Tyson Chandler is enjoying his first All-Star season after 12 years in the NBA. His Knicks are second only to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference at 37-21.
He’s leading his team in rebounds and blocks per game and he’s trying to add another category to his stat sheet: saves.
Saving elephants, that is.
“Tens of thousands (of elephants) are being killed each year just for their ivory,” Chandler says in a new PSA released Thursday promoting wildlife conservation.
The campaign is a collaboration between the non-profit WildAid and NBA Cares, which is the leagues community outreach platform. The league cites a 2011 survey from the International Fund for Animal Welfare which states that 25,000 elephants were killed that year alone.
The league promises the ad will get “prominent” airtime in the U.S. and Asia in hopes the demand for “illegal wildlife products” will decrease.
“Please support conservation and never buy products made from ivory,” Chandler insists in the 30-second ad. “Because when the buying stops, the killing can too.”
Additionally, Chandler tweeted out his new cause to his nearly 420,000 followers:
Time is running out for #endangered #animals. I've joined the wildlife team with @NBACares & @WildAid. Will you? http://t.co/1BsNFduISu
— Tyson Chandler (@tysonchandler) March 7, 2013
Chandler joins Lakers forward Pau Gasol as an official spokesman for the campaign, which will continue throughout the season and playoffs.
This is yet another reminder that some NBA players are using their fame for a cause they believe in.
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