WildAid, Whiskers N Paws and Yum Me Play Launch #EndTheTrade Conservation Journey to Stop the Wildlife Trade

Whiskers N Paws, WildAid, and Yum Me Play call for an end to the global trading of wildlife for consumption.

Hong Kong, HKSAR – November 6 2020 – Whiskers N Paws, WildAid and Yum Me Play are pleased to launch the #EndTheTrade Conservation Journey to help end the urban commercial trade of wildlife for consumption.

Organized by Whiskers N Paws and Yum Me Play, and sponsored by Hysan Group and British Motors, the pop-up exhibition held from November 4 – 27 at G/F Hysan Place, aims to raise awareness about endangered wildlife facing the threat of extinction due to illegal poaching.

Vada Chung, Founder of Whiskers N Paws, said: “As an organization that encourages a ‘Love Animals, Love Life mentality in Hong Kong, our philosophy aligns with the #EndTheTrade campaign. This collaboration not only reinstates our core value of caring for animal habitats (the environment? In which case add animal) and welfare, but also helps us extend this important value to the field of wildlife conservation.”

The pop-up exhibition showcases three-dimensional wildlife origami models painted by four artists, who have joined together to appeal to the public in support of the #EndTheTrade campaign. Visitors can take photos with these origami models to express their commitment to and enthusiasm for wildlife conservation, followed by signing the #EndTheTrade petition at the signature station.

Colleen Yu, Founder of Yum Me Play, said: “I have always believed in and supported WildAid’s approach to wildlife conservation; therefore, this is a great collaboration in conjunction with our first launch of Yum Me Experience. This is an excellent opportunity to foster children’s concept of wildlife conservation from a young age.”

The #EndTheTrade campaign aims to garner signatures on the petition calling for an end to live wildlife markets and risky bushmeat consumption globally. Reports have shown that 71% of all emerging infectious diseases in the past several decades have originated from wild animals, with the rest originating from domestic animals.

“We call on everyone to participate in the #EndTheTrade campaign and help save endangered wildlife”, said Dorothy Cheng, WildAid’s Hong Kong Representative. “I am very grateful to Whiskers N Paws and Yum Me Play for their unwavering support of wildlife, for joining our effort to mobilize the public and spread the message: keep them wild, keep us safe,” Cheng added.

Launched by Global Wildlife Conservation, Wildlife Conservation Society, and WildAid, #EndTheTrade is endorsed globally by 400 NGOs and supported by international ambassadors including Leonardo DiCaprio, along with Hong Kong celebrity advocates also include Sammy Leung, Annie Liu, Ng Yip Kwan, Selena Lee, and Laurinda Ho.

Learn more about #EndTheTrade and sign the petition by visiting endthetrade.com

WildAid #ENDTHETRADE Pop-Up Store

The pop-up exhibition has safari theme, and contains a variety of themed exhibits and merchandise.

A Themed Exhibition Featuring 10 Celebrities

The pop-up store also features ten artists supporting the #EndTheTrade campaign, including Sammy Leung, Annie Liu, James Ng, Selena Lee, Laurinda Ho, Fiona Sit, Pakho Chow, Stephanie Cheng, Alex Fong, and Janice Man. Wearing the #EndTheTrade  T-shirt and holding a three-dimensional wildlife origami model, their portraits draw  attention to wildlife conservation, serving as a stark reminder of the fragility of wildlife and the need to #EndTheTrade, or a permanent end to the commercial trade and sale in markets of terrestrial animals for consumption.

In addition, visitors  can purchase the #LoveAnimalsLoveLife limited-edition Collection Pack, the Yum Me Play Wild Animal Themed Set, and the Yum Me Play x WildAid WonderHat Collection (wildlife series) to enhance children’s interest in learning and foster closer parent-child relationships. A coffee shop is also set up at the pop-up store, offering animal “latte art” coffees and animal-shaped cookies. Partial proceeds of merchandise from the pop-up store will be donated to WildAid as conservation funds.

One-to-One Rhino Themed Exhibition Area

A one-to-one rhino paper art sculpture will be displayed at Lee Gardens Phase 2 (2/F themed exhibition area), highlighting the fragility of the situation rhinos around the world face. Traditional handicrafts, just like wild animals, are gradually disappearing in the city, and it is time for humankind to learn to cherish and protect these valuable gems.

The   displays on wildlife conservation are set up next to the paper rhino.  Yum Me Play has set up a variety of wildlife-themed games and books at the children’s play area on 2/F, allowing children to learn the habits of different wild animals through play.