http://en.rfi.fr/africa/20190517-focus-africa-zimbabwe-offers-elephants-and-ivory-china?ref=tw

It is common knowledge to wildlife activists and conservationists, now confirmed by the Zimbabwean government, that they have sold ninety-four sub-adult elephants to zoos in China over the past seven years. Another thirty-five baby elephants are waiting to be exported to China in a holding facility at Hwange.  

Whilst the minister announced that funds received from the sale of these elephants has been directed back into wildlife conservation,  rumors and speculation are circulating once more that Zimbabwe is using wildlife to settle its mounting outstanding international debt. 

Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia have massive stockpiles of ivory. They are eager to sell these, with seemingly no regard for the devastating effects these sales will have on the ivory markets that so many nations are trying to dismantle. 

We have to hope that the world will shun their decision.  China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, USA, UK have banned the ivory trade.  Japan and the EU are still supporting an active ivory trade. 

We have to use our voices. If the sales of ivory stockpiles are allowed, our remaining elephant populations will be destroyed. 

#NoMarket #NoTrade 

Megan Carr VP Social Media GMFER