U.S. President Donald Trump (Xinhua photo)
WASHINGTON, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump put on hold a controversial decision Friday to remove the ban on importing big game trophies of dead elephants.
"Put big game trophy decision on hold until such time as I review all conservation facts," Trump tweeted Friday evening.
"Under study for years. Will update soon with Secretary Zinke," Trump continued, referring to Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke.
In a statement later, Zinke confirmed that "the issuing of permits is being put on hold as the decision is being reviewed."
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said Thursday that it lifted the ban.
A spokesperson said the agency "determined that the hunting and management programs for African elephants in Zimbabwe and Zambia will enhance the survival of the species in the wild."
The proposed reversal of the ban has faced a strong backlash, with celebrities and public figures voicing strong opposition to the administration's decision.
The previous administration introduced the ban in 2014 that prohibits hunters from bringing the trophy heads of elephants they'd killed in Zimbabwe and Zambia to the United States.
Under the Endangered Species Act, elephants are categorized as endangered.
But a provision of the law allows for import of trophies if it can be proved that hunting benefits conservation of the species.
