Total ivory ban sought Conservation* organizations have called on the Chinese Government to impose a total ban on ivory trade in the country within the next two years, and with no expiration* date or financial compensation for those who would lose business. At present, the trade and manufacture of registered ivory products are legal in China. In 2008, China got approval from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, the body that regulates the international wildlife trade, to buy about 62 metric tons of ivory in a one-time sale from Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Every year, about 5 tons of that ivory is released into the market. Driver sets fire to bus The driver of the tour bus in which 26 people died on July 19 might have set fire to the vehicle after quarreling with his wife who had decided to return to the Chinese mainland as the driver was involved in a sexual assault case, Taiwan media reported. Investigators claim the quarrel might have led the driver to vent his anger on the mainland tourists. The driver drank lots of liquor* while driving to the Taoyuan International Airport on July 19, and poured gasoline on the water fountain* and the panel board. Disney closes facilities Five sites at Shanghai Disney Resort were closed without advance warning, enraging* visitors left waiting in line for hours. Shanghai Disney declined demands for a refund*, instead offering each an admission ticket valid for a year as compensation after more than an hour of negotiations. The closedown was due to unpredictable conditions, explained a Disney executive. Dog market closed Liyuan Dog Market, located near Rixin Road in Beijing’s Tongzhou District, has been ordered to close in accordance with city planning. Another reason is that the market is close to the new Universal Studios theme park, which is under construction, and the image of dog trading is thought to be in conflict with a theme park. (SD-Agencies) | 