China has shut down the last of its Ivory factories and stores, a win for elephants!
The African Elephant is currently listed as “Vulnerable” on the endangered species list. In recent years, the number of elephants being poached for their tusks has increased.
China has the largest Ivory market in the world and carving it was an “intangible cultural tradition”. That is why it was highly praised when the government committed to closing commercial carving factories and shops. In March 2017, they shut down the first 67 businesses and as of the last day in 2017 all factories and stores have been closed.
Any businesses still operating are now considered illegal.
photo credit: John Piekos