According to news reports, 34 baby elephants, some as young as two years old, have been taken from their families for export into a life of captivity.
News reports are sketchy, it may be that this capture and export is entirely legal, but the government can still stop it.
Elephants have deep family bonds — this loss will be devastating to the elephants left behind and the captured young have a poor chance of survival.
The Zimbabwe government has the power to choose a more humane fate for these helpless elephants. Urge Zimbabwe's Ministers for Environment and Tourism to stop the export and return these elephants to the wild.
Dear Honourable Minister Kasukuwere and Honourable Minister Mzembi,
I am writing to urge you to use everything in your power to stop the export of elephants from Zimbabwe.
Disturbing news reports indicate that 34 baby elephants from Zimbabwe have been captured for export into captivity in other countries.
Elephants have deep family bonds, so the removal of so many young from their families will be devastating to both the captured elephants and their families left behind.
Survival chances for elephants taken into to captivity are very poor. Many will likely die. Some news reports state that one has already died.
We know enough about elephants to know that is cruel and unnecessary in this modern era to seize wild elephants, especially babies, for a lifetime of captivity.
You have within your power to choose a kinder fate for these young elephants.
[Your comments here]
Elephants are part of Zimbabwe's national heritage. Please use your power to protect your elephants and do not allow their export.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
