By host Tom Ashbrook:

Some of the world’s most beautiful and exciting animal species are also its most targeted and endangered — and prosperity is only driving the trend.

Centuries ago, to bring a shark’s fin to the emperor for soup was an exotic feat of daring, and a rare dish. Today, sharks are being fin-scalped by the ocean-full for a booming China where newly-rich millions want to eat like emperors. Bear paws are being sawed off for dinner. Tiger bone is being carved from a vanishing species. You can’t build a fence high enough to stop the poachers.

Now, Chinese celebrities like basketball star Yao Ming are trying to cut the demand. And intrepid activists are penetrating the trade.

From rhino horn to tortoise shell, hear about the desperate race with animal trafficking.

Guests:

Peter Knights, Executive Director of WildAid. The organization’s mission is to “decimate the illegal wildlife trade within our lifetimes.”