KNOWSLEY Safari Park helped trumpet a new drive today to help save the elephant against a shocking backdrop of the highest levels of ivory poaching since records began.

The Safari Park team hope that four imposing elephant statues which rumbled into Liverpool One will encourage people to think twice before buying anything that may have been made using endangered animal parts.

Made of cold-cast poly resin and fibreglass, the family of four consist of two adults standing 3.7m high and weigh in at 230kg and two baby elephants that range in height from 1.12m and weigh 30kg each.

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) estimates that in 2011 at least 17,000 elephants have been killed illegally in Africa alone but the real figure may be much higher.

Speaking at today’s launch at Knowsley Safari Park, Environment Secretary Owen Paterson said: “Today, we are here to highlight the plight of this iconic and majestic animal, to ensure it’s still here for our children, and for future generations.

“It’s totally unacceptable that elephants are being poached at such an alarming rate, fed by a high demand for traditional Asian medicine.

“We are calling on people never to buy ivory or products that contain it, as if we buy, elephants die.”

Broadcaster and writer Ben Fogle who is supporting the campaign added: “It’s unacceptable that elephants are being killed purely for their ivory. We must do all we can to stop this devastating crime and the ever increasing demand for ivory products.

“I am supporting the ‘If They’re Gone...’ campaign to raise awareness of the crisis situation which these truly breathtaking animals are in. We all need to act now before it’s too late.”

Eveline De Wolf, Head of Animal Management at Knowsley Safari comments: “Many people will never see a herd of elephants in the wild, which is why safari parks have such an important role to play in helping communities understand the impact of poaching on this keystone species.

“At Knowsley Safari, we have the power to make a difference, and through conservation and education, we are working to make sure that our children’s children grow up in a world where an elephant is more than just a memory.”

You can take the following steps to help protect the elephant: • Don’t buy ivory. If you buy, elephants die.

• Think before you buy anything that could be made from or contain body parts of endangered species such as certain alternative traditional medicines;

• Ask where products have come from and if they have been produced sustainably;

• Get involved and support wildlife conservation programmes; • Spread the word - tell your friends and family about elephants and how important it is to help protect them;

and

• Report any suspicious activity concerning the buying and selling of wildlife products to your local police.

As part of the campaign, a primary school poster competition has been developed in partnership with Eco-Schools. Children from across the country have been invited to submit posters with the chance of winning a tour of Parliament.

For more information visit the ‘If They’re Gone…’ Facebook page www.facebook.com/IfTheyreGone