Zimbabwe sells stockpiled ivory for $450,000

Monday's sale in the Zimbabwean capital Harare is part of a series of elephant ivory auctions being held in the region for the first time in a decade.

Last year the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species ruled that Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe could sell 108 tons of stockpiled ivory to approved Japanese and Chinese buyers.

Once known for its natural beauty and wealth of wildlife, Zimbabwe's economic crisis has left authorities battling to maintain the country's parks. Poaching is increasing as hungry Zimbabweans look for alternative sources of food.