The United States joined Zimbabwe, the world’s largest exporter of elephants,

in voting against the measure that will severely restrict trade in this endangered species.

Conservationists are disappointed that the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, known as CITES, has left a loophole for the sale of baby elephants by Zimbabwe and Botswana to approved destinations but only with international approval.

Zimbabwe’s sold more than 100 elephant calves in the past seven years mostly to Chinese zoos.

In the fierce debate lasting several days, Zimbabwean delegates unsuccessfully argued that the healthy state of their elephant population made any restrictions on their selling the animals unnecessary.

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