Starred Review for Kirkus Reviews

On the African savanna, efforts to save the southern white rhino require varied approaches.Continuing a longtime focus on animal conservation and rescue, science educator Markle turns her attention to the plight of the southern white rhino. This giant mammal, an important "ecosystem engineer," was brought close to extinction in the mid-20th century by hunting and loss of habitat before being rediscovered, protected, and restored. Now it is threatened again, by poachers harvesting its horns for their rumored therapeutic powers. The author introduces her disturbing story with a suspenseful description of a poacher attack and concludes with the targeted rhino's rescue and the species' prospects for the future. In between, she covers protection efforts in South Africa that include: reserves and restrictions against hunting, relocation, market attempts to reduce horn value, helping survivors of horn removal, and the use of patrols and trained dogs. The clear and well-organized exposition weaves in plenty of information about the habits and habitats of this remarkable species and the nature of its coveted horn. Appealing design includes photos from a variety of sources, many showing rhino mothers and their calves and more than a few showing their human African protectors, both white and black. These images are captioned with clear explanations and additional information. Supportive backmatter includes a good list of books and websites about all kinds of rhinos appropriate for the intended readers. Another compelling, hopeful account of ecosystem defense. (author's note, timeline, source notes, glossary, find out more, index, photo acknowledgements) (Nonfiction. 9-14)

ALA Booklist (Sun Jul 01 00:00:00 CDT 2018)

In this companion book to The Great Monkey Rescue (2015) and The Great Penguin Rescue? (2017), Markle describes the shrinking population of southern white rhinoceroses. Conservation measures, including laws against the sale of their horns, during the twentieth century had led to increases in the animals' numbers. In 2007, poachers killed 13 rhinos. In 2015, they killed 1,338, the devastating result of a false rumor (spread through Asia) that ground rhino horn cured cancer. Besides discussing history and strategies for saving the southern white rhino, the book introduces a baby and its mother, rangers patrolling rhino habitats, and vets working to save orphaned calves as well as older animals mutilated by poachers. Neither hyping nor downplaying the poachers' cruelty, Markle's clear, matter-of-fact text presents well-researched facts in an organized way and asks readers what "one thing you would like to be able to add to this timeline in the future." The book's large format provides plenty of space for the many clear, well-captioned color photos. An informative volume explaining an ongoing conservation crisis.

Horn Book (Mon Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2019)

Brought back from the edge of extinction in the twentieth century, white rhinoceroses are once again being hunted, now for their horns. Markle details conservation efforts with a sense of optimism, despite the current grim situation. The text, which also includes information about rhinos' anatomy, habitat, and behavior, is brought to life with many large, clear photos. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind.

Kirkus Reviews (Fri Oct 04 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

On the African savanna, efforts to save the southern white rhino require varied approaches.Continuing a longtime focus on animal conservation and rescue, science educator Markle turns her attention to the plight of the southern white rhino. This giant mammal, an important "ecosystem engineer," was brought close to extinction in the mid-20th century by hunting and loss of habitat before being rediscovered, protected, and restored. Now it is threatened again, by poachers harvesting its horns for their rumored therapeutic powers. The author introduces her disturbing story with a suspenseful description of a poacher attack and concludes with the targeted rhino's rescue and the species' prospects for the future. In between, she covers protection efforts in South Africa that include: reserves and restrictions against hunting, relocation, market attempts to reduce horn value, helping survivors of horn removal, and the use of patrols and trained dogs. The clear and well-organized exposition weaves in plenty of information about the habits and habitats of this remarkable species and the nature of its coveted horn. Appealing design includes photos from a variety of sources, many showing rhino mothers and their calves and more than a few showing their human African protectors, both white and black. These images are captioned with clear explanations and additional information. Supportive backmatter includes a good list of books and websites about all kinds of rhinos appropriate for the intended readers. Another compelling, hopeful account of ecosystem defense. (author's note, timeline, source notes, glossary, find out more, index, photo acknowledgements) (Nonfiction. 9-14)