Target: President of China Xi Jinping
A recent report from animal conservation group Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force stated that more than a dozen baby elephants were captured by poachers. It’s believed that these elephants will be taken to China, where they will be used as circus animals. These calves will be separated from their families, where they will live in harsh conditions. Tell President Xi Jinping to stop accepting these exported animals, as all elephants are at risk of extinction.
The capture and exportation of baby elephants is not new. Poachers have often caught and killed elephants for their tusks, but capturing baby elephants is a whole new world of cruelty. These babies are torn from their mothers, often times with the mother being killed in the process. The dozen or so the elephants that have been caught are between the ages of two and five, old enough for them to remember the traumatic event of being separated from their family.
The driving force behind these kidnappings is money. Africa’s economy is suffering, and despite measures from numerous countries to keep their endangered wildlife alive, poachers have taken drastic measures to acquire elephant tusks and rhino horns. These items sell for a fortune in Asian markets. Exotic animals are also taken, where they can be shown off to zoos and circuses. Often times these animals are abused and neglected. Elephants are often chained up, deprived of proper nutrition, and can be seen swaying back and forth due to stress.
In order to stop these abuses, the demand for elephants must cease. Sign this petition and urge President Xi Jinping to stop accepting elephants into China. If this means added security or educating the public about elephants, then so be it.
Dear President Xi Jinping,
It saddens me that a group of humans would willingly separate baby elephants from their mothers for the sole purpose of making money. These babies desperately need their mothers to survive, but these poachers do not care. All types of elephants are endangered, and they are in this position because of habitat loss and poaching. Humans want these animals because of their tusks, and the demand for these items comes from Asian countries.
I implore you and the rest of China to stop accepting exported elephants. If this means adding in more security forces and educating the people, I ask that you make it happen. Elephants are regarded as a majestic and wise species. They are known for their remarkable memory and family units. Do not let your country be a part of their destruction.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Brian Snelson via Wikimedia Commons
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