On Monday, May 18, Corey Knowlton, a big game hunter from Texas won the rights in a bid, to kill a black rhino, according to an article by Discovery News.
The black rhino is classified as Critically Endangered by IUCN. The southern white rhino was rescued from near extinction a century ago, however, the future of the northern white rhino is critical.
The auction was sponsored by the Dallas Safari Club, where Knowlton paid approximately R4.3 million for the rights.
Knowlton was accompanied by Namibian government officials during the hunt.
The rhino Knowlton shot was an older male that was not reproducing anymore. Shooting the animal was seen as an act of conservation: allowing younger males a better chance of mating, as rhinos are very territorial.
What are your thoughts on animals being auctioned off for hunting, in order to raise funds for wildlife conservation? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
