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September 24, 2016

September 24, 2016

Why we march

Elephants and rhinos in Africa are facing a crisis of epic proportions. Mass poaching, that is being driven by the illicit trade for ivory and rhino horn fueled by demand in Asia, is rapidly pushing these iconic creatures toward extinction. Continuing at the current rate, they are estimated to become extinct in the wild in the next two decades. Rhinos, that have roamed the earth for millions of years, wiped out. Elephants vanished from the plains of Africa. Is this the legacy we want to leave for future generations?  We have but a brief moment in time to change the tide of history, and the time to act is now.

This year, over 130 cities worldwide will participate in the Global March for Elephants and Rhinos. The march coincides with the opening day of the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP17) to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), to take place in Johannesburg, South Africa. 181 members of CITES will vote on issues that will have significant and lasting impact on wildlife. We want them to know the entire world is marching to demand the protection of rhinos and elephants.  

Atlanta's march

The march in Atlanta will be part of the East Atlanta Strut Parade, a festive community event held annually in East Atlanta Village. In addition to the parade, there will be an artists' market and community booths. Be sure to stop by our booth and visit ERP (groupelephant.com) to learn more about initiatives to help elephants and rhinos in the wild.

Register online for the march, and be one of the first 100 people to receive a Global March-Atlanta T-shirt, free and available for pick-up at the march meeting point (Patterson and Metropolitan); or at the booth prior to the march. Registration for the march can also be done in person at either location (up until 12:30 pm at the booth; and until 1:30pm at the meeting point of the march)

 

We welcome and encourage youth to participate in the march, and we are holding a Youth Poster Contest in conjunction with the march. Winners will be announced at the booth immediately following the march. 

 

We will meet from 1-1:30pm at Patterson Avenue SE near Metropolitan Avenue SE to organize for the parade's lineup. The parade starts at 2pm.

 

Thank you to everyone who marched this year!

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