The more scientists study endangered elephants, the more we can appreciate their intelligence, their inventiveness, their capacity for play and empathy – and the more appalling their slaughter for mere human adornment seems. While progress has been made to contain and outlaw the ivory trade in some countries, each year more than 30,000 elephants are still illegally killed for their ivory. Worse, elephant poaching also funds terrorism in Africa.
National Geographic has made a fascinating documentary about the global ivory trade titled Warlords of Ivory, to be screened this Friday, December 11 at 7 p.m. at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies. The film follows investigative journalist Bryan Christy as he uses GPS devices hidden in fake tusks to track ivory kingpins, East Asian importers and the rebel militias that benefit from poaching activity.
Filmmaker Katherine Carpenter will be on hand for a live question-and-answer session following the 50-minute screening. Merritt Bookstore will also offer a selection of books highlighting the plight of elephants.
The event will be held at the Cary Institute’s auditorium, located at 2801 Sharon Turnpike (Route 44) in Millbrook. Admission to the screening of Warlords of Ivory is free, with seating first-come, first-served. For more information, call (845) 677-7600, extension121, e-mail freemanp@caryinsitute.org or visit www.caryinstitute.org.
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