COVID-19 is believed to be the latest catastrophe caused by the illegal wildlife trade. The virus, which was declared a pandemic by WHO, is causing havoc in the whole world. Pangolins, the world’s most trafficked mammals, accounting for over 20% of all illegal wildlife trade, are a prime suspect for the cause of COVID-19.

Together, we can put an end to poaching and illegal trade of wildlife for food, medical value, as pets, or other uses. If we do otherwise, we risk being exposed to other public health outbreaks. We must act quickly to protect wildlife because the fight against wildlife crime is a fight for humanity.

Today, the world is dealing with an unprecedented spike in illegal trade in wildlife and their parts. The increased demand for wildlife and their parts in some parts of the world has fueled the crime. The need to satisfy the demand for wildlife has sent some wildlife species especially on the African continent into total extension while others are on their way to extinction.

The world has continued to witness seizures of different wildlife parts that are traded in by wildlife traffickers. In Uganda, on March 18^th, 2020, fourteen men of Chinese nationality were found at Kireka-Kamuli, Lubawo Zone, Kireka Municipality, in Wakiso district of Uganda, in illegal possession of wildlife species which included 10 pieces of dried elephant penises valued at over Uganda shillings 17 billion, pangolin scales and live tortoises. The men were charged in the Uganda wildlife court.

There is a need to take a deliberate step to end this kind of impunity. African animals must be safe in the wild!

MAY 20, 2020

The Center for Animal Law Studies (CALS), home to the Animal Law Program, and animal law projects and activities of Lewis & Clark Law School, interviewed the founder of Help African Animals with her Professor that mentored her through the formation of the organization.

Professor Russ Mead Mentors Ugandan LLM Candidate Gladys Kamsanyu Through Creation of Animal Protection Nonprofit

Help African Animals is glad to be approved by the Internal Revenue Services (IRS) for the 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Support us to protect African animals. Earn yourself a tax deduction. https://twitter.com/CALSAnimalLaw/status/1260653345959636992