Don't Let Them Reopen the Ivory Trade!

These countries want to reopen the ivory trade and put elephants at risk. Don't let the ivory ban be lifted! Sign Now Dear friends, In the ten years leading up to 2016, Africa lost more than 100,000 elephants to poachers. Some conservationists warn that at this rate, African elephants could go extinct in less than a decade. Yet despite these dire warnings, some governments want to roll back the clock and reopen the international ivory market, putting the rest of the remaining herd in danger. We have to act quickly to make sure the ivory ban is never lifted. The governments of Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Namibia, as well as Angola, are working together to propose a plan that would roll back the prohibition on the international ivory trade. This ban has been in place for two decades and is responsible for saving countless elephants' lives. Currently, the ivory trade is governed through the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES), the treaty charged with protecting endangered animals. The southern African governments plan to present their proposal at the next CITES meeting. While the most recent event was canceled in Sri Lanka due to the Easter bombings in that country, a new meeting will surely be scheduled soon — so we have to act fast. If these five governments get their way, the doors to the ivory market would be opened once more. We cannot let this happen. Please sign the petition and tell CITES not to cave. Tell them the ivory ban must stand. Thank you,   Ellen B. The Care2 Petitions Team P.S. Elephants need our help! Please, join the call urging CITES to stay strong and keep the ivory ban, then share the petition with your friends!