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Six tons of illegal elephant ivory to be destroyed by the U.S.
by Joseph Earnest November 12, 2013
Newscast Media WASHINGTON—On November 14, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) will destroy six tons of elephant ivory seized over the years by its special agents and wildlife inspectors in connection with violations of U.S. wildlife laws and treaties.
"The United States believes that it is important to destroy ivory seized as a result of law enforcement investigations and at international ports of entry because elephant poaching in Africa is at its worst in decades and we are committed to protecting elephants from extinction," USFWS said on its website.
Elephant tusk burning event will be held in Africa by the U.S.
More than 30,000 elephants are killed each year for the illegal ivory trade, USFWS said. Elephant poaching is at its highest level in decades and it continues to rise. These animals are being slaughtered across Africa to meet "an insatiable global demand for ivory," USFWS said. Scores of the park rangers who work to protect them have also been killed, the agency added.
"We're sending a message to ivory traffickers and their customers that the United States will not tolerate this illegal trade," USFWS said. "We're standing with nations that have already destroyed their illegal ivory and showing our commitment to working with partners around the world to stop this trafficking and save elephants."
Source: US State Department
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