A string of poaching massacres has broken out across South Africa, with poachers murdering 24 animals and targeting even more within the span of just 14 days. Miraculously, two rhinos managed to survive — despite being shot and one even enduring its horn hewn off, leaving an empty, bloody stub on its face. This poor animal experienced the trauma of this severing while it was still alive, feeling every hack of the saw across its head. Authorities have already arrested nine alleged poachers, but more are still out there. They must be found, now!
On average, poachers in South Africa claimed the lives of more than one rhino each day in 2020, for a total of more than 394 butchered rhinos. But even that doesn’t compare to the rash wave of killings from early earlier this month. Many private groups are coordinating with the South African government to help heal the two surviving rhinos and to bring the poachers to justice. But it shouldn’t stop there. Global countries must also aid in the fight by coordinating with South African authorities and providing any additional resources needed to find these animal-murderers. Sign the petition to demand international cooperation to find these poachers!