WASHINGTON—Representative Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement to commemorate World Wildlife Day:

“As we commemorate World Wildlife Day, we must redouble our efforts to end poaching and wildlife trafficking, which threaten some of the world’s most iconic species, including elephants, rhinos, tigers, and many others. 

“Poaching and the trafficking of animal products has become big business for transnational criminal organizations, rebel groups, and terrorist organizations generating an estimated $7 to $10 billion in illicit profits every year.  This abhorrent trade fosters instability and feeds corruption.  

“Last November, the House passed H.R. 2494, The Global Anti-Poaching Act. This bipartisan legislation would take important steps to address the poaching crisis.  I am hopeful that the Senate will soon pass its version of this legislation and that we can work together to get a bill to the President’s desk before the end of the year.  

“Among the many excellent organizations that have supported our legislative efforts, I want to recognize the exceptional work of the Wildlife Conservation Society.   Based at the Bronx Zoo, next door to my congressional district in the Bronx, NY, WCS has been a leader for many years in the fight against poaching and wildlife trafficking, and I look forward to continuing my work with them.”

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