New Years – a time of renewal, resolutions, hope.
I had hoped my New Year’s message would reflect that, but it doesn’t.
Since the birth of the New Year the poaching epidemic has blossomed with a vengeance, and I don’t even know where to begin.
What I do know is this: I need your help in stopping the transfer of 14 infant elephants to Chinese zoos.
These babies were stolen from their families. 
This is taking place in Zimbabwe.
So now not only are the Chinese lusting for ivory they want baby elephants.
One transfer has already been completed with one of the four infants already dead.
These infants are young – under two years old. It’s a fact that elephant babies are milk dependent until at least the age of two.
It also is a fact that a specialized formula is needed to help these infants thrive. Dame Daphne Sheldrick can attest to that.
And it’s a fact, that these babies much like humans bond with a parent figure. There are no parent figures in this case.
China’s climate is also not suitable for African elephants.
Zimbabwe CITES Official has ruled that, “The CITES Management Authority of Zimbabwe shall only grant an export permit when it is satisfied that the elephants were obtained in accordance with national law, the CITES Scientific Authority of Zimbabwe has advised that their export will not be detrimental to the survival of that species and the CITES Management Authority of Zimbabwe is satisfied that any living specimen will be so prepared and shipped as to minimize the risk of injury, damage to health or cruel treatment.”
Shipping to China IS detrimental for the survival of these infant elephants.
These infants need to stay with their families. The living environment they are going to is intolerable for elephants of this age, and most will perish.
Below is a contact list of individuals who need to be mailed as soon as possible because the decision to send these babies will be made within the next few days. We need to let Zimbabwe authorities know that the global community will not tolerate this.
PLEASE SEND THE EMAILS TO:
echidziya@zimparks.co.zw
pangeti@gmail.com
environment@gta.gov.zw
hmadzikanda@zimparks.co.zw
omufute@zimparks.co.zw
These are the officials being emailed:
Mr. Edson Chidziya, Director General of Zimbabwe Parks Authority
echidziya@zimparks.co.zw
Mr. George Pangeti, Chairman of Zimbabwe Parks Authority
pangeti@gmail.com
Minister Nhema, Minister of Environment and Natural Resources Management
environment@gta.gov.zw
Dr Hilary Madzikanda, Chief Ecologist of Zimbabwe Parks Authority
hmadzikanda@zimparks.co.zw
Mr. Omufute, Zimbabwe CITES authority
omufute@zimparks.co.zw
For further information please go to the Save Queenie Save Elephants page on facebook.
