Why Animals?

 

According to the World Wildlife Federation (“WWF”), the two main historical factors for the decline of African elephants are the demand for ivory and changes in land-use, both of which represent a serious threat to the species.

Because most range states do not have adequate capacity to protect and manage their herds, if conservation efforts are not forthcoming, elephants may become locally extinct in some parts of Africa within 50 years.

 

Citing a new study that provides the first reliable continent-wide estimates of illegal kills, the National Geographic Society states that poachers have killed 100,000 African elephants in just three years. During 2011 alone, roughly one of every twelve African elephants was killed by a poacher.

 

In central Africa, the hardest-hit part of the continent, the regional elephant population has declined by 64 percent in a decade.

 

On Saturday, October 4, 2014, thousands marched in Africa and around the world to pressure governments to do more to stop the poaching industry that many fear is driving rhinos and elephants to the brink of extinction.

 

The protests, dubbed the Global March for Elephants and Rhinos, took place in 136 cities and towns across six continents, from Soweto to Nairobi, and Paris to New York and Tokyo.

 

We marched in San Francisco.  Below are photos and a short video of the marchers in the Stockton tunnel to the Civic Center (the end of the march).

 

From 27 million elephants 350 years ago, Africa now has about approximately 400,000 left, and roughly 9% of those are being killed each year (see map at right).

 

The indiscriminate killing of over 35,000 elephants per year for their ivory is UNCONSCIONABLE!

 

Only elephants should wear their ivory!

 

These majestic animals need all the help they can get to live and prosper!

 

Your donations will go to organizations we have identified who are proactively working to STOP the poaching!

 

To thank you for your generous donation of U.S. $100 (or more), you will receive an authentic pair of Maasai footwear made by the Maasai and worn by the Maasai.  Your donations help the Maasai create jobs and contribute to the Maasai economy and community.