President Obama is cancelling plans to go on safari during his upcoming trip to Africa. What?! The President will not only miss out on experiencing the wild power and beauty of African wildlife, but also the opportunity to demonstrate his support for the conservation of these animals and their habitats. [teaserbreak]
Currently, the Obama administration is considering adding the African lion to the list of protected species under the Endangered Species Act. This move would aid in the vital rejuvenation of the African lion population across the continent. What better way for President Obama to remind himself of why we value these incredible animals than to see them himself!
So why is Obama cancelling this once-in-a-lifetime excursion? Apparently, the cost and danger from the lions and cheetahs! To be completely honest, this seems just a little bit ridiculous. Even his wife and daughters have been on safari (in an open air jeep no less!) and returned without a scratch. There must be some way for President Obama to safely experience a safari. After all, I’ve done 50 of them and I don’t have the President’s security entourage to be sure.
Whether or not President Obama goes on safari may seem trivial. However, when we consider disturbing statistics the African lion’s population decline of more than 50% in the last three decades or that Tanzania’s elephants are being poached at a rate of 10,000 a year, it becomes easy to understand how influential President Obama’s trip could be.
President Obama, the African lions and elephants need you. They need you to show your unending support of conservation initiatives in the hope that future generations will also be able to experience these amazing creatures. They need your support for their survival.
Blogging off,
Will