6 tons of seized ivory to be crushed in Denver

US wildlife officials plan to crush more than 6 tons of ivory in Denver as part of a new push by the United States to combat illegal wildlife trafficking worldwide.
The ivory was seized around the country in an effort to block imports of tusks from elephants that have been slaughtered for their ivory.
The seized items include large balls of ivory delicately carved in layers and whole tusks that have been sculpted into pagodas and scenes from daily life.
The US Fish and Wildlife Service said publicly crushing the expensive smuggled tusks and carvings is part of an effort to put an end to what has become a USD 10 billion illegal industry. Steve Oberholtzer, the agency's Denver-based special agent in charge, is lining up rock-grinders to pulverise the ivory in October.

Governments cooperating with the efforts to stem the slaughter of elephants already have destroyed some of the ivory seized from poachers, US Interior Secretary Sally Jewell said yesterday at a White House forum where the initiative was launched.
"The US supports these actions, and we want to make sure we are doing the same," Jewell said.

President Barack Obama issued an order July 1 to fight the killing of protected wildlife, stop the trafficking, and reduce demand for illegal rhino horns and ivory. Members of a newly created advisory council sketched a broad approach of enlisting governments, companies and nonprofits worldwide, the Denver Post reported today.

US officials said they will also give USD 10 million to help fight poaching in Africa and will try to persuade Asian governments to outlaw trinkets and other products made from elephant ivory.
Tactics being considered include using technology to monitor elephants, a social media campaign in China to stigmatise the industry, and cooperation with companies such as eBay to curb commerce.
The National Wildlife Property Repository at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge in Colorado holds smuggled wildlife parts seized at seaports, border crossings and airports nationwide. Other items seized include leopard and tiger heads, bear claws and crocodile boots.

Much of the ivory no longer fits on shelves. Piles of tusks and boxes full of bracelets and decorations clutter the floor. Forklifts are used to clear pathways between heavy pallets of the plunder.