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Bloodhounds are being used in the Demoratic Republic of Congo's Virunga National Park to help stem the massacre of elephants.
Editor's note: This post contains a graphic image at the bottom that some readers might find disturbing.
Faced with a huge increase in elephants being killed for their tusks, governments and wildlife groups have been looking for new ways to stem the massacre. Africa's oldest national park on Monday said it had begun using a new tool to track down poachers: bloodhounds.
While the suspects in one killing got away, Virunga National Park said its first use of the dogs proved that tracking the scent of the tusks can work.
"We are extremely pleased with the outcome," Emmanuel de Merode, chief warden at Virunga said after the dogs led rangers to the suspected poachers in a nearby fishing village. "After a year of intensive training, both the hounds and the rangers proved to be a very effective weapon."
The dogs were deployed after an elephant was found dead inside the park --"the tusks had been hacked out of the elephant's face," Merode wrote in a blog post.
"It was an incredibly challenging crime scene," he added. "The killing had been done four, maybe five days before, and would have been heavily contaminated by scavengers."
Rangers decided to use the elephant carcass to track the poachers "but the tracks were blended in with the passage of every hyena and every lion in the neighbourhood," Merode wrote in the blog. "On top of that, Dodi and Lily (the two dogs) took one look at the carcass and bolted. It’s not surprising as the carcass looked terrifying and had a horrific stench."
A ranger "spent a good half hour talking to Dodi and reassuring her," he added. "He was able to convince her, and she came in. He used a bone as the scent item, and after twenty minutes searching for a trail, they took off."
The dogs and six rangers followed the scent of the elephant carcass for five miles to a small fishing village. "A unit of rangers patrolled the area through the night, and in the early morning intercepted a group of suspects who opened fire," the park said in a statement. "After a short exchange, the suspects fled leaving their rifles on the scene."
The park expects its five bloodhounds will have a "significant impact" on poaching. Funded by the European Union, the program brought in dogs trained in Switzerland by a center known for providing U.S. and European police with tracking dogs.
Virunga, a U.N. World Heritage Site located in the Democratic Republic of Congo, had an estimated 3,000 elephants in the 1980s but that's now fewer than 400. The park also is a wildlife haven for hippos and 200 of the last 700 mountain gorillas.
Over the last decade, 150 Virunga rangers have been killed by poachers. Some 300 rangers protect the park covering 3,000 square miles -- an area larger than Delaware.
Legalize ivory trade to save elephants, rhinos?
Driven by demand from Asia, prices for ivory on the illegal market have skyrocketed and that's led to record slaughters of elephants.
TRAFFIC International, which monitors the illegal wildlife trade for governments, doesn't estimate prices for fear that doing so will encourage poaching. But "with demand sky high, there’s likely to be a buyer on hand to pay whatever exorbitant sum is asked for," TRAFFIC spokesman Richard Thomas told msnbc.com.
In Cameroon, some 450 elephants were killed earlier this year by groups from Chad and Sudan suspected of using the money to buy weapons and ammo in their ongoing conflicts.
"This most recent incident of poaching elephants is on a massive scale but it reflects a new trend we are detecting across many range states, where well-armed poachers with sophisticated weapons decimate elephant populations, often with impunity," John Scanlon, secretary-general of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species said in a statement.
Under the convention, a fund to help crack down on poaching was begun last August and had received $250,000 from governments through the end of February.
But the convention office urged nations to do more, especially in coordinating efforts. "Save for a few cases where it was possible to make DNA profiling analysis," most seized ivory hasn't been tracked back to the source, the convention office said in a statement. "A national, regional and international approach to manage and conserve elephants is essential."
Rangers arrested for killing rhinos, selling horns
NBC's Rock Center reports on efforts to protect rhinos
Rhino dies during operation to protect it from poachers
Poachers are also going after rhinos, whose horns are in demand in Asia as a traditional medicine.
In South Africa, poachers killed a record 448 rhinos last year. So far this year, 80 have been slaughtered -- a number on pace for a new record.
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Follow us on Twitter: @msnbc_world
LuAnne Cadd / Virunga National Park
The discovery of this slain elephant in Virunga National Park led to the deployment of bloodhounds to track down poachers on Feb. 28.
Leave a Comment:
Post that picture on billboards in Asia: "Did you buy elephant tusk to treat your arthritis today? This is where it came from."
Ya know thats not a half bad idea seriously...someone out there could randomly get it done.
asians dont care. the japanese are one of their most advanced civilizations and they are still trapping large numbers of dolphins and killing them.
Relly, not just dolphins, they also buy from the black market, Rhino horns, Elephant tusk and Bear gallbladders, etc, etc.. In fact, they are STILL one of the biggest buyers in endangered species commodities today.. It doesn't seem to matter how much or how many times science tells people that animal parts do NOT increase their libido or the size of their 'thang', they just can't get it through their heads!
People are so ignorant and tradition is so ingrained that they refuse to believe the truth no matter what! So, animals have to continue to be slaughtered in order to please these very stupid people.. Personally, I hope they all come back as these very same endangered animals and get to suffer, over and over, the same fate! Now, wouldn't that just be justice?
While killing elephants for their tusks is a shame and a waste it seems no one takes time to consider why it is done. If the poachers had a $200,000.00 dollar house instead of a piece of tin to sleep under perhaps things would be different. Though it's no concern to those making posts from the comfort of their plush leather swivel chair after just having a big steak and taking a bath in more clean water than the poacher sees in a lifetime, the fact remains these guys are probably killing elephants because it beats the alternative......starvation. Though they did not butcher the beast they most likely would have if given the time. It's so easy for those living like kings to pass judgement on a hopeless bushman....making me wonder who is really the savage!
Sorry you see it that way realitycheck.Next you'll say poachers aren't interested in a quick payoff either.There's fewer than 400 of these animals left in that area.At this point their lives are worth more than the poachers.And lest we forget,the rangers are also being killed.I suppose you'll find some excuse to make that ok as well?
i was hoping it would be a picture of a poacher with his head blown off and all rotten like that elephant
standing:
Great comments on all the things I never said, go have a martini and sit in your hot tub!
realitycheck, can you be more of a fool!? Do you honestly think most of us live in 200k houses? Your remarks are as stupid as you are ignorant! I have NEVER lived in a 200k house nor has any of my family or friends and I don't know anyone who does.. I find most people in here aren't wealthy or even that well off, most are like me, ordinary people who try and get by the best we can..
Poachers are absolutely the dregs of humanity, well aware that what they are doing is depriving ALL of us the privilege of existing on the same planet with these rare and wonderful animals! But greed speaks louder then any pleas, even from all the children who want to see these animals survive in the wild and not just in zoos.. The only thing I can think of that is worse then poachers are the ignorant, greedy jerks that pay them to kill these animals..
Btw, they do NOT kill need to kill these animals for meat, fool, there are all kinds of game animals in the wild they could and do poach for food, such as deer, zebra and boar, etc.. They kill endangered species for ONE reason, to get their horns and tusks to sell to the black markets, period!
susie:
Compared to what ...you? If so probably not.
I made no comments pertaining to the value of your home but rather implied that the poacher lives in a shack at best.....a good incentive for wanting a little extra cash.
Getting back to foolish comments, perhaps there is merit in your ability to recognize stupidity and ignorance as you seem to be very familiar with both attributes.
I must have missed that part of what this has to do with the topic, sorry you don't get out much.
Yeah, kinda like a bush man or poacher, just trying to get by the best way he can?
You mean like a crooked lawyer, politician, or abortion provider?
Now you're making a little sense, at least in respect to greed.
There you go with that fool thing again, your train of thought reveals much about foolishness and where it can be found. The elephants are obviously not being killed for food unless the poachers are concerned with feeding vultures. (you know....buzzards.) And how many of the animals you name are there in that area, have you been there lately? Though not a betting man I would almost wager I have studied and forgotten more than you'll ever know about the subject at hand, in terms of elephants, geography, the African economy, and the tragic effects of poaching.
Now you've got it! And my question to you now would be.....why? Again the answer is obvious.....money! My point is the poachers aren't using their profits to buy x-boxes, zoo memberships, flat screen televisions, and SUV's.
Sorry if I seem a little stupid or "ignert" to you, my comments are based on real experience in the real world not just some empty opinion based on blind emotion.
REALLY are you a poacher than?
It is no excuse to kill these animals. The real crime is the buyers, supply and demand. But since the people who want things they cannot have, should not have, are willing to pay, poaching will happen until there is nothing left to poach. No excuse can be made no matter if you live in hut or a mansion. It is the inside of the person that makes them who they are and poachers are bad people. They could get a job with the people hunting the poachers, thus supplying money to live on. They could try to raise awareness of the scared of life instead of being the problem. They could turn in the people who want the items for reward. I can think of many things someone could do besides kill Innocent for money, and your excuse is no better than theirs. (We all realize that Americans have much more but, again it is not a excuse). I am proud of those who try to capture these poachers who are like drug runners, they have a hard life, and give all of their energy and heart to capture those who commit these atrocities.
REALLY are you a poacher than?
It is no excuse to kill these animals. The real crime is the buyers, supply and demand. But since the people who want things they cannot have, should not have, are willing to pay, poaching will happen until there is nothing left to poach. No excuse can be made no matter if you live in hut or a mansion. It is the inside of the person that makes them who they are and poachers are bad people. They could get a job with the people hunting the poachers, thus supplying money to live on. They could try to raise awareness of the scared of life instead of being the problem. They could turn in the people who want the items for reward. I can think of many things someone could do besides kill Innocent for money, and your excuse is no better than theirs. (We all realize that Americans have much more but, again it is not a excuse). I am proud of those who try to capture these poachers who are like drug runners, they have a hard life, and give all of their energy and heart to capture those who commit these atrocities.
realitycheck.. I have a strong feeling nothing I say will get through to you.. I'll just reiterate, poachers ARE the dregs of humanity, they know full well the animals they are going after are on their last legs and they don't give a s--t.. But I agree with you on one point, I DO put crooked lawyers and politicians up there with them..
However, being a woman, I have the g-ddamn right to do with my body whatever I want and, needless to say, I don't call doctors who perform abortions as 'abortion providers'! Those are the people that USED to perform such procedures, the back-alley murders that used coat-hangers and dirty implements on teenagers! Remember them? But then, as a guy, you don't have the right to tell me or any women what WE should do with our own bodies anymore then I have the right to tell you to go get your balls chopped off to keep from getting women pregnant!
susie
I hope you're feeling better soon, seems my hunch on emotional problems runs a little deeper than I suspected. As for your rights, I have no problem with that, quite the contrary, I feel everyone has the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.......including those who have yet to emerge from the womb. Like the poacher you seem to feel it is right to deprive an "innocent creature" the right to live....whatever. (I find it interesting that everyone in favor of abortion has already been born....another subject for another day.)
Ariole:
While I agree with most of what you say you too are missing my point. I'm do not condone poaching or breaking the law in ANY way (or mutilating people as a form of birth control). All I wanted to point out was the reasons for poaching are a little different in Africa than they are here, seems I'm not allowed to have an opinion. Your point about demand has merit, like the dope pushers who rely on drug users, until the demand for animal parts is quenched there's not much hope......and I wouldn't hold my breath. Again it does not justify the shameful slaughter taking place.
Lastly my hat is off to all those who lay their lives on the line to protect any endangered spieces, and it is a matter life and death. Again we are not talking about southern Vermont here, this is terrifying struggle by desperate people in a desperate part of the world. I hope elephants don't go the way of the dodo. Sadly rhinos will probably be the first to go as they are now on the brink of extinction. Perhaps it would be a nice gesture for some of the big corporations of the world to step up and buy the land necessary and law enforcement to provide a sanctuary to help maintain what's left of some of the most magnificent animals ever created!
Listen folks, if possible, don't buy ANYTHING from Asia, China especially, until they change their ways and make the practice of hunting Elephants for their ivory, Hippos for their horns, and Sharks for their fins illegal. They won't be happy until each species is extinct.
realitycheck-3009300--wow, patronizing much?
I wouldn't normally say it, but since you are making nasty remarks about susie's "emotional problems"--I'd just like to point out, Captain Obvious, that it is extremely likely that you are autistic.
Yes, Susie grabbed upon your statement about people living in $200K houses--and, yes, that particular statement wasn't directly addressed to your interlocutors here in the thread. However, this statement was:
Sorry, but I did not have a big steak--can't afford it. Don't have a leather swivel chair--can't afford it. And, actually, I haven't had a bath in two days (though I don't care to share why). While the one statement about houses wasn't directly addressed to those in these posts--the statement which followed it was--and it isn't a huge stretch to say that the comment about a $200K house wasn't exactly a hypothetical, but was instead a contrast between the poachers and those on this thread. No, not literally--that's why I'm saying you are autistic--because autistic people cannot understand such things. They also tend to get very smarmy about the fact that other people have emotional responses to things--emotional responses that they, themselves, do not share and therefore mock.
In fact, there are people here in the US who live lives that are no better than those of the poachers--and some have lives that aren't nearly as good. I expect, however, that if they decided to go into zoos (particularly privately-run zoos) and kill elephants, that said individuals would go to jail regardless of their attempts to portray themselves with quite a bit of bathos (no, that wasn't a misspelling).
Life in Africa is not quite what you think--it is amusing when people suggest that Africa as a whole is some underdeveloped jungle with people who don't bathe, have little to eat, and live under a piece of tin. That is, by itself, patronizing. We do, however, have people here in the US with no place to bathe, little food, and no shelter (one cannot put up the piece of tin as the police will come and tear it down).
In fact, here is an aerial view of a fishing village near Virunga: http://gorillacd.org/2011/07/01/protecting-our-lake-and-virunga-national-park/ Watch the video, guy--the people there look pretty much like the people who live in rural Mississippi--and the houses look the same, too. I very seriously doubt that our little poacher is living under a piece of tin--and he probably has quite a bit of clean water, thanks. They left the animal to rot because all they wanted was the tusks--there is no reason to believe that they were hungry (they had plenty of time to strip the carcass if they were--as the rangers didn't find it for several days).
So, yes, you deserve the nasty comments from others for assuming that those you are interacting with have lives substantially better than those of the people in that village. And, your assumptions about the "savages" in Africa have even less merit.
Seriously--go get yourself tested for autism. If you test positive, then get into some therapy to figure out how to doublecheck your ideas against reality, because you don't really know it all, dear. Have a great day.
Unlike you and Susie my comments were made in defense of my views, as afore mentioned it's seems the tolerance demanded by others is a quality they know little about themselves. Also unlike you two I chose no to get into a name-calling rut to make up for my inability to express my thoughts.
And now since my views do not align with yours I have autism and need therapy......that's a good one! You've been watch too much TV, more specifically too much nonsense like Dr.Phil etc...Not everyone having an opinion different than the mob has a mental problem.....I have chosen "the road less traveled by" and it has made a difference. I'm content with you and people like Susie having an opinion of your own, I choose not to bump heads unless it takes place in defending myself from false accusations.
Sadly you too have chosen to "read over ' my comments rather than read through them taking things out ouf context and making assumptions about what I think and then condemning me based on your interpretation of something you deem hypothetical in nature.
I feel as bad for the poaching of elephants as anyone, I also realize that other than having cell phones there are people in this country that have it pretty bad. I grew up in an old farm house in the country worth less than 40k in today's market, a house where the linoleum came up off the floor when the wind blew in the winter time. I now live in a modest little home and have friends who live in homes valued from 1 thousand dollars to 500,000. what's the point in reference to the original story?
Let's give it a rest, I've made my point, you've made yours. Best regards rc
beanathome
Wow! You may not agree with realitycheck3009300, but jumping from a difference of opinion to autism seems a bit of a stretch.
It's insulting to those who do have autism, because what you consider to be condescending, patronizing, or obnoxious translates to autism?
I feel we can disagree all we want without resorting to name-calling. Obviously we all hate poaching, be glad we share that opinion, and try to show some respect to others on these boards.
realitycheck.. "Unlike you and Susie my comments were made in defense of my views, as afore mentioned it's seems the tolerance demanded by others is a quality they know little about themselves. Also unlike you two I chose no to get into a name-calling rut to make up for my inability to express my thoughts."
I beg your pardon but was it not YOU who started with the "I hope you're feeling better soon, seems my hunch on emotional problems runs a little deeper than I suspected."..
I believe that was your weasily and rather sneaky way of saying you think I'm a nut, right? Well, at least have the guts to come out and say what you REALLY think, like the rest of us do.. You say you have a right to 'defend' what you feel, but it appears, from your remarks, you don't think the rest of us do.. Touche, my dear..
I would rather say what I feel about things then hem and haw around like you do.. You go right ahead and defend to your heart's content the a$$holes that kill these endangered animals, that IS your right.. And you can find all the excuses you want for them.. I personally, don't buy any of them, but this is MY right.. As for my 'mental' state, I'm an honest, forthright person who doesn't tolerate fools easily.. I guess that's why I'll just have to cross you off my list of would-be friends.. I don't know how I'll be able to live with myself.. (Er, that's called sarcasm in case it went over your head)
Sorry you're so bitter, too bad you felt it necessary fly off the handle with your name calling tirade initiating my efforts to clarify and defend myself from an attack from you and "the rest of us".
Don't assume so much, read the posts and take them for what they say and not what you infer them to mean. My comment about emotional problems was not meant as a jab about your day to day mentality, but a reference to the fact you went into a fit of rage calling me a fool for noting the reasons elephants were being slaughtered for ivory. I never condoned this activity in any of the posts I made or alleged that because of the circumstances it should be deemed acceptable, it's a shame and a waste (I already said this). A person's disposition and general outlook is often revealed in their comments, maybe you have issues that have left you coiled and ready to strike....it was not my intent to push you over the edge by mentioning the reasons poachers exist. And as for calling others a fool, remember the one you looked at in the mirror this morning; you, I, and everyone else are guilty of doing foolish things from time to time, and though it's easy to think so, none of us are perfect.
I leave this discourse harboring no ill feelings for you or anyone else, I have learned the hard way that complaining and being mad at others hurts me more than them, and is therefore a waste of time and energy as well as making others dread my presence. While I don't know who you are I apologise if I've hurt your feelings, it was not my intention to attack you personally, I know from experience how it feels.
Let's hope from now on we can just agree to disagree without the caustic remarks, and when I said I hoped you were feeling better I meant it, it was not an insult, you just seemed like someone who brought a lot of baggage to the situation and I truly hope you find some peace.
Susie, it's a tough old world out there, and regardless of where you look we live in perilous times. Don't totally write me off as friend on the blog pages, there is merit in much of what you say and though we don't see eye to eye on everything I respect your right to your opinion and realize if I'm willing, I can still learn from others. I wish you well.... rc
Yes the poachers are doing this so they dont starve. That's why they left behind all that meat they could have taken and eaten. Its about being greedy not about being hungry. And even if they are hungry, they're breaking the law and doing a horrible thing. They know better.
these @!$%#ing asians are extremely evil. the japanese are killing whales for science ( they have not shown anything scientific )but we all know that is a bunch of bull@!$%#. they are also killing dolphins and over fishing tuna and now they are the reason why elephants and rhinos are dying , they have a pea for a brain because if they had a real brain then they would know that elephant and rhino horns have NO medicinal purpose. they just need to face the reality that we and they as well are getting old and there is not a damn thing they can do about it. they like everything that is evil. there is nothing those asians won't eat next thing you know they will be eating @!$%# and each other if they aren't already, asians SUCK !!!
Its all the new asian money influx in china, hong kong & india.
Time is not on the side of these dwindling wildlife resources. The economics of this situation often dictates that the poachers (due to high prices for ivory) are often better equiped than the Game Wardens who conduct anti-poaching patrols. Unfortunately until the demand for ivory is eliminated, there will always be those that will take the chance at poaching and the relatively easy and large amount of profit it brings.
God bless my Brother Game Wardens in Africa as they have a highly dangerous job to which they are extremely dedicated.
Sure hope those hounds are successful!!! Damn poachers.
The park rangers are losing 5% of their strength per year. They don't need bloodhounds, they need automatic weapons.
Denver Bill, they have automatic weapons and they do need the bloodhounds otherwise how will they find the mother@!$%#ing poachers ? i think they should find the ass holes and torture them for about a month including cutting their balls off, and then tie them up in the middle of no where and let wildlife do with them what they want.
Please protect those dogs too. This makes them a target.
I thought about that, too. And as much as I LOVE dogs (I have two), I think a couple dogs sacrificed to save a couple elephants would be fair, with how endangered elephants are. Don't get me wrong, do everything necessary to protect the dogs, but IF one dies in the line of duty, it will have died for a good cause.
I hate poachers. Catch them then hang them from the nearest tree without trial if they have tusks in their possession.
poachers suck! you can thank them for the increased cost of hunting/fishing tags and licenses due to poaching and dumping garbage in our forests and streams, you can also thank them for invasive species smuggled into other country's that don't belong there. there should be a death penalty for poachers, dumpers and illegal importers as everyone who likes the forests are tired of them coming out and ruining it for everyone else. its high time we took our forests and streams back from the criminal filth who are destroying it, especially for profit.
there are some sick sobs in this world, hopefully it is not tool late for these beautiful creatures
Too bad they didn't have a couple of guard dogs to chase them down at this point. I'll bet the local Chief knew who they were.
kill the japaneeze witch doctors that create this kind of mess put thier picture with the slain elephant with them beheaded next to the elephant head on a post
I can tell you know nothing about Japan; your statement reeks of childish uneducated ignorance probably from watching too many Whale War Reality TV.
Japan is a MODERN country, kitchen's and restaurants have a higher standards of cleanliness throughout the country, higher than the west! They use MODERN medicines in some of the most advanced hospitals in the world, you won't find donkey nut aphrodisiac pills in Japan. Ever wonder why there are NONE of the airborne animal-human cross diseases coming from Japan. It's because they are a modern and very septic country. If you notice in Japan, if someone even has a cold they wear masks even to work or school so not to spread germs, you won't find that anywhere else in the world.
The world knows very well where the bulk of the ivory goes, same place as shark fin meat and eyeballs. It going to the countries without the protective laws or regulations governing medicines or imports. Anyone can walk into a store in 3rd world Asia or China and order ivory, shark fin soup or any number of "holistic" medicines.. but you won't find it in Japan.
So Redhot, you need to go read a book or two about what really goes on in this world and who is involved, or maybe you should just take your own advice and take your own life, raising the average IQ of people that comment on here.
It's obscene what people will do for the love of money.
American drug consumption to Mexican drug cartel VS Chinese appetite for ivory to African poachers.
Legalize?
Kill the poachers no questions asked just shoot them where you find them. Japan is killing as many whales and dolphins as they can in Antarctica and Taiji Japan. Japan and China are killing the finest animals on our planet. Tigers, Snow Leopards, Rhinos, Elephants, Whales, Dolphins, Bears, everything.
while the japanese might eat whales and dolphins , the chinese eat EVERYTHING from American fast food , fried rats ,scorpions to tiger testicles , you can even find dead fetuses on the black market ,yup they even eat fried dead babies
The poachers unless they fire on the Rangers and/or the dogs should have a trial like anyone else that commits a crime. To do else lowers us to the same level of those that are committing the crimes.
The bloodhounds they are using are females, who notable have the best records in tracking, although a few males are good too. But the females have an overall better temperament for the work. I am a bloodhound owner and enthusiast. These wonderful dogs make fine pets if you realize that they are not like other breeds commonly used as pets. While they can be trained for obedience, when called they respond in bloodhound time, meaning if there is something in the yard to track, they will come eventually. I would suggest if you have white rugs and white furniture, then pass on the bloodhounds. One shake of their big head will send drool flying in every direction. And though they may have a dandy bed, their favorite job around the house is keeping the couch from getting away by laying on it. If you have very small children a bloodhound might not work out as just walking past a small child could cause the kids to fall, not to mention the bloodhound will want to wash their faces once in a while with their big tongues.
I so enjoyed your post. They sound like interesting dogs. Those noses! We have had several Labs over the years, the one we have now is very difficult to get away from a scent, just in our yard. She in no way has the tracking abilities of a Bloodhound, I would guess, it's just fun to watch her with that nose to the ground. Bloodhounds likely are not be able to think of anything else when they are working. It must be fascinating to watch them in action. They do so much good.
I never hear stories of the people buying the ivory being arrested.
We discussed a topic in class concerning the sale of human organs and how our government has zero tolerance and prevents us from actually selling a kidney to someone in need. After viewing this picture I can only imagined what would happen if a market was actually created to sell organs. We would see people lying in allies with hearts and kidneys missing.
We already do in Mexico. But usually its just the head lol
Good...use the dogs and whatever other weapons and techniques are available to catch these low life poachers. The massacre of majestic animals from elephants and rhinos to dolphins and whales, is a crime against nature and the planet. We need to catch these poachers NOW, before there's nothing left to poach.
Kill every poacher on site.
Sink every whaling ship found.
Don't buy anything made in or whose profits can benefit any asian country that participates in this.
Stop with the PC bulls**t and start taking action.
I read they are putting poison into the horns and trunks of endangered animals like the Rhino and Elephant.. Damn good for them!! I hope every ignorant, stupid jerk that uses the ingredients from these defenseless animals for their supposed effect of increasing one's libido and longevity (and science has long ago proved these assertions to be utterly false) gets sick, suffers in agony for a LONG time and then dies!
Anyone who would wantonly kill one of these beautiful animals deserves nothing but the very worse kind of punishment! Hell, if thoughts alone could generate enough force the people that pay these rotten poachers to do this crap would receive nothing but the most evil of Karma in life and a slow-roasting in the flames of Hell in death!
That picture is perfect to be used as a rallying point. People want ivory let them be shown where it's coming from. Elephant rescue groups, elephant sanctuaries should have it on a big sign to remind people why the elephants are endangered. It should be shown in graphic detail to governments. Countries who use ivory should have it on huge billboards. I doubt it'd be allowed on a television commercial but it would reach a far ranging audience.
Makes me sick, makes me sad. Such a beautiful, intelligent, caring animal butchered then left like trash. How can anything be worth a cost like this?
I enjoy seeing new methodologies in trying to stop this type of crime... Speaking of, what do you guys believe to be the best contribution to help anti-poaching organizations/game wardens/etc.???
The dogs. The nose on a dog is incredible and they are being trained to scent new things all the time. Breeds have different strengths and utilizing all those various strengths could cause change in a good way. I watched something about a village that has specially trained dogs to keep the elephants out of their crops and out of their village. It doesn't harm the elephants, the people or the dogs and it's working.
I contribute what I can to organizations trying to stop it. For example, I donate to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund to anti-poachers on the ground. Every little bit helps. Now I'm gonna check out anti-elephant poaching organizations thanks to your question.
Susie, your words are harsh, and I agree with every one of them. If people stopped buying this stuff, this horrible activity would stop. Elephants, and all animals are so precious. Only because humans have hand and guns and GREED do they elevate themselves above these innocent defenseless animals. I say cut of their hands of the poachers first, and then kill the MFs!
I'm so glad to hear they are using these dogs to catch poachers. Anything that leads to the arrest of them is welcome. These people are truly getting away with murder. It's disgusting hearing what they do to these beautiful animals.
The fact these poachers have killed 150 park rangers in the past decade is shocking. I really respect these guys for doing such a dangerous, much-needed job.
Bob Shot the Elephant Down, by The Fool Funnel: Song written in response to Bob Parsons, billionaire owner of Godaddy who is a member of Safari Club International and goes to Africa to Kill Elephants and thinks he is some hero.
6 out of 10 girls and women are raped in Congo every day by the so-called soldiers and their leaders. The person who didn't win the presidentiel election, the elementary school dropout, Kabila doesn't want to leave power. He doesn't have basic understanding of the world and its environment. If women, girls and activiists are killed every day, elephants will not be protected. Unfortunately, Hilary Clinton is supporting these killers in Congo and the result is simple, no rule of laws and no respect for human being, animals, and environment. Another question is to know where these people are getting sophisticated weapons when Congo doesn't produce even a notebook or plastic bag? Where these young boys 7,8, 9, and 10 years old are getting AK-47? Ask Hillary Clinton and the mining company from Arkansas.