A golden opportunity to rescue four elephants in dire need just came up, and we're preparing a last-minute raid to bring them to safety! Though we can't give you specifics at this hour without jeopardizing the operation, we can tell you that these four amazing elephants have lived under very harsh circumstances for decades. They must be freed.
We are trying to raise $100,000 in the next 24 hours to free them -- it's a small percentage of the total cost, but it will ensure their immediate safety. This raid could happen in just a few hours and we need your help!
We're calling our new friends Pearl, Ruby, Goldie, and Sylvie. More details on the Precious Four are coming -- we promise! -- and we know you're going to fall in love with them as quickly as we have. Right now we just need to get them out of a bad situation as fast as possible. We've relied on your assistance freeing elephants in the past-and we are eternally grateful. Please find a way to help us bring these four lovely ladies to a safe and beautiful place where they will be nurtured and loved instead of beaten and neglected. They deserve a new life. Together we can free Pearl, Ruby, Goldie, and Sylvie. Please give today.
Our Precious Four circus elephant rescue is fully underway! The Wildlife SOS team has now been on-site for more than 16 hours. The situation is very dangerous, but first and foremost we want you to know that Pearl, Ruby, Goldie, and Sylvie are safe.
Here's how it's happening: Upon learning Goldie and Sylvie are mother and daughter, we decided to evacuate them together, on the same truck. We had hoped (in vain) that their mahouts would cooperate; instead, the confusion generated by a growing crowd made it even more difficult for us to load poor Sylvie and Goldie onto their truck.
The police presence we'd enlisted had to be increased to control the crowd. Camera flashes and screaming circus workers only added to the chaos. At one point several of our female workers were chased and had to take cover in a local convenience shop. All in all, our crew has been on the ground for a very long time in a very difficult situation -- and we're staying the night to continue this effort into tomorrow.
This has been one of our most challenging and expensive rescues ever. But we want you to know that Pearl, Ruby, Goldie and her daughter Sylvie are safe, and we're doing everything possible to get these beautiful elephants to our temporary holding facility as soon as possible!
Victory! 4 Elephants Rescued From Deplorable Life in Illegal Circus. Elephants are some of the most fascinating animals on the planet. They’re incredibly large but have such an elegance and grace about them that it is easy to see one and wonder how they are even able to exist. In addition to their awe-inspiring appearance, elephants are also extremely intelligent and emotional creatures. Unfortunately, many of these intriguing characteristics are what has led us to imprison elephants and use them for the sake of our entertainment, especially in circuses.
Compared to the dynamic life they would experience in the wild, life in a circus is none at all for elephants. In order for them to be rendered submissive enough to perform tricks and unnatural feats, they are subjected to extreme abuse to the point that they lose their will to fight back. To reinforce this fear, trainers use painful bullhooks and other methods to keep elephants in check. When they’re not performing, these animals are left chained for hours on end. Clearly, the fun that the circus appears to be on the exterior is anything but for the animals inside. Thankfully, there are many organizations working to free elephants and other animals from this sad existence, one being Wildlife SOS. Wildlife SOS is currently working to rescue all of India’s remaining circuses elephants and give them a better life in their sanctuary. In 2013, India instated a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses, however, many of the elephants have remained in the care of their former captors – forced to live in the same inhumane conditions, only this time, without the breaks to put on a performance. In 2016, Wildlife SOS set out to free all 67 of the elephants remaining in circuses across the country and with their most recent successful rescue of four elephants, they have successfully reduced that number to 55 – with plans to get it down to zero over time.
Compared to the dynamic life they would experience in the wild, life in a circus is none at all for elephants. In order for them to be rendered submissive enough to perform tricks and unnatural feats, they are subjected to extreme abuse to the point that they lose their will to fight back. To reinforce this fear, trainers use painful bullhooks and other methods to keep elephants in check. When they’re not performing, these animals are left chained for hours on end. Clearly, the fun that the circus appears to be on the exterior is anything but for the animals inside. Thankfully, there are many organizations working to free elephants and other animals from this sad existence, one being Wildlife SOS. Wildlife SOS is currently working to rescue all of India’s remaining circuses elephants and give them a better life in their sanctuary. In 2013, India instated a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses, however, many of the elephants have remained in the care of their former captors – forced to live in the same inhumane conditions, only this time, without the breaks to put on a performance. In 2016, Wildlife SOS set out to free all 67 of the elephants remaining in circuses across the country and with their most recent successful rescue of four elephants, they have successfully reduced that number to 55 – with plans to get it down to zero over time.
The four elephants, named Pearl, Ruby, Goldie, and Sylvie, were rescued from Rambo Circus in Pune, Maharashtra, following a two day and a night-long operation by a rescue team from Wildlife SOS in coordination with FIAPO, PETA, Police and Forest Department.
“It was shocking to witness the inhumane conditions that the elephants were kept in, shackled by spiked chains and denied any chance at a natural life. The elephants in this circus were a priority as they were in terrible distress” said Geeta Seshamani co-founder Wildlife SOS in a press release.
Despite the standing ban on wild animal circuses, Rambo Circus continued to display these elephants. Thankfully, the circus was discovered and reported to the Central Zoo Authority after the horrifying details of the poor animal welfare conditions the animals lived in were exposed. From there, this conglomerate of organizations were free to rescue Ruby, Goldie, Sylvie, and Pearl.
Rhea Lopez, Elephant Campaign Manager for Wildlife SOS explained, “While in the circus, the elephants were restrained by both front and back legs even they weren’t performing and were given no opportunity to exercise and no access to fresh water which is mandatory under the law. The mental and physical health status of these elephants is very poor.”
Luckily, this sorry existence is over for these four elephants! Wildlife SOS has since named this new little herd, the Precious Four and they are currently on their way to the organization’s elephant rescue center. There is nothing that makes us happier than knowing the days of suffering are all over for these animals!
You can help Wildlife SOS care for these elephants and fund efforts to rescue more by making a donation, here. All image source: Wildlife SOS.
Lonely Thai elephant dies in Tokyo zoo at 69
The oldest Thai elephant in Japan, Hanako, died on Thursday after a lonely life, aged 69. (Photo courtesy: Thai Embassy to Japan)
Hanako, a 69-year-old Thai elephant who lived alone at a Tokyo zoo, died on Thursday, the zoo said, several months after Thai jumbo lovers and animal welfare activists called for the lonely animal's relocation.
Born in 1947 in Thailand, the female elephant was sent as a gift to Ueno Zoological Gardens in Tokyo in 1949.
She had been kept at the Inokashira Park Zoo in western Tokyo since 1954 and was a popular attraction for visitors, with her relationship with a zookeeper being made into a book and a TV drama.
Hanako made headlines in Thai media in December when Thai elephant lovers and animal welfare activists called on Japanese authorities to relocate Hanako who was living alone at a zoo in Tokyo, to another zoo where she would have the company of other elephants.
Friends of the Asean Elephant made the call, joining similar concerns expressed by Japanese people, after learning that Hanako, had lived alone for the past 61 years in a concrete enclosure devoid of trees or soil.
I have some sad news to share with you. Hanako, Japan's oldest and loneliest elephant, has died. After meeting with animal welfare experts and receiving the Care2 petition with over 469,000 signatures, the Inokashira Park Zoo had agreed to make modifications to Hanako's enclosure so that she'd be more comfortable. Unfortunately, she died before they could make the changes.
But Hanako wasn't the only elderly elephant in need. Please sign the petition to free Mo Mo before she too dies in a cell.
BY: Rita Claessens Elephant Freedom Fighters
TARGET: Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery, Ministry of the Environment, Director of Inokashira Park Zoo of Tokyo, CITES Japan - 469,765 of the 500,000
overview petition
Update #2 2 days ago
I have some sad news. Hanako, Japan's oldest and loneliest elephant, has died. After meeting with animal welfare experts and receiving the Care2 petition with over 469,000 signatures, Inokashira Park Zoo had agreed to make Hanako's enclosure more comfortable. Unfortunately, she died before they did anything. But Hanako wasn't the only elderly elephant in need. Please sign the petition to free Mo Mo before she too dies in a cell.
Update #1 3 months ago
IMPORTANT UPDATE on the petition to help Hanako the elephant: Thanks to YOU, WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SECURE A MEETING WITH HER ZOO!!!
We now URGENTLY need to raise travel expenses to get to Japan for this crucial visit, and we only have 22 days left. Please share and contribute to THE FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN NOW to help Hanako. Every dollar counts.
About This Petition
IMPORTANT: WE HAVE NOW ESTABLISHED CONTACT WITH HANAKO'S ZOO AND NOW NEED YOUR HELP TO FUND OUR TEAM'S TRIP!!!
Hanako has lived for over 60 years alone, in a barren cement pen. Now there is finally hope for change. Every dollar counts. Every share counts. Please visit the funding campaign for Hanako and pitch in!
CLICK HERE
Hanako is a 69-year-old Asian elephant who has lived in shameful conditions at the Inokashira Park Zoo in Tokyo for the past 61 years. She was transported in 1949 from Thailand to Japan when she was just two years old, to what would become her life-long prison. And ‘prison,’ is not an exaggeration.
Blogger Ulara Nakagawa saw Hanako while visiting the zoo, and was shocked to see the conditions of her confinement. Ulara writes in her blog that it looks like "one of the cruellest, most archaic zoos in the modern world." Hanako is completely alone in a tiny cement enclosure with nothing to comfort her or provide stimulation. She just stands there, appearing almost lifeless , since there is nothing else for her to do. It was beyond painful for Ulara to take in Hanako's pitiful situation.
To add insult to injury, the Inokashira Park Zoo is located in one of the most affluent neighbourhoods in Tokyo and part of a public park known for being the home of the popular Ghibli Museum. This means that hundreds of thousands of global tourists have seen Hanako in her concrete prison and done nothing to help her.
But now we have a chance to make up for lost time and make sure Hanako lives out her last days in the comfort she deserves. Please sign and share this petition demanding that Hanako be sent to an elephant sanctuary. If this is not possible, she needs to be given medical assistance and a new, enriched enclosure where she can interact with other elephants. She should not be forced to live in a concrete prison. Please support: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/help-hanako-the-elephant--2#/gallery
But what if rangers could see in the dark? Or get an alert that a poacher may have just arrived?
It would be a momentous step forward in the fight to save elephants and rhinos. And we're making it happen.
As the lead of WWF’s Wildlife Crime Technology Project, I focus on finding cutting-edge technologies to fight poaching. And, in a first for conservation, my team has been testing out a groundbreaking solution in Kenya to stop poaching and keep rhinos, other wildlife, and rangers safe.
Using a grant from Google.org, my colleagues and I engineered thermal and infrared cameras and a software system that can identify poachers from afar—and alert park rangers of their presence. So far, we’ve designed and installed one of these solar-powered camera systems along the border of one national park.
This is the first time that infrared cameras and human-recognition software have been used to monitor a park's boundary for conservation and anti-poaching efforts.
We've also installed a camera on a truck used by rangers in another park, to complement existing anti-poaching operations, including foot patrols and a sniffer dog team.
Your donation today can help WWF find more innovative solutions to protect wildlife and their habitats from many threats.
We Can Do So Much More—With Your Help
If all goes well, I’m eager to work with parks and landowners across Africa to use this and other technology we are exploring to protect wildlife and rangers. But I can’t do it alone. I need your help—nature needs your help.
With your generous support, WWF can create solutions for the world's biggest environmental problems.
Innovation and partnerships are at the heart of WWF. From protecting sea turtles with better fishing gear to saving rain forests with bold, new approaches to management and financing, we're working around the world to protect the future of nature.
With you by our side, we can stop poachers in their tracks and create the next big advancement in environmental protection.
Thank you for taking action to stop wildlife crime, calling for an end to the illegal ivory trade, and making a difference! Please take the next step and donate today to help WWF protect nature around the world.
BREAKING: Congress might put more elephants in poachers' crosshairs by blocking the ivory ban. We have to stop them before it's too late.
Elephants need your help, and soon.
Congress may kill the ivory ban within hours, sentencing more elephants to an agonizing, pointless death. Every minute matters right now – will you help?
We've come a long way together in the fight to save elephants from poaching by cracking down on the ivory trade. But in a move that could undo all our progress, the opponents of the ban in the House are quietly trying to amend the Senate's bipartisan energy bill to prevent us from closing loopholes that have allowed illegal ivory to be sold in the U.S.
We need to let them know that we won't stand for it, before it's too late.
Tell your
representative to vote no on this effort to undo all of our work to stop the
demand for ivory that is killing 96 elephants a day. Don't delay – the House could vote as soon as Wednesday!
Hundreds of thousands of elephant lovers like you have spoken out in favor of the ivory ban, and that's why its opponents in Congress can't pass legislation to stop the ban by itself. Instead, they are trying to sneak it into the energy bill with a host of other controversial provisions and hoping that no one notices.
We need you to tell your representative to stand up for elephants. You know the true cost of killing 96 elephants a day and selling their ivory for profit. And I know that you won't sit back and watch Congress push these majestic animals one step closer towards extinction.
Thanks for everything you do to protect elephants, and save wildlife around the world.
From the desk of Candice Bergen
I first traveled to Africa as a young journalist in the 1970s, and I fell in love with the natural beauty of the continent's wildlife and landscapes.
That's why I refuse to stand by while poachers brazenly slaughter threatened species for profit.
I plan to fight back by expanding AWF's anti-poaching efforts – like their sniffer dog program. Do you know about these pups? They detect ivory, horn, and other wildlife contraband in airports and seaports. I'm amazed at their bravery and accuracy.
We need to get more of these dogs deployed. Here's my offer: if you donate to AWF today, I'll double your gift.
If you saw AWF's email last week about the Conservation Canine Program, then you know these dogs are busting up one smuggling ring after another. A new group is getting ready to deploy and just in time: poaching is driving elephants, rhinos, and other wildlife toward extinction.
We know what needs to happen: stop the killing, stop the trafficking, and stop the demand. So will you join me today to do our part?
Please give right now – and I'll match your gift one-to-one. Poachers are killing Africa's wildlife. What do you say we kill their profits? Help me put more AWF sniffer dogs on the job.
 |
|
Rescued Baby Elephant Falls In Love With A Man. It did not take long for Khamla and her herd to accept Darrick to be one of their herd. Darrick was on the trip to rescue and transport them in June of last year and spent the whole trip with them while they were transported to our project. Darrick cannot be a full time mahout because he is busy all day with many work projects for animals, but when he makes free time, he goes to spend time with Khamla and her herd. They all know who is his love. And they call out for him when he is not among them. To be herd is a rare privilege in the current tourist model of elephant experience. One day it will be a respected and time-honored right. They need to be herd. They need to be heard ! Time for us to listen. Learn more: http://www.saveelephant.org
Send Elephants from Worst Zoo to Sanctuary
What You Can Do For Elephants in North America's #5 Worst Zoo. For the last thirty years, Asian elephants Ruth and Emily have been forced to share a tiny exhibit in the cold winter city of New Bedford, Massachusetts. Emily outweighs Ruth by 1,200 pounds, and these two DO NOT get along.
Despite the zoo's separation policy of 2007, Ruth has been bitten, hit, rammed, tusked, and pushed down by Emily. The elderly elephant's tail was bitten off in 2006.
Knowingly forcing two clearly incompatible Asian elephants to live in the same enclosure is not only unsafe, but it also violates the federal Animal Welfare Act. In Defense of Animals filed a complaint on behalf of Ruth and Emily to the US Department of Agriculture last year, but the USDA, and New Bedford's Mayor and City Council, have yet to remedy this dangerous situation.
The zoo claims that elderly Ruth and Emily (55 and 50 respectively) are well cared for, but would not survive the journey to a sanctuary because of geriatric concerns, but this is simply untrue. Many sicker, older elephants are transported even greater distances and do well.
It can be done. It must be done.
Buttonwood Zoo has been on In Defense of Animals' list of the Top Ten Worst Zoos for Elephants for the last six years. Let's send these elephants to sanctuary and give them the lives of freedom that they deserve. USDA complaint - Click here to take action.
Elephant Falls Asleep After Lullaby.
NOSEY UPDATES:
Please help to rescue an abused elephant named Nosey
The USDA has cited Nosey's owner, Hugo Liebel, for nearly 200 animal-welfare violations, and he was ordered to pay a $7,500 penalty following nearly three dozen charges of violations of the Animal Welfare Act.
Most of the charges related to Nosey, including repeatedly chaining her so tightly that she could barely move and denying her necessary veterinary care. So why is Nosey still used for elephant rides and taken to fairs and flea markets? This cruel captivity including chaining and a tough life performing for humans' entertainment is known to result in arthritis in captive elephants.
As the authority with power to pull Nosey off the road, the USDA should act to help this elephant but they ignored her history of lameness. Our representatives in Congress can help to make this happen if you act as a constituent to say animal welfare issues such as this are important to you.
People like me have worked hard to protest and organize other online and offline events for Nosey here in Florida where she is generally used for these fairs and other events. But we need more help since the USDA is accountable to members of the public around the country and your member of Congress will care most about what you think as someone who has the power to vote animal-friendly politicians into office!
If you care about elephants, please sign my petition to help Nosey. This petition will be delivered to: USDA, U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senate
NEW Video Footage Shows Nosey Dragging Her Left Hind Leg More Than Ever! We have new footage of Nosey giving rides in Davenport, IA over the weekend just gone ~ Thank you Born Torun for filming and sharing this video!
As you watch the video below, notice Nosey's gait at around 40 seconds in, not only is she dragging her left hind foot (which we've seen on many occasions over the years and can be seen in the videos further down) but notice how it is now turning inward as she pulls it back into place.
Footage below filmed on 22nd May 2016 by Born Torun
In August 2014 a veterinarian (Philip Ensley) observed Nosey the elephant at the Great Lakes Medieval Faire and he concluded that she has an extremely reduced range of motion in the joints of her rear limbs and a painfully slow and deliberate walking gait, both indicative of serious arthritic and degenerative joint disease.
Footage below filmed in August 2014 at the Great Lakes Medieval Faire via peta
Footage below Filmed on January 18th 2015 by us, Action for Nosey Now
Footage below filmed on January 9th 2016 by Amy Waz
The USDA's inaction allows Nosey to continue to suffer, which is completely unacceptable!
We Need Action For Nosey Now
Arthritis can be agonizing, but for captive elephants it can also be a death sentence. For months now, animal exhibitor Hugo Liebel has been forcing Nosey to give rides to people, even though she appears to be hobbled by pain, as the video footage shows. The USDA has failed to order Liebel to take Nosey off the road, even after receiving this footage and a report from an elephant veterinarian who concluded that Nosey is undoubtedly enduring pain from arthritis and "is unnecessarily suffering, permanently disabled, crippled, and is … being maimed."
Watch & Share! NEW Video 'Wild v Circus Featuring Nosey the Elephant' via CWI. On Saturday 21st May 2016, CWI (CompassionWorks International) found Nosey in Iowa giving rides to numerous passengers at a time, performing tricks, and standing alone in a parking lot. We continue our fight for her freedom. To accomplish it, we MUST get the word out about the sad situation for elephants in the circus, particularly solitary elephants like Nosey.
Please share "Wild v Circus" and work toward passing legislation in your community that bans the use of animals in traveling entertainment. For assistance, please email us at: info@cwint.org
We will continue to monitor Nosey's whereabouts, file complaints with the USDA when we spot Animal Welfare Act violations, and work with government officials to improve both local and federal law to one day put an end to circus cruelty.
Please support our continued efforts for Nosey and for all animals confined in the circus by making a donation at: www.cwint.org/donate
From everyone at CWI, thank you for your support and efforts to put an end to circus cruelty.
Watch & Share CWI's NEW Video 'Wild v Circus featuring Nosey the Elephant'
Share our latest video and educate family and friends on why you should never, ever attend a circus that uses animals.
Their freedom matters--the same as yours does to you. (CompassionWorks International)
Here is the link to CompassionWorks International's petition mentioned at the end of the video ~ Please Sign & Share for Nosey! http://chn.ge/27UX7n6
Please also Sign & Share CompassionWorks International's petition urging Shriners International to End the Use of Wild Animals in their Circuses! http://chn.ge/1NRufFC
Thank You ~ Action For Nosey Now
