Houston Rockets center Yao Ming will become the new spokesperson of international wildlife conservation organization Active Conservation Awareness Program WildAid.

According to a report from Brandweek Online, the Chinese basketball player will appear in a 30-second TV spot for the organization.

The spot will air this week on Fox and CBS in the US and also on China Central Television.

In the spot, the 7-foot-6 center will use his shot-blocking ability to save an elephant.

ACAP WildAid will follow with other TV spots and print and outdoor ads in which Yao will play an ongoing role and is "developing content" with the National Geographic Channel and other networks.

(CRI June 8, 2006)