IFAW: China shuts down one third of ivory factories and shops

WASHINGTON, March 29, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- By week's end, China will shut down more than 60 ivory carving factories and retailers making good on their promise to end domestic commercial ivory markets in 2017. The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) offered the following statement in response:

"China's promise is becoming a reality. To see China taking the important step of closing one third of ivory carving factories and retail shops makes me proud and gives me such hope for the future of elephants. When the ivory trade has been relegated to the history books perhaps at last we make sure that elephants can live in peace," said Grace Ge Gabriel, IFAW's Asia Regional Director.

About IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare)
Founded in 1969, IFAW rescues and protects animals around the world. With projects in more than 40 countries, IFAW rescues individual animals, works to prevent cruelty to animals, and advocates for the protection of wildlife and habitats. For more information, visit www.ifaw.org. Follow us on social @action4ifaw and Facebook/IFAW.

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SOURCE International Fund for Animal Welfare