Our ‘Get to Know’ blog series gives readers an in-depth look at the people, places and activities that make educational tours amazing. Today’s post features a destination available on our popular South Africa tour.
Spanning over 7,500 square miles, with more than 147 mammals to spy, Kruger National Park is one of the largest safari parks in Africa. It’s also one of the largest homes for rhinos in the continent (if not the world) with some 350 black rhinos and 7,000 white rhinos grazing on the park‘s grasslands. But sadly, the African rhino is fast becoming an endangered species because of poachers. Their horn collects a mean price on the black market. It’s considered more valuable than gold. On this tour, if you’re lucky enough to spot the once extinct black rhino, that in itself is a luxury few people can claim.
Rhino horn has been a popular commodity in Asia for over 2,000 years. According to ancient lore, it contains medicinal properties that alleviate fever, cure bone disease and can soothe skin diseases. It’s also used to treat breast cancer and as an aphrodisiac. However, scientists have found no evidence that rhino horn is effective in any of these uses. Still, these beliefs drive poachers to hunt these Big Five Game animals (named for being one of the most difficult to hunt on foot, along with the lion, leopard, African elephant and Cape buffalo) and threaten their existence all over again.
Kruger National Park is working to prevent the illegal slaughter of its rhinos through ongoing conservation efforts. One tal than tranquilize it to remove its horn. Other measures include enhancing the park‘s security as well as improving veterinary care to injured animals. How does your visit help? Visitors to the park are invaluable for the protection of rhinos. Tourist revenue is used to train locals as community wardens and to educate communities about the importance of a healthy rhino population. Know that your entrance fee is going to this worthy cause, while you enjoy a rare view of these spectacular creatures.