On November 8, 2012, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton committed the State Department to combat wildlife trafficking worldwide at a Partnership Meeting on Wildlife Trafficking in Washington, D.C. It was at that meeting with representatives from countries around the world that she also made another announcement.

At that time she declared December 4th the first annual “Wildlife Conservation Day” as part of a broader initiative to combat wildlife trafficking worldwide. This was because International trade in live wildlife and wildlife parts and products is rivaled only by the trade in illegal weapons and drugs. And sadly the United States is the second-largest destination for illegally trafficked wildlife goods.

In Hillary Clinton's words, “We support every effort to combat wildlife trafficking and we are pleased that the State Department has recognized the importance of this issue,” said Taylor Jones, Endangered Species Advocate for WildEarth Guardians. “It’s high time to crack down on the exploitation of imperiled species.”

The following is from The State Department of the U.S. with information on what is taking place today to celebrate and commemorate the first annual Wildlife Conservation Day:

Department of State Marks Wildlife Conservation Day

Media Note Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC December 1, 2012

U.S. missions around the globe will mark Wildlife Conservation Day on December 4 with programs including speaking engagements at local schools, film presentations, roundtables, an appearance by Animal Planet’s Jeff Corwin at the U.S. Department of State, and a videotaped call to action by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.


In Washington D.C., Jeff Corwin, host and executive producer of Animal Planet’s "The Jeff Corwin Experience," will speak at the Department of State’s Ralph Bunche Library at 11 a.m. on December 4. Mr. Corwin will be joined by Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Tara Sonenshine and Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs Kerri-Ann Jones. Mr. Corwin will also lead two international webchats on Monday, December 3 and Tuesday, December 4.

International events include:

China: In Beijing, Under Secretary of State Robert Hormats will take part in a roundtable focused on wildlife protection. The U.S. consulate in Guangzhou has organized film presentations on wildlife trafficking to be shown in Fuzhou, Xiamen, and Guangzhou.

Kenya: In Nairobi, USAID will host a roundtable with Government of Kenya officials and civil society to discuss wildlife conservation issues.

India: The American Library in New Delhi will host a youth event on wildlife conservation and take questions via Facebook in addition to live streaming Jeff Corwin's webchat.


Kyrgyzstan: Embassy Bishkek will host a conference on snow leopards with local experts.

Thailand: Ambassador Kristie Kenney will participate in an anti-trafficking event at Bangkok’s international airport with government officials, USAID, the NGO FREELAND, and other partners.

Burundi: Embassy Bujumbura will host programs for elementary school children and distribute National Geographic’s conservation materials.

Nicaragua: Ambassador Phyllis Powers will tour a rescue center in Managua for trafficked animals, deliver remarks, and engage the press.

Central African Republic: Embassy Bangui will launch a new youth conservation group.

Russia: Embassy Moscow will conduct a panel discussion on the challenge of wildlife trafficking, with an emphasis on local efforts to protect tigers.

The State Department is also asking the public to visit www.wildlifepledge.org and take the pledge to respect and protect the world’s wildlife.

For more information, please contact Russell Brooks (202) 647-9130 in the office of the Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, or Wendy Nassmacher of the Department of State's Bureau of Oceans, Environmental and Science Affairs (202) 647-6664. (SOURCE)