The Smithsonian National Zoo celebrates its 50th Anniversary of their Giant Panda conservation. (WJLA)
WASHINGTON (WJLA) — The Smithsonian’s National Zoo is celebrating the golden anniversary of its achievement in the care, conservation, breeding, and study of giant pandas.
The Smithsonian National Zoo celebrates its 50th Anniversary of their Giant Panda conservation. (Video: WJLA)
Zookeepers rolled out a special fruitsicle cake for the in-residence panda family to honor the special achievement.
Over the past five decades, the Zoo’s bears have become international icons, beloved both for their adorable antics and their ability to bring colleagues from the United States and China together to collaborate for a common goal of saving the species from extinction.
Ever since their arrival, giant pandas have symbolized cross-cultural collaboration between the United States and China. In 1972, Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai gifted two giant pandas to the American people as a gesture of goodwill following former President Richard M. Nixon’s groundbreaking state visit.
The President and First Lady Pat Nixon selected the Smithsonian’s National Zoo as female Ling-Ling and male Hsing-Hsing’s home in the United States. Then-Zoo director Theodore Reed personally escorted the bears from China, and they arrived in Washington, D.C., on April 16, 1972.
The Smithsonian National Zoo celebrates its 50th Anniversary of their Giant Panda conservation. (Photo: WJLA)
Zoo visitors will get to enjoy lion dance performances, panda-shaped bao buns, and calligraphy demonstrations and see the pandas receive special enrichment treats. The world premiere of the Smithsonian Channel’s documentary on the Zoo’s giant panda program, “The Miracle Panda,” will be screened for a limited time at the Zoo’s Visitor Center Theater at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
An elephant virus is responsible for the deaths of two calves at a New Mexico zoo since Christmas Day, according to the Albuquerque BioPark.
A statement from the park said that Jazmine, 8, died from the effects of her infection on Jan. 2, and her brother, Thorn, 3 died from the same virus on Dec. 25.
2 young Asian elephants die days apart at US zoo. Jazmine and Thorn are seen playing and feeding in this video prior to their deaths. (Albuquerque BioPark)
The calves died after being diagnosed with elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus, known as EEHV, the zoo said. The virus also killed a 5-year-old Asian elephant calf named Daizy in 2015.
“While not much is known about EEHV, the disease can progress rapidly, and early detection is critical,” the zoo said.
The zoo shared video of Thorn, and said that since he was a baby, “Thorn was trained to be active in his health care and voluntarily participate in medical exams, including presenting his ears to allow for a weekly blood draw. This behavior, along with weekly testing, allowed the biopark’s animal care team to discover the virus in Thorn’s blood at a very low level. The BioPark staff immediately began working around the clock to treat the illness. Treatments started with antiviral medications and fluids. As Thorn’s disease continued to progress, the team shifted to twice-daily sedated treatments to ensure he was getting everything he needed, in addition to the non-sedated fluid and antiviral treatments. He also received regular infusions of plasma, whole blood and stem cells.”
The National Elephant Herpesvirus Lab at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C., provided bloodwork services and EEHV expertise, the zoo said, and additional assistance came from other accredited zoos.
“Thorn’s short life had a great impact on the lives of other elephants,” the zoo said. “His birth was significant because he was born in the presence of his sister, Jazmine, and grandmother, Alice. This natural herd birth was a huge advancement in the care and socialization of elephants in human care.
“He was also raised in a multi-age herd that includes his sister, grandmother, mother Rozie, adult male Albert and adult female Irene. The zoo’s practices that allowed Thorn and the rest of the herd to use their natural behaviors are leading the way for elephant care across the United States and the world.”
In the case of Jazmine, “the zoo’s elephant experts and veterinary teams did everything in their power — and then some” to help her, said the park’s director, Stephanie Stowell. “Jazmine matched their efforts every step along the way. True to her strong-willed nature, Jazmine fought valiantly against the disease.
“Adding to the anguish of losing a beloved animal, Jazmine’s death marks a considerable loss to the future of Asian elephants. Jazmine was on a carefully planned path to become an elephant matriarch.
Had Jazmine survived, the zoo said, “her skills and experiences would have enabled her to raise her own calves and lead elephants in her own multigenerational herd.
“Jazmine’s short life will have a long-term impact on other elephants in human care as well as in the wild.”
Stowell said all elephants can carry EEHV in a latent state throughout their entire lives without negative effects.
It is not known why the virus sometimes comes out of latency, she said.
“Elephants are most susceptible to EEHV from 18 months to 8 years of age. EEHV causes hemorrhagic disease that can be fatal for young elephants. It is the leading cause of death for Asian elephant calves and can strike elephants in the wild and in human care.
“Each case of EEHV hemorrhagic disease, while tragic, does provide us with more information on its causes, transmission, and treatment. The elephant community rallied around Albuquerque BioPark to provide support with husbandry, treatment, and testing.
“We are devastated by these latest two deaths, and we hope that the incredible cooperation amongst our colleagues will continue to provide answers on how best to prevent these deaths,” said Erin Latimer, a spokesperson for the EEHV Advisory Group that dedicated their time to administering the EEHV treatment regime.
Dear all, This is regarding Rakesh the elephant who is kept in pathetic conditions in a zoo in Orissa. I was informed that that elephant has been rescued, but that is false. After speaking with Maneka Gandhi, I have come to know that the elephant is kept in a Kraal or trench and can’t even turn. She has managed to get the chains removed and his wounds have healed kind of, but he is still imprisoned and is in a bad state. The animal needs to be rescued and freed. We need minimum 2,000 emails written to the Chief Secretary of Odisha. Please write, ‘Free Rakesh, his shackles have been removed. He is living in a trench and has suffered enough. We need to get him out of there. Once again, the shackles have been removed but his living conditions are pathetic. He needs to be freed.’ I am attaching the email. Please, please write an email asking him to free Rakesh the elephant so he can enjoy the rest of his years. Please, please don’t ignore this message and please share widely. The email id is asittripathy@gmail.com, Csori@ori.nic.in Regards, Cookkie Khanna
recipient: Barbara Pompili, France’s Minister of the Ecological Transition
39,655 SUPPORTERS
40,000 GOAL
In December of 2021, nine wolves tried to escape their small enclosures at Trois Vallées zoo. They didn’t pose any immediate threat to humans nearby, but simply destroyed safety hatches and climbed a fence. In fact, they never even left the zoo. But four were almost immediately shot dead for “dangerous behavior” by park workers. This is what happens when you run a zoo without animal welfare or safety concerns in mind — innocent animals end up dead.
Sign now to demand Barbara Pompili permanently shut down the Trois Vallées zoo!
This isn’t the first time Trois Vallées zoo has come under public scrutiny. In fact, just over a year ago, the zoo was ordered to close over animal, staff, and visitor safety concerns due to “security breaches,” but a court order allowed it to reopen. There is little evidence the zoo has taken any steps to improve the safety or wellbeing of the animals living at the zoo. Four dead wolves is the final straw.
Following the incident, the zoo is temporarily closed, but supposed to reopen in less than a month, according to its social media page. Now is the time for the Minister of the Ecological Transition to step up and shut down this dangerous zoo — which repeatedly shows a lack of concern for animal life and wellbeing – for good.
The blood of four dead wolves is on the hands of the zoo, and ultimately, Barbara Pompili if she does not act to stop this murderous institution from reopening. Sign now if you agree!
A zoo dubbed the worst in Britain is threatening to put down its animals because it is running out of money to feed the exotic breeds amid the coronavirus lockdown.
Tracy and Dean Tweedy, who own Borth Wild Animal Kingdom in West Wales, fear they only have enough money to feed more than 300 animals for a week.
The married couple say their money is running out to care for their stock and are planning ‘as a last resort’ to euthanise ‘the animals that we care for’. Married couple Tracy, 49, and Dean Tweedy (pictured) say their money is running out to care for their stock and are planning ‘as a last resort, euthanising the animals that we care for’ The zoo is running out of money to care for its 300 animals and the married couple said they are planning ‘as a last resort’ to euthanise ‘the animals that we care for’
Council chiefs ‘lost confidence’ in the ability of the zoo to operate safely following the deaths of two lynx and other animals.
In January this year, the zoo was ordered to close because it did not have trained gunmen in case of an animal escape.
But it was allowed to reopen in February before having to close again in March due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Ms Tweedy, 49, said many staff are on furlough and the zoo’s business relief grant of £25,000 has nearly run out.
She said: ‘We were already only scraping by financially after the long, quiet winter season.
‘We need help now more than ever. Despite everything, we are as determined as ever to not give up.’ Council chiefs have ‘lost confidence’ in the ability of the zoo to operate safely following the deaths of two lynx. Pictured, the lynx in the zoo before it escaped and was shot https://secured.dailymail.co.uk/embed/gamp-video/8352217/video-1571188.html#amp=1Ms Tweedy, 49, said many staff are on furlough due to the coronavirus pandemic and the zoo’s business relief grant of £25,000 has nearly run out It costs £3,000 a week to run the zoo and if the animals cannot be fed or re-homed, a cull of the animals has been considered. She said it costs £3,000 a week to run the zoo and a cull of the animals has been considered if they cannot be fed.
After the money runs out, the couple will have to start looking at re-homing but are considering euthanasia as a last resort.
Problems for the zoo began in late 2017 when Lilleth the Eurasian lynx escaped and was shot dead by a marksman after being found at a nearby caravan site.
A second lynx, Nilly, also died in what was described as a ‘handling error’.
A report revealed one in five of the zoo’s animals died in just one year. It was discovered that monkeys, crocodiles and a leopard also died from its animal stock during 2018.
Tracy and Dean bought the zoo for £625,000 in 2016 to start a dream new life with their family, but it has turned into a nightmare A report revealed one in five of the zoo’s animals died in just one year. It was discovered that monkeys, crocodiles and a leopard also died during 2018.Pictured, the police at the zoo when the Lynx escaped
Tracey said: ‘It would be tragic if mid Wales lost its only zoo. We work with so many local organisations on animal education and wildlife conservation that we see ourselves as a vital asset for the communit.
Tracy said many of the animals would be very hard to re-home due to licence requirements needed to look after the exotic animals.
‘We also run as a sanctuary for animals that have been rescued from the exotic pet trade. For many of these animals, we are a last resort.ADVERTISEMENTnull
‘They came here because destruction was their only alternative.
‘They would be very difficult to re-home as the licence requirements to look after these animals and provide the proper care, can be very involved and expensive,’ she said.
The couple say Westminster has announced a fund to help zoos in England but there is no similar support in Wales.
The Welsh government said it had already provided all licensed zoos with details of existing support schemes. Ms Tweedy said many of the animals would be extremely difficult to re-home due to licence requirements to look after the exotic animals The couple say the Westminster government has announced a fund to help zoos in England but there is no similar support in Wales
‘If any zoo operators have concerns about their ability to meet the needs of their animals, they should contact their local authority’s animal health team for advice without delay as they are on hand to offer support,’ a spokeswoman said.
It said its £500m economic resilience fund provided more generous support than one specifically for zoos would have.
A spokesman for Ceredigion County Council earlier said: ‘The local authority has lost confidence in the ability of the zoo to operate responsibly and safely.’
Zoos were forced to close at the end of March due to the coronavirus lockdown and many have warned their futures are in danger from the impact of the pandemic.
Andrew RT Davies, Shadow Minister for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in the Welsh Parliament, said: ‘This is a dire situation that the zoo finds itself in, but I’m afraid that zoos right across Wales are in the same precarious situation and desperately need support due to the profound impact of Covid-19.
‘It’s outrageous that whilst the UK Government has taken action and given £14 million to support zoos in England the Welsh Government has still not followed suit.
‘It is high time that the Welsh Labour Government listened to the plight of our zoos and introduce the much-needed fund.’
amp.theguardian.comOne of the malnourished lions sits in her cage at the Al-Qureshi park in the Sudanese capital of Khartoum. Photograph: Ashraf Shazly/AFP via Getty ImagesSudan
Park officials and vets say some of the five cats have lost almost two-thirds of their body weight
Agence France-Presse
Sun 19 Jan 2020 19.58 EST
Online calls to help save five “malnourished and sick” African lions at a park in Sudan’s capital grew on Sunday.
The lions are in cages at Khartoum’s Al-Qureshi park, which is in an upmarket area of the city, and have not had enough food and medicine for weeks.
Many people have demanded they be moved.
Osman Salih launched a Facebook campaign, Sudananimalrescue, and wrote: “I was shaken when I saw these lions at the park … Their bones are protruding from the skin.
“I urge interested people and institutions to help them.”
Park officials and vets said the lions’ conditions had deteriorated over the past few weeks. Some had lost almost two-thirds of their body weight.
“Food is not always available so often we buy it from our own money to feed them,” said Essamelddine Hajjar, a manager at the park, which is managed by the Khartoum municipality but is partly funded by private donors.
Sudan is in the middle of an economic crisis led by soaring food prices and a shortage of foreign currency.
On Sunday residents, volunteers and journalists visited the park to see the lions after their photographs went viral on social media networks.
One of the five cats was tied with a rope and was fed fluids through a drip as it recovered from dehydration, an AFP reporter who toured the park wrote.
Chunks of rotten meat covered in flies lay scattered near the cages.
The condition of the park was also affecting the animals’ health, another official at the park said.
“They are suffering from severe illnesses,” a caretaker, Moataz Mahmoud, said. “They are sick and appear to be malnourished.”
It is unclear how many lions are in Sudan but several are at the Dinder park along the border with Ethiopia.
African lions are classified as a “vulnerable” species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Their population dropped 43% between 1993 and 2014, with only about 20,000 alive today.
If you type in RW Commerford & Sons in Google Maps, it will take you to a small zoo in Connecticut. The park has a horrific rating of 1.5 stars and once you do a little digging it isn’t hard to see why. The zoo has been cited by the USDA for several animal welfare violations over the years and has earned the ire of animal rights advocates for its treatment of three elephants in their custody – Karen, Beulah, and Minnie.
At least they did have three elephants. Several outlets reported that two of their three pachyderms have died in less than a year. Now the infamous traveling circus just has one. Karen, died earlier this year and Beulah, the famous 54-year-old female which had been held captive by the Commerford family for more than 40 years passed away in September.
Beulah, without even knowing it, had been at the forefront of the fight for rights for elephants in the state of Connecticut where lawyers were working to earn her and other elephants’ legal personhood.
The elderly elephant died as she lived, a prisoner and a tool for the Commerford Zoo to line their pockets of money made by making her suffer. She collapsed at the Big E Fair in neighboring Massachusetts. Now Minnie is the last elephant at the Commerford Zoo and it is only a matter of time until she too passes away without ever knowing freedom.
The owners of the Commerford Zoo should be ashamed of themselves. Elephants are intelligent, sentient beings that have no business in zoos. Nor do other animals for that matter because captivity is cruel.
It’s time to stand up and say enough is enough. Sign the petition and demand that R.W. Commerford & Sons give Minnie a fighting chance at a happy life. Tell them to give her to a reputable animal sanctuary where she can be free.
By Sharon Vega
Some giraffe subspecies are endangered due to habitat loss, poaching, human-wildlife conflict and more. These wild animals suffer enough. They don’t belong in zoos. Yet many are forced to live there in confinement. One giraffe recently went through a terrible ordeal when a drunk guy in the zoo climbed on top of a fence and got on top of him. It was all caught on video. How and why was this allowed to happen? These wild animals are not even supposed to be there, and to top it all off, they aren’t being protected or guarded?
People who are reluctant to recognize the truth about zoos are probably unaware that animals in zoos suffer more than just being in captivity. They are subject to the behaviors of the human spectators around them. For instance, some zoos host parties and play loud music right next to the animal enclosures. This is completely unfamiliar to them and is terrifying and can even be damaging to their hearing or health. What’s worse is that when alcohol is served at zoos, there are cases of belligerent people not just putting themselves in danger but terrifying the animals by climbing into their enclosures or throwing things at the animals.
In the case of this giraffe, the man appears to have arrived drunk at the zoo. He was filmed by someone as he climbed a fence and then got on top of a giraffe and proceeded to actually ride the poor animal. This happened at the Shymkent Zoo in the city Shymkent in Kazakhstan, Central Asia. The zoo has over 1500 animals, including a herd of giraffes. If animals are going to be kept in captivity this way (which they shouldn’t), there should at least be security measures that keep the animals safe.
How was the drunk guy not stopped while attempting to climb the fence. He should never have been able to get on top of the giraffe. It’s a prime example of why animals shouldn’t be kept in captivity this way. Giraffes, like all wild animals, belong in the wild.
Apparently police are searching for the drunk guy in the video. Sign this petition to put pressure on the police to catch him. People have to know this is unacceptable behavior.
Joann Burrows started this petition to Director of the Bronx Zoo James J. Breheny and 1 other
The Bronx Zoo has been given the shameful title of the 5th worst zoo for elephants in the country. The New York Times calls Happy the Bronx Zoo’s loneliest elephant. That’s because this highly intelligent and social being is one of the only zoo elephants in the entire United States who is being held alone. And it looks like her living conditions won’t change anytime soon unless we do something about it.
I am asking you, my fellow animal lovers, to encourage the Bronx Zoo Director James J. Breheny to release Happy to a sanctuary where she can be in a more natural setting and live the rest of her life in peace.
New standards regarding the keeping of elephants were recently passed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the accrediting organization for American wildlife institutions. Among their recommendations was that elephants be held in groups of three or more, as they are highly social creatures. Now, zoos around the country are scrambling to comply with the regulations by AZA’s 2016 deadline. Yet, the Bronx Zoo seems steadfast in its opinion that Happy is “happy” with her solitary life. This goes against all scientific data about elephant behavior.
Happy and 6 other elephant calves were captured in the wild from Thailand and brought to the States in 1977. For 25 years, she and her companion, Grumpy, were kept as a pair in the Bronx Zoo. When Grumpy passed away, she was paired with Sammy, who sadly died in 2006. It was then that the zoo decided to end its elephant program, but it didn’t relocate the elephants it currently had.
For 10 years, Happy has been in a sort of solitary confinement, unable to truly interact with the other elephants held at the zoo. This is a social being like a monkey or a dolphin. Elephants thrive in the company of their own kind, where they form multi-generational family groups that remain loyal to one another for life, and the elders pass wisdom down to the younger ones to help them navigate their world.
Happy is likely not at all happy. She has endured a decade of loneliness and deserves the chance to be with others of her kind in a sanctuary. Please join me in telling the Bronx Zoo to release Happy to a sanctuary and let her really have a chance at happiness.
Free Lammie the Elephant at Jo’burg Zoo
Blue Summer started this petition to Johannesburg City Council and 1 other
Lammie the elephant has been in captivity at the Johannesburg Zoo for the past 32 years. A male elephant named Kinkel who was Lammie’s companion died recently due to “unconfirmed causes”.
This is not the first tragedy that captive-born Lammie (or the other animals at the Johannesburg Zoo) have endured. Both her parents, Jumbo and Dolly, who were captured from the wild in the 1970’s, died at the Zoo within a year of each other. Lammie’s brother, who was also born at the zoo, died shortly after being sold to a French zoo.
While Lammie languishes alone since the death of Kinkel, elephant experts are calling for her release from Johannesburg Zoo to a sanctuary, saying the captive elephant’s overall well-being is being compromised. Worse, the Johannesburg Zoo has confirmed that they plan to acquire another cow to keep Lammie company, but animal welfare and elephant experts have objected, saying that the lone elephant should be released into a wild reserve where she can roam free and bond with a herd.
As sentient beings reliant on family bonds, elephants in captivity display behavioral abnormalities, suffer from diseases, disabilities and have notably shorter life spans. Due to high infant mortality rates, no or minimal conservation value has been ascribed to captive elephant breeding programs.
In addition, South Africa’s Elephant Norms and Standards prohibit the capture of elephants in the wild for permanent captivity. According to Dr. Gay Bradshaw, a trans-species psychologist who researches the effects of violence on elephants and other animals, the death of an individual has a large impact on the family and within the community. Furthermore, repeated losses in the absence of the traditional healing structures of the elephant family and culture cause sustained psychological trauma.
For 32 years, Lammie has been confined in a restrictive and very limited space. For 32 long years, the Johannesburg Zoo has profited from Lammie and her family and it is about time for the Zoo to set him free to enjoy the freedom that all other elephants or wild animals enjoy!
In Defense of Animals has welcomed the recent announcement by Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, South Carolina, that it will be closing its elephant exhibit.
In 2017, the facility was placed on In Defense of Animals’ annual list of the 10 Worst Zoos for Elephants In North America, following the death of two elephants within six months of each other. Petunia was euthanized at age 44 in December of 2016 after she was found in her exhibit unable to stand. A second elephant, 37-year-old Penny, died at the zoo in May 2017.
Two remaining elephants at Riverbanks Zoo, Belle and Robin, will be sent to a new location which has reportedly not yet been determined. In Defense of Animals is calling for the elephants to be retired to a sanctuary.
“We are overjoyed that Riverbanks Zoo and Garden has finally acknowledged that its elephant exhibit is not suitable for remaining elephants Belle and Robin,” Marilyn Kroplick M.D., President of In Defense of Animals, said in a statement. “When two relatively young elephants die within six months of each other, there is clearly a problem. Riverbanks Zoo is making the right decision to close its elephant exhibit, and we urge the Zoo to send Belle and Robin to an accredited sanctuary where they can enjoy peace, privacy and a more natural environment than zoos can provide.”
“This is a victory for elephants and for members of the public who have become aware that captive facilities are no place for wild animals,” stated Laura Bridgeman, Director of In Defense of Animals’ elephant campaign.
The zoo was called “Gira” at Bararida park in Barquisimeto is now abandoned… Green areas are no longer green. Several attempts to save these animals have been ignored and everyday there are fewer animals.
If you go to the webpage for the Austin Zoo, you’ll see pictures of bear cubs playing, a tiger playing with a ball in the water and an emu seemingly smiling into the camera. Anyone not in the know might think that the zoo — which has been “helping animals” since 1990 — is a great place for animals to call home. But a recent article about the facility has shone a new light on what goes on behind the bars and enclosures and the suffering their “beloved” animals endure when no one’s looking.
Tales of unethical treatment have long been whispered by zoo employees but it wasn’t until a few animal deaths that workers there finally said they had enough. In an article in the Austin American-Statesman, nearly 24 current and former staff members told reporters that the zoo had, on several occasions, opted to let sick and dying animals suffer.
In one such case, Babs — the zoo’s 33-year-old black bear suddenly fell so ill that she was unable to move. When vets were unable to assist her, zoo officials hid her inside a tarp-lined kennel. Employees tell of having to give her water with a hose and dangling hot dogs from a string to encourage her to eat — she wouldn’t.
Over a six-week period, Babs was allowed to lie in her own waste, often used as a feeding ground for rats that would crawl on her to fight for the scraps in her enclosure.
In another case, in 2010, when Annie, one of the zoo’s patas monkeys, went blind, they decided to separate her for her own good. Alone, she languished for nearly 10 years, suffering a rattlesnake bite and several strokes that progressively rendered her paralyzed. Zoo officials then let her wither away for a decade until she finally died in her caretaker’s arms.
This is not normal procedure and it shows why this zoo is not accredited and their mission of “helping animals” is suspect.
While keeping animals in captivity is already a form of suffering, allowing them to literally suffer goes beyond anything acceptable in animal care.
On its webpage, the Austin Zoo boasts that they have several high profile supporters including multibillion-dollar companies like Marriott, Lowe’s and Whole Foods. One can only imagine that these companies support the zoo because they take them at their word, that they are “helping animals.” But now that these allegations of serious animal abuse and neglect have come to light, Care2 is asking if they really want to continue to give their money to an organization that is not on the up and up.
That’s why we are asking for Marriott, Lowe’s and Whole Foods to cut ties immediately with the Austin Zoo to send a message that this type of treatment towards animals is not OK.
Lawsuit Argues Animals Have the Right to Sue Their Abusers in Court
A photo from March 2017 shows Justice, an American Quarter Horse, in Cornelius emaciated from months of little food or shelter. His owner was later convicted of animal neglect and now the horse is being represented in a lawsuit against the ex-guardian seeking damages for pain and suffering. (Animal Legal Defense Fund)
Hillsboro, Oregon – On January 22nd the Animal Legal Defense Fund, the nation’s preeminent legal advocacy organization for animals, appealed an Oregon state court’s dismissal of a lawsuit filed by a horse named Justice against his abuser. Justice’s lawsuit seeks to recover the costs of his ongoing medical care and his pain and suffering caused by the abuse.
Washington County Circuit Court Judge John Knowles dismissed the lawsuit in September 2018, holding that a non-human animal lacks legal standing to sue on his…
The Veterinary Department of Primorsky Region has issued permits for the company ‘Primorksy Dolphinarium’ to export 50 seals to Chinese Tianjin for the purpose of “maintenance.”
As first reported by the non-profit organization Friends of the Ocean whom received information that the vetenarian service has agreed to export permits. The exporter is LLC Primorsky Dolphinarium.
According to current legislation of the Russian Federation, the extraction of living marine mammals is possible for only research, education, and cultural and education purposes.
The extraction of aquatic biological resources for the purpose of “maintenance, in zoos, aquariums and other cultural organizations is carried out only for cultural and educational purposes. However, the use of aquatic biological resources, obtained for cultural and educational purposes, has the right only to a person who has been granted the right to extract or catch such aquatic biological resources, and only using property located in the territory of the Russian Federation. The right to use aquatic bioresources obtained for cultural and educational purposes is not provided by law to other persons.
Environmentalist are set to apply to the supervisory authorities with a request to verify the legitimacy of the issuance of permits.
China has become infamous for the poor conditions, quality and care to animals leading to even more concern for the future of the mammals.
The Animal Legal Defense Fund has filed a lawsuit against The Farmers Inn, a roadside zoo in Sigel, Pennsylvania, for maintaining animals in squalid conditions in violation of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and state animal cruelty laws.Many endangered species, along with other animals, are held in grossly deficient conditions at Farmers Inn. These include Queen Louise, a ring-tailed lemur, who despite belonging to a highly social species, is kept alone in a small, filthy cage. Other ESA-protected animals were also found to be confined in cramped cages. These include Russell, a black leopard; Jack and Jill, two black bears; a gray wolf and a hyacinth macaw.
“These animals, including endangered species, are being held in conditions that are not just abhorrent but illegal,” Animal Legal Defense Fund Executive Director Stephen Wells said in a statement. “State and federal animal protection laws exist so that animals won’t be forced to live in these conditions. The animals held at Farmers Inn deserve to be in naturalistic sanctuary environments that allow them to engage in activities natural to their species and necessary for their health.”
Visitors have reported seeing animals at Farmers Inn who are sick and injured. For example, the bears, Jack and Jill, were seen in what appeared to be heat distress on a day where the temperature exceeded 90 degrees. A kinkajou, a small rainforest mammal, was noticed with an injured eye. An emaciated goat, significantly stressed guinea pigs, and foxes suffering from apparently untreated mange were also observed.
The Animal Legal Defense Fund previously sent a 60-day notice of intent to sue, a requirement under the ESA. The organization has also offered assistance in transferring the animals held at Farmers Inn to reputable sanctuaries where their unique needs can be met, and they can thrive. Farmers Inn has thus far not responded to the offer.
As previously reported by WAN, sadly, the problems at Farmers Inn are not unique. Roadside zoos such as Farmers Inn continue to be able to operate due to lack of enforcement of state and federal animal protection laws.
thepetitionsite.com
by: Care2 Team
recipient: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium President/CEO Tom Stalf
78,245 SUPPORTERS – 80,000 GOAL
Giraffes at the Columbus Zoo are dropping like flies. On December 8th, Cami a beloved female giraffe was the third to die in just 30 days, all due to birth-related problems.
The other giraffe deaths included a newborn calf who died just weeks after it had been born and one of Cami’s own calves. When Cami’s caretakers noticed her calf was due to come out hooves first, the staff decided to perform a C-section on her but, according to reports, the calf was born with serious congenital defects and it died shortly after delivery.
Four days after her C-section, Cami herself became ill, and on December 8th, she collapsed and died shortly after.
Cami and the other two giraffes are victims of the Columbus Zoo’s breeding program. Like many other zoos, the Columbus zoo breeds certain animals like giraffes not to help their dwindling populations, but to refill their stock and bring extra cash to the zoo’s coffers. All of us know that baby animals are cute, and zoos often experience booms when famous or “big ticket” animals have young. They are a surefire way to get a quick cash injection.
If the zoo really has the best interest of their animals in mind, they should stop their misguided program. Breeding has already resulted in the loss of three beautiful giraffes.
Tell the Columbus Zoo to do the right thing. Sign the petition and tell them to end their giraffe breeding program today.
thepetitionsite.com
by: Care2 Team
recipient: Samutprakarn Crocodile Farm & Zoo
4,089 SUPPORTERS – 10,000 GOAL
South of Bangkok, hugging the Gulf of Thailand, is the province of Samut Prakan — home to the capital’s international airport, the ancient city of Muang Boran and sadly the Samutprakarn Crocodile Farm & Zoo. It is here that elephants are forced to perform daily to almost non-existent crowds. One of them, a female who is so skinny and malnourished we’ve nicknamed her “Bones.”
Bones caught the eye of the world when a video of her performing tricks to an empty stadium went public. First, she balances herself on two wooden tables before walking slowly over to another area where she precariously walks a “tightrope” made of two steel bars.
A wooden table nor metal rods should be able to withstand the weight of such an enormous animal, but Bones is so skinny the trick is much more easy to perform. In fact, if you look in the video, you can see her spine, pelvic bone and shoulders protruding from her skin. It’s a heartbreaking sight. And to think that she probably does this each and every day.
When confronted, a park spokesman assured that all of the park’s elephants were “good.” But one look at poor Bones and you know that isn’t the truth. She and the other elephants must be rescued from this park and given a new life in a proper elephant sanctuary. Asking anything less is to allow them to continue to suffer.
Please sign the petition and demand that the Samutprakarn Crocodile Farm & Zoo give Bones and the other elephants to a reputable sanctuary.
One Of The World’s Most Critically Endangered Species, A Snow Leopard, Was Killed After Escaping His Enclosure At The Dudley Zoo In The UK
By Lauren Lewis –
December 3, 2018
It is beyond comprehension that one of the last remaining critically endangered species, a snow leopard, was shot dead last week at The Dudley Zoo in West Midlands, UK.
Was there a dangerous escape by the snow leopard? Was the zoo open? Were members of the public on the premises? The answer to the above is an resounding, No!
The fact is that the eight-year-old snow leopard, named Margaash, simply wandered out of his enclosure where he resided after a zookeeper left the door open. It wasn’t the snow leopards fault.
Despite the snow leopard remaining on the premises which was closed at the time and void of visitors, it was somehow decided by zoo staff to kill the animal because, as the zoo claims, “public safety is of uppermost importance.” What about the protection of the animal forced to live in captivity?
Why would the zoo choose to euthanize a critically endangered species instead of tranquilizing it?
Outraged animal advocates are now demanding a thorough investigation of the tragic event that sadly occurred on October 23rd but was not announced by the zoo until November 30th.
“While this is a sad incident that is undoubtedly very distressing to those who cared for Margaash, it brings into sharp focus, once again, that zoos simply cannot guarantee the safety of people and their animals,” Dr. Chris Draper, Born Free’s Head of Animal Welfare & Captivity, said in a statement. “It is perhaps all the more tragic when you consider that Margaash was destined to live and die in captivity, far removed from his natural range and habitat.”
The nonprofit organization addressed that “there will be those who claim that zoos contribute to conservation,” which may, or most-likely may not, be accurate.
Wild Animals Do Not Belong In Confinement Nor Should They Ever Be Used For Profit To Satisfy Human Greed!
Regardless, continued Dr. Draper, “The life and death of a snow leopard at Dudley Zoo should serve to remind us just how we are failing wild animals, both in captivity and in nature.”
In the wild, snow leopards are generally solitary and secretive cats inhabiting mountainous areas of Central Asia, where males have an average home range of 77 square miles: completely incompatible with life in captivity.
According to Defenders of Wildlife, only an estimated 3,500 to 7,000 snow leopards are remaining in the wild, with 600 to 700 held captive at zoos around the world.
Born Free is not only calling for an urgent investigation into this incident, it is advocating for the system of licensing and inspection of zoos to be reviewed and overhauled to prevent a similar tragedy in the future.
To have Stanley the Giraffe and the other animals removed from Malibu Wine Safari.
Christy Lee Ewing started this petition to California fish and wildlife and 1 other
Problem
Malibu Safari was in the evacuation zone of the areas effected by the Woolsey Fires in California. Malibu Safari is responsible for the lives of close to 100 animals. Including Sanley the Giraffe, a zebra, water buffalo, horses, etc. When advised to evacuate their property, they chose not to evacuate the animals. When rescue groups went out to offer help, they refused the help. When rescue groups went out to check on the animals, most of the property had been destroyed by the fires. Images were taken of the fires still burning right next to the animals. It has been confirmed that there are animals unaccounted for. Animals who most likely parished due to their negligence. It was confirmed on Sunday. November, 11th, that the property was still burning and the animals are still at risk.
Solution
We are asking that these animals be removed from the property immediately, to a safer location. We are also asking that an investigation be put into action as to whether Malibu Safari should be allowed to keep these animals or any animal In their care. They do not have the animals In their best interest. The animals deserve to live in a safe haven where the people responsible for them will ensure their safety at ALL TIMES.
Personal story
My name is Christy Lee, Vice President of Protect Animals Worldwide. As a non profit organization we take great pride in ensuring the safety and welfare of our animal friends and work diligently in partnership with many other organizations across the world.
thepetitionsite.com
This Zoo’s Dangerous Wild Animal Encounter Program Must End — One Small Child’s Already Been Hurt
by: Care2 Team
recipient: Potawatomi Zoo
3,363 SUPPORTERS – 10,000 GOAL
Earlier this month, a mother and son went to the zoo to see some wild animals, but they never could have expected exactly how wild their encounter would be.
It all happened when a group of children went to celebrate a birthday party at a zoo in Indiana. The Potawatomi Zoo has an “ambassador animal” program which they believe gives their guests a unique opportunity to get up close and personal to some of their collection. For a hefty fee, you and your party can “invite” a wild animal to your event at the zoo.
That’s how Copper a wild African serval cat ended up in the unnatural situation of being used as a prop for a “meet-and-greet” at a child’s birthday party. Surrounded by screaming children, under bright indoor lights is never a situation a serval would find itself in the wild. When one of the mothers knelt down with her child to get a close up with the cat, Copper decided he had had enough and struck out, swiping the boy with his paw and biting him on the head.
In the video, one could hear gasps and screams as the mother pulls her child away from the cat.
Zoos should know better than almost anyone that wild animals shouldn’t be forced to interact with people, especially children. Doing so puts both the animal and the child at risk. The child, in this case, was lucky, but it could have been much worse. For example, there is no vaccine for rabies for wild cats, the only way to know if a cat like Copper had rabies would be to put him down and test him. If the child’s mother was worried about her son catching rabies, the authorities would have to kill Copper. Risking his life, just so the zoo could make a little extra cash.
A spokesperson for the zoo says that Copper has now been taken out of the program for the time being. But he never should have been forced to participate in it in the first place. No wild animal is completely safe, especially around children.
The Potawatomi Zoo must stop endangering their pets and their public with this misguided program. Sign the petition and demand that they stop using wild animals in their ambassador animals program.more
Joann Burrows started this petition to Director of the Bronx Zoo James J. Breheny and 1 other
The Bronx Zoo has been given the shameful title of the 5th worst zoo for elephants in the country. The New York Times calls Happy the Bronx Zoo’s loneliest elephant. That’s because this highly intelligent and social being is one of the only zoo elephants in the entire United States who is being held alone. And it looks like her living conditions won’t change anytime soon unless we do something about it.
I am asking you, my fellow animal lovers, to encourage the Bronx Zoo Director James J. Breheny to release Happy to a sanctuary where she can be in a more natural setting and live the rest of her life in peace.
New standards regarding the keeping of elephants were recently passed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the accrediting organization for American wildlife institutions. Among their recommendations was that elephants be held in groups of three or more, as they are highly social creatures. Now, zoos around the country are scrambling to comply with the regulations by AZA’s 2016 deadline. Yet, the Bronx Zoo seems steadfast in its opinion that Happy is “happy” with her solitary life. This goes against all scientific data about elephant behavior.
Happy and 6 other elephant calves were captured in the wild from Thailand and brought to the States in 1977. For 25 years, she and her companion, Grumpy, were kept as a pair in the Bronx Zoo. When Grumpy passed away, she was paired with Sammy, who sadly died in 2006. It was then that the zoo decided to end its elephant program, but it didn’t relocate the elephants it currently had.
For 10 years, Happy has been in a sort of solitary confinement, unable to truly interact with the other elephants held at the zoo. This is a social being like a monkey or a dolphin. Elephants thrive in the company of their own kind, where they form multi-generational family groups that remain loyal to one another for life, and the elders pass wisdom down to the younger ones to help them navigate their world.
Happy is likely not at all happy. She has endured a decade of loneliness and deserves the chance to be with others of her kind in a sanctuary. Please join me in telling the Bronx Zoo to release Happy to a sanctuary and let her really have a chance at happiness.
thepetitionsite.com
Depressed Himeko has lived 24 YEARS ALONE, forced by bullhook to perform daily tricks, Japan
2-3 minutes
Himeko the elephant was brought to the Himeji Zoo in 1994. She has been imprisoned there since, totally alone: for 24 long, lonely years. During “business hours” at this noisy zoo and amusement park, Himeko faces away from visitors and copes with her stress by bobbing and swaying non stop. She also bangs her tail repeatedly against the steel door of her pen.
The rest of the time she is trapped in a tiny, dark concrete indoor cell—with no food or water readily available—for 18 hours a day.
Each day, Himeko is forced to “perform” for the crowds. Trainers enter her outdoor enclosure and intimidate her with painful, sharp bullhooks. They force Himeko to do tricks, like walk around in a circle and kneel down to have her head brushed with a broom.
Veteran elephant biologist Dr. Keith Lindsay visited Himeko at the zoo in 2017. After seeing her living conditions firsthand, he labelled it “substandard and unacceptable.”
This is an undeserved punishment for an animal that is naturally highly intelligent and social. Elephants live up to 60-70 years, and are exceptionally social animals who have families and friends. They grieve their dead.
But Himeko still has a chance at a better life: experiencing soft soil on her feet, companionship and enrichment to occupy her very intelligent mind. The Elephants in Japan campaign is working with top elephant experts and organizations to help Himeko and other solitary elephants in Japan. BUT we need your help! Please sign and share this petition demanding change for Himeko.
The more voices we can add to this cause, the more power we have to approach our targets and demand change. In Japan, this is pushing for the government and other relevant authorities to develop legislation that sets higher standards of captive elephant housing and care, including prohibiting the keeping of highly social animals, like elephants, in social isolation.
Animal advocates are mourning another tragic loss for captive elephants with the death of Sunda, a 58-year-old Asian elephant who died at the Topeka Zoo this week – but they’re also not giving up on the two surviving elephants there who should be immediately moved to an accredited sanctuary given the zoo’s inability to properly care for them.
Sunda’s passing marks the second elephant death in less than two years at the Topeka Zoo, following the death of Shannon last December. She was only 35-years-old, but the zoo left her unsupervised for at least 10 hours knowing she was chronically ill and needed monitoring, and that inexcusable negligence cost Shannon much unnecessary suffering and, most likely, her life.
Sadly, these heartbreaking deaths are part of much bigger problems at this zoo. In Defense of Animals (IDA) noted that the Topeka Zoo has been cited numerous times by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for violations of the Animal Welfare Act. Not only has the zoo proven it’s unable to properly care for its elephants, many of the health problems they are suffering are likely also made worse by a cold climate in Kansas, which isn’t appropriate for them.
The ongoing mistreatment of its elephants earned the Topeka Zoo the shameful distinction of being named the ‘worst zoo’ last year on IDA’s annual list of the 10 Worst Zoos for Elephants in North America.
While it’s too late to save Shannon and Sunda, there are still two survivors there who need our help – Asian elephants Cora and Tembo.
In the wake of this most recent loss, IDA and their advocates are calling on the Topeka Zoo to do the right thing by closing its elephant exhibit and retiring Cora and Tembo to an accredited sanctuary where they can finally get the care they need – and where they’ll be able to live out their days in a far more appropriate environment in a suitable climate.
Please sign and share this petition urging the Topeka Zoo to act immediately to secure a sanctuary retirement for Cora and Tembo before it’s too late.
A passerby noticed the attack and reported this matter to the police. It’s been confirmed by a chief metropolitan officer that, at the time this took place, a security guard who was supposed to be securing the enclosure was not at his post. Another staff member shot and killed the wolf.
While an inquiry is being done, the security guard has been suspended for negligence.
However this is not a solution for the BIGGER PROBLEM HERE.
• The fencing around the deer enclosure is not properly secured. It allowed a wild animal to enter.
• Visitors report animals look lethargic, with untreated injuries. They are also weaving back and forth, which is a term called “zoochosis,” a mental illness.
• Media have been reporting for over a decade on the negligence and cruelty by zoo administration and that animal deaths have become routine a thing!
• Zoo lacks proper facilities for the animals (safety issues for animals & visitors)
• No wild life expert
• All exhibits are unnatural with no enrichment and never updated to a more natural environment. They are kept filthy, with little to no water
• For years, visitors, media and activists campaigned on the treatment of an endangered Asian elephant named Kaavan. His mahout made the elephant beg to earn tips from visitors by selling his food to the public to feed him. Kaavan was kept in chains for hours standing in an empty cement pool. In the past, activists who spoke up for Kaavan, saying that he suffered from isolation and mental illness, were physically beaten by zoo employees.
• In 2012, at a very young age, a 20-year-old female elephant named Saheli passed away due to animal cruelty and neglect. The mahout would offer elephant rides and photographs with Saheli to paying customers she was continuously chained. (This is the same mahout who was in charge of Kaavan)
• Zoo administration have tried to ban media from the zoo
• Hundreds of birds, zebras, ostrich, nilgai and urials have died due to cruelty or lack of awareness by employees
• The zoo now keeps a pair of lions apart, after reports revealed that cubs were bred and that 2 sets of cubs had all died due to improper care from staff
• Last month, a critically endangered Himalayan bear died who lived in complete misery isolated & neglected
The administration control of Islamabad zoo was changed in (2016) from Capital Development Authority (CDA) to Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI). For over a decade CDA have released statements to the media stating there will be an upgrade to Islamabad zoo to international standards and better care for animals, and now MCI is singing that same tune. There have been no improvements to Islamabad zoo just more animals have died and they keep bringing in more animals.
Proper attention was not given by former government to the management of zoos. These are sensitive animals and their needs are not being met. These unnecessary deaths and cruelty issues are ongoing.
Please sign this petition!
There’s a New Prime Minister in Pakistan Imran Khan and he brings a positive message #NayaPakistan ( english translation ; New Pakistan). Laws are needed to be established for animals in captivity and how zoos should be managed with his attention on this pressing matter he can make this happen.
by: Elephants in Japan, Zoocheck
recipient: Nagano Chasuyama Zoo, JAZA, Minister of Environment, Mayor of Nagano and prefecture council, Japan
552 SUPPORTERS in Japan
111,606 SUPPORTERS – 120,000 GOAL
Fuko the elephant has been alone for 10 years—after losing her companion Dumbo in 2008. For 25 years, Fuko and Dumbo spent every waking moment together in the same enclosure. At least back then, they had each other.
Now Fuko is forced to spend most of her days trapped alone in a tiny, featureless concrete cell at Nagano Chasuyama Zoo in Japan. To cope with her loneliness, she tries to interact with zoo visitors by following them and reaching out to them with her trunk.
Totally alone, bored and lonely, Fuko has found another disturbing way to cope: EVERY DAY, HUNDREDS OF TIMES A DAY, Fuko paces in a routine repetitive pattern, over and over and over in her tiny indoor enclosure. #1: She backs up to the far left wall of her cell #2: Walks to the far right side #3: Walks to the front right corner #4: Walks to the front left corner, and touches her trunk to the bars of her cell. Watch the actual video footage, HERE.
Fuko’s repetitive pacing is an abnormal stereotypical behavior that is often seen in captive wild animals kept in substandard enclosures. They are often associated with boredom, anxiety, frustration and depression—and they mean that Fuko’s biological, behavioural and social needs are not being met.
Solitary confinement is an undeserved punishment for an animal that is naturally highly intelligent and social. Elephants live up to 60-70 years, and are exceptionally social animals who have families and friends. They grieve their dead.
But finally Fuko’s plight has come to light! Fuko still has a chance at a better life: experiencing soft soil on her feet, companionship and enrichment to occupy her very intelligent mind. The Elephants in Japan campaign is working with top elephant experts and organizations to help Fuko and other solitary elephants in Japan. BUT we need your help! Please sign and share this petition demanding change for Fuko!
The more voices we can add to this cause, the more power we have to approach our targets and demand change. In Japan, this is pushing for the government and other relevant authorities to develop legislation that sets higher standards of captive elephant housing and care, including prohibiting the keeping of highly social animals, like elephants, in social isolation.
Following in the spirit of Britain's Queen Boudica, Queen of the Iceni. A boudica.us site. I am an opinionator, do your own research, verification. Reposts, reblogs do not neccessarily reflect our views.
Pictured, the police at the zoo when the Lynx escaped
One of the malnourished lions sits in her cage at the Al-Qureshi park in the Sudanese capital of Khartoum. Photograph: Ashraf Shazly/AFP via Getty ImagesSudan
By Karen Lane –
Visitors have reported seeing animals at Farmers Inn who are sick and injured. For example, the bears, Jack and Jill, were seen in what appeared to be heat distress on a day where the temperature exceeded 90 degrees. A kinkajou, a small rainforest mammal, was noticed with an injured eye. An emaciated goat, significantly stressed guinea pigs, and foxes suffering from apparently untreated mange were also observed.
"OUR WORLD" 