Gisele Bundchen is the latest celebrity to add her voice to the opposition of Donald Trump’s new policy that allows elephant trophies to enter the United States from Zimbabwe and Zambia. The supermodel urged everyone to “take care of the wildlife.”
In an Instagram post on Friday, the Bundchen said, “Nothing justifies killing harmless animals to use its parts only as material goods, decoration or even worse as a trophy to satisfy someone’s ego or pride.”
“If we want a better future, we must take care of the wildlife,” the post continued. “When you hurt one species you are hurting them all, including us humans. We are all connected.” She also shared a link to the Wild for Life campaign, which raises awareness about the illegal trade of wildlife and tries to enforce stricter laws to protect endangered species.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bbmb3GoldjW/?hl=en&taken-by=gisele
Although elephants are protected in the U.S. under the Endangered Species Act, there is a loophole that says the government can give permits to hunters for trophies if there is evidence that hunting the endangered animal could help the species’ conservation. An official from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service told ABC News that information has been given to the Trump administration from Zimbabwe and Zambia that support the Obama-era ban reversal.
Bundchen isn’t the only celebrity speaking out against the reversal.
Ricky Gervais called it “savage and pointless,” adding, “It breaks my heart.”
“Only the worst person in the world would try to destroy one of the best things in the world,” wrote Cyrus McQueen.
Ellen DeGeneres started the hashtag #BeKindToElephants, urging people to repost a picture shared on her show. For everyone who does, she’ll donate to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to help protect elephants.
See more celebrity reactions to the news below.
The fact that Trump has lifted President Obama's ban on elephant trophies being imported into the country is a devastating blow to the survival of these beautiful animals. It's savage and pointless. It breaks my heart. pic.twitter.com/iclfxN6TXr
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) November 16, 2017
Trump’s decision to reverse the ban on elephant trophies in the U.S. is reprehensible. In this policy change, the U.S. loses its global leadership position in putting an end to the ivory crisis. https://t.co/vwdWIzrL9E
— Earth Alliance (@earthalliance) November 16, 2017
https://twitter.com/SethMacFarlane/status/931428958251376642
Trump lifted President Obama’s ban on elephant trophies? Why am i surprised… Only the worst person in the world would try to destroy one of the best things in the world pic.twitter.com/s9q8mHC3y7
— Cyrus McQueen (@CyrusMMcQueen) November 17, 2017
I’m determined to do something about this. #BeKindToElephants pic.twitter.com/0dGkx4vNzD
— Ellen DeGeneres (@EllenDeGeneres) November 17, 2017
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bbk6XB3AKCN/?hl=en&taken-by=theellenshow
Never thought I'd be beholden to Trump's sons until I learned of their trips to Zimbabwe & Zambia to destroy those elephants who threaten my life & freedom to walk about safely on Rodeo Dr. in Bev Hills Ca.
— carl reiner (@carlreiner) November 17, 2017
What a great & caring Dad Trump is! His two sons are having a wonderful time thanks to their Dad's thoughtful lifting of the embargo on hunting down & killing elephants, lions & other endangered species,
— carl reiner (@carlreiner) November 17, 2017
Trump's sons enjoy killing wild animals in Africa. Now Trump is reversing Obama’s ban to save elephants, which will allow them to be shot for trophies and imported back into the United States. Horrifying.
— Barbra Streisand (@BarbraStreisand) November 17, 2017
Why did the president personally decide to lift a ban on elephant products? Is this what a trip to Asia produced what a loser pencil dick 🤯
— Michelle Rodriguez (@MRodOfficial) November 17, 2017
Dear people with no soul ,
stop shooting Elephants https://t.co/T0fThLjOWH— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) November 16, 2017
https://twitter.com/oliviamunn/status/931313376268976133
Elephant Trophies???? OMG. I can’t breathe…..
— Bernadette Peters (@OfficialBPeters) November 16, 2017
The monster that is Trump is undermining years of progress on US leadership for elephant conservation.
We have to protect laws like the Endangered Species Act that save elephants and other animals. @action4IFAW
Go to oneactforall.all to take action. pic.twitter.com/zWSi6i6PiQ— Minka Kelly (@minkakelly) November 17, 2017
Infuriating. Will increase poaching, make communities more vulnerable & hurt conservation efforts: https://t.co/w3BT8tZzgw
— Chelsea Clinton (@ChelseaClinton) November 16, 2017
It’s criminal to roll back the elephant trophy import ban when they need our protection. Visit https://t.co/efapCzAtp2 to learn more about the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s amazing work with elephants and how to donate. #BeKindToElephants pic.twitter.com/UavXQnD0kY
— Susan Sarandon (@SusanSarandon) November 17, 2017
https://twitter.com/JaimieAlexander/status/931524828812767232
How can we change this?? How do we get that ban put back in place? I don't know why it was done but now how do we fix it? Absolutely gut wrenching. #SaveTheElephants #BeKindToElephants 🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘#awareness https://t.co/n2R73ko0Et
— Gina Carano 🕯 (@ginacarano) November 17, 2017
WOW! Just got off the phone with God! He asked me to remind 👑👐 & Sons about the book and movie ELEPHANT WALK. Oh, he also wants me to remind ya'll that he put elephants on earth for a reason. Here come da big STOMP, 👑👐 & sons!
— Peter Henry Fonda (@iamfonda) November 17, 2017
https://twitter.com/katemara/status/931362634154348544
This is truly disgusting https://t.co/QWaRoO4wAm
— Ellen Barkin (@EllenBarkin) November 17, 2017