By Emily Holbein

Unfortunately, there aren’t enough days for every animal to be recognized. Instead of focusing on animals becoming extinct, we are mainly focusing on and obsessing over social media. We could be focusing on relevant problems or issues that are known, but not discussed nearly enough as they should be. Many people aren’t aware that today, Sept. 22, is in fact World Rhino Day.
There are five types of rhinos in the world, but tragically, the Western Black Rhinos have been extinct since 2006 and the White and Javan rhinos are close behind, nearing extinction.
This is an international day that is dedicated to rhinos and recognizes the importance of the conservation of the rhino species from poaching.
There is a very high demand for rhino horns, especially in Asia, where they’re used for traditional medicines. In reality, using rhino horns as a source of medicine to heal someone doesn’t work any better than something a lot less extreme. There’s no evidence or proof to show a large increase in health or improvement from a rhino’s horn.
In honor of Rhino Day, zoos in places such as Britain, Czech Republic, and Slovakia are showing support by burning rhino horns, confiscated from smugglers that intended to sell the horns for millions. The burning of the horns occurred on Sunday, Sept. 21. This event is part of an international campaign that recognizes all of the animals that are becoming extinct or are already extinct. The extreme rates of extinction is alarming, and incredibly tragic.
To support animals and endangered species, you can donate to foundations dedicated to protecting them, like the World Wildlife Fund. Spreading awareness, even on social media platforms, is helpful. Every little bit you can offer adds up.
As Steve Jobs said, “Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes… the ones who see things differently — they’re not fond of rules… You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things… they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.”