Ian Somerhalder rides orphaned elephant in misguided stance against ivory trade

By Cassie Carpenter For Dailymail.com

Published: 01:02 EST, 30 March 2016 | Updated: 01:02 EST, 30 March 2016

On Tuesday, Ian Somerhalder shared a snap with CNN of himself riding an orphaned African elephant in a misguided attempt to take a stance against the ivory trade.

The Humane Society and PETA have slammed elephant-riding treks for causing debilitating harm to the pachyderm's spine and feet, as well as supporting a tourist industry often using abusive training methods (bullhooks).

And on March 18, World Animal Protection proudly announced that 114 major travel firms have pledged to stop promoting venues with elephant rides and shows.

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Leading by example? On Tuesday, Ian Somerhalder shared a snap with CNN of himself riding an orphaned African elephant in a misguided attempt to take a stance against the ivory trade

Leading by example? On Tuesday, Ian Somerhalder shared a snap with CNN of himself riding an orphaned African elephant in a misguided attempt to take a stance against the ivory trade

Don't do it: The Humane Society and PETA have slammed elephant-riding treks for causing debilitating harm to the pachyderm, as well as supporting a tourist industry often using abusive training methods (stock shot)

Don't do it: The Humane Society and PETA have slammed elephant-riding treks for causing debilitating harm to the pachyderm, as well as supporting a tourist industry often using abusive training methods (stock shot)

They're not amusement park rides: And on March 18, World Animal Protect proudly announced that 114 major travel firms have pledged to stop promoting venues with elephant rides and shows (stock shot)

They're not amusement park rides: And on March 18, World Animal Protect proudly announced that 114 major travel firms have pledged to stop promoting venues with elephant rides and shows (stock shot)

Echoing exactly what the 37-year-old actor - who partnered with WildAid - said to CNN about illicit ivory: 'When the buying stops, the killing will stop.'

The pictures of the Vampire Diaries heartthrob putting the weight of his 5ft9in frame on 12-year-old Dojiwae were actually taken in Zimbabwe back in 2013.

'If people had the ability to make that connection, the physical connection of this beautiful intelligent animal,' he explained. 

'I think people would really feel differently about when they think about taking this tusk and what it means to kill these beautiful animals.' 

Echoing exactly what the 37-year-old actor - who partnered with WildAid - said to CNN about illicit ivory: 'When the buying stops, the killing will stop'

Echoing exactly what the 37-year-old actor - who partnered with WildAid - said to CNN about illicit ivory: 'When the buying stops, the killing will stop'

Don't buy ivory: The pictures of the Vampire Diaries heartthrob putting the weight of his 5ft9in frame on 12-year-old Dojiwae were actually taken in Zimbabwe back in 2013

Don't buy ivory: The pictures of the Vampire Diaries heartthrob putting the weight of his 5ft9in frame on 12-year-old Dojiwae were actually taken in Zimbabwe back in 2013

He explained: 'If people had the ability to make that connection, the physical connection of this beautiful intelligent animal, I think people would really feel differently about when they think about taking this tusk and what it means to kill these beautiful animals'

He explained: 'If people had the ability to make that connection, the physical connection of this beautiful intelligent animal, I think people would really feel differently about when they think about taking this tusk and what it means to kill these beautiful animals'

'Me and my kid': Somerhalder - seen here riding Millie - owns four dogs, three cats, and two horses

'Me and my kid': Somerhalder - seen here riding Millie - owns four dogs, three cats, and two horses

Somerhalder happens  to own four dogs, three cats, and two horses.

Ian and his wife Nikki Reed - who've both played vampires - will celebrate their first wedding anniversary on April 26.

The SAG Award winner directed this Friday's episode - titled 'Days of Future Past' - of The CW's Vampire Diaries, on which he plays Damon Salvatore.

'Little tiny baby nuggets': Ian and his wife Nikki Reed - who've both played vampires - will celebrate their first wedding anniversary on April 26

'Little tiny baby nuggets': Ian and his wife Nikki Reed - who've both played vampires - will celebrate their first wedding anniversary on April 26

Renewed for an eighth season! The SAG Award winner directed this Friday's episode - titled 'Days of Future Past' - of The CW's Vampire Diaries, on which he plays Damon Salvatore

Renewed for an eighth season! The SAG Award winner directed this Friday's episode - titled 'Days of Future Past' - of The CW's Vampire Diaries, on which he plays Damon Salvatore

New episodes of #TVD return in just ONE WEEK. Catch up now: on.cwtv.com/TVD15fb

Posted by The Vampire Diaries on Friday, March 25, 2016

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