The UK Ivory Act 2018 was hailed as world-leading — but it left hippos behind.

As elephant ivory became harder to obtain, poachers and traders turned to hippos. Hippo teeth are ivory. Their killing is just as brutal. Their extinction risk is accelerating.

Yet the UK still allows hippo ivory to be bought, sold, and traded. This loophole makes a mockery of the Act’s purpose.

We call on the UK Government to:

1. Amend the Ivory Act to explicitly ban hippopotamus ivory, alongside elephant ivory.

2. Apply the same penalties and enforcement mechanisms to hippo ivory traders and sellers.

3. Ensure that online platforms, auction houses, and marketplaces are held accountable if they facilitate hippo ivory sales.

Hippos are not commodities. Ivory is ivory.

This is the UK's chance to lead again — and close the door on hippo ivory for good.