Although Merz is no longer running the rhino program at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, she returns to Kenya for two months each year. Today the sanctuary boasts fifty rhinos, ten percent of all Kenyan rhinoceroses. Merz believes that the fate of these animals depends on the private sector because African governments are overwhelmed with pressing social demands like starvation, disease and dehydration. Pressure from the U.S. government on China and Korea to discourage rhino horn trafficking and would help ensure the future of Africa’s rhinos.
The rhino does not receive as much public attention as the elephant, but it is the world’s second largest land mammal, and Merz believes they’re even smarter than elephants. Fortunately, Merz is neither compliant nor undemanding, and the surviving rhinos of Africa (few but feisty), are a living testimony to her spirit.
For more information on how you can help, click lewa or savetherhino Or visit amazon to purchase Rhino at the Brink of Extinction.
By Claudia Flisi
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