4/11/13

25,000 Elephants Were Killed in 2011 For Their Ivory


Most of the illegal ivory trade in large scale shipments in the past three years originated in Kenya and Tanzania. The shipments were primarily bound for markets in China. In Tanzania alone 21.8 tons of ivory were seized. (China is also the primary destination of illegally poached rhinoceros horns.)





"Elephants are killed for their ivory, which is used for crafts, such as carvings, ornaments, combs, jewelry, and chopsticks. Diminshing elephant populations, public outrage and fear for the survival of elephants led to an international ivory trade ban in 1989. However, due to the combination of various loopholes and black market trading, the ivory trade is still thriving and threatening our elephant population.  In 2011, CITES reported at least 25,000 African elephants were killed. In 2012, poaching and illegal ivory seizures reached record highs since the international ban in 1989." http://www.wildaid.org/elephants













9 comments:

Rick Forrestal said...

This is so horrible, a crime against the planet.
Thanks for the discussion, and the beautiful sketches.

Bella Sinclair said...

After reading this, I imagine your beautiful elephants are huddling together out of fear. :( So very infuriating and sad.

Ces Adorio said...

You are so right, Rick. This is a crime against the planet and humanity! Those people are cursed.

Ces Adorio said...

Humans are so greedy and selfish. They would rather see the extinction of a species than give up their material desires.

Unknown said...

Very sad to hear that. Hope the elephants can survive for the next decade.
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k.h.whitaker said...

:( that is soooooo sad!!!! I love your homage to the elephants. So beautiful.

illustration poetry said...

Just wanted to let you know that you are one of my favourite people in the world.

Johanna Urban said...

Sad :(( but very beautiful illustration!
xx

Ted Blackman said...

I dont know a single person who hates elephants and wants to see them mistreated. Who are these people that kill them? It's barbaric.