Metro Parks Tacoma commissioners endorse initiative on behalf of endangered animals

Initiative 1401 on statewide fall ballot aims to Save Animals Facing Extinction

TACOMA, Wash. – Metro Parks Tacoma commissioners voted Monday night to endorse a statewide ballot initiative aimed at protecting 10 animal species by strengthening laws on the trafficking of animal products.

Initiative 1401, known as Save Animals Facing Extinction, calls out 10 iconic threatened and endangered species for added protection under state law. They are elephants, rhinos, lions, tigers, cheetahs, leopards, pangolins, sea turtles, sharks and rays.

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, operated by Metro Parks Tacoma, is home to a number of endangered, threatened and vulnerable species, including Asian elephants, clouded leopards, Sumatran and Malayan tigers, sharks and stingrays.

Commissioner Erik Hanberg, the board clerk, brought the resolution endorsing Initiative 1401 to the board for consideration. The board voted 5-0 to approve Resolution 57-15.

“Fostering appreciation and stewardship of wildlife and natural resources is a core value of Metro Parks Tacoma,” Hanberg said. “Endorsement of an initiative to protect endangered animals is consistent with our Strategic Plan and mission as a role model in environmental leadership and conservation.”

Initiative 1401 would stiffen penalties for the trafficking in animal products derived from the 10 animal species but contains a limited list of exemptions to cover antiques, family heirlooms and items used for educational and scientific purposes. The measure is on the Nov. 3 ballot in Washington State. More information is available here: http://www.sos.wa.gov/elections/initiatives/Initiatives.aspx?y=2015&t=p.