(DE(ath)HORNING

The piece is on de-horning rhinos. Some cultures believe rhino horns are an aphrodisiac, while others covet them for decorations. The keratin parts have traditionally been ground up and used to make medicines for illnesses like rheumatism or cancer, although there’s no scientific evidence that these treatments work. Poachers primarily seeking the rhino’s horn. In order to save them from being targeted, conservationists have begun to surgically remove the horns from rhinos, preventing them from entering the black market. Though it is sad, they believe it is a drastic step that must be taken. Just the mention of ‘dehorning’ evokes a sense of brutality. It is a short-term solution, therefore it deflects the risk onto populations that have not been dehorned yet.

For IFÖ center. For more information see: http://ifocenterenglish.weebly.com/