Tonight a collection of poems written by people in 15 countries, for and about the rhino, will be launched at Rhodes University’s Environmental Learning Research Centre.
Tonight a collection of poems written by people in 15 countries, for and about the rhino, will be launched at Rhodes University’s Environmental Learning Research Centre.
The anthology, called For Rhino in a Shrinking World, was put together by renowned poet Harry Owen and illustrated by local artist Sally Scott.
After attending a “harrowing and gruelling” presentation on the experiences of wildlife vet Dr William Fowlds last year, Owen said he was spurred into action.
He called out to writers across the globe to contribute to the collection, the proceeds of which all go to the Chipembere Rhino Foundation.
“The poetry was inspired by rhino, the rhino’s habitat and natural world. There are well-known poets as well as unknown local ones,” Owen said.
He also hopes the book will raise awareness of rhino poaching. Already this year a shocking 237 rhinos have been poached for their horns and nearly 100 people have been arrested in connection with rhino poaching, according to the Department of Environmental Affairs.
This has led to drastic measures being taken to protect the fast-disappearing creatures.
For example Kariega Game Reserve, near Grahamstown, has resorted to de-horning their rhinos to deter poachers.
Kariega marketing manager Murray Finlay explained their “severe but necessary” actions as “a horrific decision to make, but it gives them a better chance of surviving”.
This month South African and Vietnamese governments have also signed an agreement to implement the memorandum of understanding between the two countries signed in December.
According to the World Wildlife Fund, Vietnam has one of the biggest rhino horn trades in the world.
According to press reports, the new agreement aims at strengthening communication and information sharing, harmonising legislation and improving law enforcement on wildlife trafficking.
It’s hoped that the agreement will build on relations between the two countries and achieve the ultimate goal of ending rhino poaching.
The For Rhino in a Shrinking World launch starts at 6pm.
Owen, Scott and Fowlds will be there speak about the process behind making the book and to sign copies.
