The brutal images induce an uncomfortable nausea. But Kelly Slater, Jordy Smith, and 1989 ASP World Champion Martin Potter are stomaching these displays of inhumane selfishness in an effort to raise aware about the disgusting reality leaving South Africa’s rhinos slain and ripped of their horns: the portentous threat of poaching. While South Africa is home to 73% of the world’s rhino population, it has been reported that over 500 have been poached this year alone, and that number is only on the rise. Why? Their horns are believed to carry medicinal and even magical qualities.
Visiting the Chipembere Rhino Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to the protection of these species-in-recovery (currently labeled “Near Threatened” by Save the Rhino), the surfers hoped to share the rhino and impassioned conservationist Dr. William Fowlds’ plight with a larger audience.
“I was astounded by the number of the rhinos that are killed each year,” Slater told the ASP. “There’s only about 25,000 rhinos left in the world and last year alone over 1,000 were killed in South Africa. I didn’t know all this so coming here today was a real eye opener for me.”
In fact, 2013 was the worst year ever for rhino poaching in South Africa. According to an article by BBC, China and Vietnam’s huge demand for the product is driving the price to upwards of $65,000 per kilogram — that’s more expensive than gold or cocaine. Furthering the problem are porous borders and the continued granting of sporting licenses for the export of collected horns.
And it’s taking its toll on one of the most majestic beasts we have left on the planet.
“The rhinos are so mellow, they’re gentle giants and that makes it so unbelievable what people do to them,” added Jordy Smith. “We were educated on what’s actually going on and it was really mind blowing. These rhinos are the most amazing creatures that I’ve ever seen — so big, but so humble. To see what’s happening to them is really a huge tragedy.”
So what exactly is Chipembere doing? They source, test, and fund monitoring and anti-poaching equipment and technology; gather intelligence, sharing it with a larger network to foster a safer environment; and partner with organizations in an effort to create awareness while educating.
To learn more about Chipembere Rhino Foundation and to become involved, visit their site.
