Aphrodisiacs
Re “S. Africa Is Prying Abalone Poachers From Their Prey,” July 8: I read with disgust the reported demise of yet another animal species due to the international trade in purported “aphrodisiacs” in the Chinese marketplace. Siberian tigers, American black bears and now South African abalone. The list goes on. Why can’t Chinese culture concoct an elixir of a more sustainable nature, such as rat tails or chicken beaks? When these animal populations are exhausted in order to feed this frivolous male obsession with potency, will the Chinese population fall into a downward spiral as well? I highly doubt it.
I am considering redirecting my annual contribution to the World Wildlife Fund into a more effective plan of attack--inexpensive Viagra for all!
BRYAN COOPER
Los Angeles
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