​worldanimalnews.com/historic-bill-to-ban-trophy-hunting-imports-into-the-uk-passes-the-house-of-commons-moves-to-the-house-of-lords/

A historic bill aimed at protecting wildlife has passed the house of commons in the United Kingdom and will now move to the House of Lords for a vote. The bill would make it illegal to import hunting trophies from species internationally recognized as being endangered or in danger of extinction. This monumental bill would be the first of its kind, sending a strong message to the International community that the United Kingdom stands up for imperiled wildlife and doesn't support the pay for slaughter of innocent, endangered species. This would include lions, polar bears, giraffes, elephants, and rhinos; all of which face the possibility of extinction.

When you look at vulnerable species like giraffes, lions, pangolins, or rhinos, they share a lot of the same perils imposed on them by humanity. They suffer as a result of continued human growth and expansion, losing their habitat and being forced in to human conflict with local communities. These conflicts can lead to injury or death from innocent species who are simply trying to source food or water. As human populations continue to grow, more land is needed for agriculture / crops, effectively taking away these imperiled species' habitat and leaving them fragmented. Humans have caused nearly 100% of the perils that our planet's most recognized & imperiled species face, and yet there are those who continue to advocate selfishly for trophy hunting.

When you really look at the struggles these species face; habitat loss, fragmentation, human conflict, poaching, trophy hunting, the illegal wildlife trade, the link to humanity couldn't be more clear. We are directly responsible for the extinction and endangerment of every species on the list. Whether it's overfishing that is putting the Vaquita in peril or the illegal wildlife trade that has decimated wild pangolins, it can all be traced back to us and our selfish, greedy nature and entitlement. Honestly, can you imagine having a debate with some loser who is actually trying to convince you that shooting and killing lions or elephants for fun is actually helping them when their population continues on a steady decline? This selfishness is the reason our planet is suffering because humanity is so self-serving and we believe that everything on this planet is for us to use as we see fit, even when all of the signs are telling us to stop.

If the UK passes this ball, they will make history and hopefully inspire other countries across the planet to enact similar laws to protect our planet's wildlife. There is no logic in hunting animals for fun in order to protect them. These people should donate their tens of thousands of extra dollars to REAL conservation organizations that are tirelessly working to prevent the extinction of imperiled species. Trophy hunting is disgusting and we have to stop contributing to the demise of our planet's most recognized species to satisfy a sick urge to slaughter a wild animal and pose next to its corpse. 

​worldanimalnews.com/new-york-city-just-introduced-legislation-to-ban-elephant-captivity-relocate-those-already-imprisoned-to-accredited-sanctuaries/

New York has introduced legislation that would ban the captivity of the state's elephants and relocate them to sanctuaries, a move applauded by activists and conservationists who recognize the suffering behind elephant captivity. Specifically, Happy the Elephant, who currently resides at the Bronx zoo, alone after her companions passed away. Happy would be released to a sanctuary, living out the remainder of her life under conditions that are more acceptable for an elephant, including more space, other elephants to socialize with, and all around better quality of life. 

It's my opinion that zoos who profit off of animals are no different than the circus or other entertainment that forces animals in to perform for human gain. Wild animals kept in captivity suffer for their entire lives. They are denied a lot of what comes naturally to them, specifically, the space to roam. Elephants in the wild have miles of habitat in every direction to roam, socialize, forage for food and water etc., but in confinement, they are so confined even in the best of enclosures. This is so unnecessary to impose on any wild animal, especially if it's being done so that humans can profit off of their situations. If zoos are not breeding animals specifically to help with repopulation / rehabilitation of a species, they should not be allowed to do so at all. Captivity is not a life a wild animal deserves, especially if it's to line the pockets of humans.

When so many species are going extinct or face the possibility of extinction, the last thing we should be doing is keeping them captive for entertainment. Our goal should be to do everything in our power to conserve and replenish these animals in the wild. Zoos have the capability to aid in conservation and rehabilitation of a species but when you look at Happy the elephant, we're failing them. This incredible social species is alone in a hard, small enclosure without another elephant to connect with. There is no other acceptable solution but to retire Happy and other captive elephants to sanctuaries where they will have access to more space, other elephants to form bonds with and socialize, and a diet that is more natural to them. 

New York must pass this legislature. It's time to set an example to the rest of the United States & the world that elephants do NOT belong in cages. Free Happy, and ban elephant captivity.

​globalnews.ca/news/9543958/marineland-kiska-whale-dead/

Kiska the Orca, Canada's only captive orca, has passed away after over a decade of swimming alone in her tank and over 40 years in captivity. Kiska has long been the focus of activists who had been trying to free her from the bathtub sized pool she'd been kept in alone for the past 10 years, some even dubbed her the world's loneliest orca. News of her death sent shockwaves throughout the animal welfare community who had mixed feelings about her passing ranging from sadness to a feeling of relief that she was finally free from her solitary captivity. 

Kiska's story is a painful reminder of Canada's lackluster, feet-dragging approach to animal welfare. Kiska was plucked from her habitat and taken from her pod at a young age, likely causing lifelong emotional distress. She then went on to spend over 40 years in captivity, performing for human patrons as she continued to suffer. Wild animals are just that; wild, and they most definitely suffer when kept in captivity. Her suffering, and her story, remind us that animals are not intended for entertainment, and unless they are being kept captive for rehabilitation or species conservation, should never have to endure a life of captivity.

Kiska is finally free of her life of captivity, and Canada's law banning cetacean captivity means she'll be the last one to endure a life like that. A life spent in a bathtub, confused, sad, and for the latter part of her life, alone. May she rest in peace.