Conservation group, WildAid, frequently releases public service announcements in order to raise awareness about the illegal wildlife trade that threatens endangered species.
One of their latest public service announcements stars local NBA athlete Yao Ming, who is seen in the following video addressing shark fin soup.
Shark fin soup is considered a delicacy in China and other cultures. But shark finning is a terribly destructive practice that kills millions of sharks annually. Fishermen catch a shark, cut its fins off, then throw the still-alive shark back into the ocean where it will slowly die. The shark’s body is of no value, just the fins.
Many celebrities take on causes that are near and dear to their hearts, but animals often get overlooked. It’s refreshing to see someone who is as popular in China as Yao Ming is, swearing off shark fin soup.