We’re taking a break from writing marine life and ocean conservation to prove a point: there are many endangered and suffering animals in the world that are not receiving the attention they deserve. Why? Because animal rights activists insist on misleading the public to believe zoos and aquariums torture animals, which is a complete lie.
Have you wondered why you haven’t heard about all these suffering animal species? It’s because organizations like PETA and ELF don’t want you to know about them.
For example, the future of African rhinos looks pretty grim. But animals rights activists in America don’t actually give a hoot (or a horn). As it is with so many things in this world these activists only devote their energy to things that are “cool” and make news. It’s not actually about science or even saving animals.
That would be hard work. It would often be thankless and would have no celebrity endorsements. Funny how that works.
Instead of working to save the rhino, or any number of endangered animals (on land or sea), the majority of the time spent on “activism” is aimed at attacking companies or organizations in an effort to raise awareness. Not for the animals, but for themselves.
That kind of selfishness is perfectly encapsulated in the attacks on SeaWorld for keeping whales in captivity. The truth is these whales are treated like royalty. They are healthy and cared for around the clock. But you wouldn’t know that because you have been listening to PETA and their minions.
So what about the plight of suffering animals like the African rhino?
This past year has been one of the most deadly years on record for the at-risk species. More than 1,000 rhinos were killed in South Africa alone, according to the South Africa Department of Environmental Affairs.
Poachers could very well wipe out all rhinoceros species on the planet within the next five to ten years.
Haven’t heard much about that from celebrities, have you? Keep reading.
Take Africa’s Western Black Rhino, for example. According to an article by Mother Nature Network, in 1980 the population was in the hundreds and by the year 2000 only an estimated 10 rhinos remained. A survey of the animals’ last remaining habitat in northern Cameroon failed to find any of the rhinos, but search efforts continue.
Image Credit: Graph, Rhinos Without Borders
The Western Black Rhino is now presumed extinct, but by all means, keep harassing SeaWorld supporters and calling the people who dedicate their lives to caring for marine mammals “cruel” and “stupid”.
Remember, it’s all about sensationalism. And making you a puppet.
Rhinos are poached for their horns, which are then ground into dust and presumed to having healing powers. Rhino horns sell on the black market for more than $30,000 per pound and organizations like Save the Rhino International estimate almost 14 rhinos are shot every week.
Their mass execution has quickly escalated over the past 15 years.
Rhino relocation programs are essentially the only way to ensure the survival of the species. Around 20,000 of the remaining 25,000 rhinos live in South Africa and poachers know this. Therefore, organizations like Rhinos Without Borders want to relocate up to 100 rhinos to a region in Botswana, where strict laws prohibit poaching.
Projects like that one require large amounts of funding and public interest, and the overwhelming zealotry of animal rights activists are taking attention away from the animals that need it the most.
See, if the money went to the rhinos, who would pay for PETA’s advertising and celebrity endorsements? Who would pay that rich consultant’s next mortgage? Think about it – what are activists truly supporting?