THE REALITY OF THE IVORY TRADE
While in Namunyak, Northern Kenya, I come across a sight I will not soon forget…
Photo by Kristian Schmidt / WildAid
Photo by Kristian Schmidt / WildAid
Since 2008, elephant poaching has been on the rise, according to Save the Elephants and the Kenya Wildlife Service.
Photo by Kristian Schmidt / WildAid
I’m told the main destination for illegal ivory is China.
Thank you for doing this. If we all can inform people of the horror and sadness that these killings of tigers, gorillas, rhinos, and elephants, then these beautiful animals can live in safety and freedom. I appreciate that you are taking this to the Asian people, eventually there can be no excuse of ignorance. I donate monthly to IFAW, WCN, IDA, and the David Sheldrick Wildliffe Trust. These organizations are the best!
B. Hilliard
August 15, 2012 at 5:42 pm
Pictures speak a thousand words, poachers should be stopped on their tracks
August 16, 2012 at 4:04 am
I hope this show and blog are also available in Mandarin so ordinary Chinese people can read and understand how the ivory that goes into making their chop sticks etc comes from. I think most people think its from elephants who have died naturally, very few know that an animal has to give up its life. I am sure if most people knew this they wouldn’t buy ivory related product.s
August 16, 2012 at 4:24 am
Such sad pictures, but inspirational to see that you are so committed and such positive action is being taken – thank you
August 16, 2012 at 5:38 am
Heartbreaking & powerful image. Thank you for making this documentary & educating the Chinese people on the atrocities caused by selling & buying Ivory. This HAS to stop! Your work is inspiring. I’m sharing all your posts on Facebook. Just watched Chelsea Clinton’s interview w/ Dame Daphne at The David Sheldrick WIldlife Trust. We need more “celebrities” like you & Chelsea to bring awareness to this cause & get more $ involved to stop this!! Much Aloha to you for this great work
August 16, 2012 at 11:24 am
We should hunt poachers for their illegal money and use that money to save these animals!
August 16, 2012 at 11:35 am
Absoulutely
September 3, 2012 at 7:02 pm
Great work, Yao Ming. Your commitment to wildlife preservation is very important for the world and especially China.
August 16, 2012 at 11:51 am
education has to be done; communication non stop also; thank you
August 17, 2012 at 12:38 am
A big thank you Yao Ming, you are a true hero!
August 16, 2012 at 7:13 pm
顶！
August 17, 2012 at 4:18 am
Thank you for educating where it is needed most. The Chinese people must know that behind every ivory trinket such horror is the reality. Elephants and rhinos must be left in peace and if the people of China and Japan do not understand they are truly doomed because the current demand for ivory and rhino horn is too great. A world without these majestic beasts would be a very sad world. Thank you Yao Ming. I love the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust for all of their work.
August 17, 2012 at 10:30 am
Please tell us what you are telling the Chinese people and government. Are you telling people that tusks do not grow back? Are you asking the government to stop supporting the China Ivory Carvers Association? No carvings = no trinkets = nothing to buy – as faster way to stop the trade than asking people not to buy. Thank you for all you are doing and bringing awareness of the slaughter and extinction of the world’s heritage, all of our wildlife.
August 19, 2012 at 3:03 pm
go on！
August 21, 2012 at 9:23 pm
I hate to burst your bubble, but that is a GIRAFFE and not an elephant.
August 24, 2012 at 6:52 pm
Have a really good look at the photo’s and at the animals skin color, thickness and length of the neck, ears etc etc (please take your time for this), and then please google what a giraffe and an elephant look like when they’re still alive.
then let’s see if you see a giraffe again
August 28, 2012 at 8:13 am
This work is incredibly important. For years the chinese have been mislead about the realities of the ivory trade. Yao Ming is the ideal spokesman to educate his countrymen to the sad truth of this terrible trade.
August 27, 2012 at 7:10 pm
Thank God for people like you. What wonderful creatures. These animals need to be saved
August 30, 2012 at 5:37 pm
shocked！
September 18, 2012 at 9:40 am
Keep up the good work Yao Ming.
January 5, 2013 at 2:50 am