Huge Shipment of Illegal African Ivory Seized in Hong Kong

The ivory, which comes from the tusks of elephants and the horns of rhinos, has become an increasingly coveted material by the new wealthy in China. So much so that a recent shipment to Tanzania was found to be filled with illegal ivory valued at over $13.5 million dollars. A day later, a shipment from Kenya was busted with another $13.2 million in ivory inside. Both containers claimed to be carrying plastic scrap.

The Ivory is obtained from the ruthless killing or at least maiming of these beautiful and sometimes protected animals. In some cases, poachers will sedate the Rhino with a tranquilizer dart before removing their horn with a chainsaw. Imagine the fear the animal must feel when it awakens bloody on the jungle floor, after having its only defense, its horn, removed in such a vicious and brutal fashion. I think we can all agree that the people responsible for this kind of greed should all be shot.

This is a problem a country as big and rich as China should be able to handle with ease. Hopefully, they bring these people to justice asap. [CNN]