Poland’s Parliament Urges Ban On Trophy Hunting Imports From Endangered Species

Photo by: Katie Cleary

Members of the Polish Parliament are calling for a ban on the import of hunting trophies from endangered species. This appeal coincides with the inauguration of the “Still Life. #NotInMyWorld” photographic exhibition by Britta Jaschinski at the Polish Parliament. Organized by Humane Society International (HSI) in Poland and the Parliamentary Group for the Protection of Animal Rights, the exhibition aims to highlight the brutal reality of trophy hunting.

Trophy hunting is a multi-million dollar industry, with hunters often paying large sums for the opportunity to hunt already vulnerable or endangered species, such as lions, elephants, and rhinos. This practice exacerbates the risk of extinction and undermines global conservation efforts.

The removal of key species through trophy hunting can disrupt ecosystems and lead to imbalances, affecting wildlife and plant species. This can have long-term negative effects on biodiversity and ecological health.

Britta Jaschinski’s photographs present heartbreaking images of animal bodies, skins, paws, and heads, transforming once-living creatures into lifeless trophies. Her work poignantly parallels the objectification of endangered animals with the traditional concept of “still life,” which often depicts inanimate objects like hunting trophies. This compelling visual narrative highlights the ethical and ecological consequences of trophy hunting.

“Hunting trophies are often perceived as symbols of status, but they represent an outdated and colonial view of nature,” said Iga Głażewska, Poland country director for HSI/Europe. “This exhibition challenges that perception and highlights the severe impact of trophy hunting on both the animals themselves, biodiversity, and the environment.

“We firmly believe that Poland should follow the lead of other European countries and adopt a ban on the import of trophies from imperiled species,” continued Głażewska. “In the face of the climate and biodiversity crises, it is imperative to eliminate practices that threaten the extinction of more species.” 

After the exhibition opening, featuring speeches by Britta Jaschinski, Professor Rafał Kowalczyk, and MP Katarzyna Piekarska, the Parliamentary Group for the Protection of Animal Rights met to discuss the need for stricter trophy hunting regulations.

From 2013 to 2022, the European Union imported hunting trophies from over 27,000 animals threatened by trade and regulated under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). During this time, Poland alone imported nearly 1,400 of these trophies, including those from brown bears, African lions, black bears, cheetahs, leopards, and rhinos.

Through the #NotInMyWorld campaign, HSI is pushing for a global change in trophy hunting policies. The campaign has already seen success in multiple countries. In January 2024, Belgium banned the import of trophies from various endangered species. Finland implemented a similar ban in December 2022. Additionally, similar legislation is being considered in France, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain.

The “Still Life. #NotInMyWorld” exhibition highlights the cruelty of trophy hunting and advocates for legislative change in Poland. Banning trophy imports would bring Poland in line with other nations working to protect endangered species and support global conservation efforts.