Three rangers that dedicated their lives to protecting the last African elephants have been killed by poachers in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Two others were injured, including the Park Manager, but are recovering.
This isn’t the first time, nor will it be the last. The Chief Executive of African Parks said in a statement, “Rangers put their lives on the line each and every day, and are under real siege in Garamba protecting elephants from heavily incentivized and militarized poaching gangs.”
Poachers are already despised by society at large; What’s more, one study found that these poaching gangs may even have ties to terrorist groups.
Nairobi, Kenya: A pile of ivory confiscated from poachers by Kenyan Game Wardens valued at $3 million. (Image: Tom Stoddart)
A government source described, “Demand for rhino horn and ivory so outpaces supply, and is so lucrative, that criminal elements of all kinds, including some terrorist entities and rogue military officers, are becoming involved…”
We must act now.
Black market demand in the United States and Asia has driven the price of ivory to $1,000 per pound and rhino horn to an unimaginable $45,000 per pound. Let’s keep in mind that tusks are merely overgrown incisors, and rhino horn is made of keratin, the same protein that makes your fingernails.
We’re losing good soldiers, and the most majestic animals on earth, because of the perceived status of teeth and keratin.
Video:Support anti-poaching efforts in Kenya by contributing to David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. No amount is too small, and will go directly to protecting the last elephants of Africa.
