Exciting news for all animal enthusiasts!
As of today, a global ban has been implemented on the capture and utilization of African elephants in zoos and circuses worldwide, as reported by TT.
This decision was reached during an international conference in Geneva, Switzerland last Sunday.
Under this new ban, the practice of capturing and using elephants in zoos and circuses is no longer permitted.
African Elephant Excluded from Zoos
Iris Ho, a specialist at the NGO Humane Society International, revealed that 46 world leaders supported the ban on wild elephants. However, there was significant opposition during the debate, with the vote being almost evenly split.
To ensure a consensus, the ban had to be slightly adjusted. African elephants can now only be transferred to live in reserves within their natural habitats.
“Significant Progress”
In rare circumstances, elephants may still be relocated to safeguard the species.
“This marks significant progress,” stated Iris Ho to Bloomberg as reported by TT.
Currently, several countries have already enforced a complete ban on wild animals in circuses, including the Netherlands, Mexico, Croatia, and Greece.
Effective January 1, 2020, the United Kingdom will also implement this law.
Two Countries Opposed to the Ban
Despite the widespread support for the ban, not all countries are in favor. Both Botswana and Zimbabwe still permit elephant hunting. These nations argue that there is an overpopulation of elephants, justifying the need for controlled hunting.
Combined, Botswana and Zimbabwe hold approximately 200,000 African elephants, according to Bloomberg.
Historically, Zimbabwe strongly opposed the ban. In 2012, around 100 elephant calves were captured and sold to Chinese zoos, as reported by Humane Society International.
What amazing news!
Wild animals like elephants should be in their natural habitat, NOT confined in zoos or circuses. SHARE if you support this!
