Pembe ya Ndovu

Gr 9–12—The haunting cries of a dying young bull elephant open this devastating exploration of the ivory trade in Africa and its consequences. Pembe ya Ndovu, which translates to the "tusk of the elephant," traces the killing of ever younger elephants for their ivory tusks, which are often made into five-and-dime trinkets to be sold primarily in Africa and Asia. Additionally, the catastrophic effects on other African wildlife brought on by poaching and the illegal trade in animal parts and bush meat is graphically illustrated. It's estimated that there are 60 percent fewer elephants today than there were 10 years ago, and within our lifetime, all wild elephants will have been slaughtered. The calm narrative and somber music contrasts with the shocking imagery shown. Wildlife experts and defenders, including Jane Goodall, offer information and possible solutions. It's only through the international shunning of the ivory trade and a vastly more effective system of protections that some of these African animals will survive extinction.