Assam Government launches Abode of the Unicorn Memorial using ash collected from rhino horns
The ash obtained from burning the horns of 2,479 rhinoceros confiscated from poachers and smugglers and the ash collected from naturally dying animals was used in the concrete mix to make the rhino statues.
The Abode of the Unicorn Memorial: A Tribute to Assam's Rhinos and Forest Guards
Assam is home to the largest population of the greater one-horned rhino, a majestic animal that is also known as the unicorn of Asia. The rhino is a symbol of pride and heritage for the people of Assam, who have been striving to protect it from the threats of poaching and habitat loss.
On September 24, 2022, the Assam Government unveiled a unique memorial at the Kaziranga National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most important habitat for the rhino. The memorial, named "Abode of the Unicorns", features three life-size sculptures of rhinos - a male, a female, and a calf - made out of the ash of burnt rhino horns. It also has three statues of forest guards, who have been risking their lives to safeguard the rhino and its habitat.
The memorial is a result of a historic decision taken by the Assam Government on World Rhino Day last year when it burnt a stockpile of 2,479 rhino horns that had been stored in various treasuries across the state for decades. The horns were either seized from poachers and smugglers or collected from the natural deaths of rhinos. The burning of the horns was done remotely using drones at the Kaziranga National Park, in a bid to send a strong message to the international community that rhino horns have no medicinal value and that Assam is committed to ending the illegal wildlife trade.
According to park authorities, 128.56 kg of ash was used in the making of the rhino sculptures, which were crafted by sculptor Biju Das. The forest guard statues were created by sculptor Biren Singha using different materials. The male rhino is 10.5 feet long and 6 feet tall, the female is 11 feet long and 5.6 feet tall while the calf is 3.5 feet long and 1.5 feet tall.
The memorial was inaugurated by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in the presence of Sadguru Jaggi Vasudev, who also took a drive in the park to see the real rhinos. The Chief Minister said that the memorial was a tribute to Assam's rhinos and forest guards, who have been selflessly working to conserve them. He also said that rhino poaching has come down drastically in Assam after the BJP came to power in 2016.
The "Abode of the Unicorns" memorial is located at Mihimukh, the main entrance to the park in Kohora range. It is open to public view and is expected to attract tourists and wildlife enthusiasts from across the world. It is also a reminder of the need to protect and preserve Assam's rich biodiversity and natural heritage.
Sources:
Kaziranga gets sculptures made of burnt rhino horns ash- The New Indian Express
Inert rhinos rise from ashes at Kaziranga - The Hindu
Rhino Memorial in Kaziranga National Park - GKToday
