Care For Wild

Shark fin is still considered to be a delicacy in the Asian market even though it is illegal to purchase and hunt for it. These sharks get their fins cut off while they’re alive and left to die in the water or on the shore if they took them out. It is extremely cruel. There are many videos about this sick illegal trade. Here is an example:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zep7B1esW-M

Chef Gordon Ramsey was held at gunpoint because he wanted to film and expose illegal fishing of shark fin in Costa Rica. See following article: http://www.torontosun.com/entertainment/tv/2011/01/03/16738641-wenn-story.html

• Illegal wildlife trade is the third largest illegal trade in the world after drugs and weapons.
• There is a treaty called the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) which entered into force in 1975, it is an international agreement between governments. These governments (or countries) are called Parties. Currently, there are 175 parties. CITES aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. If you would like more information, visit www.cites.org.
• Approximately 33,000 species are listed as endangered. This includes 5000 animal species and 28,000 plant species.
• Timber is one of the biggest illegal trades occurring nowadays, it is also named illegal logging.
• Some of the most endangered animal species include: elephants, rhinos, and tigers.
• Examples of illegal wildlife trade include: pet trade, poaching, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
• There are many organizations that are working to protect and conserve wildlife, some of them include: World Wildlife Fund (WWF), TRAFFIC, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Wildaid, Humane Society International (HSI), International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), etc.