Holy-wrinkled-gray-elephant-ears, Batman! Has this really (finally) happened?

Word on the streets is that the US and China have agreed to halt ivory trade! 

This news is huge—and wonderful!

Per, WildAid:

“In a historic accord to save Africa’s elephants from out-of-control poaching, President Barack Obama and President Xi Jinping agreed Friday to end commercial ivory sales in the United States and China. The announcement marks the first public commitment by President Xi to end ivory sales in China, the world’s largest market…It also puts heavy pressure on Hong Kong, a global hub for commercial ivory, to ban its legal trade…A recent survey found that over 90% of ivory sold in Hong Kong was being smuggled into mainland China.”

Poaching elephants for their ivory has been a huge, on-going problem, which has contributed to the steady decrease of elephants in the wild—to the point where eventual extinction is a concern.

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There are countless blogs here on elephant journal, regarding this heinous issue:

Our grandchildren will be born into a world without Elephants. [Warning: Graphic]

Looking after the Orphans of the Ivory Wars.

Help The Elephant Ivory Project Save Elephants In The Congo!

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Per a recently released White House fact sheet:

“The United States and China, recognizing the importance and urgency of combating wildlife trafficking, commit to take positive measures to address this global challenge. The United States and China commit to enact nearly complete bans on ivory import and export, including significant and timely restrictions on the import of ivory as hunting trophies, and to take significant and timely steps to halt the domestic commercial trade of ivory.”

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This is truly a day to celebrate! So tell a friend, share the good news and keep your trunks up!

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Relephant:

5 Fabulous Elephant Facts. {Incredible Videos}

The Secret Life of Elephants.

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Author: Yoli Ramazzina

Photo: Flickr/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters