Red Ivory calls attention to wildlife trade crisis

San Francisco Zoo & Gardens is shining a light on the tragedy of illegal wildlife trade in its newest exhibit, Red Ivory. The artistic visual narrative is a powerful, compelling and provocative six-minute video by San Francisco Zoo’s Artist in Residence Henry Jackson. The film is looping every ten minutes at an indoor theater in the Primate Discovery Center.

Using layered, enhanced video and composed audio, the piece takes viewers through several scenes depicting elephants in the past, present and future, including repercussions of current poaching practices – a world without elephants. Although the situation is grim, it’s not too late for concerned conservationists to make a difference. Actionable steps are to refrain from buying ivory and educate friends and family about the ramifications of illegal wildlife trade. Red Ivory expands the pledge campaign SF Zoo began last year to “STOP Ivory Trade”.

A special showing of Red Ivory will play Monday, March 27 at 11:00 am. Artist in Residence Henry Jackson, community leaders, local students and San Francisco Zoological Society supporters will be among the guests in attendance.

This is the second art installation by San Francisco artist Henry Jackson. In 2012, Kingdom Animalia, a large scale video & sound installation, debuted at San Francisco Zoo & Gardens.

Event Details

Who: Artist in Residence Henry Jackson, community leaders, local students and San Francisco Zoological Society supporters
What: Red Ivory Special Showing
Where: San Francisco Zoo & Gardens, 1 Zoo Road, San Francisco, CA, 94132
When: Monday, April 27, 2017 at 11:00 am
Visuals: Six-minute video depicting the elephant poaching crisis; concerned citizens taking SF Zoo’s pledge to STOP ivory trade; interviews with SF Zoo professionals, supporters, and teen volunteers
How: Contact Rachel Eslick at 559-287-3990 or rachele@sfzoo.org

Upcoming events for planning purposes:

Saturday & Sunday, April 1 & 2 – APE-ril Awareness weekend
Saturday & Sunday, April 15 & 16 – Big Bunny’s Spring Fling Easter Egg Hunt
Friday, April 28 – ZooFest 2017: Call of the Wild Gala

About 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 and is accessible by San Francisco MUNI "L" Taraval Line. You can find us on the web at www.sfzoo.org.