It’s beyond heartbreaking—and infuriating—that in the 21st century, some people still believe that rhino horns possess magical or medicinal powers. This belief, rooted in myths and misinformation, continues to fuel a devastating illegal trade that is wiping out one of Earth’s oldest and most majestic animals.
Let’s set the record straight.
Rhino horn is made of keratin—the very same protein found in our fingernails and hair. It has no proven medicinal value whatsoever. Yet, in some cultures, it's ground into powder and used in traditional medicine to supposedly cure anything from fevers to cancer. Others flaunt it as a status symbol or use it in dagger handles, completely detached from the gruesome reality behind its origin.
But here’s the truth: For every horn taken, a rhino is either brutally killed or left bleeding and vulnerable. Poachers don’t just “trim” the horns—they hack them off with no regard for life. And the result? A species teetering on the brink.
In Africa, we’ve seen the numbers drop drastically. Black rhinos, once abundant across the continent, are now critically endangered. Northern white rhinos are functionally extinct, with only two females left—Fatu and Najin. And all because of a lie that continues to be bought and sold across black markets and elite circles.
This is not tradition.
This is not healing.
This is slaughter.
It’s time to change the narrative. Through conservation, education, and stronger global policies, we can fight this crisis. Every rhino matters. Every voice matters. And every bit of truth we share chips away at the falsehood that’s driving this cruel demand.
Let’s protect these magnificent beings, not because of their horns, but because of their right to live wild and free.