The Ivory Game

The Ivory Game

Year: 2016

Runtime: 112 min

Language: English

Directors: Kief Davidson, Richard Ladkani

Documentary

Filmmakers conduct an undercover investigation into the illegal ivory trade, spending 16 months embedded with those involved to expose the devastating impact on Africa. The documentary reveals how the demand for ivory in China fuels a brutal cycle of poaching and corruption, orchestrated by ruthless traffickers who profit from the mass slaughter of elephants. It's a revealing look at the dark side of the global ivory crisis and the people fighting to stop it.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Ivory Game yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – The Ivory Game (2016)

Trace every key event in The Ivory Game (2016) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Introduction to Elephant Poaching

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.

2

16-Month Undercover Operation

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.

3

Startling Statistics

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.

4

Nighttime Sting Operation in Tanzania

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.

Tanzania
5

Impact of the Ivory Trade

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.

6

Tracking Elephant Populations

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.

Zambezi region
7

Conservation Efforts in Kenya

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.

Kenya
8

Role of Electric Fences

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.

9

Undercover Operation in China

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.

China
10

Licensed Ivory Dealers

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.

China
11

Gathering Evidence Against Traffickers

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.

12

Urgent Call for Action

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.

13

Understanding the Ivory Trade's Impact

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.

Last Updated: November 07, 2024 at 22:53

Unlock the Full Story of The Ivory Game

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Ivory Game in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Ivory Game is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Ivory Game Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Ivory Game, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Ivory Game Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Ivory Game

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Ivory Game. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Ivory Game

More About The Ivory Game

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Ivory Game: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Ivory Game

Similar Movies to The Ivory Game

Discover movies like The Ivory Game that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.