500 African Rhinos Will Be Relocated Due to the Increasing Level Of Poaching.

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Over a thousand rhinos were murdered last year for their horns. That number is increasing at an alarming rate from the 13 who killed in 2007. Illegal poaching in South Africa’s Kruger National Park recently reached such high levels to the point where hiring more guards isn’t enough.

The only solution: evacuating the animals to safer zones. The plan is to relocate 500 of the rhinos to areas where poaching is less of a concern.

Over 600 rhinos were already murdered this year.

Over 600 rhinos were already murdered this year. Piximus

Poaching was made illegal in 1977, but the demand kept it thriving over the years.

Poaching was made illegal in 1977, but the demand kept it thriving over the years. Piximus

Asian countries who use the horn in their traditional medicine and as symbols of wealth are especially guilty of encouraging the terrible act.

Asian countries who use the horn in their traditional medicine and as symbols of wealth are especially guilty of encouraging the terrible act. Piximus

The rhinos will be taken to other areas of South Africa and possibly other countries.

The rhinos will be taken to other areas of South Africa and possibly other countries. Piximus

Transporting the hefty animals is no easy task, with each animal weighing over a tonne.

Transporting the hefty animals is no easy task, with each animal weighing over a tonne. Piximus

Environment Minister Edna Molewa explained that they will also create “rhino strongholds” in their efforts to protect them.

Environment Minister Edna Molewa explained that they will also create "rhino strongholds" in their efforts to protect them. Piximus

Their hope is to maintain their ability to remain and grow in population while remaining in South Africa.

Their hope is to maintain their ability to remain and grow in population while remaining in South Africa. Piximus

The region is home to 80% of the country’s entire population of rhinos.

The region is home to 80% of the country's entire population of rhinos. Piximus

This is why they are so aggressively targeted here.

This is why they are so aggressively targeted here. Piximus

The conservation project is supported by South African government’s Security Cluster, who will also enforce harsher punishment for those caught poaching.

The conservation project is supported by South African government's Security Cluster, who will also enforce harsher punishment for those caught poaching. Piximus

The cost of moving each of these massive animals could be up to $2,000.

The cost of moving each of these massive animals could be up to $2,000. Piximus

But the money is well spent to keep their population from plummeting.

But the money is well spent to keep their population from plummeting. Piximus

You can find more information on the crisis facing South African rhinos and ways you can help their continued survival on Save the Rhino. I hope they all survive and find a better place to call home.

Read more: http://viralnova.com/rhino-relocation/

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