After a final vote on the issue today at CITES, a near-total ban on capturing elephants from the wild, to send to zoos, has passed. The EU fought to have it reworded, changing it from a total ban. The US, shamefully, voted against the ban.
The EU amendments to the text added a loophole, saying the elephants should remain in their “natural and historical range in Africa, except in exceptional circumstances where … it is considered that a transfer to ex-situ locations will provide demonstrable in-situ conservation benefits for African elephants.”
Because of past exports where it was claimed that the elephant’s lives were at stake, it is our hope that this loophole will not be exploited. As part of the group of elephant experts that signed a letter to US Fish and Wildlife, opposing the import of wild elephants to zoos, we are glad to see that the world seems to be waking up to the cruelty of snatching elephants from the wild to be used for human entertainment and enjoyment.
Thank you to everyone who spoke up and has shared the reality of captive elephants, helping to educate the world and creating a better future for all elephants.
August 27, 2019
Comments(5) 
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Carey says
August 27, 2019 at 3:29 pmThat is very good news thank you for it.! I also hope that they wont exploit the EU loophole. I guess that will be down to CITES to decide if that reason is given? I’m saddened that Asian elephants aren’t included
Kelehan says
August 27, 2019 at 3:37 pmI was sorry to read that the U.S. voted against it. Who exactly represented the U.S.
Sherry says
August 27, 2019 at 4:05 pmOMG, yes, yes, yes!!! Elephants should be allowed to live in their natural habitats.
Thank you, Jesus!!
Maggie says
August 27, 2019 at 4:34 pmIām disgusted that the UK also voted against it!
Carey says
August 28, 2019 at 7:13 pmThe US voted against the ban, the UK is reported to have persuaded the EU to vote in favour of the ban which is why I’m guessing, that the EU managed to get the loophole. I dont know how much truth there is in that, but the UK def voted in favour of the ban. š
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