Director Kate Brooks, who is a former war photographer, started the documentary to document the link between ivory and terrorism but when she found out about rhino horns, she had to include that too.
Poachers kill elephants for their tusks and rhinos for their horns, as there is a myth that their horns have medicinal purposes. During the filming of this documentary, 100,000 elephants were killed and 50,000 rhinos. They estimate 96 elephants are killed a day. It's truly heartbreaking.
There used to be millions of Northern white rhinos in the world, now there are 3. There is a very good chance this species will go extinct. They brought the rhinos from a zoo in Europe to Kenya so that they would be in their natural habitat. It was their first time seeing grass or playing in mud. They tried to breed them but sadly had no luck.
The rangers are really heroes. They know that a bullet is possible and they risk their lives for these animals. They know their is a chance they can be injured or killed. Over 1,000 Rangers were killed in the last 20 years.
Many of the people involved in poaching are also involved in exporting narcotics and human trafficking. It's a very sick business and extremely corrupt. One man was arrested after they found a facility with Ivory. Within 24 hours, the facility was demolished.
It's awful what greed can do to people. Destroy these beautiful animals. I can't imagine growing up in a world without elephants and rhinos. This film made my heart so heavy. For hours after. I am glad there are some people fighting to save these animals, but we need more. This documentary really shows the urgency. Time is running out.
This documentary is a must see.
For more info go to: www.thelastanimals.com
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