South Africa: Leave the Rhinos Alone!

31,867 signatures toward our 50,000 goal

63.734% Complete

Sponsor: The Animal Rescue Site

Tell the South African government to crack down on illegal rhino poaching.

South Africa: Leave the Rhinos Alone!

The rhinoceroses in South Africa are in need of immediate help. In 2010, hundreds of rhinos were murdered for their horns — a highly prized and sought-after ingredient used in traditional Chinese medicine. Though there is no scientific evidence that proves the horn’s effectiveness in preventing or curing disease, the demand for them has only increased.

Poachers use nasty techniques to try and round up the rhinos, including flying helicopters over herds to scare them, tranquilizing them, and shooting them during the night with the assistance of gunshot silencers.

Send a letter to the president of the Republic of South Africa, asking him to increase the 24-hour armed guard services for the rhinos, as well as crack down more toughly on poaching laws and those who engage in any behavior that harms the rhinos.

<p>This campaign has closed, but the threat to rhinos in South Africa remains. Recently, South Africa has chosen to legalize the rhino horn trade, which will inevitably put rhinos under threat. Please join us on the new campaign here!: <a href="http://therainforestsite.greatergood.com/clickToGive/trs/petition/rhino-horn-trade/">http://therainforestsite.greatergood.com/clickToGive/trs/petition/rhino-horn-trade/</a></p>

The Petition

<p>Dear President,</p><p>As I'm sure you are aware, the rhino poaching situation in South Africa is reaching monumental levels. In 2010 alone, hundreds of rhinos were illegally poached for their horns. Many have already been killed even in just the first month of 2011.</p><p>Not only are these poachers conducting the hunts illegally, but they're using inhumane and cruel techniques to do so. The use helicopters to frighten the rhinos and herd them to where they are easily captured. They also employ night vision gear to conduct the hunting under the cover of night.</p><p>The rhinos' horns are highly coveted for their supposed healing powers. However, there is no concrete scientific evidence that proves this theory. As it stands, there is no legitimate reason to take the horns from these innocent animals.</p><p>Please stand up for the South African rhinos and increase the 24-hour armed guard services for the rhinos, as well as crack down more toughly on poaching laws and those who engage in any behavior that harms the rhinos.</p><p>Thank you for your consideration.</p>