Vote YES on 1401

With each passing day, some of our planet’s most rare and iconic animal species are being pushed closer to the brink of extinction. A South African rhino is poached for its horn every eight hours. An African elephant is killed for its ivory every 15 minutes. Poachers, acting on behalf of sophisticated international criminal networks, cruelly slaughter these animals for one purpose — to fuel a highly lucrative and destructive global black market trade in endangered species products, including sales taking place right here in Washington. To save rhinos and elephants and many other species we must stop illegal wildlife trade before it’s too late. That’s why Woodland Park Zoo and I strongly support voting YES on Initiative 1401.

Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle is an organization firmly rooted within our community and state, but we have a global perspective on animal conservation. We know that the well-being of humankind is directly linked to the well-being of wildlife. And we listen when you tell us that you share our conservation value and that you want to take action to save animals facing extinction. Here’s your chance: supporting Initiative 1401 is an opportunity to make a local difference in a global challenge – a chance to do your part in preventing some of the world’s rarest animals from disappearing forever.

Should voters approve Initiative 1401, Washington will lead the nation by making it a gross misdemeanor or a class-C felony to sell, purchase, trade or distribute products made from elephants, rhinos, tigers, lions, leopards, cheetahs, pangolins, marine turtles, sharks and rays. Offenders could receive up to five years jail time, further discouraging the continued exploitation of these much-trafficked animals. It also is my hope that a successful vote here in Washington will encourage other states to pass similar protections, building on the increasing momentum to crack down on illegal wildlife trade. Washington can lead the way.

As Vice President of Field Conservation at Woodland Park Zoo, I work worldwide with many dedicated conservation scientists. Our field team is constantly reminded of the devastating population losses caused by illegal trade in endangered species. I have seen firsthand that wildlife poaching is, without a doubt, a global crisis of epic proportions. Some say there is nothing that can be done on our local level. That isn’t true. No one city, state or nation acting alone can save overexploited animals, but together we can make a difference!

After China, the United States marketplace for products made from endangered species is one of the largest in the world – the global trade in ivory alone is estimated to be $3 billion annually. The Ports of Seattle and Tacoma together are the third-largest container operation in the country, handling tons and tons of imported goods annually. With volumes like this, we know products are illegally smuggled past the authorities. Once in, the products are rather easily laundered because of inadequate laws banning sales of endangered animal products within the state. Since 2010, more than 50 products made from elephants alone have been seized at the Port of Seattle. Other major port states like New York, New Jersey and California have already stepped up and passed legislation to ban the sale, purchase and transport of ivory within their borders. Washington voters now have the opportunity increase protections within Washington for elephants and nine other animal groups, and to build on the national and global momentum to fight illegal wildlife trade at the local marketplace.

Time is running out for many of the world’s most iconic and beloved animals. Vote YES on Initiative 1401.

This story was originally published October 11, 2015 at 1:12 AM with the headline "Vote YES on 1401."