Lupita Nyong'o backs historic summit to save Africa's elephants

The Oscar-winning actress is the latest high profile figure to throw her support behind this weekend's ivory burn and Giants Club Summit

Oscar-winning Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong’o is the latest global figure to throw her support behind efforts to save Africa’s elephants.

Speaking as global leaders arrived in Kenya for the inaugural Giants Club Summit, she expressed regret that her role in an upcoming Broadway production means she is unable to attend the event.

In the video-clip, which was filmed by wildlife charity WildAid, she reflects on the largest ivory burn in history, which the Kenyan government is undertaking this Saturday immediately after the summit. She said: “This is a very important step we’re taking as a country to show our support for elephant conservation with this ivory burn.”

The summit has already gained the support of US President Barack Obama, who has sent a message of support to be broadcast at the event.

Nyong’o won the best supporting actress Oscar for her breakthrough role in 12 Years A Slave. Last year she became a WildAid global elephant ambassador, saying “I am proud of my Kenyan heritage, and part of that heritage is the incredible wildlife haven that is in our care.”