Tusk
END THE TRADE IN IVORY AND RHINO HORN - STOP THE DEMAND, STOP THE KILLING
via Crowdrise 12 months ago
BENEFITING: Tusk
EVENT DATE: May 01, 2012
THE STORY:
Dear Tusk Supporter,
At present, I am taking the unusual step of writing to highlight the growing poaching crisis that is engulfing wildlife in Africa today, and to seek your financial support.
Poaching of both elephant and rhino for their ivory and horn, respectively, has escalated dramatically. Some estimates suggest that as many as 35,000 elephant were slaughtered last year. And, in South Africa alone, it has been widely reported that every 18 hours a rhino is killed by poachers, bringing this species ever closer to extinction in the wild. Alarmingly, Africa’s overall elephant population is now thought to be around 350,000, down from 700,000 in 1990. These statistics are truly shocking and, sadly, worsening by the week.
This new epidemic is being fuelled by unprecedented demand from the Far East, primarily China, Vietnam and Taiwan. Whilst increased protection in the field is critical, a major challenge is to eradicate the demand from Asia. Tusk is working extremely hard to foster collaboration with other groups who are active in Asia with a goal to change mindsets and educate consumers.
In the meantime, and in light of this unprecedented poaching onslaught, Tusk is appealing to our existing donors as well as new supporters today for financial support to continue our vital work to protect these magnificent animals in the wild and help ensure Africa’s natural heritage.
Thank you.
Meredith Ogilvie-Thompson
Executive Director, Tusk USA
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