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Giraffe body part ‘trophies’ imported by hunters into UK

Two giraffes roam around Nairobi National Park, on the outskirts of Nairobi, on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya
Two giraffes roam around Nairobi National Park, on the outskirts of Nairobi, on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)
  • Global exports of giraffe body part trophies reached 1,791 in 2023, with 120 from captive-bred animals, and 21 imported into the UK by British Hunters.
  • Hunters imported various giraffe parts, including skins, bones, skulls, feet, tails, and even genitalia, with US Hunters accounting for 60% of global imports.
  • Giraffes are classified as vulnerable by the IUCN, with their population declining by 40% in three generations, leaving approximately 68,000 worldwide.
  • Plans for a UK ban on trophy imports remain stalled, despite a government mandate and calls from campaigners and conservationists.
  • Experts refute claims that trophy hunting benefits local economies, arguing it further endangers giraffe populations and urging the UK to ban imports.
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