We, the undersigned, respectfully urge the Federal Government of Germany to take decisive and lasting action to ban the import of rhino hunting trophies. Germany has long presented itself as a leader in wildlife conservation and ethical environmental policy. It is time to uphold that reputation by ending its role in the global trade of endangered species body parts.

Rhinos are ancient, intelligent beings, highly social and emotionally complex. Yet they are being targeted, tracked, and killed—largely for the financial gain and fleeting thrill of a small number of foreign trophy hunters. Germany is among the top importers of these trophies in the European Union, and by continuing to allow such imports, it directly fuels demand for rhino deaths.

Rhino trophy hunting is not conservation. It is the commodification of a sentient life. The notion that killing rare beings helps protect them is increasingly challenged and belongs to an outdated era of exploitation and colonial conquest.

The brutal reality is this: each “trophy” was a living being, killed not for survival or sustenance, but because someone was wealthy enough to buy the right to kill. In many cases, these animals are lured out of protected zones or bred in captivity only to be executed for sport. Such practices do not maintain ecological balance nor significantly empower local communities.

Public opposition to this practice is rising. Across Europe and around the world, nations are moving to ban the import of trophies from endangered species. Germany must not be left behind. A clear and permanent ban on the import of rhino trophies would be a powerful statement: that Germany’s values are not for sale.

We respectfully request the following actions:

1. Enact a full and permanent ban on the import of hunting trophies from all rhino species, wild or captive-bred, regardless of country of origin.

2. Reject claims that trophy imports benefit conservation, and instead prioritize genuine habitat protection and support for in situ conservation projects.

3. Acknowledge the inherent contradiction in claiming to protect endangered species while facilitating their destruction through trade.

4. Extend this ethical stance to include all endangered and vulnerable species covered under CITES, and encourage similar policies across the European Union.

Germany has a chance to lead—not just in words, but in action. To take a clear stand against exploitation disguised as sport. To show that progress is measured not by how much we can dominate, but by how much we can respect.

This is your moment to lead with integrity. To honor the wild. To say enough.

Please act now.