John Hume once ran the largest rhino sanctuary in the world , Platinum Rhino, which holds roughly 2,000 white rhinos. He's now on trial for trafficking $14 million in rhino horns to Southeast Asia.
According to the BBC, Hume started the rhino sanctuary back in the 90's and sold it in 2023 because of financial problems. The charges regarding the rhino horns stem from activities that date between 2017-2024.
Hume allegedly sold 960 horns into Southeast Asia where rhino horns are believed to have all kinds of medicinal properties.
(NOTE: Studies have shown rhino horns have about as much medicinal use as chewing your fingernails, which are also made entirely out of keratin.)
Hume, of course, denies the charges:
‘I have nothing to hide and have fully cooperated with investigators for years,' he said.
‘I categorically reject the allegations against me and maintain that I have never acted unlawfully. I am confident that, once the facts are tested in court, I will be vindicated and my innocence confirmed.'
So he allegedly disguised himself as a "nature conservationist" as cover for being a poacher...
Wait, isn't that essentially the plot to Wild Thornberrys The Movie?
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