She read the advertisement, then stared coldly at me. The older gentleman behind the register at the other side of the pharmacy responded by cupping his hand behind his right ear. This broadcast attracted the attention of several other customers, all of whom directed their attention toward me. Anything over the counter is worthless. At that moment, I wanted to point out that I was investigating the tablets from the aspect of rhinos as an endangered species.
Rhinoceroses are an endangered species.
It seems that I had discovered fake contraband. Rhino horn tablets, real or otherwise, are not the only wildlife products that have found their way into Israeli society. Like many other countries, Israel has developed an appetite to possess what is rare, exotic, beautiful, sometimes dangerous - and at times, illegal. Live animals are being smuggled into Israel in increasing numbers, by dealers who are aware of Israel's growing prosperity and subsequent desire to pay for costly exotic pets. In the past year, the Nature Reserves Authority has confiscated chimpanzees, parrots, sea turtles and an unnerving number of poisonous snakes and tarantulas.