Can’t Trade Animal Tusks Here Anymore

Hong Kong is finally reaching the ultimate phase of its ban on the local ivory trade, three years after the government passed the ivory law, a milestone praised by wildlife protection activists and citizens alike.

“This ban on the ivory trade is so important for protecting elephants,” says John Baker, Chief Program Officer at WildAid. “We remain grateful to the legislators and citizens for supporting this law.  Along with the new wildlife provisions in the Organized and Serious Crime Ordinance, Hong Kong is leading by example on shutting down the wildlife trade.”

The tradition of ivory trading – the trading of tusks of animals from hippos to elephants – went on for 150 years, and today, all ivory possession permits have expired, with the exception of antique ivory and mammoth ivory. The population of Hong Kong wants the ivory trade to come to an end, with 76% in favor of the ban. Close to 90% have never bought ivory, and don’t know anyone who did in the last three years.