Welcome to the third instalment of Legacy Watch, an education series about the best of Africa’s wildlife. These facts about endangered mammals are written by a pioneer in conservation and originally told to children at storytime or around a bonfire. You can now read them on our website to spread awareness about animal conservation to your little ones. In our latest edition, we delve into the fascinating world of two endangered mammals: the mighty elephant and the magnificent rhino.

Ignite curiosity and the appreciation for wildlife with these facts.

Let’s start with the African elephant. With its large ears, long trunk, and magnificent tusks, it truly is a gentle giant of the wild. Did you know that the name “elephant” comes from the Latin word “phan”, meaning “large”, and the Greek word “ele”, means “arch”? These incredible creatures can weigh up to 6,200 kilograms and consume an average of 300 kilograms of food, as well as 200 litres of water a day! However, the sad reality is that one elephant is poached every 10 minutes in Africa, with East Africa bearing the brunt of this cruel practice. 

Next, we have the rhino. Named after the Greek words for “nose” and “horn”, the rhino is a majestic creature with a horn made of compacted keratin fibres, similar to human hair and nails. Sadly, rhino horn is highly sought after for its perceived medicinal properties. As a result, 3 rhinos are senselessly murdered in South Africa every day. While there has been a reduction in poaching incidents over the past year, any poaching is unacceptable and it’s crucial that we take a stand to eradicate this cruel practice. 

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who read and contributed to the success of this series. Your contributions and passion for spreading awareness are deeply appreciated. Together, let’s continue to advocate for the protection of our precious wildlife and ensure a brighter future for generations to come.