Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Ivory Investigator Found Dead in Kenya

by VOA News

   One of the world's top investigators into the illegal ivory and rhino
   horn trade has been killed.

   Esmond Bradley Martin was found in his home with a stab wound in his
   neck Sunday in Nairobi.

   The 75-year-old American was known for undercover work that resulted in
   exposing ivory traffickers and markets.

   Wildlife Direct CEO, Dr. Paula Kahumbu, said Martin's research helped
   uncover ivory traders in the United States, Congo, Vietnam, Nigeria,
   Angola, China, and recently Myanmar.

   His work was essential in China's decision to stop the illegal rhino
   horn trade in 1993.

   Martin's research also led to China's ending of its legal ivory sales,
   a ban that went into effect January 1.