Keratin is a protein which is found on the upper layers of the skin of mammals, birds and reptiles. It's main purpose is to protect the softer skin cells that make up the lower levels of the skin. Hair, nails, scales, beaks, shells, hoofs and horns are all made up of Keratin.
Humans of course would find economic uses in virtually anything. But in that list, it looks to me that the only item of real value for humans is hair - in the form of wool, with which warm clothing can be made.
Back in 2001, I visited a farm in Kangaroo Island, Australia where I was lucky enough to watch a sheep being sheared. The entire process took approximately 1 minute. The sheep didn't struggle or complain. Not as much as a whimper from her. At the end of it, she simply ran away with a look of "shear" embarrassment on her face. She needed to get out there and grow herself a new coat to hide her nudity. We were also told that the sheep actually like being sheared because it unburdens them of a lot of weight and summer warmth. A win-win situation, if you ask me.
The first thing I read this morning as I sat at my computer with my cup of coffee is that a violent attack has taken place at the Thula Thula private game park in South Africa a few days ago. Two baby Rhinos, Impi and Gugu are dead - their faces have been sliced off, and their horns have been taken.
Ever since I first read "The Elephant Whisperer", my love for the African bush has been rekindled. I admire Lawrence Anthony, his work and his passion towards the great beasts that roam only in Africa. Together with his French born wife Francoise, he set up the Thula Thula game park, where sanctuary has been provided for elephants, rhinos and a host of other animals.
Built much like an armoured tank, the Rhino is a vegetarian with no natural enemies.
Enter humans. Despicable, stupid, short sighted humans.
There are 5 main types of rhinos found across Africa and Asia. At the begining of the 20th century, they collectively numbered about half a million. By 1970, this was brought down to 70,000 animals to today's 29,000. The Northern White rhino population is down to 3. The chances of natural reproduction is 0.
Rhinos, along with elephants, buffalo, lions and leopards were hunted in huge numbers for a show of power, prestige and to decorate walls. In ancient chinese medicine, rhino horns were valued as a cure for many illnesses.
Today, many countries in the far east seek rhino horns as they believe this provides a cure for cancer. In Vietnam, a rhino horn can fetch as much as USD 300,000. The demand exists, and the poachers of Africa risk life and limb, and stop at nothing in order to ensure that the demand is met.
The world is at the brink of losing this magificent animal because of a myth that its horn can cure people of cancer. It's just Keratin. Just say the word, we'll gladly send over all our nail clippings to you - it's the exact same stuff for which no animal needs to lose it's life.
The following is an extract of Lawrence Anthony's book "The Last Rhinos";
"The author condemns past and present governments of Vietnam, China, Indonesia, Thailand, South Korea, Taiwan and Malaysia who have filed to take effective action to end the superstitious use of rhino horn in so called traditional medicine. Their criminal neglect has driven the rhinoceros to the very brink of extinction all over the world"
The contempt he feels is unmistakable. He, and many others work tirelessly to save these animals. And yet, there are a bigger, richer group of people who clamour to bend down to ancient myths. Myths that science today have debunked over and over again.
My heart goes out to Francoise and everybody at Thula Thula. I can only imagine the pain they must be going through.
My sincere contempt goes out to all those who choose to naively believe that keratin from a rhino horn can cure illnesses. Be as naive and superstitious as you want. But not at the cost to the lives and limbs of others.
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