BREAKING: Delta Airlines Announces Ban on Endangered Animal Trophies from Africa
Consumer Group SumOfUs Applauds Delta for Taking Steps to Protect Critical Species
Earlier today, Delta Airlines announced that effective immediately, the airline would officially ban the shipment of all lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and water buffalo trophies as freight worldwide. Their decision comes after more than 250,000 people signed a petition by SumOfUs.org, a global corporate watchdog, urging the Delta and other international airlines to take action. In a statement to SumOfUs.org, Delta Airlines outlined the new policy:
“Effective immediately, Delta will officially ban shipment of all lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros and buffalo trophies worldwide as freight. Prior to this ban,Delta’s strict acceptance policy called for absolute compliance with all government regulations regarding protected species. Delta will also review acceptance policies of other hunting trophies with appropriate government agencies and other organizations supporting legal shipments.”
In reaction to the news, Paul Ferris, Campaigns Director for SumOfUS.org issued the following statement:
“Airlines and other large travel corporations would be foolish to ignore the public reaction to the killing of Cecil the lion, and growing concern about the plight of endangered species. We are glad to see Delta Airlines using its unique position to help end trophy hunting and protect critically endangered species.”
“Now other airlines need to do the same, and stop putting endangered species at risk around the world. It’s clear their customers won’t continue to tolerate companies that profit off the trafficking of these threatened animals.”
After news broke about Cecil the lion’s killing, SumOfUs immediately reached out to the CEO and Environment Director at Delta to ask them to respond to the petition. SumOfUs also organized over 4,000 Delta SkyMiles Frequent Fliers to sign on to an open letter calling on the company to change, representing a huge amount of customer revenue to Delta.
View the SumOfUs petition here: https://action.sumofus.org/a/cecil-airlines/?sub=homepage
For more information, or for interviews with SumOfUs.org please contact Charlie DiPasquale at 240-481-6632 or at [email protected].
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