Sources: ABC News, Planetark.org, Washington Post, Fox News, SocialPsy, New York Times

Editor’s Note: Some ask why poachers have to mutilate these innocent creatures, in what must be a tortuous slow death, to get at the tusks? The answer is in the price of ivory, the highest being in China, of up to $1000 PER POUND. Poachers are not going to leave behind thousands of dollars just because it’s embedded in the skull.

Poachers killed a FAMILY of 11 elephants (including children) in the biggest single mass shooting of the animals on record in Kenya, wildlife officials said on Monday.

A gang of about 10 attackers hacked off the elephants’ tusks in Tsavo East National Parkon Saturday, officials said – the latest sign of a resurgence of mostly Asian demand for ivory jewelry and ornaments.

“(It) shows the great lengths these criminal cartels are ready to go to get ivory…