Cassandra Koenen, Global Head of Wildlife not Pets at World Animal Protection said:
“This is a landmark decision that will the change the lives of many baby elephants. We applaud all the nations at CITES that made the decision to protect elephants.
“The world has been shocked to see distressing video and photos of terrified baby African elephants being rounded up and snatched from their families in the wild, to be shipped to zoos around the world.
“Elephants have suffered enough, and they deserve a life worth living. Many when captured and held in captivity undergo cruel training to make them submissive enough for tourist interaction or performances. The absolute last thing we should subject them to is long, stressful transportation across the world, and unsuitable new homes in the name of entertainment. These animals belong in the wild.”
