Will Our Children Ever See an Elephant?

Most of us have probably  heard at some point in our lives about the poaching crisis that is going on in numerous countries around the world that is causing populations of many animals to drop to levels so low that they may not be able to make a comeback. Two of these species are African Elephants and Rhinos. In the past 100 years, the population of African Elephants has decreased by 97%. While the rate of poaching has slowed, we are still on pace to lose 50% of the existing population in the next 10 years. Journals from explorers of the African continent talk about finding a rhinoceros behind every bush. Now there are an estimated 5,000 Black Rhinos in the wild, making them alarmingly close to becoming the next of many species that humans have destroyed.

Confiscated ivory being burned so it cannot
enter Chinese markets

In recent years, most of the world has supported Africa in an effort to save these animals. The greatest problem facing these animals is the trade of ivory in China. There is a massive market of illegal ivory in China that is bought off of African poachers. As these animals come closer to extinction and ivory is less abundant, prices only go up, making it more profitable for poachers. On October 29, 2018, China reversed a ban on the trade and sale of tiger "parts" and ivory from rhinos and elephants for the development of new medical treatments. At a time when the world is coming together to save these animals that are critical to the ecologic success of the African savannah and the stability of African tourism, the Chinese government has given greater incentive and revoked punishments to those who use these products for capital gain.

History is so important study because we can learn from it and not make mistakes that have been made in the past. What has history taught us about sacrificing good for capital gain. One great example can be found in protest and piety. In the Reformation period, the Catholic church sought the sacrifice what was right for capital gain. This started a religious revolution. In our day, we must learn that we must seek to do what is right and elect leaders who will do the same. There is no end to the destruction that comes if we don't.