A Rhino Protection Programme was launched in the central city of Da Nang on April 18 in a bid to raise students’ responsibility for protecting the endangered animal.

With the theme of “I Love Rhinos”, the festival drew the participation of nearly 500 primary students across the city.

Through an array of activities such as art performances and painting exhibitions, the children showed off their knowledge about rhinos as well as their love for these endangered animals.

The event was jointly held by the Vietnam Management Authority for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and Humane Society International.

The two organisations are joining hands with the municipal Department of Education and Training to conduct various activities to improve public awareness of reducing the demand for rhino horns.

Such activities, including provision of comic books about the Rhino, film screening and painting contests, target students in the locality.

Do Quang Tung, Director of the Vietnam CITES Management Authority, said rhinos are standing on the edge of extinction due to illegal hunting for their horns.

Therefore, how to spread the message of cutting the demand for rhino horns among the community is significant to protect the endangered animal, he added.-VNA