With the world in some form of lockdown or another due to Coronavirus it is interesting to note that the animal world remains as yet unaffected. Isolated exceptions exist but these are cases with a direct link to humans either in zoos, domestic, or captive breeding situations. Let's hope it stays that way. There is absolutely no evidence that animals can give the virus to us but we can give it to them. The thought that this virus could affect the animal world is too awful to contemplate with so many species already struggling to survive. The emergence of this virus shows how important it is to put an end to the illegal trade in animals worldwide because it's through this trade the virus began anyway along with others such as SARS. We have mistreated abused and exploited wildlife to breaking point and it must stop. Perhaps this current pandemic will bring about and end at long last.

Shame on the US for it's disgusting trade in giraffe body parts. It's not just asian countries driving animals to the brink of extinction but a wealthy country that obviously has a thriving trade in souvenirs and trophies of these beautiful towering African animals. It probably shouldn't surprise anyone actually when you consider the leadership or should I say lack of it. Trump is no lover of the environment of animals so why would be do anything to stop this ghastly trade. Over 40 years the populations of these amazing unique animals has plummeted by 40%. Bones used to make knife handles, cowboy boots, bible covers and even a stuffed baby giraffe were all uncovered in an investigation into the trade which highlights how much in need these creatures are of protections and the clamping down of this senseless and horrifying profiteering.