Fewer elephants may suffer at the hands of “trophy hunters” for the U.S. market soon thanks to an amendment to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) related to live elephants and elephant “trophies” being imported into the U.S., according to The Hill.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) announced it will limit the countries that are eligible to import “trophies” and live elephants into the U.S. to those that adhere to specific conservation guidelines, according to a press release. The updated ESA prohibits the import of “trophies” from countries where the elephant populations are at risk or suffering low welfare conditions.
While a total ban on trophy hunting and importing live elephants is still necessary, this revision may reduce the number of elephants being killed or imported by the U.S. market.
Elephant populations and welfare have long been at risk due to international trade of wild African elephants and their body parts. African elephants imported for captivity are separated from their families, taken from their natural habitats, and suffer psychologically because of isolation in captivity. Increased regulations surrounding the trade of these gentle giants is good news.
These intelligent animals deserve to roam free and live long lives with their family members — not be held in captivity or cruelly killed for profit or bragging rights.
Lady Freethinker will continue to advocate for a total ban on importing live elephants and their body parts.
