Customs officials in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, have seized a giant elephant’s foot that has been converted into a velvet-covered container. The foot was from the U.K. and intended for a recipient in Germany. The illegal item did not have the proper paperwork, and it was reportedly intended to be a gift for a Swiss person that was supposed to pick up the package in Weil am Rhein, a town bordering Germany and Switzerland.

After officials confirmed that it was a real African elephant foot, they launched an investigation. The foot reportedly was from a “highly endangered” and protected species.

Maya Jehle of the customs office said, “The foot was completely hollowed out from the inside and damaged on top with a red velvet cover and golden fringes. It’s totally tasteless.”

Officials from the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation are handling the ongoing investigation. Lions, elephants, gazelle, and several other species are all at high risk of being shot down for an adrenaline rush, a picture, and maybe a new mantlepiece, or in this case, a container. There is no reason that this animal should have been murdered to have a body part be used to simply hold things.

Source: The Daily Show with Trevor Noah/Youtube

There’s no denying that hunting animals — whether they are ‘exotic’ or common — is unethical. Trophy hunting is actively hurting animal populations and is a financial and social burden for the countries that host this activity. Hopefully, by appreciating that it can be addicting to some hunters, we will be able to switch the conversation to why these hunters feel the need to murder animals and find more ethical and sustainable ways for them to spend their time, money, and energy. 

Sign this petition to demand an end to the senseless killings of these magnificent animals!

Related Content:

• One of the World’s Last ‘Big Tuskers’ Murdered by Trophy Hunters
• Trophy Hunting Is Even Worse Than It Sounds
• 83 Elephants at Stake in Trophy Hunting Auction
• Want to Save Our Planet? Stop Trophy Hunting.
• Bill Introduced to Ban the Use of Wild and Exotic Animals in Circuses

For more Animal, Earth, Life, Vegan Food, Health, and Recipe content published daily, subscribe to the One Green Planet Newsletter! Also, don’t forget to download the Food Monster App on the App Store. With over 15,000 delicious recipes, it is the largest meatless, vegan, and allergy-friendly recipe resource to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy! Lastly, being publicly-funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!