Dear friends,
The world’s largest ivory market just banned ivory!! And our movement was at the centre of the fight!
Hong Kong’s ivory market is gigantic — responsible for the deaths of tens of thousands of elephants. With these amazing creatures careening towards extinction, Avaazers launched a massive petition,sent thousands of messages to Hong Kong legislators, got many engaged directly with our campaign, and built a media storm right before the vote — legislators even held up our campaign ads during the debate!
And yesterday, we won!!! Here’s how it happened…
The 1.1 million-strong call for an ivory ban is delivered to Hong Kong’s lawmakers ahead of the vote
First, over a million of us joined our petition calling for an ivory ban. Almost immediately after launching, a key legislator got in touch to talk to Avaaz about the campaign — we definitely got their attention!
Then, last week, we got an urgent email from campaigners in Hong Kong that the government was calling a vote on the ivory ban in just five days. So, we swung into action:
- We plastered Hong Kong’s social media with a video from our friends at WildAid Hong Kong featuring Chinese superstar Li Bing Bing, showing the heartbreaking impact of the ivory trade.
- Next, we created a beautiful ad to run in Hong Kong’s biggest newspaper on the day of the vote, telling legislators that the future of elephants was in their hands.
The Avaaz ad in the Oriental Daily News telling Hong Kong lawmakers that the elephants’ future is in their hands
- Then thousands of us sent messages to lawmakers calling on them to support the ban.
- And as the legislators went in to vote, Avaazers joined a colourful protest organised by fellow campaigners.
“Having the support of over a million people all over the world made a big impact when it came down to the vote. Thank you Avaazers!”
– Alex Hofford, WildAid Hong Kong
- Finally, in the debate before the vote, one of the main legislators championing the ban held up a giant printed version of our ad for everyone to see, showing them the whole world was watching!
“It was a huge boost to be able to deliver a million voices into the debate before we voted for the ivory ban. The world stood with us, and it made a difference.”
– Hong Kong lawmaker Hon Elizabeth Quat
In the end, we won the vote by a landslide!Media worldwide have hailed this ‘historic’ vote — the biggest ivory market in the world will now start shutting down its ivory trade!Like many Avaaz campaigns, we didn’t do this alone. This incredible result was only possible after years of campaigning by WildAid and others, and thanks to a dedicated group of legislators in Hong Kong who made sure the vote happened.
Today, thanks to all of us, the poachers and traders are fuming, and our majestic elephant friends have been given a lifeline. I’m full of joy, for the planet, but also selfishly, for my own family. I’ve just become a dad, and now I have hope that my new baby will grow up to have the spectacular experience of seeing elephants in the wild.
With gratitude and pride at what we have achieved together,
Bert and the Avaaz team
P.S. We’ve won in Hong Kong — but there are still markets open in Europe that we need to close. Click here and add your name to that campaign too!
Ben Naga
Feb 03, 2018 @ 12:27:55
Yes, I read about this.
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Sue Dreamwalker
Feb 03, 2018 @ 12:28:22
Its a step in the right direction.. 🙂
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Ben Naga
Feb 03, 2018 @ 12:33:59
Let’s hope for many more. Perhaps even … a stampede. 😉
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Sue Dreamwalker
Feb 03, 2018 @ 12:39:31
Now that would be good 🙂
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Ben Naga
Feb 03, 2018 @ 12:42:20
As long as we’re not standing at the wrong place at the wrong time. 🙂
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Sue Dreamwalker
Feb 03, 2018 @ 12:45:29
Agreed Ben
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Eddie Two Hawks
Feb 03, 2018 @ 12:36:47
It will be miraculous if it really does make a difference
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Sue Dreamwalker
Feb 03, 2018 @ 12:40:58
Yes I agree, but it is the beginning of change, and change has to start somewhere. it is a start Eddie in the right direction. 😀 and it brings hope for the future.. ❤
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Seenorway
Feb 03, 2018 @ 12:42:27
I’m sorry to desillusion you, Sue, but life has taught me that ‘money rules’!
As long as ivory may be sold with enourmous profits, I’m afraid the elephants will be hunted down. As long as people believe the horns of rhinos have fantastic health effects, rhinos will be hunted. If they prohibit hunting, people will ber buying on the black market. If they prohibit guns, people will use snares or even poison.
As long as the population are in desperate need of food, housing and jobs, I’m sorry to say I don’t think they will manage to stop such trade! However, there might be a ray of light in the tunnel: These days there are a number of advanced drones hitting the market, thus fewer guards may cover a larger territory. And since there are also fewer elephants or rhinos these days, it has become somewhat easier to keep them under surveillance. At the same time it’s possible to pay handsomely for tips that may reveal illegal hunting in an area, thus making it way harder to get away with it. (But I feel sure that they must have though of this long time ago?)
But signing a petion won’t cut it!
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Sue Dreamwalker
Feb 03, 2018 @ 12:49:13
Hi dear Svein.. Its always good to get your points of view my friend. and your visits.. And yes, lots still needs to be done.. But like I just said to Eddie in the comments, It has to start somewhere.. And this is a start to get big trading centres like Hong Kong to ban Ivory trade..
I have no doubts the back doors will always be open.. I am under no illusions as to the ways we Human Beings work in the name of Greed..
But it all has to start with awareness and this can only be good news.. 🙂
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Seenorway
Feb 03, 2018 @ 13:10:11
Yes, I second increased awareness – absolutely, but the best way is to remove the need for extra revenues in the population!
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Sue Dreamwalker
Feb 03, 2018 @ 13:14:26
How would you suggest going about that Svein?
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Seenorway
Feb 03, 2018 @ 13:53:14
That’s a tough one, Sue, but it will definitely cost money to preserve wildlife! I wild idea perhaps, but as you say: One has to start somewhere! I’d think I’d start kind of a ‘Wildlife Survey Club’, which could be opened for the population in certain areas where the government wished to enhance wildlife control. Member would not pay any kind ao admission. On the contrary, they would be paid to be a member! And as a member they would be qualified to report happenings that looked suspicious or threathening to wildlife.
If guards made arrest on such a tip, they shuld receive a substatial reward at the same time ads their identity was shielded.
Members of the population that didn’t want to enlist, I would really keep an eye on! 🙂
A start at least! Members could also rfeceivbe a small percentage of the parks revenue pr year. Wildlife guards do!
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Sue Dreamwalker
Feb 04, 2018 @ 11:53:14
A very interesting idea.. But I also recently read that some of the very Rangers who are already paid to protect the elephants and other beasts, Have been part of the poaching teams informing of where abouts of herd locations.. Being Paid Twice!! Money as you say is at the root.. And while there are these Ivory Markets across the globe, there will always be those who are corrupted by it to bring them ivory. Which is why we need education and awareness to alter the next generations growing about Ivory and Hunting in general, especially in African Local communities. And work there is being done to this aim.
This is why the closing of this Hong Kong Market in Ivory and the support to close it was such good news.. People are slowly beginning to look differently at things. And Lets hope that the Chinese medicines that use animal body parts also wakes up to what it is doing as species will be extinct forever if not..
It will not happen in our life time Svien, that I am sure of, but it is the start.. Which is why I said in my title, One step closer.. We have many many more yet to go.. ❤
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Eddie Two Hawks
Feb 03, 2018 @ 12:43:16
I absolutely agree with you. It must start somewhere
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Sue Dreamwalker
Feb 03, 2018 @ 12:45:17
🙂 xxx
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🌵VIVIMETALIUN🌵
Feb 03, 2018 @ 13:05:45
Sue also participated in several petitions against the extraction of ivory, which is destroying the elephants, I also against the killing in rhinoceros mace, help defenseless animals cost nothing. 🙂
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Sue Dreamwalker
Feb 03, 2018 @ 13:12:23
Wonderful to know.. I know signing is all we can do, but our thoughts and feelings are being heard.. xxx ❤
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🌵VIVIMETALIUN🌵
Feb 03, 2018 @ 13:13:29
Always, always, we are helping in some way. 🙂
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Sue Dreamwalker
Feb 03, 2018 @ 13:16:18
Small steps lead to Giant Leaps 🙂
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🌵VIVIMETALIUN🌵
Feb 03, 2018 @ 13:18:42
Yes 🙂
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Val Boyko
Feb 03, 2018 @ 13:13:35
Wonderful news Sue. I feel hopeful that the upcoming generation will follow through in protecting the Earth.💕
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Sue Dreamwalker
Feb 03, 2018 @ 13:17:56
Likewise Val, when people join in unity like this, or in any other issue, it brings more power and brings hope that shows when united many things can be achieved 😀
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michnavs
Feb 03, 2018 @ 13:44:27
I admire you Sue for joining such advocacy…and i do hope one day soon it will materialize.
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Sue Dreamwalker
Feb 04, 2018 @ 11:38:08
Yes so do I Mich… Probably not in my life.. But each step being done is one more step to saving them. ❤
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AmyRose🌹
Feb 03, 2018 @ 14:06:14
Miracles really do happen! Wonderful news, Sue! How this encourages!! Much Love to you! 💞
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Sue Dreamwalker
Feb 04, 2018 @ 11:53:53
Thank you Amy… Yes it is extremely encouraging news 🙂
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smilecalm
Feb 03, 2018 @ 17:12:29
wonderful, Sue!
more elephants
free from people 🙂
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Sue Dreamwalker
Feb 04, 2018 @ 11:55:48
Yes David, People, have a lot to answer to.. And this is what can be achieved when people unite for the right reasons. 🙂
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nonsmokingladybug
Feb 03, 2018 @ 18:44:45
I wish all animal cruelty would stop. I can’t fight for elefants or tigers, if we have dogs, horses and cats in our country that get mistreated and tortured.
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Sue Dreamwalker
Feb 04, 2018 @ 12:01:38
I can understand your point of view Bridget,
No one dislikes the mistreatment of animals, more than I, And I sign many petitions for our domestic breeds who are in trouble. But Elephants, Tigers, Rhino ect are all on the endangered list..
So this is why I feel this step is so important. If markets are closed down. it is one less place for people to make money through Ivory.. And while I know the Black Markets will always be there.. The changes now being made are a step in the right direction.. 🙂
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nonsmokingladybug
Feb 03, 2018 @ 18:44:59
However, I do love the efford.
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Sue Dreamwalker
Feb 04, 2018 @ 12:03:17
Thanks Bridget.. So pleased you added that.. Many thanks my friend.. I just sign a petition.. The effort goes to those at ground level who are helping the orphaned elephants and other animals in the wild.. They are the real heroes xxx
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IreneDesign2011
Feb 03, 2018 @ 19:18:30
Nice and positive beginning, Sue 🙂
I signed too and I’m happy to see the outcome of this beginning new times.
Much love ❤
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Sue Dreamwalker
Feb 04, 2018 @ 12:06:20
Thank you Irene.. Yes slowly but surely Change is afoot.. 🙂 And we are seeing it in many areas now.. Love and Hugs dear Irene.. xx Enjoy your Sunday xx
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Erika Kind
Feb 03, 2018 @ 20:04:00
Wow, this is fantastic! What a breakthrough and development. Thank you very much for sharing, Sue!!
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Sue Dreamwalker
Feb 04, 2018 @ 12:06:51
Thank you Erika.. I had to share it.. A great step forward. 🙂
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Erika Kind
Feb 04, 2018 @ 13:00:47
So glad you did!!💖
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balroop2013
Feb 03, 2018 @ 20:25:06
Let’s keep the hope alive even in the darkest of times! Even one person can make a difference. Thanks for highlighting the issue Sue. You are so kind and loving. Stay blessed dear friend and keep spreading your light.
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Sue Dreamwalker
Feb 04, 2018 @ 12:10:19
Many thanks Balroop for saying so, and yes hope is around every corner. And each of us Can make a difference and are…
Sending LOVE.. have a peaceful Sunday Balroop 🙂
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Maniparna Sengupta Majumder
Feb 03, 2018 @ 23:44:41
One step at a time. We need more awareness on this. I’m also a member of Animal Rights Protection Society here in India. I hope one day we will able to do justice to all those poor creatures who have given their lives for the greed of humankind.
Congrats on this wonderful news, Sue… 🙂
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Sue Dreamwalker
Feb 04, 2018 @ 12:12:57
Wonderful Mani that you support such great causes my friend.. We are slowly making great strides, all be it with small steps… We are bringing changes in awareness on many levels, and this was one such moment 😀 Thank you… Have a beautiful Sunday
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Sageleaf
Feb 04, 2018 @ 03:01:22
I so love the elephants. They’re gentle giants, intelligent beyond words. If I’m completely honest, I’m in love with all animals – even the ones that are more…”creepy crawly” hehe. I was working on a mandala today and there was a little gnat flying around. I kept blowing it out of the way, and at one point, I thought I accidentally laid my arm on it, but it got up and kept flying. I was happy, actually. I don’t like to see anything happen to any creature. Even plants.
I love that one of those big markets closed, and that many more elephants will get to live out their lives without worry.
Thank you also for sharing this good news and success with us – it’s a wonderful reminder of the good things that DO happen.
Sending you big hugs and wishes for a *wonderful* week ahead. ((HUG))
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Sue Dreamwalker
Feb 04, 2018 @ 12:17:37
Thank you Cynthia, and I am not surprised that you dislike anything being hurt.. Ditto.. All creatures great and small, have their place in the world..
Its a shame we humans always think we know better and through many of our own actions, be it hunting or re-introducing species into places they are not meant to be,, We have caused imbalance of their natural habitats.. Not to mention the deforestation and the plight of the Rain forests..
So this News was indeed Good news to be celebrated.
And I hope to see your New Mandala soon.. 🙂 Have a peaceful Sunday 🙂
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Soul Gifts
Feb 04, 2018 @ 04:36:02
I too support Avaaz in their work. Such good news – a step in the right direction!
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Sue Dreamwalker
Feb 04, 2018 @ 12:18:11
Isn’t it just Raili.. and I am not surprised you also support them.. 🙂 Hugs xx
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rabirius
Feb 04, 2018 @ 11:59:12
That is good news.
Thanks for sharing.
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Sue Dreamwalker
Feb 04, 2018 @ 12:23:17
Thank YOU Rabirius 🙂
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derrickjknight
Feb 04, 2018 @ 12:10:42
Good news
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Sue Dreamwalker
Feb 04, 2018 @ 12:23:37
Thank you Derrick it is very good news.. 🙂
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kowkla123
Feb 04, 2018 @ 12:14:49
erholsamen Sonntag und einen guten Start in die neue Woche wünsche ich, Klaus
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Sue Dreamwalker
Feb 04, 2018 @ 12:24:36
Danke Klaus. Und du auch mein Freund
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kowkla123
Feb 05, 2018 @ 10:38:11
hab eine gute Woche ohne Stress und Sorgen, Klaus
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Sue Dreamwalker
Feb 06, 2018 @ 11:18:33
Danke Klaus.. ❤
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Michael33
Feb 04, 2018 @ 12:31:40
Thank you Sue… for all the wonderful things you do to help make our world a more beautiful place to wander… to dream… to live in peace.
A most beautiful Sunday to you and yours.
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Sue Dreamwalker
Feb 04, 2018 @ 12:40:28
Dear Michael, Thank YOU my friend,, I know the effort it takes, so I am doubly blessed today to have you visit..
May you continue to Always Dream Michael, in beauty and Peace my friend..
💙
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-Eugenia
Feb 04, 2018 @ 14:49:42
Thank you, Sue, for spreading the word and bringing awareness for the preservation of wildlife.
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Sue Dreamwalker
Feb 04, 2018 @ 15:56:54
Thank you too Eugenia… Sending LOVE and Hugs your way xx ❤
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Crystal Stewart
Feb 04, 2018 @ 19:32:15
Congrats on winning in Hong Kong
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Sue Dreamwalker
Feb 06, 2018 @ 10:45:37
Avazz is a wonderful organisation that supports so many good causes,. Thank you Crystal.. I appreciate your comment 🙂
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insearchofitall
Feb 05, 2018 @ 03:12:50
I signed the petition. Hope it helps. I was pretty sure nothing would ever stop the poachers or the destroyers.
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Sue Dreamwalker
Feb 06, 2018 @ 11:06:47
Ohh Bless your heart dear Marlene.. I so know what you mean.. But I am very hopeful, in this ‘Time of Change’ how the ‘Collective’ is gathering together in Like Mind and Like Heart, and we may think one voice is never enough.. But when we Unite in a multitude of voices,Miracles Can and DO happen.. And we are all of us opening our hearts right now as never before, and Uniting as ONE.. Which brings me great hope for the future .. 🙂 Thank you so much for adding your voice.. ❤ ❤ ❤
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inavukic
Feb 05, 2018 @ 03:40:19
Praying for endurance on this wonderful path
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Sue Dreamwalker
Feb 06, 2018 @ 11:13:13
Thank you Ina.. It is one step closer, and I hope as we begin to unite in one voice against such outrages, both in our animal and Human conditions, we as a species may soon take Giant leaps in our evolution towards living in Peace with all species, including our planet, Mother Earth.. IF we do not learn, then Nature may well take those choices into her own hands.. Sending Love and Hugs to you Ina.. xxx
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New Bloggy Cat
Feb 05, 2018 @ 08:58:45
‘Ivory’ added my name, Sue! LOL! Much love and hug, \(=^‥^)/’`♡♡
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Sue Dreamwalker
Feb 06, 2018 @ 11:17:09
Bless your heart Pat.. A very big thank you for adding your name.. Each of us can make a huge difference when we unite as one.. ❤ xxx
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New Bloggy Cat
Feb 07, 2018 @ 09:28:00
Always ready to help our fellow inhabitants, my friend. May we unite and make the world a better place to live. Much love♡(ŐωŐ人)
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Sue Dreamwalker
Feb 08, 2018 @ 14:57:27
To Unity Consciousness Pat.. 🙂
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New Bloggy Cat
Feb 09, 2018 @ 03:43:54
Yes, my friend! (♡ ὅ ◡ ὅ )ʃ♡
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europasicewolf
Feb 05, 2018 @ 11:45:22
Azaz is the one organisation who’s signing bit never works for me. Refuses to accept email addresses no matter what device I use. I forget every time so get caught that way repeatedly. Plenty of other more cooperative petition organisations though! Upward and onward Sue! ☺ xx
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Sue Dreamwalker
Feb 06, 2018 @ 11:23:03
Bless you for trying, that is the main thing, and yes.. WWF ( World Wildlife Fund UK for one 🙂 Sending HUGS.. and Much love.. and thank you again Wolfie xx ❤
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robbiesinspiration
Feb 06, 2018 @ 04:18:10
Brilliant, Sue. We have elephant sanctuaries here in South Africa and they are such amazing animals. The ivory trade is disgusting.
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Sue Dreamwalker
Feb 06, 2018 @ 11:44:26
Yes I agree with you dear Robbie.. The Ivory trade is disgusting, also the trade in animal parts, and breeding lions in captivity to be released and hunted another disgusting trade. My Daughter visited such a sanctuary when she was in South Africa several years ago.. Also a Cheetah Sanctuary where she was a volunteer for a couple of weeks.. Last year she went to Timvabati’s White lion Trust.. So much of Natures Wild Animals are in need of protection.. And I agree with you South Africa has such an amazing wealth of beautiful animals..
Many thanks Robbie.. ❤ xxx
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Baydreamer
Feb 07, 2018 @ 03:10:44
Great news, Sue! Any animal cruelty is horrible and heart-breaking, so every little step has to make some kind of a difference. It’s frustrating (mildly put) that the almighty dollar holds too great a value to some that animals lose their lives over it. Love and blessings, dear friend…❤ xo
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Sue Dreamwalker
Feb 08, 2018 @ 14:57:02
I agree with you Lauren, each step is a huge leap to stop the slaughter of these precious animals.. Thank you.. ❤
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Baydreamer
Feb 08, 2018 @ 15:12:01
All we can do is our part and pray that it does help. 💗💗
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Sue Dreamwalker
Feb 08, 2018 @ 15:57:47
Exactly Lauren 🙂
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JoAnna
Feb 08, 2018 @ 03:42:47
Thank you for sharing this good news of progress. I wonder about the market. Who is creating the demand? My hope is that more and more people will realize the value of all life, that more and more will understand the intelligence of elephant and whales, and other animals, and grow in compassion. Perhaps the work that led to this ban will send that message of a new way of thinking.
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Sue Dreamwalker
Feb 08, 2018 @ 15:33:38
Likewise JoAnna.. All of these animals are intelligent and have feelings and are family units just like we are.. And I hope it will be the beginning too of changing peoples mindsets and stopping the horrible slaughter of all of these endangered species … Thank you so very Much JoAnna xx
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JoAnna
Feb 09, 2018 @ 00:40:07
Me, too. ❤
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The Emu
Feb 11, 2018 @ 02:22:12
Great cause Sue, signed.
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Sue Dreamwalker
Feb 11, 2018 @ 12:57:02
Many thanks for signing Ian.. its very much appreciated 🙂
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Miriam
Feb 13, 2018 @ 08:45:11
That’s really wonderful news Sue and definitely a step in the right direction isn’t it?
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Sue Dreamwalker
Feb 13, 2018 @ 16:09:21
Thank you Miriam.. It is wonderful news and brings hope that this step is the beginning to more steps.. 🙂
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Resa
Mar 01, 2018 @ 02:20:39
Fabulous! I am an Avaaz-er and have signed more than a few elephant petitions. Thank you for helping keep up the pressure. Even in the smallest ways, such as signing the petition, we win. !
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Sue Dreamwalker
Mar 01, 2018 @ 16:05:58
Wonderful to know Resa that you too are a supporter and yes each of our effects to sign such petitions go a long way to helping make change..
Thank you so very much xx ❤
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