Critical meaning: “at risk of becoming extinct”

I’ve had the great fortune to quietly face endangered animals on the wild many times. Each time, I connect with their eyes. I always yearn to stay in that moment. To freeze time and somehow communicate a promise; eye to eye.

A promise that humans can be friend rather than foe. Those wild eyes hold trust – to allow me such close proximity without stress. I’m grateful for the trust – that I will not cause them harm. But, I feel sadly responsible and even guilty – I represent the human reason that so many are endangered.

Humans are the root of every reason for the endangerment of wildlife.

Whether due to habitat destruction, animal trade and exploitation, pollution and global warming, disease, or the introduction of non-native species that either prey on or compete for the food of native species; we are solely to blame.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUNC) helps draw attention worldwide to species that are in danger of becoming extinct.

Through laws and conservation; there are many successes. But there are also many dismal human failures. It’s almost, but not yet, too late!

Through laws and conservation; there are many successes.

But there are also many dismal human failures.

It’s almost, but not yet, too late!

Absa dies on the day following this mutilation; in spite of every effort made by veterinarians and Aquila staff.

This horrible scenario is repeated nearly EVERY DAY in South Africa.

With 333 rhinos killed by poachers in South Africa during 2010 and nearly one per day slaughtered so far this year, the future is bleak for the critically endangered rhino; due to human greed and cruelty.

Valued more than diamonds, gold or cocaine, a pound of rhino horn powder can exceed $45,000.00 in value on the black market. Composed mainly of keratin, the horn is very similar to our hair, fingernails, or animal hooves. The Asian appetite for its bogus medicinal uses drives demand to the point that rhino have only a fragile hold on existence in our future.