Prince William Combats Illegal Ivory Trade In China

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Prince William visit to Xishuangbanna, China - 04 Mar 2015
Prince William with a Chinese elephant!

 

 

Did you know that ONE elephant is KILLED every 15 minutes? If this continues at its current rate, African Elephants are bound to be extinct. We will no longer have these wonderful creatures roaming in the wild by the year 2025! Can you imagine a whole entire species gone, never to be seen by future generations?

Prince William has been out and about in China, but this is no vacation! He’s been speaking out and raising awareness for the elephants of Africa being killed for their tusks. The ivory is being traded illegally for copious amounts of money, but he has made it his duty to protect these precious, endangered creatures.

“No tradition or fashion is worth the extinction of an entire species, and no criminal gang should be allowed to destroy any part of nature,” the prince said.

 

african elephant

 

He urged China, which has come in for criticism that its citizens’ demand for ivory has fueled poaching, to be a global leader in combating the illegal wildlife trade. He commended China for contributing to the protection of wildlife in Africa and welcomed its announcement last week that it would tighten regulations governing the country’s legal trade in ivory.

Prince William feeding a Chinese elephant.
Prince William feeding a Chinese elephant.

 

China’s illicit trade in ivory began to explode in 2008, when Beijing was permitted to purchase 62 tons of ivory under the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species. The purchase was presented as a way to preserve China’s traditional artisan ivory carving industry.

After legal pieces appeared in shops, it became a status symbol. Carved ivory has historically been highly prized in China, and its scarcity has turned it into an investment choice akin to gold and silver. China has since then cracked down, on the illicit trade of ivory. Just like Prince William, Animal Fair also commends them!

 

In his natural habitat
Thriving in a natural habitat.

 

We can stop this by simply coming together to spread and awareness and support through the iworry campaign. The “iworry” campaign was created by  The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT). DSWT is a field based organization that not only work hands-on but work front line to protect wildlife. They have witnessed the cruelty and damage caused by the poaching of elephants. The campaign’s mission is to raise global awareness about the devastating impact of the illegal ivory trade on the elephant population and to call for world governments to enforce a complete ban on the illegal ivory trade.

If action isn’t taken now, the entire species will be wiped out all for the sake of a trend! Click here for more information and to find out how to show your support!

To adopt an African elephant, click HERE!

 

For the Best Pet Lifestyle and Animal Welfare has to offer follow Wendy Diamond on FacebookTwitter, and AnimalFair.com!

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