This Weeks 'Elephant In The Room'

 
 
China and U.S. to Halt Ivory Trade

U.S. President Barack Obama and People’s Republic of China President Xi Jinping agreed Friday to end the domestic commercial trade of ivory in their respective countries. This historic accord comes at a time when as many as 35,000 elephants are poached each year for their tusks to supply the world’s growing ivory demand. “We are seeing an important, public commitment from the world’s two largest economies to work together to bring an end to the elephant poaching crisis,” says Dr. Patrick Bergin, African Wildlife Foundation CEO and member of the White House Advisory Council on Wildlife Trafficking. “President Obama and President Xi are sending a clear message that they intend to throw the weight of their countries behind the elephant crisis.” As part of this agreement, the two governments will cooperate in bringing additional training, technical expertise, information sharing and public awareness to the wildlife trafficking crisis.
 
> Find out what this means for Africa’s elephants


Woohoo! The Netherlands Bans Use of Wild Animals in Circuses. Big news for the Netherlands this week, as they became the tenth country to officially ban the use of wild animals in the circus! The ban, which was drafted back in 2014, went into effect this week and includes big cats, elephants, giraffes, zebras, sea lions and primates.

Currently, there are 116 captive wild animals that regularly appear in the Netherlands’ 22 circuses. The animals are kept in small cages in between performances and are trained with whips and barbed hooks to do unnatural things like jump through hoops of fire. Ultimately, this constant cruelty wears the animal both down physically and mentally, all for the sake of human entertainment.

“The health of animals is more important than their use for parties or clinging to outdated traditions,” said Secretary Sharon Dijksma.

By banning the use of wild animals in the circus, the people of the Netherlands are taking a united stand against animal cruelty. However, as long as wild animals continue to appear other country’s circuses, there is still some cause for concern. Kieran Harkin, director of Four Paws UK, explains, “Although we wholeheartedly congratulate the Netherlands on passing this legislation, we are concerned what will happen to the 16 traveling circuses with 119 animals. Will they simply travel to the UK and Germany where they can still work? We really need all of Europe to take action on this outdated excuse for entertainment to ensure the welfare of these remaining animals can be cared for.”

With animal-free circuses like Cirque Du Solei leading the way in amazing, human innovation, tormenting wild animals for show now seems primitive by comparison. Hopefully, with continued pressure, other countries like Germany, the U.S. and the UK will also follow suit, teaching our children, by example, that cruelty is not entertaining.

After Hauling Logs In the Jungle For 20 Years, Crippled Elephant Finally Tastes Freedom and Love.

After Hauling Logs In the Jungle For 20 Years, Crippled Elephant Finally Tastes Freedom and Love
Thailand is a country blessed with a large number of natural resources. It is home to many animals, including over 3,000 domestic Asian elephants. The term “domestic” elephant is quite broad and includes both pets and elephants that work in the tourism or logging industries. Unfortunately, the industries that include elephants are often unmonitored, so many of these animals lead difficult lives.

Poor Kabu was an unfortunate victim of the illegal logging trade in Thailand. She had been hauling heavy logs up and down jungle trails, with a crippled leg, for upwards of 20 years! For Kabu, who was most likely stolen from her mother as a calf, every day of her life was filled with pain and suffering.
After Hauling Logs In The Jungle For 20 Years, A Crippled Elephant Finally Tastes Freedom and Love
So when Lek Chailert, founder of the Elephant Nature Park, heard about the poor lame elephant who could barely walk, but was still being used for logging, she began gathering the funds to help. 
After Hauling Logs In The Jungle For 20 Years, A Crippled Elephant Finally Tastes Freedom and Love
“I don’t want to picture how painful, when she have to haul the logs up and down the mountain for years. “She said.
After Hauling Logs In The Jungle For 20 Years, A Crippled Elephant Finally Tastes Freedom and Love
The actual rescue required a team of committed volunteers, as it took almost half a day just to get the poor petrified elephant into the tractor trailer, where she rode for almost 12 hours to her freedom.
After Hauling Logs In The Jungle For 20 Years, A Crippled Elephant Finally Tastes Freedom and Love
Lek recalls, “It took almost half a day to walk Kabu to the truck. It was not easy for her to step on the transport as she was scared and confused. She have must wondered what will happen to her next. Now she in the truck to our home. From today no more fear no more pain no more chain or work.”

After Hauling Logs In The Jungle For 20 Years, A Crippled Elephant Finally Tastes Freedom and Love
When she finally arrived at the Elephant Nature Park it was dark, but all of the resident elephants came out to greet the new arrival. She was met with loud, welcoming trumpets, followed by curiosity, as all of the elephants touched trunks with her as she walked by.
After Hauling Logs In The Jungle For 20 Years, A Crippled Elephant Finally Tastes Freedom and Love
Some even seemed to be sympathetic as they ran their trunks over her lame foot, proving how intelligent and complex these animals really are.
After Hauling Logs In The Jungle For 20 Years, A Crippled Elephant Finally Tastes Freedom and Love
These days, Kabu leads a restful life and is learning to trust people as they shower her with love and affection.  Lek is full of big plans for her future. “Her new life begins, hope we can help to fix her legs and fix her mental issue.” she says.  
After Hauling Logs In The Jungle For 20 Years, A Crippled Elephant Finally Tastes Freedom and Love
She also has plans to find Kabu’s baby, who was sold to a tourist camp to give elephant rides shortly after birth. Kabu is only one of a few very lucky elephants, who are living proof of how much a little human kindness can go a long way.
elephant Kabu happy in field
elephant Kabu happy in field
If you would like to donate to the Elephant Nature Park information is available on their website of click here. All image source: Elephant Nature Park/Facebook

Meet ‪#‎Rajesh‬! After being abused in a circus for many years, Rajesh was sold to be a begging elephant. Rescued by ‪#‎WildlifeSOS‬ in 2010, our veterinarians began treating his wounds and helped him recover from his traumatic past. Today, Rajesh is a healthy and confident bull elephant who can be seen strutting around ‪#‎ElephantConservationandCareCenter‬ flaunting his tusks for the ladies!
Wildlife S.O.S's photo.
 
 
Thailand Crushes Ivory Stockpile

Thailand takes a stand against ivory trade by crushing 2.1 tonnes of ivory during a ceremony in Bangkok on Aug. 26. AWF has been working in Thailand to discourage consumers from purchasing ivory products, and this step by the Royal Thai Government further reinforces AWF’s position that ivory is only valuable when attached to living elephants.
 
> Read about the crush
 
 
Three elephants in Kruger National Park, South Africa. World Animal Protection believes that wild animals should be left in the wild and not used for our entertainment. Credit: iStock. by Getty Images
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Help protect elephants by stopping the spread of the elephant ride tourism industry 

The situation for elephants in South-East Asia has improved, but in another part of the world, it’s getting worse. Since the beginning of this year, I have asked you to help end the elephant tourism industry in South-East Asia, and we have been successful. Over 20 travel companies around the world, including Intrepid Travel and World Expeditions, have stopped offering and promoting elephant rides or shows to their customers, but I have sad news to report. Wildlife entertainment attractions are now spreading somewhere else - in southern Africa - and the cruelty of this “entertainment” is having a devastating impact on the lives of hundreds of elephants. Currently, 215 captive elephants are being used as props for selfies or forced to perform tricks, in addition to giving rides. 
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Captive wild African elephants, stolen from their mothers at birth or born into captivity, are forced to suffer an intensive breaking process. The first stage of this horrific process involves restraining a baby elephant with chains or rope, forcing them to only move when commanded. If that doesn’t break his or her spirit then the elephant is beaten with a metal bullhook, wooden batten or whip. If he or she still does not obey their trainer, they are isolated and deprived of food and water. With a gift of as little as $25, you help us educate tourists, tour operators, local stakeholders and decision-makers, helping to end exploitive elephant tourism experiences. 

We Need Your Help to Protest Kaavan's Neglectful Conditions!

Thanks to you all, Kaavan has finally been unchained from his shed, however, the Marghazar Zoo still refuses to let him go to a sanctuary. While we are happy Kaavan is finally able to stretch his legs, he remains in the Marghazar Zoo where he is solitarily confined to a small length of grass with a dirty plaster pond. He suffers from behavioral issues from his years of trauma and neglect. Worst of all, his enclosure is made of flimsy chainlink, not secure enough to hold him in. Kaavan had broken out of this inadequate enclosure in 1992, and was consequently chained full time for the next two decades as a result. If he breaks out again, he becomes a public safety hazard, and that would most likely mean another lifetime of chains for him. Things are not looking good: yesterday, he broke the gate of his enclosure with just his trunk. He needs to be sent to a secure and competent sanctuary. 


Time is running out for Kaavan and we want to make a big move to show the CDA that we are are serious about getting Kaavan to sanctuary! October 3rd is March for Elephants day, and we are launching a Worldwide protest in Kaavan's name!

We need your help in freeing Kaavan! On this day everyone around the world can gather at their local Pakistan Embassy or any permissible public place to protest/raise awareness about the neglect and abuse inflicted on Kaavan! No matter how big or small it is, every protest is infinitely important in saving Kaavan!
Here is the link to the event:https://www.facebook.com/events/354190371421432/

Anyone around the world can help by making their own protest, it's pretty simple and easy! Make a Facebook event and gather friends in your local Pakistan Embassy or any permissible public place on October 3rd! If they are required, do make sure you get necessary permits for your demonstration!

Again, every protest makes a difference BIG OR SMALL! There is a real risk that if the CDA sees that we do not have many protests, they will dismiss this issue and Kaavan will be stuck in the zoo forever. However, if we can show the CDA a good number of protests for Kaavan from people all over the world we have a fighting chance!

As part of your protest:
-You can make posters for Kaavan, who was chained for 28 years and is still stuck solitarily in a inadequate enclosure. 
-Keep a laptop on hand so that you can share our petition.
-Please raise awareness about Kaavan in your protest and pass out flyers about his story!

PLEASE send ALL PHOTOS of your protest to our facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/kaavantheelephant

If you want we can also publicize your protest on our Free Kaavan Facebook page if you send us the link to your Facebook event!

We plan to compile all protest photos and send them to the CDA to show them just how many people are raising their voices for Kaavan!

PLEASE SEND us your protest photos so we can show CDA just how many people want Kaavan to be free!

In addition to the protest please continue to spread the word about Kaavan through social media like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

One of our supporters has made this incredible tweet sheet which allows you to tweet at all relevant public figures in less than two minutes! Please use this!
https://sites.google.com/site/unchainkaavanfreehimnow/

In addition contact World Wildlife Fund: Islamabad and voice your concerns about Kaavan!
Tel: 051 227 0020-3
Fax: 051 227 0029
E-mail: islamabad@wwf.org.pk 

Thanks so much for your compassion and support for Kaavan! He is our elephant now, and we need to continue to be his voice!
Photos from Free Kaavan the Elephant's... - Free Kaavan the Elephant | Facebook

Photos from Free Kaavan the Elephant's... - Free Kaavan the Elephant | Facebook

Free Kaavan the Elephant posted this photo on 2015-09-23. 13 likes. 6 comments. 0 shares.
HTTP://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM

The breaking process typically lasts for one week, but the trauma stays with elephants for the rest of their lives. And the cruelty does not end with the breaking process. Captivity prevents elephants from establishing natural social relationships, hugely damaging to their physical and psychological wellbeing. Captive elephants are typically given little veterinary care so a relatively minor illness can quickly become a big problem, causing unnecessary long-term suffering.

With wild African elephants still heavily poached for their ivory and increased habitat loss, southern Africa’s wild elephant populations are at their lowest.  By helping to end the elephant tourism industry, you play a role in restoring elephants back into the wild. Please make a gift today.



Support the Ban on Elephant Ivory


California lawmakers pass sweeping ivory ban to curb elephant poaching.


Hoping to discourage the alarming killing of African elephants, the state Senate on Wednesday voted to ban the sale of old elephant ivory and rhinoceros horn.

California made it illegal to sell ivory in 1977, but state law still permits the sale of older ivory imported more than four decades ago. If signed into law, Assembly Bill 96 would close that loophole and deter more poaching, says Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins, D-San Diego.


"This species loss is unsustainable, and African elephants are being poached at a higher rate than they are being born, which will result in their extinction," said Atkins, the legislation's primary sponsor. Strengthening enforcement against the illegal ivory trade will "help put an end to poaching," she said.


A Thai official holds a seized elephant tusk to be displayed before its destruction in Bangkok, Thailand, on Aug. 26, 2015.

A Thai official holds a seized elephant tusk to be displayed before its destruction in Bangkok, Thailand, on Aug. 26, 2015. (Sakchai Lalit/Associated Press)
The nation's most populous state drew international attention in 2013 with its effort to reduce the killing of millions of sharks in the Pacific Ocean by banning the sale of their fins, a popular delicacy in Chinese restaurants.

The Senate approved Atkins' bill on a 26-13 vote over the objections of critics who said it won't be effective as long as sales of old ivory products are still permitted in other states and countries.


"This is nothing more than feel-good legislation that is basically going to make criminals of law-abiding citizens in California," said Sen. Jeff Stone, R-Temecula.


Sen. Ricardo Lara, D-Bell Gardens, fired back at that claim, noting that Democrats are the ones trying to safeguard elephants, the symbol of the Republican Party. "We are seeing a poaching crisis that has the potential to influence an entire species of elephants and rhinos," he said.


The measure includes exemptions for musical instruments made before 1975 that are less than 20 percent ivory; antiques over 100 years old that are less than 5 percent ivory; and sales of imports of ivory for educational or scientific purposes if the item was acquired before 1991.


Owners of ivory would be given until July 1, 2016, to sell it. After that, sales would be a misdemeanor, with fines of up to $50,000 and a year in jail.


The bill has been championed by zoos, museums and environmentalists. But it's been opposed by the National Rifle Association and many hunting groups, which are concerned that some antique guns containing ivory will be outlawed. Merchants in San Francisco and Los Angeles Chinatowns also are worried the ban could hurt their businesses.


The Assembly has already approved the bill, but it must now approve the amended measure once more before it heads to Gov. Jerry Brown for his consideration. Brown has not taken a public position on the bill. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Contact Jessica Calefati at 916-441-2101. Follow her at Twitter.com/Calefati.


Help free Kaavan the elephant from 28 years of solitary confinement.

I came across Kaavan the Elephant while visiting the Murghazar Zoo in Islamabad, Pakistan. Kaavan was all alone, as he has been for the 28 years he’s been at this zoo. His legs were chained up to limit where he could move in his enclosure. But that didn’t seem to matter because for the entire time I was there Kaavan didn’t move. The only thing that moved was his head, as it bobbed repetitively from right and left, a behavior known as "weaving" which elephants adopt in response to stress and depression.
He cut a small, solitary figure against the backdrop of his shed, it was a sorry site. Despite his obvious discomfort, the zoo claims that Kaavan is used to his enclosure and doesn't mind it.
Kaavan needs our help. If enough of us put pressure on Pakistani authorities, we can get Kaavan released to an elephant sanctuary. The global outcry has already resulted in the government ordering the zoo to remove Kaavan’s chains.
Zoos such as this one rob elephants of their most basic needs. In the wild, elephants are active for 18 hours and roam up to 30 miles a day. They live in social herds, and form deep bonds with one another. Nothing even close is being offered to Kaavan at the Murghazar Zoo.
There isn't much time left, Kaavan already has gangrene susceptible gashes on his feet from the chains. Kaavan’s predecessor was Saheli, donated to the zoo by the Sri Lankan government. She died from gangrene and neglect. I don’t want the same fate to befall Kaavan, especially after a lifetime of solitude. It doesn’t have to. Together, we can give Kaavan the life he deserves. 

LETTER TO
Chairman, Capital Development Authority, Islamabad Pakistan Chairman CDA
Born Free Foundation Marc
Born Free CEO

and 2 others

Chris
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)
Send Kaavan to an elephant sanctuary after 28 years of solitary confinement in Pakistan's Murghazar Zoo.





Baby Godoma is rescued! ...it was close to nightfall by the time she arrived at the Nairobi Nursery with a carefully prepared stable awaiting her arrival. She cried much of the night, missing her lost family enormously but with the reassuring company of the rest of the Nursery orphans along with loving tender attention from her keepers she… read more: www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/www.faceb­ook.com/thedswt

Urge Travelzoo to Stop Promoting UniverSoul Elephant Abuse.

Elephants Sitting back Universoul Cindy Asian Ele (4)


In their natural habitats, tigers don’t jump through hoops and elephants don’t engage in confusing and sometimes painful tricks—at the circus, they do these things because they are afraid of what will happen if they don’t. Animals used in UniverSoul Circus shows are no exception, and exhibitors hired by UniverSoul have lengthy histories of abuse and public-safety violations. UniverSoul has even worked with Hugo Liebel, who has been racking up Animal Welfare Act violations concerning his treatment of the ailing elephant Nosey for two decades, and Carson & Barnes Circus, whose trainers were caught on video using blowtorches and electric prods on elephants. In addition to the cruelty inherent in animal acts, two elephants currently on the road with UniverSoul—Betty and Bo, who are exhibited by Larry Carden—have yielded over five years of reactive tuberculosis (TB) tests, suggesting that they might carry the disease. These elephants risk exposing arena and circus workers, members of the public, and other animals to TB.

Please ask Travelzoo to stop promoting the cruel UniverSoul Circus and to enact a policy banning promotions of animal acts immediately—then forward this alert widely!

Send polite comments to:
  • Ralph Bartel, Director and Chief Talent Officer
    Travelzoo Inc.
    590 Madison Ave., 37th Fl.
    New York, NY 10022
    rbartel@travelzoo-inc.com
  • Christopher Loughlin, Chief Executive Officer
    Travelzoo Inc.
    590 Madison Ave., 37th Fl.
    New York, NY 10022
    cloughlin@travelzoo.com
  • Glen Ceremony, Chief Financial Officer
    Travelzoo Inc.
    590 Madison Ave., 37th Fl.
    New York, NY 10022
    gceremony@travelzoo.com
Please also call Travelzoo’s customer service department at 877-665-0000, option 4, and ask the company to stop promoting animal acts.

A mother lion will stop at nothing to make sure her cub survives – and so will we. That's why we need 250 supporters like you to make a monthly pledge to save these animals from being ruthlessly slaughtered.

JOIN NOW
Why do we need your support 12 times a year?
Because:

100 elephants are gunned down by poachers every day.
Almost 60 rhinos are killed for their horns each month.
Lions like Cecil are massacred, only to become hunting trophies.
Right now, humans are the biggest threat to these animals. We need to be their solution, or it will be too late.

Justice for Beloved Elephant Murdered for His Tusks
Target: Indonesian Attorney-General HM Prasetyo

Petition: Click Here To Sign This Petition, It Takes a few Seconds tops!

Goal: Severely punish the hunter who killed Yongki, the endangered Sumatran elephant, and ripped out his tusks.

Just when Cecil the lion’s murder is beginning to blow over, yet another amazing and innocent creature has been murdered. Yongki, an endangered Sumatran elephant, who helped patrol Indonesian jungles to protect threatened habitats has been murdered for his tusks.

He was found dead with his tusks cut off and with bloody stumps in their place in a national park camp where he lived on the island of Sumatra. Yongki was a sweet creature who worked well with elephant keepers in the national park by being involved in patrols that help reduce tensions of wild elephants stampeding through villages. Yongki’s patrolling also helped rangers look out for illegal logging and poaching that threaten the Indonesian rainforests.

The Sumatran elephants are endangered, with estimates that there are less than 3,000 left in the wild. The creatures are a target of poachers because of their tusks, which hold a high value because of their use in traditional Chinese medicine. Its not yet known how Yongki was murdered, but his tongue was blue when he was found, leading officials to believe he may have been poisoned.

Some online activists are calling for enforcing life sentences for hunters of legally protected animals. Regardless, when Yongki’s killer is found, he or she must face the consequences. Urge officials to punish this murderer under the full extent of the law for his or her horrific crime against an innocent animal.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Attorney-General HM Prasetyo,

Yongki, an endangered Sumatran elephant, has been murdered for his tusks. To make the story even sadder, Yongki helped officials to protect villages from wild elephants and to look out for illegal logging and poaching going on in the Indonesian rain forests.

Not only that, but Sumatran elephants are endangered, with 3,000 or less left in the wild. At this rate, we cannot afford to lose them, even just one. It’s ridiculous that someone would commit such a heinous crime over tusks.

I am deeply saddened by the murder of this sweet, helpful creature and hope that his murderer sees justice. I urge you to punish this murderer under the full extent of the law for their horrific crime against an innocent animal.

Sincerely,


[Your Name Here]



Elephants are the one of the most iconic and intelligent animals in the world.

But in the wake of extensive killings, their days might be numbered.
We’re racing against the clock. We need urgent action to win this race against time. Passing our ballot initiative on November 3rd, 2015 will help us win that race.

Will you chip in $5 or more now to help us end the worldwide slaughter of elephants?

$5 >> $35 >>
$50 >> $100 >>
$250 >> Other >>

We only have 41 days left until our election.

That means time is running out to end to the purchase, sale, and distribution of products made from elephants and 9 other endangered animals in Washington state -- and set a model for the nation.

If we want to keep these majestic elephants from going extinct, it is VITAL that we take action immediately!

Click here to donate $5 or more to help prevent elephants from becoming an extinct species.



Thanks for your support