Here Today, Gone Tomorrow

While I hope hope hope that future generations will get to enjoy seeing a Black Rhinoceros in the wild as I did, I'm increasingly pessimistic about the poor or uninformed choices of others that are wiping this magnificent creature off the Earth. I would like to think that the notion that Rhino horn can cure cancer or fix other ailments is a ridiculous notion in the West, but sadly far too many people still believe it's the cure.

Last year I backed an experiment to sequence the genome of the Black Rhinoceros. The idea being that once it's sequenced, it can be manufactured and the market will be flooded with artificial rhino horn. This in turn, would stem the tide of poaching. I don't know whether this wild idea will succeed or not, but I think it's worth a shot.

While it's a bit difficult to hide a giant Rhino, due to their dwindling numbers it's not the easiest animal to spot while on a game drive. I think I only came across rhinos three times while traversing Etosha National Park. The first time I struggled to see them even with a massive zoom, but this time, with one out in the open at a watering hole, it was a bit easier. 

It's quite special to be in the presence of just a magnificent animal. You immediately know how special the moment is. I hope I get the chance to see more rhinos in the wild sooner than later.