Rapper 50 Cent has been asked to be a guardian of an endangered rhino in South Africa.

Let’s hope he doesn’t pull a knife on it like he did with his puppy.

eBlockwatch says the rapper and the rhino have much in common, such as the fact they’ve both survived being shot 9 times. Not sure if this is the only reason the group feels 50 is the chosen one for being a godfather, but a spokesperson is sure his fame can influence poaching.

“We want to ask him if he wants to become the godfather of our rhino so that he can create awareness worldwide about rhino poaching.”

Phila has also survived two attempts at removing her horn. During the first attempt, part of it was cut off. 50 Cent’s nose in still intact, though.

Though some may find the rapper’s invitation somewhat humorous, sad statistics on poaching make it hard to cry any tears of joy.

The Christian Science Monitor reports that South Africa, where approximately 80% of the world’s rhinos are located, is losing about 20 per month due to poaching. This is a figure that has increased over the years.

“Within South Africa’s national parks — not counting private land there, where poaching was rare — there were 10 rhinos poached in 2007,” said Matthew Lewis, senior program officer for African species conservation for the World Wildlife Fund. “Thus far in 2010 alone, more than 200 rhinos were poached within South Africa, with a lot of those poached outside national parks, so that’s a more than 2,000 percent increase in just three years’ time.”

The intense interest in the rhino lies in its horn, which some believe has medicinal properties, and can fetch for up to $30,000 a pound.

If 50 Cent isn’t granted guardianship of Phila, she still has another fierce friend hired by eBlockwatch–a lion trained as a security guard.

Photo: PR Photos

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