I am not quite sure if I can relate nor agree on the current CITES stance brought forward by far out animal rights groups. CITES is a framework to regulate wildlife trade and thus prevent the undesirable conduits of subterfuge and undercover and illegal trade of wild animals and plants. To ban regulated trade in elephants effectively condemn any trade deal to underground conduits.
For the record also: elephant populations in Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe remain relatively well protected and there is nothing wrong with cash for conservation. Where now is the cash from animal rights groups to conserve wild elephants and other endangered species in these range countries. Absolutely, nil and none. Point taken: patient will perish!
On the subject of a desirability for African elephants to come to Peshawar Zoo, I would observe that given the present socio-economic climate and general state of Pakistan's zoos any wildlife deal with southern African countries would be a no go. First and foremost, local zoos need to conform to standards set by the Wildlife Department for maintaining wildlife at all and also that authorities and local administrations properly support their zoo network to operate professionally and to a good standard.
