No one wants a world without elephants. But we’re on track for it within a decade, thanks to ruthless poaching for these gentle giants’ ivory. As long-term partners of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), carriage of all ivory products is strictly prohibited on our flights. Here are some quick facts about the giant mammal, the ivory poaching epidemic and what is being done around the region to stop this illegal trade.
70 years old
The year elephants can live up to – similar to humans.
30,000
The estimated number of elephants killed every year to satisfy the demand for ivory in Asia. Ivory – which comes from elephant’s tusks and grows throughout the animal’s lifetime – is the most valuable part of the animal.
5 to 10 Years
Elephants will become extinct within the next decade if the current level of poaching activities continues, according to WWF
2021
The year by which the Hong Kong SAR government aims to ban all sale, import and export of ivory (except certified antique varieties)
10 Years to Life
The penalty for smuggling ivory into the Chinese mainland
