What Were We Marching For

What Were We Marching For

What Were We Marching For – Make no mistake – every person who got up on the morning of October 4, 2014 and put on his or her sneakers in 136 cities on 6 continents – knew what we were marching for! We wanted to be there – and we are committed to a common goal – saving elephants – rhinos and lions!

We marched to right a terrible wrong. To create more awareness about the plight of endangered animals – primarily elephants – rhinos and lions. But we also marched against animal abuse – outdated animal protection laws – lax judicial oversight – and the profound ignorance and corruption that is allowing animals to be factory farmed – slaughtered – tortured – abused – exploited and abandoned without consequence!

The “original” Gang of 8 (countries not doing enough to stop elephant and rhino poaching) – has grown to The Gang of 19. Who are these people?

Introductions:

The Gang of 8 – China, Kenya, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania and Vietnam.

Meet the new members rounding this out to The Gang of 19:

Angola, Cambodia, Cameroon, Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, the Lao PDR, Mozambique and Nigeria.

These are the governments – (many elected officials and their henchmen) – who are responsible for the decimation of these iconic creatures. The animals – regardless of their country of origin – belong to the citizens of the world.

So while CITES dithers and strikes committees and  contemplates compliance measures and buckles under pressure – we have a voice and we are using it. We can also vote – we can run for office – we can create awareness – we can write letters – we can march and protest – we can sign petitions – we can attend educational events – we can talk to friends and colleagues – we can donate money – we can volunteer – we can care!

Have a look at the some of the photos of the wonderful people who contributed their time – their talent and their caring hearts to make this historic march a reality. I am so proud of all the men and women I know personally who care about animals and who are committed to their welfare and I am honoured to be part of this growing global community.

Thank You Toronto Organizers For A Fabulous March!

We marched because China has 37 ivory carving factories.

We marched because China has 145 retail outlets for ivory.

We marched because wildlife crime is valued at $20 billion dollars a year and it is wrong.

We marched because the major ivory transit points are Mombasa, Kenya and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and these 2 governments are turning a blind eye to the problem.

We marched because China and the USA are the 2 biggest ivory users in the world.

We marched because poaching funds global terrorism.

We marched because traditional Asian medicine is quackery and fakery.

We marched because Africa – raped of her wildlife – will no longer be a tourist destination.

We marched because these animals have far greater value alive than dead.

We marched because – like us – these animals have families and  babies.

We marched because children care and “we” are responsible for this tragedy. 

We marched because we are looking for solutions to a global problem.

We marched because we are free to do so.

We marched because we can accomplish great things together!

We marched because they cannot and we are their voice.

We marched because we have a powerful message.

We marched because it was a really fun thing to do.

We marched because we want to expose the lies.

We marched because these animals have been around for 55 million years!

We marched because they do NOT belong to us – they have their own lives!

We marched because extinction is forever.

We marched because a “Few” do NOT have the right to dictate life and death.

We marched because we will NOT be silent.

We marched because they need us!

And We Marched Because It Was The Right Thing To Do!

To See March Activity around the world – visit:

http://tinyurl.com/pt4heyw

Or

https://www.thedodo.com/global-march-elephants-rhinos-752244683.html