According to statistics, over 1,200 rhinos were killed in 2014 alone due to demand in Asia, including Vietnam, for rhino horn. In order to contribute to the global effort in combating wildlife trafficking and consumption, particularly rhino horn, the Operation Game Change Programme has been jointly held by the US Embassy in Hanoi and Freeland Foundation.
All 8 rhino ambassadors in this programme are students from the US and South Africa. They have participated in several activities in many countries to raise their voices to protect rhinos.
Each of 8 student rhino ambassadors shared their experiences and sent a message to Vietnamese students about rhino protection. Vietnamese students also had the chance to participate in several activities such as making footprints, dancing, and drawing.
"Every country will not be happy to see its wildlife being attacked like the way our rhino be killed in Africa. That’s why as a country, we are co-operating with everyone who is supporting a campaign against rhino poaching", said Kgomotso Ruth Magau - South African Ambassador in Hanoi.
At the end of the programme, all the students shouted out the slogan to save rhino and combat illegal poaching. After the event, the 8 rhino ambassadors will go to schools in Hanoi to raise awareness of the youth and discuss about preventing wildlife trafficking. All in order to save the world’s rhinos from extinction.
