Statement by Joyce Poole

I have come a long way to participate in this meeting [DEAT in South Africa]. Likewise, South Africa has come a long way by encouraging this open process around such significant and contentious elephant management issues. The themes we are discussing are important for elephants, yes, but also for human beings who have the responsibility of acting in an ethical manner toward all living creatures.

Open Letter To:

Minister Martinus Van Schalkwyk
Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
South Africa

20 November 2007

POLICY FORMULATION: THE CAPTURE AND TRAINING OF WILD ELEPHANTS

I flew to South Africa on 7/11 to attend a one day meeting on 8/11 organized by the Department of Environment and Tourism (DEAT) to discuss the capture from the wild and training of elephants for elephant back safaris and circuses. The object of the meeting was