Chinese icon launches anti-poaching campaign
Photo credit: Liu Ranran
A major public awareness campaign was launched on 16 April by Chinese icon and former NBA Yao Ming, who has joined forces with WildAid, Save the Elephants and the African Wildlife Foundation to target ivory and rhino horn consumption in China.
Yao Ming believes education is the key to reducing the purchase of ivory products. He says: "Poaching threatens livelihoods, education, and development in parts of Africa due to the insecurity it brings and loss of tourism revenue.
"No one who sees the results firsthand would buy ivory or rhino horn. I believe when people in China know what's happening they will do the right thing and say no to these products."
A survey conducted by Chinese research company HorizonKey indicated that over 50 per cent of the 1000 participants thought elephant poaching was uncommon, and 34 per cent believe ivory is obtained through natural elephant mortality.
A previous WildAid campaign of Yao's was followed extensively by the Chinese Media, and is hailed as reducing the consumption of shark fin in China by 50-70 per cent, according to media reports, shark fin traders and Hong Kong import statistics.
The campaign is also believed to have contributed to the decision by the Chinese government to remove shark fin soup from all state banquets over the next three years.
Public awareness campaigns similar to this are also planned for Vietnam later in 2013.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
