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Donald Trump Puts Elephant Trophy Decision ‘On Hold’ Following Backlash
Donald Trump has backtracked on his decision to allow big game hunters to import elephant trophies into the US following a torrent of criticism this week.
In the earlier hours of Saturday morning, the US President sent a tweet stating that he had put his decision to lift the ban “on hold until such time as I review all conservation facts”.
Put big game trophy decision on hold until such time as I review all conservation facts. Under study for years. Will update soon with Secretary Zinke. Thank you!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 18, 2017
Trump’s announcement came just hours after his administration released a rule on Friday to allow hunters who kill elephants in Zimbabwe to bring their trophies back to the US – a practice that was banned under the Obama administration.
Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke said that he had spoken with Trump and “both believe that conservation and healthy herds are critical.” He said in a statement that the “issuing of permits is being put on hold as the decision is being reviewed”.
The rolling back of Trump’s ban was celebrated by wildlife experts.
Grateful to @POTUS@RealDonaldTrump for reassessing elephant and lion trophy hunting imports. This is the kind of trade we don’t need.
— Wayne Pacelle (@waynepacelle) November 18, 2017
I for one am thrilled that Trump caved on removing the ban on African Elephant trophies. Anyone who wants a trophy for killing one of these animals is a soulless monster. pic.twitter.com/ESsWEplohp
— Josh Jordan (@NumbersMuncher) November 18, 2017
Tanya Sanerib, senior attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity, said on Friday in a statement: “It’s great that public outrage has forced Trump to reconsider this despicable decision, but it takes more than a tweet to stop trophy hunters from slaughtering elephants and lions.
“We need immediate federal action to reverse these policies.”
Trump’s move to lift the ban on elephant imports raised serious concerns amongst conservation groups earlier this week.
