Dylan has been joyously aware of the multispecies nature of the world around him since childhood, and today considers this attention towards nonhuman others to be an integral component of his intellectual, political, and emotional life. Dylan had the pleasure of being a part of the Animal People team from 2015-2021. Click to see author's profile.
There has been increased attention in recent years to small cetacean hunts in specific regions, such as dolphin hunts in Taiji, Japan, made famous by the 2009 documentary The Cove. However, the often-held assumption that small cetacean hunts are rare or only occur in a few regions is unfortunately far from correct.
It may be surprising to learn that a large component of most veterinary training involves harmfully using animals. These animals are used as models for learning various veterinary procedures, many of which are highly invasive and potentially painful. The animals used are often killed at the end of practice surgeries.
For those who have not considered this topic, this book could serve as an enlightening lesson on the importance of animals in human history. For the more initiated reader, particularly those already concerned with animal liberation, the half-formed ethical and philosophical ideas Fagan puts forth leave much to be desired.
Towan was born in Woodland Park Zoo in 1968, and he remained there until he died. If you’ve visited the orangutans at the zoo in Seattle, you’ve likely seen him, and you’d probably remember him for his big, soulful, searching eyes, which were often aimed at the humans who trailed by his enclosure. I had the pleasure of seeing Towan spend many days doing two of the things he did best: creating art, and connecting with humans in a way that changed them forever.
Chai’s life was tragic and characterized by deprivation. As those who knew her in Seattle and beyond mourn her loss, we also hope that her story inspires others to continue the fight to phase out elephant programs in zoos, so that not one more elephant suffers or dies simply to entertain humans.