Tusks

One new message from Leonardo DiCaprio my inbox said. “What does he want?” I wondered aloud as if it was an everyday occurrence, quickly followed with “Oh My God, Leo's contacting me! Finally!” For a moment I got lost in the fantasy, instead of asking myself rationally: Why? How?
With trepidation, I hovered the cursor over his name and clicked to open it. A photo of Leo jumped up in the top right hand corner. On the left side, the message begun: 'Dear friends...' I let out a puff of disappointment, so it wasn't personal after all. In a stern voice, I reprimanded myself, “Get a grip, why would it be? Come back to reality!” I let my mind linger a bit in movie flashbacks of Romeo & Juliet, Titanic, Catch Me If You Can, Revolutionary Road, and The Aviator, which reminded me how much I can't wait to see him in The Great Gatsby. Well, if Leo's involved, it must be important I thought...
The message continued: 'Across Africa, elephants are being slaughtered by poachers in record numbers - and their tusks hacked off with chainsaws - to make luxury items, statues and trinkets in Asia. But in days, Thailand will host a key global summit on illegal trade in endangered species, giving us a rare chance to stop this futile massacre.'
Leo had teamed up with Avaaz, (it means 'Voice' in several languages), an organisation I befriended after my Aunt forwarded a link to me. Globally, they mobilise instant campaigns through community petitioning: asking people to sign an online register. A small action that only takes a minute, but makes a real difference worldwide. The first time I signed, it was a petition to save bees, as I believe every part of nature has a vital role and sometimes you have to act to protect it. But this time, I signed not because of Leo, but because I'm appalled by this trade. I'm nauseated by this premeditation, by the intention to harm. I cannot bear the thought of elephants being poached for their ivory. It's a waste of a magnificent beast that is both great-hearted and playful. An elephant in mourning is touching and dreadful. They do not forget; they're very respectful. Herds consist of a matriarch (the oldest female), daughters, aunties, and their calves, and are a demonstration of girl power. A protective matriarchal line, a tight bond strengthened by sisterhood. The males tend to lead a more solitary life.
This deep family attachment perhaps explains why so many people are drawn to them; their emotions are human-like: they display grief, anger and joy. Orphaned calves love to play a game of 5-a-side, ears flapping like Dumbo as they dribble the ball, or squealing when they inadvertently trunk-ball. Elephants have a long memory and, like a child, engaging in play is a sign of recovery. But the cause of this pain is inhumane and destructive. The illegal ivory trade has to be prevented.
On the 3^rd of March, The Thai Prime Minister, Yingluck Shinawatra, pledged to end the ivory trade after nearly 1.4 million supporters joined in the campaign, but is this enough? It's a vocal promise that needs real action behind it. We need people power to keep the pressure up to save elephants and their tusks!
Avaaz