In a warning aimed at elephant poachers, Arnold Schwarzenegger is looking to terminate illegal ivory trade by underlining the need to stop demand for the material that kills thousands of animals each year.
The star of the ‘Terminator’ series and other successful movies, and a few questionable ones, has taken up arms against poachers.
Schwarzenegger joined up with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) in their efforts to stop the illegal trade of ivory. It’s naturally found in the form of elephant tusks, which leads to their illegal hunting by poachers looking to make a profit. The slaughter pushes the animals further down the list of endangered species. It’s a severe violation against their species, and against any conservationist concerned with their survival.
The governor of California has joined in for the purpose of protecting the African elephants. The actor is part of the ’96 Elephants’ campaign, which starts with the premise that 96 elephants are killed each day for their tusks. The material is then shipped off illegally to multiple countries for manufacturing in different products.
At the forefront of it stands China, where most of the ivory is being smuggled. However, they are among the eight nations willing to take a stand.
Schwarzenegger appeared in the ad holding an elephant tusk that was donated by a zoo, sending out the message that in order to stop the devastating effects of poaching, we must cease the demand for ivory as well. Where’s there’s no demand, there’s no need for supply. It starts with a small campaign, and could evolve into more restrictive laws and prevention measures from nations.
In the clip, the Terminator proceeds to blow up the donated tusk into bits in effort to send a stronger message. The persistent need for ivory results in the deaths of thousands of elephants each year. By eliminating that need, illegal poachers will either stop, or the prices will be driven too high even for smugglers to continue.
All the nations involved have gathered up efforts to destroy around 42 tons of illegally procured ivory this year. This included the United States, China, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, and the Republic of Congo. It’s in their hopes that the campaign will spread awareness.
And, according to WCS campaign director, John Calvelli, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s involvement will hopefully reach his global fanbase. Perhaps they will join in effectively stopping the killing of elephants, the demand for ivory, and the potential extinction of the already endangered animals.
Image source: telegraph.co.uk
