Ma Weidu. [Photo/INVESTEC RHINO LIFELINE]

Tourism is hugely important for protecting rhinos, says Yu Hui, of Traveler magazine. "They are one of the flagship wildlife species in Africa, and tourism to view them generates revenue for local communities and conservation efforts."

"Encouraging our tourists to visit the natural habitat, to be an eyewitness to the animals in their own homes and to influence people around us to care for these endangered species, will provide a greater experience and help the local economy," says Yu.

In September, Traveler magazine in Beijing launched its Travel for Earth program, focusing on ecotourism and highlighting rhino tourism. Jiang Yiyan, a young Chinese actress, starred in a photographic exhibition alongside the last living male northern white rhino. The species with just three surviving animals will inevitably die out.

"I felt so sad when I embraced him and felt his warmth. He was gentle and friendly, huge and yet so vulnerable," Jiang said then.

She urged the Chinese public to join the battle against the rhino horn trade by supporting ecotourism in African reserves. "I hope our children will have the chance to see a living rhino."