The Ivory Game

The documentary opens with a stark portrayal of elephant poaching in Africa, closely linked to the thriving ivory trade in China and Hong Kong. It sets the stage for a deeper exploration of this harrowing issue affecting the majestic creatures.

Directed by Keif Davidson and Richard Ladkani, the film recounts their team's arduous efforts over a 16-month undercover operation. This investigation illuminated the grim reality of elephant killings, often driven by the allure of tusks prized as status symbols in certain Asian cultures.

The documentary reveals alarming statistics showing that 150,000 elephants have been slaughtered for their ivory in just the last five years. The stark depiction emphasizes vast regions in Africa becoming devoid of elephants, with remaining populations primarily in western and southern Africa.

The opening scene unfolds in Tanzania, where Elisifa Ngowi and his team execute a nighttime sting operation targeting notorious poacher Shetani. This operation is crucial as Shetani is responsible for the deaths of approximately 10,000 elephants through his brutal poaching practices.

As the documentary progresses, it highlights the staggering profits from the ivory trade, with poachers earning $7 per kilogram while ivory can fetch $3000 in the Chinese market. This economic disparity fuels the ongoing poaching crisis, exacerbating the plight of elephants.

Under the guidance of Georgia, the team employs aerial surveys to monitor elephant populations in the Zambezi region. This innovative approach uncovers local ivory sellers and sheds light on the ongoing struggle to preserve the dwindling elephant numbers.

In Kenya, Craig Millar heads efforts to prevent poaching before it occurs, often clashing with local communities. His emotional discovery of a brutally slain family of elephants underscores the dire situation, revealing the vulnerability of even female elephants and their calves.

The film showcases Ian Craig's long-standing initiative of using electric fences to protect elephant habitats. This collaboration between Craig and local conservationists emphasizes proactive measures taken to safeguard elephants and facilitate their migration.

A parallel narrative follows Andrea Crosta and journalist Hongxiang Huang as they embark on a risky undercover operation in China. Their goal is to expose the illegal ivory trade, navigating through a landscape where dealers often flaunt their ability to bypass regulations.

The documentary delves into the complexities of the ivory trade, highlighting that the Chinese government allows 5 tons of ivory to be licensed for dealers. This regulation blurs the line between legal and illegal activities, complicating enforcement efforts and conservation initiatives.

Huang and Crosta face perilous situations as they gather incriminating evidence against influential players in the ivory market. Their determined efforts focus on garnering enough proof to prompt authorities to take action and consider banning the ivory trade altogether.

As the film progresses, the urgency of the situation escalates, revealing that without immediate governmental action, elephants could face extinction within the next 15 years. This shocking statistic serves as a clarion call to viewers to recognize the gravity of the crisis.

The documentary concludes by elucidating the profound implications of the ivory trade on the survival of elephants. It implores viewers to understand their role in conservation and the importance of supporting initiatives aimed at ending the poaching crisis.