Trump in U-turn on elephant trophies

Donald Trump is putting a decision to al low impor ts of elephant trophies on hold after criticism from conservation advocates and social media.

The president’s reversal came hours af ter his administration released a rule on Friday to allow hunters who kill elephants in Zimbabwe to bring their trophies back to the US.

The practice had been banned by the Obama administration.

Trump tweeted: “Put big game trophy decision on hold until such time as I review all conservation facts. Under study for years. Wi l l update soon with Secretary Zinke. Thank you!”

Interior secretary Ryan Zinke said in a statement that he had spoken with Trump and “both believe that conservation and healthy herds are critical”.

He said the “issuing of permits is being put on hold as the decision is being reviewed”.

Early word of the planned change had drawn protests from conservationists, who said it could deplete elephant populat ions already at risk.

It also caused a social media f irestorm, with opponents posting photos of Trump’s sons Donald Jr and Eric, avid hunters, posing with dead wild animals.

Tanya Sanerib, senior attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity, said: “We need immediate federal action to reverse these policies.”