In South Africa, a farm that brings together nearly 2,000 white rhinos – or 13% of the world’s population of this species – has been put up for sale by its owner. The latter, aged 81, considers himself ruined, the costs in particular to secure his installations against poaching having increased significantly.
With our correspondent in Johannesburg, Roman Song
May 1 is also World Rhino Day. Day during which ended the auction of a huge farm devoted to these animals in South Africa.
After thirty years of developing a breeding and protection model for white rhinos, John Hume, 81, sells his farm.
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The future of more than 2,000 animals is at stake, ie 13% of the world’s population. The sale began at a price of 10 million dollars. The final sale price is not known, nor the buyer. Because the family gives itself time to evaluate the offers and conclude a very sensitive sale.
Experts say more attention should be paid to the black rhino
Beware indeed to those who would see in this rhinoceros farm, a hen laying golden eggs. The sale of the horn is illegal. John Hume, the owner, never succeeded in lifting this embargo which could have financed the protection of the species, according to him. Today, he says he is ruined and relies on the goodwill and the deep wallet of a buyer.
Because, with the outbreak of poaching, it is more and more expensive to secure the rhinos. John Hume has invested massively and he can congratulate himself on having lost no animals for six years. He is also proud to have raised a population of over 2,000 rhinos.
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However, experts believe that more attention should be paid to the black rhino, whose world population is half as large. They also recall that it is not the decrease in the population of white rhinos that worries them, but the disappearance of spaces where they can live in safety.
