Tomorrow, May 17th, is Endangered Species Day and PAWS is calling for special action to protect Asian elephants in Thailand.
Recently, Thailand announced it would lift a 10-year ban on the export of live captive elephants, allowing the animals to be shipped out of the country for "research" or "diplomatic" purposes. Regulations will also allow elephant products or parts to be exported for designated purposes.
Thai Foreign Trade Department Director-general Adul Chotenisakorn reportedly stated that exported elephants would have to be "treated properly by experts in accordance with the standards set by the World Association for (sic) Zoos and Aquariums" and CITES (Convention in International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).
This statement sends up a red flag: There are no criteria to determine what destinations may be "appropriate and acceptable" for wild animals under CITES. Destinations have included Chinese zoos, where wild-caught African elephant calves from Zimbabwe are languishing in utterly inadequate conditions and, in some cases, forced to perform in circus-style shows. Some calves reportedly have died.
The Thai regulations would also prop up the greater zoo industry, where elephants are not thriving. For example, zoos in North America have been unable to establish self-sustaining populations of African or Asian elephants, and the number of elephants is steadily decreasing. Zoos remain dependent on elephant imports to maintain elephants for display.
Not only is it inhumane to ship elephants to faraway zoos, causing immeasurable stress and the trauma of probable separation of calves and mothers, exports of elephants will provide further incentive for the illegal capture of wild elephants who are then passed off as "captive." To feed the Thai tourist industry wild elephants are already being captured, including those smuggled in from Laos and Myanmar. By lifting the ban Thailand will only exacerbate this problem. In addition, the export of elephant parts and products will encourage the illegal wildlife trade.
Take action!
It's time to let the Thai government know that the world rejects the export of live elephants, their parts and products, with this multi-pronged action on May 17:
1. Send a message to the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington, DC (if you live outside the U.S., please contact the consulate in your country). You can find a contact form here. Please keep your message simple and polite. You can use this sample:
To H.E. Mr. Virachai Plasai, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary:
I am greatly disturbed that Thailand is lifting its ban on the export of live elephants, their parts and products – even if it is for research or diplomatic purposes. Not only is it inhumane to ship elephants to faraway zoos, the export of elephants will provide further incentive for the illegal capture of wild elephants. Likewise, allowing the export of elephant parts and products will only encourage the illegal wildlife trade.
Despite the best efforts of your government, elephants are sure to suffer and the illegal wildlife trade will flourish. This means that Asian elephants, already a highly endangered species, will be even more at risk.
I respectfully ask that the Thai government reconsider its decision and make the protection of Thailand's elephants – both wild and captive – a priority. Please share my message with His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun.
2. Tweet the Royal Thai Embassy at @Thaiembdc: Thailand: Save endangered Asian elephants! Reinstate ban on export of live elephants, their parts and products now! #ESDaySOS
4. Share this alert on social media!
Want to do more?
If your Congressperson is on one of the following committees, please send a message, call and/or Tweet. International wildlife conservation efforts come under the purview of both of these committees. Ask your Congressperson to publicly oppose Thailand's decision to lift its ban on the export of live captive elephants, and elephant parts and products. Tell them this action will adversely affect the conservation of Asian elephants by incentivizing the illegal capture of wild elephants and passing them off as "captive." It will also encourage the illegal trade in ivory and other elephant parts and products. Remind them that Asian elephants are highly endangered!
U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Click here to see all members of the committee.
U.S. Natural Resources Committee. Click here to see all members of the committee.
Thank you for taking action on Endangered Species Day!
