RHINO & ELEPHANT CONSERVATION

The Bush Hacking team is passionate about conserving our rich diversity of wildlife. As part of that mission, we have focussed 2 episodes per season on endangered animals. In the case of rhinos, their numbers are decreasing at an alarming rate. Sophisticated poachers use high-tech weapons to locate and kill rhinos. The prize: the compacted hair and keratin that makes up the horn. In the case of elephants, it is the ivory tusks, and pangolins are illegally sold in wet markets in South East Asia for no discernable reason.

In the last 10 years, over 9000 rhinos have been killed for their horns, which are then smuggled to South East Asia and sold to traditional healers who tout it as a medical cure for any number of illnesses. It is not. It is simply keratin, which one could ingest by simply chewing on your own fingernails. Powdered rhino horn has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for 2000 years, making it a difficult practice to stop.

Once you have encountered elephants and rhinos in the wild, you will be forever changed. These are ancient, majestic beasts, worthy of our respect and, unfortunately now, our protection.  In our small way, we hope to continue to educate people across the world. Perhaps one person will watch one of the episodes below and will reconsider buying rhino horn.

To make a donation in support of the men and women who risk their lives every day to save the rhinos, and catch poachers, click here.