Ep 4. You Had Me at Rhino

Evan Goes Wild is a popular animal-focused TV show. In season one episode four, titled 'You Had Me at Rhino,' Evan ventures to South Africa in search of the endangered black rhinoceros. The episode kicks off with Evan visiting a wildlife reserve in the Mpumalanga Province. This reserve is home to more than 100 black rhinos, making it one of the largest sanctuaries in the world. Evan is there to assist the reserve's rangers in tracking and monitoring these magnificent creatures.

Evan's task is no easy feat. The black rhinoceros is a notoriously elusive animal, and tracking them requires skill and patience. There are only around 5,000 black rhinos left in the world, with most of them residing in South Africa. These animals are under threat from poachers who kill them for their horns, which are highly valued in some cultures for their supposed medicinal properties. The horns can fetch up to $60,000 per kilogram, making them more valuable than gold or cocaine.

Evan quickly learns that the rangers' job is vital in ensuring the rhinos' safety. They work tirelessly to monitor the animals' movements and deter potential poachers. Evan accompanies the rangers on a patrol of the reserve, where they check for any signs of illegal activity. They also collect data on the rhinos' habits and behaviors, which can help with conservation efforts.

As Evan and the rangers traverse the reserve, they come across a group of white rhinos. These rhinos are much larger and less aggressive than their black counterparts, and therefore easier to approach. Evan seizes the opportunity to get up close and personal with these majestic animals. He observes as they graze on grass and wallow in a nearby mud puddle. The experience is awe-inspiring, and Evan remarks on how important it is for people to appreciate and respect these creatures.

The next day, Evan sets out to locate the elusive black rhinoceros. The team spends hours combing the reserve, following tracks and searching for signs of the animals. Eventually, they come across a group of three black rhinos in a thicket. These animals are notoriously skittish, so Evan must approach them with caution. He manages to get within a few feet of the rhinos, observing them from a safe distance. Despite their tough exteriors, Evan notes how gentle the rhinos appear, and how important it is to protect them from harm.

The episode takes on a serious tone as the team discusses the ongoing battle against rhino poaching. Despite efforts to increase patrols and monitor the animals more closely, poaching remains a significant threat to their survival. The rangers recount several stories of encounters with poachers, and the devastation they feel when they find a rhino killed for its horn. Evan notes how difficult it is to comprehend such cruelty and shares his admiration for those working tirelessly to protect the animals.

Before leaving the reserve, Evan meets with an expert on rhino conservation. They discuss the role of technology in curbing poaching, such as the use of drones and GPS tracking devices. Evan expresses his hope that such innovations will help in the fight against poaching.

Overall, 'You Had Me at Rhino' is a powerful episode that highlights the importance of conservation efforts and the ongoing battle against poaching. It's a sobering reminder of how vulnerable these animals are and how crucial it is to protect them for future generations. Despite the serious subject matter, the episode is also a celebration of the beauty and majesty of these creatures. Evan's enthusiasm and respect for the animals are contagious, and the episode leaves viewers with a newfound appreciation for rhinos and their importance in the ecosystem.