Happy, a 51-year-old Asian elephant, was captured from the wild in the early 1970s. She was shipped to the US, arriving at the Bronx Zoo in 1977.

She is one of two Asian elephants living in captivity at the zoo – they are kept in separate enclosures and can only touch each other through a fence with their trunks. Throughout the ’80s, the elephants were forced to give rides at the zoo, perform tricks, and participate in tug-of-war competitions.

Nonhuman Rights Project (NhRP) – a nonprofit defending the civil rights of elephants, dolphins, great apes, and whales – is campaigning for Happy’s release. The organization insists that Happy’s captivity mimics that of solitary confinement, and robs the animal of her right to express her natural instincts.

This is especially concerning given the species’ high intelligence and sociability, NhRP says. In the wild, Asian elephants form complex relationships that last a lifetime, often working together to raise their children.

In fact, female Asian elephants are considered “social butterflies” with numerous friendships that stay intact even after long periods of separation.

NhRP also notes that in 2005, Happy became the first elephant to pass a mirror self-recognition test, which researchers say indicates self-awareness.

Elephant rights

NhRP first filed a petition against the Bronx Zoo in 2018. The charity asked the court, on the grounds of habeas corpus, to grant Happy her “common law right to bodily liberty.”

This, according to the charity, would require the immediate release of the senior animal to an elephant sanctuary “so as to prevent future unlawful deprivations of her liberty and allow her to exercise her autonomy to the greatest degree possible.”

Elephant researcher Joyce Poole says keeping elephants confined “prevents them from engaging in normal, autonomous behavior and can result in the development of arthritis, osteoarthritis, osteomyelitis, boredom and stereotypical behavior.”

“Held in isolation elephants become bored, depressed, aggressive, catatonic and fail to thrive,” Poole added.

The Bronx Zoo responds

The Bronx Zoo, which opened its gates in 1899, has a different perspective. In a statement released on May 18, the zoo accused NhRP of “blatantly exploiting” Happy to “advance their coordinated agenda.”

And, that the nonprofit is “willing to sacrifice Happy’s health and psychological well-being to set precedent.” The zoo cautioned that should the NhRP win the case, there may be a surge of legal actions brought forward on behalf of animals in zoos.

The Bronx Zoo concludes that Happy – like all of its 4,000 animals – is, like her namesake, happy.

The facility is no stranger to controversy. In 2018, the Bronx Zoo ranked #1 on the 10 Worst Zoos for Elephants. It was the eighth time the zoo had appeared on the list.

Happy has received coverage of her own, featuring in a New York Post piece about her “sad life alone at the Bronx Zoo.” There, the publication said, “Happy spends most of her time indoors in a large holding facility lined with elephant cages, which are about twice the length of the animals’ bodies.

“The public never sees this.”

The New York Court of Appeals heard arguments for and against Happy’s release last week. The court is expected to announce its decision in the next four to six weeks.

The post Landmark Court Case Could Grant ‘Happy’ The Elephant Human Rights appeared first on Plant Based News.

The review draws attention to neuroscientific research, delivering a damning conclusion: elephants living in unnatural captive environments suffer from captivity-caused brain damage.

Ricky Gervais, vegan animal rights advocate and celebrity comedian, is calling for all elephants to be released to accredited sanctuaries where they can live a more natural life.

“Elephants are sensitive, emotional, and highly intelligent beings — seeing them suffer mentally and physically behind bars is heartbreaking,” said Gervais.

The #1 worst zoo of 2021

Edmonton Valley Zoo in Alberta, Canada, has been identified as the worst zoo of 2021. The facility has held 46-year-old Asian elephant Lucy in solitary confinement for the past 15 years. 

Bob Jacobs, Ph.D., professor of neuroscience and lead author of Putative neural consequences of captivity for elephants and cetaceans, summarized the findings. 

“Decades of neuroscience research shows that an impoverished brain is a damaged brain. Whether it is the 10 Worst Zoos or the ten best, all zoos are detrimental to elephants’ brains and cause physical and mental suffering,” said Jacobs. 

Captivity and ‘neural cruelty’

According to Jacobs, captivity leads to neural cruelty, which negatively impacts the hippocampus, which handles memory, and the center of the brain that processes emotions. This essentially leads to repetitive stereotypic behaviours that many animals adopt in captivity – crippling their social, mental, and neural needs.

Despite the fact that these zoos hold relevant accreditations by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), and the Canadian equivalent (CAZA), the gold standard for zoos, they fail to provide an adequate duty of care for the elephants, In Defense of Animals says.

In fact, the organization found evidence of neural cruelty in every zoo on this year’s list – and also in every other zoo with elephants to various degrees. 

Gervais is encouraging the public to join him together, with In Defense of Animals, to call for the end of elephant captivity. He said: “I personally urge all zoos on the 10 Worst Zoos list to urgently retire elephants to accredited sanctuaries so they may live their lives with dignity.”

The post Ricky Gervais Calls For Urgent Release Of All Elephants From Zoos appeared first on Plant Based News.

Senator Marty Klyne formally introduced the bill, called the Jane Goodall Act, yesterday.

The proposed legislation seeks to completely phase out elephant captivity in Canada, including the import and breeding of the species.

This move could have a far-reaching impact, given elephant populations are struggling. In part, due to human interference, such as ivory trading.

Last year, the African savanna elephant and African forest elephant were classified as endangered and critically endangered, respectively. The Asian elephant is also classified as endangered, with its population halving in the last 75 years.

The Jane Goodall Act, if implemented, would also outlaw the ownership, breeding, and possession of a multitude of other exotic animals, thwarting the business models of many zoos.

The number of zoos operating in Canada today is unclear, but Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) – a private organization representing animal entertainment facilities – has 26 animal parks, aquariums, and other attractions on its accreditation list at the time of writing.

Additionally, under the proposed act, private individuals who attempt to keep wild animals in captivity would also be greeted with legal obstacles.

Big cats, bears, great apes, whales, dolphins, coyotes, wolves, seals, sea lions, alligators, crocodiles, and several types of exotic lizards and snakes all receive protections under the act.

Further, the bill would allow the federal government to more easily restrict the captivity of additional species in the future.

“The Jane Goodall Act would protect a broad array of large, sentient animals like lions, tigers, bears, and apes from suffering unnatural conditions inside tiny enclosures,” said Camille Labchuk, lawyer and executive director of Animal Justice .

“Polls show that most Canadians are opposed to confining animals in zoos and aquariums, and this important new law takes a giant leap toward improving saving countless animals from a lifetime of suffering in captivity.”

Indeed, a poll conducted by Research Co. in 2019 found that more than half (52 percent) of Canadians were against keeping animals in zoos or aquariums. Moreover, 59 percent said they oppose animal involvement in rodeos.

A ‘global leader’ in animal protection

Labchuk continued: “The bill would also offer animals limited legal standing to animals in some court proceedings. If adopted, this precedent-setting move would make Canada a global leader in ensuring the courts are able to consider the best interests of individual animals.”

The bill, backed by Dame Goodall herself, was first introduced in November 2020, and has since been updated to include more species.

The proposed legislation takes inspiration from the Free Willy Act (Bill S-203). That act, passed in 2019, aimed to phase out the captivity, breeding, and trade of whales and dolphins.

Staff lawyer at Animal Justice, Kaitlyn Mitchell, expects that the Jane Goodall Act will move through the legislative process in the coming months. Amendments may be made during the committee stage, she said to Plant Based News, and if all goes to plan, the bill will then be considered in the House of Commons.

Mitchell told us: “We believe that just like the ‘Free Willy bill’ before it, which aimed to phase out whale and dolphin captivity across Canada, the Jane Goodall Act will have the support of the Canadian public, and are optimistic that it will ultimately become law in Canada.”

Those interested can show their support for the Jane Goodall Act by signing this online petition.

The post New Bill Seeks To Protect Wild Animals From Captivity In Canada appeared first on Plant Based News.

The ‘Mysterious Girl’ star came under fire from animal advocates.

Peter Andre

Andre revealed in his New! column that he was sent a letter from PETA. It came after he posted a video of his daughter Princess whilst on holiday in Portugal this month.

According to the organization, the practice of swimming with the animals is ‘traumatic’, as they’re taken from the wild and placed in confined conditions.

Whilst it had been a ‘dream’ of his daughter’s, Andre said hadn’t considered the ethical implications that came along with it, The Mirror reported.

The original video, which has since been deleted, shows a shocked Princess burst into tears in shock following the dream surprise.

Peter vs. PETA

According to the outlet, he wrote: “It was a case of Peter vs PETA recently after I revealed I had edited footage of Princess swimming with dolphins in Portugal when I was contacted by them.”

However, the organization wasn’t ‘necessarily having a go’, he added,

Andre continued: “Initially, I just thought, ‘wouldn’t this be a brilliant experience for my daughter as it’s her dream?

“But when PETA sent me a letter, I realised the extent of the damage done to dolphins in captivity. You can either turn a blind eye or become educated and spread the word so everyone else is aware.”

‘I’m not going to get everything right every time’, he added, and accepted he had ‘made a mistake’.

The post Singer Peter Andre Under Fire For Video Of Daughter Swimming With Dolphins appeared first on Plant Based News.

All 12 stingray ‘residents’ in the 16,000-gallon tank at ZooTampa were found dead this week. 

Stingray die-off

Some staff had noticed the rays acting ‘strangely’, but within the hour all of them were dead.

They were housed in a saltwater tank named Stingray Bay, where they resided with no other species. Moreover, visitors were able to reach in and touch them as part of the exhibit.

The worrying discovery prompted the launch of an investigation, which will involve a toxicology report to determine whether they were poisoned. 

Moreover, staff will test the temperature, quality, oxygen, and pH levels of the water.

However, in a statement, ZooTampa claimed the conditions were ‘optimal’. 

ZooTampa

Senior Vice President Of Animal Conservation And Education at ZooTampa is Dr. Cynthia Stringfield.

She told the Tampa Bay Times: “We are emotionally exhausted. It’s like a day out of your nightmare, pretty much…We’re really focused on trying to get to the bottom of what happened.”

Following the deaths, the enclosure will be closed for ‘several’ weeks, whilst the investigation is taking place.

In a Facebook post, ZooTampa said: “Please keep our team in your thoughts – every professional here loves the animals we care for, and any loss is a difficult one. Thank you for your support.”

Zoo ethics

Many compare keeping animals in captivity inside zoos to isolation conditions following COVID-19 restrictions.

One of them is the vegan Formula 1 champion, Lewis Hamilton.

On Instagram, he said: “If you are home on lockdown, perhaps you can feel a little of what the animals in captivity go through every day, their entires lives stopped from them.:

The post Florida Zoo Launches Investigation After Entire Tank Of Stingrays Found Dead appeared first on Plant Based News.

Formula One champion and vegan advocate Lewis Hamilton has called for the release of captive cetaceans in a recent Instagram story.

The professional racer shared an infographic from the non-profit Dolphin Project that read ‘Your captivity is temporary. Theirs isn’t’.

He captioned the image: “Join me in giving voice to the captive cetaceans. It’s time we empty the tanks,” – with a swipe up link to Empty The Tanks Worldwide’s website.

‘Selfies for Cetaceans’

Due to the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, Empty The Tanks Worldwide has created an online campaign titled ‘Selfies for Cetaceans’.

The charities are calling on the public to take a photograph with the posters they’ve created and upload the image on social media with the hashtag #SelfiesForCetaceans – as well as making a donation to the Bali Dolphin Sanctuary.

View this post on Instagram

Join us virtually on Saturday May 9th by posting a selfie with the #SelfiesForCetaceans tag and challenge your friends to do the same! ??Find free downloadable signs, masks and props by going to the link in our bio!? #EmptyTheTanks #Orca #ThanksButNoTanks

A post shared by Empty The Tanks Worldwide (@emptythetanksworldwide) on May 5, 2020 at 10:15am PDT

Covid-19 lockdown

Earlier this year, Hamilton said the Covid-19 lockdown has shown people how animals living in captivity feel.

“If you are home on lockdown, perhaps you can feel a little of what the animals in captivity go through every day, their entires lives stopped from them,” the star said.

“In future, please don’t go to any zoos or circuses because this is what our money goes to supporting #NoMoreZoos #Freedom.”

You can find out more about the Selfies For Cetaceans campaign here

The post Lewis Hamilton Says It’s ‘Time We Empty The Tanks’ In Anti-Captivity Post appeared first on Plant Based News.

Celebrity actor Diane Keaton has backed The Big Cat Public Safety Act, HR1380, following the controversial Netflix show Tiger King.

If passed, the legislation would prohibit the private ownership or commerce of big cats and make it illegal for regulated exhibitors to allow public contact with cubs.

‘Immediate action’

Keaton, along with Hollywood star Maggie Q and animal-protection group Social Compassion In Legislation (SCIL) recently held a conference call with the author of the legislation Congressman Mike Quigley regarding his bill which is discussed in the Netflix series.

The call aimed to build support for the legislation and engage in targeted direct advocacy in Washington to effectively push Congress to take action on the bill- which will be after the ‘immediate action’ needed to address coronavirus (COVID 19) pandemic.

‘A public health issue’

In a statement sent to Plant Based News, Keaton said: “Now is the time to end animal cruelty. Exotic Animals that are kept for private use are not only a public health issue but also endanger the lives of first responders.”

Judie Mancuso, Founder and President of Social Compassion in Legislation added: “We are so fortunate to have our board members standing up and shining a light on the problem of personal ownership of these magnificent animals

“It is important for the public to understand that exploiters like Joe Exotic put profit over the welfare of the animals. They will breed and breed to keep the baby tiger photo ops rolling, but do not care what happens to those animals once they are sold to whoever is willing to pay for them or dispose of them before they get too big.”

The organization also criticized the show for not ‘highlighting’ how the sanctuary run by Carole Baskin did ‘not breed and do not allow the animals to interact with humans’. 

The post Diane Keaton Backs ‘Big Cat Public Safety Act’ Following Controversial Show ‘Tiger King’ appeared first on Plant Based News.

Colchester Zoo in Essex, England says it ‘may be forced to permanently close’ due to the coronavirus (COVID 19) lockdown.

The tourist attraction, which is one of the most popular zoos in England, is said to cost more than £25,000 per day to run – and is struggling to ‘survive’ as it remains shut to the public.

‘The future is bleak’

“As we are in the unknown of how long we will be closed, it is very painful to say but the future is very bleak,” a spokesperson for the zoo told Essex Live.

“It is heartbreaking to say but the realistic answer is that yes, there is every possibility that the zoo may be forced to permanently close if we cannot reach the finances that we will need if we are to be closed until September or even later.

“The management and staff here are part of the effort to first survive until we can re-open, then stabilize, the next stage will be to then prosper and continue the very ambitious plan to keep Colchester Zoo at the very top, where we always strive towards.”

Colchester zoo has not commented what will happen to the animals living in captivity if it does permanently shut. 

‘Don’t go to any zoos’

Many people have compared self-isolating to animals being kept in captivity, including Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton.

“If you are home on lockdown, perhaps you can feel a little of what the animals in captivity go through every day, their entires lives stopped from them,” the star said on Instagram.

“In the future, please don’t go to any zoos or circuses because this is what our money goes to supporting #NoMoreZoos #Freedom.”

The post Major UK Zoo ‘May Be Forced To Permanently Close’ Due To Coronavirus Lockdown appeared first on Plant Based News.

Self-isolating is crucial in flattening the curve and preventing the coronavirus (COVID 19) outbreak from spreading. And whilst all of us may be getting bored and running out of Netflix shows to binge on, at least this is only temporary.

The reality is many animals are forced into isolation for their whole lives, often to serve humans as a means of entertainment. So here are five images of animals in captivity that may make you rethink how hard our self-isolation actually is.

All of these images are taken by Jo-Anne McArthur from We Animals. You can purchase her book Captive and We Animals*

This brown bear was captured back in 2016 at a zoo in Denmark. If it wasn’t for these entertainment venues, this awe-inspiring animal would be roaming through the forests and mountains of northern North America, Europe, or Asia.

A dolphin made to perform, pictured in front of a child in France, back in 2017. Most entertainment venues including SeaWorld have been closed during the coronavirus pandemic. 

A Humboldt penguin pictured alone at the Pata Mall in Thailand, 2008. The zoo has been described as a ‘nightmare for animals’ as it located on the top floor of a shopping mall.

 A white fox pictured at an unknown fur farm in Europe back in 2012. These beautiful animals are often slaughtered for their fur, and made into coats, scarves, and rugs.

Kiska, a lone orca, pictured at Marineland in Canada back in 2011. Kiska was wild caught off the coast of Iceland in 1979. Today, she still lives alone in ‘Friendship Cove’. 

*We’re all about transparency, which is why we’re letting you know we may earn an affiliate commission through a small selection of content we release, which is now a common media practice. You can read out Affiliate Link Policy here

The post 5 Images Of Animals In Forced Isolation To Make You Rethink #StayAtHome appeared first on Plant Based News.