Ellen DeGeneres says she is “determined to do something” to stop Donald Trump’s plan to lift the ban on imported hunting.
In 2014, Barack Obama implemented a policy which banned hunters from bringing animal ‘trophies’ into America, a promising move toward ending the ivory trade.
However, new regulations driven by Donald Trump will mean that big game hunters will be legally allowed to bring elephant trophies into America from Africa.
In response to this, Ellen DeGeneres has launched a campaign to raise money for elephant conservation. In a moving and determined speech on her TV show, DeGeneres states: “Donald Trump is encouraging Americans to kill elephants”.
She explains that “Elephants show compassion, sympathy, social intelligence, self-awareness… all the things I have yet to see in this president”.
I’m determined to do something about this. #BeKindToElephants pic.twitter.com/0dGkx4vNzD
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) November 17, 2017
DeGeneres, who is a vegan and longtime supporter of animal rights, has stated that for every person that shares the #BeKindToElephants post online, a donation will be made to The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
The foundation works toward the protection and preservation of Africa’s wildlife, “particularly endangered species such as elephants and Black Rhino”.
The Humane Society have made statements on the issue, reminding the public that “elephants are on the list of threatened species”. Zambia’s elephant population has dropped from 200,000 in 1972 to roughly 21,000.
Other celebrities have spoken up about the ban. Ricky Gervais has named the move a “devastating blow… It’s savage and pointless. It breaks my heart”.
Petitions have been launched to fight the decision. The outcry from the public reflects global attitudes toward big game hunting. Hopefully, with continued campaigning from celebrities and the public, the ban will be reconsidered.
Image Credit: Ellen DeGeneres
