HK Magazine: How did your mission to ban the ivory trade begin?
Celia Ho: Last October, I came across National Geographic’s cover story “Blood Ivory.” I saw terrible pictures of elephants with their tusks ripped off and read about the declining population of these creatures on the mainland. I feel like it’s my responsibility to help as a Chinese, so I wrote a letter titled “Ivory market an example of inhumanity” to the SCMP. Christian Pilard, the founder of the Eco-Sys Action Foundation, approached me and helped me print posters, established my website and supported me in organizing campaigns in Hong Kong schools. It certainly would not be successful if not for him.
HK: What’s so bad about the ivory trade?
CH: Elephants play a vital role in the natural habitat because they dig holes for other animals when there is drought. And according to the article, the money earned from the ivory trade is mostly used to support terrorists, who encourage wars. It also poses a danger to park rangers in the national parks.
HK: Are your friends and family supportive?
CH: My family is Christian, so we believe that the human being is the wisest creature on Earth, and bears the responsibility to protect other creatures. My classmates, knowing that I am busy with the campaign, support me by sharing my workload in school, which is great.
HK: How successful would you say your campaign is?
CH: Sixty-six organizations and more than 40 schools support my campaign, but it is still far from successful. People are learning a bit more about the ivory trade, but there’s a long way before I reach my goal, which is to lower the demand for ivory and thus the number of illegal hunters.
HK: What’s the toughest part of doing what you do?
CH: Mainly balancing school work and the campaign. It started off a bit rough because I had to organize exhibitions and take exams at the same time. Also, I find it insulting to read comments by foreigners lashing out against Chinese people on my Facebook page, saying things like “Shame on China.” I believe people involved in the ivory trade do not intend to hurt the elephants, but are just unaware of its negative effects.
HK: What do you like about elephants?
CH: I love the fact that they are very clever and have a good memory. They have leaders who will remember the spots for food and water, and they are very committed. I remember watching a documentary a while ago about baby elephants who kept wandering around their mother’s dead body, and refused to leave.
HK: What can Hongkongers do to fight the ivory trade?
CH: I hope people can learn to love and respect animals. My campaign plays only a tiny role compared to other nature conservation projects. Once people understand more about animals through documentaries, they will learn to love them and work against harmful practices. I am shooting a video about the ivory trade. It also introduces elephants in general. The video will be in both Cantonese and Putonghua, and I hope to send it to schools in mainland China.
HK: Do you think you are very grown-up for your age?
CH: I don’t see an age or occupation barrier in nature conservation. All I am doing is expressing my own thoughts. I believe everyone has the power to do so, even if it requires perseverance to go on.
HK: You’ve received a threatening letter. Did it frighten you?
CH: No it did not. I assume that person was someone who sells ivory, and my campaign is affecting his or her business, but I will not step down. There will be difficulties ahead but I’ll learn to deal with them so the campaign can continue.
HK: Do you have a favorite fictional elephant?
CH: No, I don’t have any favorites. There’s only Dumbo, isn’t there?
Want to know more? Visit her Facebook page.
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