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The tourism industry and safaris stopped due to the pandemic
Animal rights activists have warned that the killing of rhinos for the illegal trade in their horns could skyrocket again in Namibia, as the coronavirus pandemic has halted the travel industry and affects many farms that depend on tourism.
Namibia is home to the majority of black rhinos, members of an endangered species that are generally cared for by private citizens at their own cost and safety.
Rhino conservationist Annette Oelofse has cared for rhinos for thirty years.
He runs a farm in northern Namibia with his son, Alexander.
Oelofse told UK broadcaster Sky News that she is “enraged” by the rhino poaching, as it kills animals “for nothing.”
Rhino horns are made from keratin, the same substance found in human nails, and it has no protein or healing value, but in some Asian countries it is considered a symbol of wealth.
Rhino horn has no legal value and, under international law, it is illegal to buy or sell it, but on the black market it can be sold for millions of dollars.
Fewer than 6,000 rhinos currently live in Namibia, and for decades Oelofse and his family have dedicated their lives trying to save each one.
But with the tourism industry and safaris shutting down, many fear anti-poaching organizations will back down due to a lack of funds, leaving a clear path for poachers to kill rhinos and sell their horns on the black market.
Safari Wildlife Protection founder Salmon Vermaak, who leads his anti-poacher team, said farms were forced to cut costs, leaving many rhinos in the hands of poachers.
Namibia has been struggling with the killing of rhinos for years, but has seen a decline in the illegal practice during the coronavirus shutdown.
