The recent coronavirus outbreak that emerged in Wuhan, China, has starkly exposed the horrific conditions of wildlife markets. The Huanan Seafood Market, a notorious hub for an array of live and freshly slaughtered animals, is believed to be the epicentre of the pandemic. While bats are assumed to be the primary carriers of the virus, other animals sold within these markets could have transmitted it to humans.

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These markets offer a grim array of 30 terrestrial animal species in addition to seafood, including pangolins, civets, squirrels, pheasants, scorpions, snakes, and several types of rats.

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However, these markets aren't only potential disease hotspots; they also contribute to the endangerment of certain species, such as pangolins, due to illegal poaching and sale of these animals.

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Illegal hunting and wildlife trade, akin to climate change and habitat loss, are pivotal factors behind the tragic global extinction of species. A late 2019 report by the UN warned of an impending catastrophe, predicting that up to a million animal and plant species could face extinction soon.

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Several forests have already been rendered 'empty' due to rampant hunting and poaching.

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This issue extends beyond China and the current coronavirus pandemic, threatening species extinction across numerous countries. Therefore, we urge a global closure of wildlife markets.

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We implore you to stand with us against these horrendous markets. Sign and share our petition to lend weight to our fight against wildlife exploitation.