There was a great turnout for the Global March for Rhinos and Elephants in Grahamstown on Saturday 4 October.
There was a great turnout for the Global March for Rhinos and Elephants in Grahamstown on Saturday 4 October.
The march, which coincided with World Animal Day, started at the Drostdy Arch outside Rhodes University, ending at Grey Dam.
The march coincided with similar events in cities throughout the world. Organiser Trisha Nathoo, a Rhodes University Law student, told Grocott’s Mail they hope to raise awareness.
“The response has been very good so far and the turnout is unbelievable. I didn’t know there were so many people who feel this strongly about the matter,” said Nathoo.
Nathoo said this was only the start and they hoped to continue.
“Marching does not necessarily mean end to poaching; however, this march is only the beginning,” she said.
According to the report, 'State of Elephants and Rhinos', up to 50 000 elephants are being killed every year so their tusks can be carved into ivory trinkets.
A rhino is slaughtered once every 9-11 hours for rhino horn, the report states.
Their only hope for survival lies in an immediate end to the ivory and rhino horn trade (both legal and illegal) and a meaningful opportunity to recover from decades of mass slaughter.
The worldwide initiative aims to raise awareness that all countries implement a complete ban on commercial international and domestic trade of all endangered wildlife body parts, including ivory, rhino horn, lion and tiger bone.
Last year the Global March had 42 cities participating. This year that number has doubled to 137 around the world. Lusaka and Malawi marched earlier.
Nathoo told Grocott’s Mail the proceeds will go to rhino orphanage and elephant sanctuaries or towards protecting game reserves. “We also go around schools teaching young kids about the importance of wildlife,” she said.
