Western Black Rhino declared extinct

So sad, cant say much more than that!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-15663982

What a tragedy, so much poaching and another species has gone.

Thanks for posting SM.


Lai Pai

That really is so very sad. Not only htat they have been declared extinct but also because those poor Rhino would have suffered horrible deaths.

As much as some don't agree with Zoos it is often the only place we will see some of these animals. Not ideal I do understand and also that they should be in the wild. Also it's another support for some of the breeding programmes that are in process. I wonder if it wasn't for the good zoos and the breeding programmes most of the worlds animals would become extinct.

littlewid-x-

LW with you statement about zoo's. I is a pity to say that it may come to this eventually.

SM

It is very hard to call isn't it. I am sure there were and still are, zoos that breed under the pretence of saving endangered species to place back in the wild and also to increase the gene pool for species that are nearing extinction. However, the laws have changed and I believe their are strict guidelines for breeding in captivity today and I am sure there are stringent checks on zoos. Most are reputable and are working within conservation guidelines but there will always be the ones that aren't but I suppose the question is do we stop captive breeding for the sake of the few that flaunt the rules and then risk having many species wiped out all together.
It is just so sad that any animal has to be bred in captivity as some will never return to the wild, it will only be the second or third generation of that line that will return to the wild.

littlewid-x-

I saw this on the BBC. Its a terrible thing, and as we know from recent posts on here, its happening alot all around Africa. I think breeding centres may be the only answer, and not only for the Rhino, for other species as well. The problem is the animals welfare, but these Zoos also have to make enough money to support the breeding prgrammes so they have to have visitors. As long as there are the appropiate checks, its at least away forward
WS

I see where you are coming from WS. It is a vicious circle isnt it.

SM