Thousands of elephants have been slaughtered for the illegal ivory trade and the killing continues. All wildlife is on the edge of extinction, and it's human need and greed that drives it.

If we lose the elephant, that great symbol of African wildlife, what hope is there for any other creature? Ultimately, what hope is there for us?

If we demand the death penalty for the criminals who ply this trade, we may have a chance to deter at least some of the killers and perhaps even turn back the tide of extinction. It's got to be worth a try.