National Endangered Species Day was founded in 2006 by David Robinson to highlight the plight of endangered species globally. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed more than 150,000 species as endangered. This number is alarming and calls for more action.
What are the main goals for this day?
At Ocean Sole, we have partnered with and supported various organisations actively conserving the environment and wildlife. One such Organization is Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Ol Pejeta is the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa and home to two of the world’s last remaining northern white rhinos. In 2014, Ol Pejeta achieved IUCN Green List status, making it one of the first conservancies in Africa to be awarded this. IUCN Green Listing aims to define excellence in managing valuable natural areas.
Ol Pejeta was home to the last male white rhino, the Sudan rhino often described as “the most eligible bachelor” at the conservancy. On the 19th of March, 2018, Sudan died. He had been suffering from age-related health issues and a series of infections. Once his condition worsened significantly and he was unable to stand up and suffered a great deal, the decision to euthanize him was made by his veterinary team.
In honor of the Sudan rhino, we partnered with Ol Pejeta to help spread rhino awareness. For the world to reach a place where only one kind of animal or a species is left is alarming. If proper protections had been placed, we would have more Sudan’s roaming around and procreating. Unfortunately, we have hunted rhinos for their horns to the brink of extinction.
Every year, to remember the Sudan rhino and to support the tremendous work done by Ol Pejeta to keep Rhino species alive, we make a replica of Sudan and donate 50% of the sale from the replica to Ol Pejeta. We hope that more individuals, groups, institutions and governments worldwide will support all endangered species.
Sudan Rhino replica masterpiece
How can you observe this day?
- Purchase sustainable products to conserve endangered animals' habitats.
- Volunteer in a clean-up program.
- Donate to organisations that work for the welfare of endangered species.
- Post to social media- Social media buzz helps raise awareness of endangered species' threats and the importance of protecting them. Post on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, or other platforms wishing people a happy Endangered Species Day or highlighting one of your favourite endangered species. Just be sure to include the tag #EndangeredSpeciesDay.
- Join the Nationwide Endangered Species Chalk Art Event- You can participate in this creative Endangered Species Day event from anywhere in the country. Along with being a good time, the chalk art event helps raise awareness of wildlife conservation, and you might win a prize! Learn more here.
We have a collective responsibility towards all endangered species. If it weren't for human actions many of these species would be roaming the wild in their thousands. Let's do what we can this #NationalEndangeredSpeciesDay
Email us hello@oceansoleafrica.com for any enquiries, custom orders, special projects, partnerships or to see how you can get involved in our mission.
