22nd September: World Rhino Day

On September 22nd, World Rhino Day celebrates five species of rhinos around the world. From a conservation perspective, the day raises awareness of the plight of these beautiful beasts.

World Rhino Day celebrates all five species of rhino: Black, white, greater one-horned, Sumatran and Javan rhinos. Today, rhinos have a hard time surviving outside national parks and reserves. The Javan and Sumatran rhinos in Asia are critically endangered. There are only about 58 to 68 Javan rhinos in the world. In 2011, a subspecies of the Javan rhino was declared extinct.

This Day was first announced by WWF-South Africa in 2010. The following year, World Rhino Day grew into an international success, encompassing both African and Asian rhino species, thanks to the efforts of two determined women

Theme

“Five Rhino Species Forever” celebrates both the African and Asian rhino species. In addition, World Rhino Day is an opportunity to highlight efforts to debunk the myths and diminish the demand for rhino horn