Latest Stories
Seismic Surveys Could Threaten Endangered Whales
Allowing underwater seismic surveys for oil and gas to be conducted off the U.S. Mid-Atlantic and Southeast coasts could pose a substantial threat to one of the world’s most critically endangered whale species, a group of leading marine scientists say.
Inside Yulin Dog Meat Festival: The silence of dogs awaiting slaughter is thundering
Chinese culture does not sanction the cruelty of the Yulin Dog Meat Festival. The rise of the dog meat industry was a result of the 20th century reform politics initially aimed at lifting peasants out of poverty. It is time that China parts with the policy that judges the merits of an economic activity solely by its productivity.
Mapping Software Tracks Threats to Endangered Species
Habitat mapping software and satellite imagery can help conservationists predict the movements of endangered species in remote or inaccessible regions and pinpoint areas where conservation efforts should be prioritized, a new Duke University-led case study shows.
Will China learn from Europe’s mistakes?
The fur industry has been condemned for the animal cruelty, environmental destruction and the dangers to human health it entails. As a result, Europe is gradually adopting a more fur free stance. Will China follow?
“Get Out of Here You Crows!” The Gypsy-Crow Relationship
Crow, “ciora” in Romanian, is one in a long list of ethnic slurs attributed to the Romani people, yet there is more to the relationship between crows and Gypsies than just name calling.
POETRY: Of Gods and Men
The older I am
The less interested I am
In the petty affairs of men
And the more
I love Earth
And all her other creatures
And systems and seasons…
A Farewell to Towan: Artist, Beloved Friend, and Lifelong Captive
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.
It’s Time to Bring In Your “Bear” Feeders
Your bird feeder could lead to the death of a bear whose only “crime” is being smart, industrious and very good at finding food, according to bear expert Linda Masterson. In her new book, ‘Living With Bears Handbook,’ Masterson explains that bear feeders, more commonly known as bird feeders, are one of the biggest cause of human-bear problems.
A Fur Free Winter from ACTAsia
This year, our Fur Free Life campaign has taken a new focus. While animal suffering and the lack of animal protection legislation remain at the heart of our campaign for a Fur Free Life, our educational publicity recently concentrated on the serious health risks for wearers of fur.
POETRY: Gaia
Earth’s green skin is velvet today
With the mist on it
Crushed velvet with her children’s pawprints
…
Tree House’s Solution to Chicago’s Rat Issues: A Proven, “Green” Alternative
Tree House Humane Society offers a proven, humane, long-term, “green,” alternative solution to Chicago’s growing rat issue. The project relocates feral or community cats to new territories where their hunting instincts and mere presence results in reduced numbers of rats, while giving them a safe and secure location where they can live out the rest of their lives.
Pope Francis, condemn the bullfight
Pope St. Pius V described bullfights as “a spectacle for demons rather than men.” As a practicing Catholic, I am saddened to say that the moral aspect of our treatment of other creatures is a part of Catholic teaching that our Catholic leaders have long neglected. Pope Francis is trying to put that right. Let’s take advantage of that and ask him to condemn bullfighting.
Josefina, the Caiman Who Understood Humans
Reptiles are not commonly thought of as being responsive, or particularly intelligent. But in October 2001, we met a caiman (a type of small alligator) named Josefina, living in a lagoon in the rainforest of Costa Rica. Josefina displayed amazing intelligence, as well as sensitivity to human behavior and the effect her presence had on us.
Chicago City Council Passes Ordinance Paving the Way for Chicago’s First Cat Café
A growing trend in the United States, cat cafés have been introduced in several cities including New York, Oakland, and San Diego. What will set Tree House’s Cat Café apart is its location. Unlike other cat cafés which are stand-alone, Tree House’s Cat Café will be situated inside what will be one of the most innovative, cat-centric shelters in the country.
POETRY: Gaia Warrior
Come on, Gaia,
Fight back
With your floods, fire, and mighty winds
Reveal
For an instant
The magnitude of your wrath…
Evolving An Ethical Response to Mice and Rats
Innocuous as individual mice and rats appear to be, and as easily befriended as they often are, they remain collectively an authentic menace to human health and agriculture. There is much we must understand if humans are to evolve a less violent coexistence with these creatures, who share virtually every human dwelling, place of business, and site of food production or preparation.
Disney’s ‘Zootopia,’ An Evolution in Animal Fables
Stories featuring anthropomorphic animals have been a staple of human culture for millennia, but Disney’s new animated film stands out from the herd by depicting animals not just as stand-ins for humans, but unique sentient beings with interests and value of their own.
Danger For Muslims Who Protest Animal Sacrifice
Egyptian writer Fatima Naoot has been sentenced to three years in prison for “insulting Islam” by criticizing the Eid al-Adha animal sacrifice. Yet there are many devout Muslims who argue against the Eid slaughter as contrary to their religion’s true values.
LETTER: Asia for Animals calls on Shanghai Circus World to cancel training school for macaques
Asia for Animals calls on Shanghai Circus World to cancel plans for a macaque training school and phase out the use of animals in its performances, relying instead on human skill and acrobatics to build its reputation.
The Curious Case of the Kitty Known As Elrond
A paraplegic cat adopted from Egypt, Elrond was originally named Rania in the belief that he was a girl. Recently I have come to wonder if Elrond might not be female in some sense after all.