Anti-Poaching ‘March for Elephants’ in D.C. (photos)

Protesters at the fifth annual International March for Elephants advanced to the White House Saturday, Aug. 12, “World Elephant Day,” to demand that governments take action to stop the poaching of elephants and to end the trade in ivory.

An estimated 35,000 African elephants are poached annually, equating to 100 elephants killed every day. Fewer than 300,000 elephants are believed to remain in Africa. There were 11 million elephants in Africa in the 1900s and 18 million in the 1800s.

The rally in D.C. featured remarks by Congolese park ranger Adams Cassinga; schoolchildren; representatives from Elephants DC, an all-volunteer nonprofit; and a representative of the Humane Society of the United States of America. Cassinga is the founder and CEO of Conserv Congo, a nature conservation-aligned NGO which fights poaching and promotes scientific tourism and environmental conservation through education.

Children learn “E is for ‘Elephant — not Extinction.” The march is part of the global movement to save elephants from extinction inspired by Iworry and the Global March for Elephants and Rhinos community.

On Oct. 7, there will be another planned “March Against Extinction” to demand that governments take action to stop the poaching of elephants and rhinos and end the trade in ivory and rhino horn. According to the Global March website: “With global corruption driving injustice toward animals and humans alike, we further demand transparency and accountability from governments on behalf of Justice for All and Justice for Earth.”

click here to view Jeff Malet’s video of the March for Elephants

tagsAfricaD.C. rallyMarch for ElephantsWorld Elephant Day