On the 3rd
of October I joined thousands on the streets on London for a rally concerning
the relentless ivory trade. Marches were taking place all over the globe, in a
total of 140 counties. In London 96 people were dressed in elephant costumes,
representing the number of elephants killed each and every day in Africa by
poachers, fuelling terrorist and criminal gangs. This saddening statistic reveals
that if this massacre continues, the African elephant species will be extinct
in just 11 years - with the last individual falling at the bloody hands of
humanity on the 12th of August 2016.
Photograph not mine. |
The rally
was also concerning the use of rhino horn for medicines, especially in Asia. Similar
to elephants, rhinos are in serious trouble from poachers. Using the
information available to me it appears that governments in Asia aren't pulling
their weight to crack down on and punish ivory and rhino horn users and dealers
- hopefully Prince William's recent correspondence with President XI and the
people of China will have a positive impact.
The rally
began in Cavendish square, continued through Regents Street (past Hamley's
where they had elephants on display in support!) and finished on Downing Street
where the speeches began. The chants for the march were all prescribed on chant
sheets, with my personal favourite being 'David Cameron take a stand. No more
ivory in this land!' Dominic Dyer and Nicky Campbell both gave very powerful
speachers, and even Ricky Gervais gave some words of support through twitter.
To finish off the day a letter was delivered by four representatives from the
rally to David Cameron regarding all the issues which we had addressed during
the day. I don't
know whether to feel optimistic or pessimistic. Part of me thinks that things
are heading in the right direction, with lots of recent media and news coverage
about the problems elephants and rhinos are facing, mainly due to Prince
William's involvement. But is this really enough? Nearly every day the internet
reveals yet another story of sadness...40 elephants poisoned with cyanide
within two weeks, national park rangers killed by poachers, Asian elephant
population declining because of calve kidnapping for the tourism trade...the
list is endless.
Photograph not mine. |
The thing
that probably upsets me most is that elephants are incredibly intelligent and
social creatures. I know it shouldn't matter how intelligent an animal is, but
it does make you sympathise more with the victims. If you're interested in the
intelligence of elephants watch episode one of 'Animals in love' - a series
investigating not just love, but the extent to which other species experience
emotions previously thought to be only present in humans.
Things you
can do to help
- Most
importantly, never buy a ivory or rhino horn product, regardless of the
credibility of the seller.
- Spread
the word to your friends and family, urging them to go ivory (and rhino horn)
free!
- Donate to
organisations such as 'Save the Elephants' and the 'Born free foundation'.
Thanks for
reading!
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