Royal Watch News

Prince William slams rhino horn traders

Jun 20, 2012, 12:01 GMT

Prince William

Britain's Prince William has condemned illegal trading of rhino horn.

The royal has slammed people who take part in the act as 'extremely ignorant' and 'selfish' and admitted it makes him 'very angry' to think of people who are aware of the endangered beasts' plight in the world but continue to poach them or buy their horns.

When asked what he thought of people who illegally trade rhino horns, he told the BBC: 'I think they are extremely ignorant. I think they are selfish. I think they are wrong, totally and utterly wrong.

'It makes me very angry, it's a waste.'

Black rhinos have now become critically endangered in the wild after the price of rhino horn increased to be worth more than gold because of the demand in certain countries, and the second in line to the throne is concerned the animals will become extinct if they continue to be hunted.

William added: 'If we don't do something about them it is going to be a tragic loss for everyone.

'My message to them is simply: stop. It's a message about educating people and understanding that when you buy that rhino horn, or when you buy that ivory, you are taking this from an animal that has been slaughtered for this decorative ornament you have on your mantelpiece and you have at home - is that really what you desire and what you feel is right in the world?'

Rhino horn is particularly wanted in some Asian countries as it is thought to contain a cure for cancer and can also act as an aphrodisiac.