New York State Senator Luis Sepúlveda Celebrates Passage of Bill Protecting African Wildlife: “The Big Five African Trophies Act”

[Albany, April 9, 2024] – New York State Senator Luis Sepúlveda is proud to announce the successful passage of bill S.3302, the "Big Five African Trophies Act," in the Senate today. This landmark legislation, sponsored by Senator Sepúlveda, prohibits the importation, transportation, and possession of certain African wildlife species and products in the State of New York. 

The Big Five African Trophies Act aims to protect emblematic species such as the African elephant, leopard, lion, black rhinoceros, white rhinoceros, and giraffe. By imposing strict regulations on the commercial exploitation of these species, the State of New York is taking a decisive stand against the global wildlife trade and the threats it poses to biodiversity and conservation efforts. 

Senator Sepúlveda is pleased to highlight that the Big Five African Trophies Act was passed in the Senate along with a comprehensive animal protection package designed to strengthen the welfare and safety of animals in New York. 

Senator Sepúlveda has full confidence that these bills will also be approved by the executive and enacted into law, thereby strengthening protections for African wildlife and animal rights across the State of New York.