Regular readers of my blog will know that I’m an elephant lover. So, as you can imagine, the headlines have been filling me with mixed emotions over the past week.
Firstly I’ve been shocked an angered by new research from the International Union for Conservation of Nature, which shows that on average 50 elephants a day have been killed since 2006. Yes, you read that correctly, 50 elephants a day.
As someone who has spent time working with rescued elephants in Thailand, I find it almost impossible to imagine anyone hurting this magnificent gentle giants.
Relaxing on the bank of the river at Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai
However, I have also welcomed the Duke of Cambridge’s passionate speech at an event organised by the conservation charity Tusk. He told the audience that he was “not prepared to be part of a generation that lets these iconic species disappear from the wild” and for that I am very grateful.
Regardless of your opinion of the Royal Family, no one can deny the influence Prince William can have in raising this issue. He has reportedly lobbied the presidents of China, the US and African countries to strengthen wildlife protection.
I hope his words will not only make people across the world think twice about buying ivory products, but also encourage others to stand up for these amazing animals.
This young elephant at has a bright future thanks to the protection of Elephant Nature Park. Lets hope the same can be said for those in the wild
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