Save the Rhino Day

Save the Rhino Day is a worldwide holiday dedicated to rhinos. It aims to attract the attention of more people to the problem of the decrease in the number of these animals. The holiday is celebrated every year on May 1.

History

The history of Save the Rhino Day begins in the 2000s, when the world’s public began to pay more and more attention to the problem of rhino extinction. Many conservation, animal protection and other organizations held their own local events, which in time united and became worldwide, eventually turning into Save the Rhino Day.

More than 50 million years ago, the first rhinoceroses appeared. According to archaeologists and researchers, originally these animals were similar in structure to horses and lacked horns. Their modern structure and horns are the result of evolution over thousands of years.

Rhinoceroses are most common in Africa. For local people they are of great importance – various legends and beliefs are associated with them. Rhinoceroses are often mentioned in various written sources of African culture.

Since the late 1990s, rhinos have been actively hunted. Poaching especially spiked after 2005. Hunting for hides and horns led to a significant decrease in the population, which is now in danger of extinction.

Interesting facts

• In ancient times, there were three main species of rhinoceros: the “running” (had good speed), the huge (similar to the modern hippopotamus, slow) and the woolly (lived in the territory from Siberia to the islands of Britain).
• According to scientists, one rhino dies every day.
• The strength of rhinoceros horn is very great. However, it is not bone. As many people think. The horn consists of keratin (a substance found in human hair and nails).

How to celebrate

Transfer some funds to organizations that work to save rhinos and conserve their populations. Learn more about rhinos this day. Watch documentaries and informative videos.

Tell about the holiday on social networks. Ask users if they’ve ever seen a rhinoceros in person.

When is Save the Rhino Day celebrated in 2024?

Save the Rhino Day is observed on May 1 each year.

Observations