By Paul Udoto
Two iconic rhinos in Kenya have been ‘greened’ as part of global celebrations to mark St Patrick’s Day. The statues of Kyela and Lankeu, which are names of actual rhinos in Nairobi National Park, were symbolically lit green to draw attention to conservation efforts.
The colourful occasion dubbed #GreenRhinos was presided over by Ireland ambassador to Kenya, Dr. Vincent O’Neill who said the “greening” of rhinos this year was to celebrate Ireland’s presence and influence abroad.
The occasion was also to recognize the fact that rhinos are a “fantastic icon of Kenyan life and heritage” endangered through poaching and that Kenya was responding effectively to the problem.
“In highlighting this, we want to commend Kenya for the huge progress it has made in addressing this global problem,” said Dr. O’Neill “Because of these efforts, the number of rhinos killed by poachers in Kenya has greatly reduced over the years.”
Kenya Wildlife Society (KWS) Director General, Kitili Mbathi, expressed Kenya’s concern over new moves to legalize trade in domestic markets for rhino horn in South Africa, especially proposed partial lifting of the ban in the export of rhino horn by allowing foreigners to export two rhino horns for “personal purposes.”
