World Rhino Day

Thank you, everyone, for helping to make World Rhino Day 2011 a huge success! Let us continue to stand united under this truth: Rhino horn is NOT medicine!

28 SEPTEMBER: World Rhino Day 2011 “All in for Rhinos” highlights video released! Check it out:

23 SEPTEMBER: Special Edition Round Up: World Rhino Day {Photos & Videos} >>

World Rhino Day 2011 FAQs

Got questions about World Rhino Day? Start here!

When is World Rhino Day? World Rhino Day is September 22nd.

Who is organizing World Rhino Day 2011? World Rhino Day 2011 is an international team effort led by US-based Saving Rhinos LLC and Zimbabwe-based Chishakwe Ranch. The tradition was started in 2010 by WWF.

Is there a theme for World Rhino Day? Yes! At the root of the rhino crisis is the myth that rhino horn contains curative properties. For that reason, World Rhino Day 2011 is highlighting efforts to debunk the myths and diminish the demand for rhino horn. Check out Busting the Rhino Horn Medicine Myth with Science and Rhino Horn Myths: Then and Now to learn more about rhino horn.

Who is participating in World Rhino Day? Several plans are in the works around the world! This list will be updated frequently. Here are just a few of the activities already in progress:

  • USA: Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is having a fundraising party and art contest (more to follow on this!)
  • Nepal: PARC/Nepal is putting up World Rhino Day posters and engaging in public awareness activities with local communities in the Chitwan National Park Buffer Zone.
  • Zimbabwe: Chishakwe Ranch is working directly with village schools, getting the children involved with projects, such as creating rhino posters.
  • Southeast Asia: TRAFFIC Southeast Asia is featuring rhinos in September, as part of their “Twelve in Trouble” online awareness campaign.
  • Australia: The Asian Rhino Project is holding a Tin Shake Day to raise funds.
  • World-renowned Save the Rhino International is announcing World Rhino Day to subscribers in the September edition of their ezine, RhiNews.

Additional World Rhino Day coverage can be found at:

Our organization is holding a fundraising event for rhinos in September, but it’s not on World Rhino Day itself. Does this count as a World Rhino Day celebration? Yes! Most any promotional or fundraising event for rhinos during the month of September can be a World Rhino Day celebration!

How do we get help for promoting our own World Rhino Day event? Please contact me at info (at) savingrhinos (dot) org so we can discuss. If you have already blogged your event or added it to your website, post the link to the World Rhino Day page on Facebook® at facebook.com/WorldRhinoDay

What is the purpose of the World Rhino Day page on Facebook®? The World Rhino Day page is set up as a centralized online information source where participants can receive updates and share plans for the Big Day. The Twitter hashtag is #worldrhinoday

Why aren’t all organizations working together on one event? We are encouraging cause-related organizations, NGOs, zoos, and members of the public to celebrate World Rhino Day in their own unique ways. These activities will vary greatly from one participant to the next. Donors and partners can contribute to the organizations and initiatives of their choosing. Classroom projects, fundraising dinners, auctions and poster displays are just a few examples. Keep us posted on your plans!

But I’m just one person – what can I do to help? One person can help make an impact, thanks the reach of social media. Sharing content via social media is a critical component for raising public awareness. There are over 400 articles on this blog covering a wide range of issues relating to illegal trade in rhino horn, including, but not limited to: Scientific analysis proving rhino horn has no medicinal value; the exploitation of South Africa’s legal trade loopholes (both trophy hunting and exports to China); antique rhino horn robberies on the rise in Europe. Anyone could select one article a day to share across their own social networks, which can have a trickle up effect on traditional media. How about sharing a dozen articles on World Rhino Day (#worldrhinoday)?

Where can I get ideas for celebrating World Rhino Day? For ideas and suggestions for you or your organization, check out the following resources:

What is “All in for Rhinos”? Saving Rhinos LLC (that’s me) is producing a crowdsourced project called “All in for Rhinos.” This video will showcase the creative ways people are raising awareness about the rhinos’ plight – and share the message that rhino horn is not a remedy. The planned completion date is September 30th. This is an excellent pro bono promotional opportunity for your organization or school. More details to follow! Please contact me at info (at) savingrhinos (dot) org to discuss.

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