According to news reports, 24 baby elephants, some as young as two years old, have been taken from their families and exported to China — destined for a life of captivity.
News reports are sketchy, but it may be that this capture and export is entirely legal. However, there’s still hope for these baby elephants because the government has the power to stop their export.
Elephants have deep family bonds and this loss will be devastating to the elephants left behind. To make matters worse, the captured young have a poor chance of survival.
The Zimbabwe government has the power to choose a more humane fate for these helpless baby elephants.
Sign the petition and urge Zimbabwe's Ministers for Environment and Tourism to stop the export and return these baby elephants to the wild.
Subject: Please stop the export of Zimbabwe's elephants
Dear Honourable Minister Kasukuwere and Honourable Minister Mzembi,
I am writing to urge you to do everything in your power to change Zimbabwe's policy of capturing wild elephants and exporting them to other countries.
On 6 July 2015, it was reported that Saviour Kasukuwere, Zimbabwe Minister for the Environment, confirmed that 24 wild elephants had been sent to China.
Elephants have deep family bonds, so the removal of these youngsters from their families will be devastating to both the captured elephants and their families left behind.
Survival chances for elephants taken into to captivity are very poor. Many will likely die. Some news reports state that one has already died.
We know enough about elephants to know that is cruel and unnecessary to seize wild elephants, especially babies, for a lifetime of captivity.
[Your Comment]
You have it within your power to urge the Republic of Zimbabwe to choose a kinder fate for young elephants like these and to develop more effective and environmentally responsible ways of raising funds for conservation.
Elephants are part of Zimbabwe's national heritage. Please use your power to protect your nation's elephants and do not allow their export.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
