Rhinos are still unfortunately being poached in South Africa. Their horns are sold on black markets because some people believe they have medicinal properties, when in fact the horn is simply keratin – the same substance that’s in our fingernails. Poachers brutally shoot and kill them, cut the horn off, and leave the dead animal behind. They’re magnificent creatures, and it’s horrible they’re being murdered…for keratin that has no use. The population of rhinos is dwindling, and they will soon be extinct if poaching continues.
I remember the first time I saw a “wild” animal. I was in kindergarten at the Tyler Zoo in Texas and my most vivid memory was watching the giraffes from a balcony. I wanted to get closer so badly! I ate my lemon Popsicle and imagined what the long-necked creature would feel like if I could touch it. That feeling never went away, and largely inspired my desire to become a veterinarian. So imagine my excitement when I signed up for a course with Wildlife Vets during my second year of vet school in none other than South Africa!
