Every day, thousands of wild animals are poached or farmed and sold into the global multi-billion-dollar wild animal trade—for food, for pets, for traditional medicine and for entertainment. The horrific conditions they face cause much suffering for every single animal involved.
Close contact between captive wild animals and people is a dangerous cocktail that can lead to outbreaks of diseases like SARS and COVID-19, a reality we are all living in today. In fact, wild animals are thought to be the source of at least 70% of all emerging zoonotic infectious diseases, meaning the demand for wild animals puts us all at risk.
With the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping across the globe, we can no longer ignore the dangers of exploiting wild animals.
That's why we're asking you to join World Animal Protection's global campaign calling on South Africa and other G20 countries to commit to a ban on the global wildlife trade. The leaders of the world's 20 largest economies can bring about a collective response and global answers to the COVID-19 pandemic and future pandemics.
Add your voice by signing the petition.
