Fwd: Hong Kong's biggest ivory retailer drops ivory

Hi Richard,

With thanks for support from Mr Epstein we're pleased to report breaking news today that Hong Kong's largest ivory retailer, Chinese Arts & Crafts, WildAid consultants visited the stores and confirmed that all elephant ivory has been removed from shelves, they are not mis-selling it as mammoth ivory, and is not for sale 'under the counter.'

Peter Knights said "History shows the legal ivory trade has been the method to launder illegal ivory from poached elephants. We applaud for their leadership and believe this will help reduce poaching in Africa as another step in ending this bloody trade forever."

Chinese Arts & Crafts' decision follows public pleas to end the ivory trade in Hong Kong and Mainland China. In April 2013, former NBA star Yao Ming launched a campaign with WildAid, the African Wildlife Foundation, and Save the Elephants to reduce demand for ivory and rhino horn. In January, Chinese officials crushed more than six tonnes of seized ivory and in 2013, China's State and National Forestry Departments appealed to travelers through SMS alerts not to purchase ivory or rhino horn. On February 27, China's top business leaders released a pledge to never purchase, possess, or give ivory as a gift. WildAid China Chairman, Huang Nubo spearheaded the pledge, which includes Cao Guowei, CEO of Sina Corp., China's largest internet portal, as well as 10 individuals from the Forbes 2013 China Rich List including Jack Ma, founder of the Alibaba Group. On March 4, Yao Ming delivered a petition during the opening session of the National People's Congress asking China's government to ban sales of ivory.

Thanks again for your generous support to WildAid.

-- John

John Baker
Managing Director

should i stop bothering you with these emails and send to christina for potential articles

please advise
HBRK Associates Inc.
575 Lexington Avenue, 4th Floor,
New York, New York 10022
tel 212-971-1306
fax 646-350-0954
cell 917-414-7584