calf

     In lieu of all of the negative facts there is hope! A group called Global Conservation Corps is starting to do something about this tragedy. They have started a project called Rhino Man which aims to help in being a solution to the rhino poaching problem in South Africa. They are raising awareness to the problem that most of us, including myself until now, were blind to.

Global Conservation Corps Logo

      "How can I get involved, and help?" That was my question to Matt Lindenberg, the man who started the organization (who in fact goes to Grand Valley State University). He told me to raise awareness to others so that we may not remain in the dark, but can help shed light on the situation. This is one of the ways I am trying to raise awareness; right here, right now.

     I urge you to get involved too! I know it may seem that if you do not get involved that it wouldn't really make a huge difference, but that is where you may be incorrect. Even knowing what you know now from reading my blog or going and looking up what the Rhino Man Project is all about helps. Even if spreading the word and raising awareness to others is all you can do!

     So I urge you to at least spread the word if nothing else! If you would like to help in more ways than you can go to the Rhino Man Cause website and talk to them about other ways to get involved!

Rhino Man Project Logo

    Remember: Round the bend, take a chance, for it may be rewarding