Hope The Rhino Passes

It was with great sadness that I learnt today that Hope - the rhino - has passed away. I remember her eyes during this operation as if it was yesterday. Like a human’s eyes they told her story - one of incredible suffering and yet enormous fortitude. Maybe those eyes also showed confusion - how could humans on the one hand try and kill her and on the other try and save her?

What a shocking legacy we are leaving and it is time for us all to tell the end market for rhino horn - specifically the Vietnamese and the Chinese - that their bizarre consumption of powdered rhino horn is not only quite the most stupid habit known to man, it is also a crime. It is their doing.

I understand that the Duke of Cambridge travels to Vietnam today - his is a strong, articulate and passionate voice and it will be heard. Maybe the timing of this sad event will be useful to him.