Disappointing news: Less than 24 hours before the North Carolina Zoo was scheduled to destroy over 200 pounds (91 kg) of ivory and rhino horn, the event has reportedly been postponed.
The zoo had planned to rid itself of controversial tusks and horns to mark World Elephant Day on August 12.
“Legal issues concerning the destruction of state property are being examined”, says local news site myfox8.com, citing a statement from the North Carolina Zoo.
Dr. David Jones, the zoo’s director, was quoted as saying, “We remain fully committed to doing our part to demonstrate that these animal parts should be worthless. But we must do so in a responsible manner and in adhering to all manners of state law with regard to their destruction.”
Rhishja Cota
I am the founder of Annamiticus and I have been researching and writing about wildlife trafficking issues since 2009. I also founded World Pangolin Day in 2012. I am the author of USAID Wildlife Asia's Pangolin Species Identification Guide: A Rapid Assessment Tool for Field and Desk. I co-facilitated and was a presenter at the USAID Wildlife Asia Pangolin Care Workshop. At the 4th Regional Dialogue on Combating Trafficking of Wild Fauna and Flora, I facilitated the species roundtables on pangolins. I have trekked with forest rangers in Cambodia, journeyed to the streets of Hanoi to research the illegal wildlife trade, and to the rainforests of Sumatra and Java to document the world’s rarest rhinos. At CITES meetings, I collaborate with colleagues from around the world to lobby in favor of protecting endangered species. I hosted the Behind the Schemes podcast and am the author of the book Murder, Myths & Medicine. I enjoy music, desert gardening, herping, reading, creating, and walking with my dogs. Check out my t-shirts and stickers at snoots + teefers.