姚明:没有买卖就没有杀害

Over the past month, CCTV has focused on Africa’s incredible wildlife. But the ugly truth is that many of the continent’s species face grave threats. And that’s drawn the attention of the Chinese basketball sensation Yao Ming.

The ex-NBA star is on a mission to raise awareness on the poaching crisis facing elephant and rhino populations. Our correspondent Mark Masai followed him on part of this mission - which took Yao Ming deep into the wilds of Kenya.

The former Houston Rockets centre, is blocking the shots, almost literally his mission has brought him face to face with the grim reality of poaching.

This is in Samburu, northern Kenya where this elephant was brutally murdered by poachers 10 days ago a fate shared by many of his kind around the continent each year, who are now more than ever, vulnerable to the ivory-seeking scavengers.

Even for the 7 foot 6 towering Yao Ming, it will be a tall order to stop poachers, and as a Wild Aid ambassador, his campaign is reaching out to a somewhat neglected group of people.

With the statistics showing that most of the demand for Ivory and rhino horns is concentrated in the Far East, Yao Ming a native, is sending an appeal to many who are really unaware of the implications of Ivory trade.

Peter Knights, Executive Director, Wild Aid, said, "Our experience In Asia is that Chinese actually love elephants , its just that they don’t know buying ivory kills the elephants"

The government of China has supported such campaigns such as that on Shark Fin hunting, and Yao Ming, is optimistic that the same will be done for the elephants and rhinos.

Mark Masai, Olepejeta Conservancy, Kenya, said, In 1970’s there were about 20,000 black rhinos in Kenya alone, 20 years later that number was greatly depleted to 400. Well today it has increased to 900 thanks to institutions such as the Olpajeta Conservancy where they ensure a safe environment and also carry out activities such as breeding for instance right behind me, are Najil and Sunni 2 of the last 7 existing Northern Whites.

Those on the frontline against poaching like Yao Ming agree that tougher penalties by local authorities need to be implemented but the underlying message is.

Yao Ming, Fmr NBA Player, Wild Aid Ambassador, said, "I think that’s very easy. When the buying stops, the killing can too."

Mark Masai CCTV, Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Laikipia Kenya.