San Francisco Zoo & Gardens campaigns to end ivory trade

San Francisco Zoo & Gardens is announcing a campaign to “STOP Ivory Trade” in order to preserve wildlife on World Elephant Day, Friday, August 12 at 9:30 am. SF Zoo is encouraging people to STOP (Stand and Take Our Pledge) Ivory Trade because despite a near-total ban nationwide, about 100 elephants are killed every day for their ivory.

Unfortunately, San Francisco ranks second in the country for ivory markets. As a conservation leader in the community, San Francisco Zoo believes it is critically important to educate the public and create dialogue about elephant population decline, what is driving poaching, and how the public can help.

SF Zoo invites the public to give a thumbs up for conservation and take the anti-ivory pledge, either by signing a form in-person at the Zoo or online. People can also show support by sharing information on social media using the hashtags #STOPIvoryTrade and #ThumbsUpForConservation.

“It’s important for us in San Francisco to shed light on what’s happening in our own backyard and how illegal ivory sales are impacting elephants,” said Tanya M. Peterson, President of San Francisco Zoo & Gardens. “We hope the increased attention on ivory poaching will help shut down imports and sales of illegal ivory and reduce the staggering statistics. There are less than 40,000 remaining Asian elephants and 400,000 African elephants. At this rate, elephants will be extinct in just a few short years.”

The Zoo will be collecting signatures through World Rhino Day, another species that is endangered in part because of poaching for ivory, Thursday, September 22.

Event Details

Who: San Francisco Zoo & Gardens President Tanya M. Peterson, San Francisco Supervisor Norman Yee, Zoo Camp students and youth volunteers, SF Zoo supporter John McNellis
What: STOP Ivory Trade campaign
Where: San Francisco Zoo & Gardens, 1 Zoo Rd, San Francisco, CA 94132 - park in the main lot and meet at the front entrance for transportation to site
When: Friday, August 12 at 9:30 am
Visuals: Zoo Camp students pledging to STOP Ivory Trade by offering a signature and giving a thumbs up to conservation by stamping a large poster board with an elephant outline
How: Contact Rachel Eslick 559-287-3990 or rachele@sfzoo.org

San Francisco Zoo & Gardens

Established in 1929, San Francisco Zoo & Gardens connects people to wildlife, inspires caring for nature and advances conservation action. An urban oasis, the Zoo & Gardens are home to more than 2,000 exotic, endangered and rescued animals representing more than 250 species as well as seven distinct gardens full of native and unusual plants. Located at the edge of the Pacific Ocean where the Great Highway meets Sloat Boulevard, the Zoo is open 365 days a year from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (summer hours) and is accessible by San Francisco MUNI "L" Taraval Line.