The thought of rhino extinction is a terrifying one, a complete nightmare for the tourism and hospitality industry. The idea of losing these majestic creatures from our walking trails and game drives is unthinkable. Tourism thrives on wildlife, and without rhinos, safaris would lose their magic and allure.

Our game parks would become dull and lifeless, stripped of their ability to inspire wonder. No wonder the tourism community is having sleepless nights over this crisis. Poachers continue to plunder our heritage, risking their lives for the quick profits of keratin smuggling. Because of greed and recklessness, the rhinoceros now teeters on the brink of extinction.

We, as custodians of nature, must act now to save this safari giant before it vanishes forever. The issue of poaching has dragged on for far too long, and it is time for firm action against the perpetrators. Each rhino lost is a blow to conservation and to the identity of African tourism itself.

The rhino makes the tourism world go round, it’s an essential part of the Big Five and of Africa’s story. Dehorning for protection may save lives in the short term, but it robs the rhino of its majesty. Future generations deserve to see this magnificent animal with its horn intact, to understand its beauty and its place in history.

In 2021, Gonarezhou National Park reignited hope when it successfully reintroduced black rhinos after a thirty-year absence. The rhino’s resilience proves that with collective effort, recovery is possible.

Tourism continues to remind us of our duty to protect wildlife. Each year, Save the Rhino Day (May) and World Rhino Day (September) call on us to celebrate and defend this incredible creature.

If we act now, the rhino will not become another tragic memory like the dodo or the dinosaur. Instead, it will continue to stride proudly across our plains, a symbol of endurance, heritage, and hope for generations to come.