Times Square Gossip

Ivory Seizure In New York City Legal ivory – ivory that predates the 1989 global ban on international ivory trade brought on by world-wide outrage over skyrocketing elephant poaching – is often indistinguishable from illegal ivory. Worse yet, obtaining documentation in New York to prove the "legality" of ivory just requires some simple paperwork. Make no mistake – having a legal market for old ivory provides a front for the laundering of new ivory from recently-killed elephants. One of the reasons New York State is a major destination for ivory is because of its lax laws. A 2008 survey found 11,300 ivory products for sale in Manhattan alone, making New York a top destination for ivory. Thankfully, state lawmakers are considering instituting an immediate moratorium on the sale of all ivory in New York. If it happens, the law will come not a moment too soon given Africa's massive recent increase in elephant poaching plaguing Africa's elep...

**** WILDLIFE GOSSIP **** New York Aquarium The staff at the hurricane-damaged New York Aquarium has restored generator power and life support systems to its exhibits. I am happy to report that the animals are all safe and away from harm. But rebuilding and re-opening the Aquarium remains a huge undertaking that will require many months. Please consider a donation to the Aquarium Restoration Fund , which will help us continue to serve the New York City community and our aquatic citizenry. The outpouring of support they have received from New Yorkers and people across the country has been truly inspiring for the Wildlife Conservation Society. It's humbling that in such a difficult time, with so many struggling to recover from Hurricane Sandy, so many have stepped forward. As the New York Times reports, Aquarium director Jon Forrest Dohlin waded through two feet of water to check on Mitik when the flooding began and found the baby walrus ...