HÀ NỘI — Paul Blackthorne distributed chocolate bars imprinted with his image and the slogan “Keep the Rhino Horny” to the media as gifts for their efforts in raising awareness for rhino conservation.

He appeared at the press briefing in Hà Nội yesterday as a friendly, enthusiastic activist fighting for the conservation of rhinos.

On the same day, the Arrow actor exchanged thoughts with the students of Thăng Long University to raise awareness of the need to protect wildlife. This event was part of the Save the Rhino Vietnam campaign organised by Education for Nature Việt Nam.

Blackthorne is a familiar face for the Vietnamese audience, who have seen him appear in many TV series, such as 24 Hours (2004), CSI Miami (2010), Dumb and Dumber (2014) and Arrow (2015).

He is not only known for his acting talents but also for his work as a wildlife activist. He has joined the "Poach Eggs, not Elephants" and "Keep the Rhino Horny" campaigns.

“Thirty years ago, when someone wore a fur coat, people thought he/she was fabulous,” he said.

“But now, everything has changed. Wearing a T-shirt with the image of a rhino and the slogan "Save the Rhino Vietnam" is fabulous indeed.

“It is time to think about how terrible it is to consume products made from wild animals. Rhino horns are neither a magical medicine nor a status symbol. That is my message to the Vietnamese people.”

Blackthorne has loved animals since he was a young boy. His favourite TV show was on the National Geographic channel. He also has a vast collection of images of elephants and other animals.

“I once witnessed people catching a seal. To make sure its skin remained undamaged, they didn’t shoot it but beat it to death with a hammer. It was terrible.

“We all have hearts; please listen to your hearts. When you see a rhino horn, think about its bloody origins.”

He said he targeted students on this trip to Việt Nam because the younger generation were very active and willing to listen. They also had access to various social networks such as Facebook and Twitter. They could be a key factor in changing the long-standing belief in Vietnamese society that the rhino horn has magical medicinal properties.

Blackthorne will hold meetings with the students of two secondary schools and with Vietnamese enterprises. He will also visit Cúc Phương National Park and Vân Long Reserve in the northern province of Ninh Bình to learn about the diversity of the eco-system there.

On May 30, at Cầu Giấy District Park, he will host an exchange to discuss the protection of rhinos. The event will also feature painting, film screenings and a photo exhibition. Entrance to the event is free. — VNS