The Ivory Game

The Ivory Game is a heart-wrenching documentary film that takes an in-depth look at the ivory trade and its devastating impact on the elephant population. The movie is directed by Richard Ladkani and Kief Davidson and was released in 2016.

The film follows the journey of Andrea Crosta, a former Italian journalist who founded the Elephant Action League (EAL) to help combat illegal ivory trading. Crosta and his team gather intelligence on the ivory trade and work with law enforcement officials to identify and arrest ivory smugglers. They also work to disrupt ivory trade networks by intercepting shipments and educating people on the negative impact of the ivory trade on the environment.

The Ivory Game provides a shocking look into the world of ivory poaching, revealing how massive amounts of ivory are taken from the tusks of elephants every year, leading to the painful death of these majestic animals. The film also shows how ivory smugglers are able to transport the ivory unnoticed, using sophisticated methods to evade authorities.

Ian Stevenson, a wildlife activist featured in the movie, travels to China to investigate the country's role in the illegal ivory trade. He discovers that China's appetite for ivory is causing the demand for ivory to skyrocket, putting more pressure on the elephant population. Stevenson confronts ivory traders in China, attempting to get the truth about the ivory trade and expose it to the world.

The Ivory Game also features Prince William of Wales, who has been an outspoken advocate against the ivory trade. He speaks out about the need to protect elephants and end the ivory trade altogether. The prince calls on governments worldwide to take action and end the ivory trade, emphasizing that time is running out for elephants.

The movie also highlights the work of rangers who risk their lives every day to protect elephants from poachers. It's tragic that these rangers have to put their lives on the line simply to protect animals that should be able to roam free without fear of being killed for their tusks. This segment is especially powerful, as it shows how the ivory trade affects people as well as animals.

The Ivory Game leaves viewers with a sense of urgency to take action against the ivory trade. The movie shows that ivory trading is much more than just a wildlife conservation issue, it also has financial ties with criminal networks, pointing out how the ivory trade is used to fund other illegal activities. The message is clear; we need to end the ivory trade if we want to save elephants and ultimately, protect the planet.

In conclusion, The Ivory Game is a must-watch documentary for anyone looking to understand the devastating impact of the ivory trade on elephants and the world's ecosystems as a whole. The movie is informative, shocking, and inspiring all at the same time. It exposes the harsh realities of the ivory trade and sheds light on what can be done to put an end to it. The movie also highlights the importance of taking action and fighting for what we believe in, no matter how big the challenge may be.