Journalist and conservationist John Frederick Walker has an ugly story about one of the most beautiful things in the world to tell in todayยs talk Ivoryยs Ghosts: The White Gold of History and the Fate of Elephants. Considered precious since prehistory, ivory has been the first choice for carvers for centuries. In the 19th century, the chase for ivory caused the massacre of elephants across the African continent, and by the late 20th century, the abuse was so rampant only a worldwide ban on ivory could prevent the elephants from being poached into extinction. Now the elephants face an uncertain future as ivory continues to entice smugglers and artisans, but complex worldwide politics make the ban increasingly difficult to enforce. After the talk, Walker will sign copies of his new book, coincidently called Ivory Ghosts: The White Gold of History and the Fate of Elephants. 6:30 p.m. Houston Museum of Natural Science, 1 Hermann Circle Drive, Hermann Park. For information, call 713-639-4629 or visit www.hmns.org. $12 to $17.
Tue., Jan. 20, 6:30 p.m., 2009
This article appears in Jan 15-21, 2009.