Ivory ban to extend to hippos and killer whales

The government is set to expand the ban on the sale of ivory from the tusks and teeth of five other species. Following the previous ban on the import, export, and trading of elephant ivory in the UK, new measures are being considered to include ivory from killer whales, hippos, walruses, narwhals, and sperm whales.

These animals are hunted and killed for their valuable ivory, which is commonly used in ornamental carvings. The government intends to extend the existing Ivory Act of 2018 to encompass these species as well.

Anyone found violating the law can face severe penalties, including unlimited fines or up to five years of imprisonment. However, the extension of the Act requires parliamentary approval before it can be enacted.