Officially established in 1998, Animals Asia campaigns for improved conditions and rights for various species across Asia. It operates award-winning sanctuaries in Vietnam and China (and is the only organization with a bear sanctuary in the latter).

These sanctuaries are home to hundreds of bears who were rescued from the bile trade.

What is bile farming?

In order to extract bile from their gallbladders, bears are subject to invasive, painful procedures. The bile, thought to have healing properties, is used in traditional Chinese medicine. It also appears in some household products like shampoo and toothpaste.

Demand for bile products comes predominantly from Asia, but such items are also found in Australia, Canada, and the US.

According to Animals Asia, the “cruel” trade is a source of “extreme suffering” for thousands of bears across the world’s largest and most populous continent.

One of the most “humane” bile extraction methods involves creating a permanent open passage in the animals’ gallbladder via their abdomen. The surgery – rarely performed by a veterinarian – often results in infections, many of which become fatal.

The way the animals are housed is similarly disturbing, the charity says. Bears are permanently kept in metal cages; many are so small that bears are left unable to turn around or stand on all fours.

Some bears are caged as cubs, and held captive for up to 30 years.

Rescuing bears from bile farms

Animals Asia has rescued 640 bears from the trade to date. With its bear rescue center in Tam Dao, Vietnam, approaching capacity, the nonprofit has announced a new sanctuary that will take in all of the remaining farmed bears in Vietnam.

The 12-hectare sanctuary, situated in the mountainous surroundings of the Bach Ma National Park, will be unveiled tomorrow (May 27). And when all farmed bears in Vietnam are freed and released into the sanctuary, the country’s bear bile trade will officially be history.

“This is a proud moment for humanity, Animals Asia, Vietnam, and our supporters around the
world”, commented Animals Asia founder and CEO Jill Robinson. “Together, in collaboration with the Vietnam government, we bring about this milestone in protecting wildlife across the country.”

In 2017, Animals Asia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Vietnamese government, committing to the closure of all bear farms in Vietnam.

The MOU outlined an agreement between the two parties, which would see them working together to free the then-1,000 animals who were still in the industry.

Speaking on the new sanctuary, Robinson added: “Today we show that courage, empathy, tenacity, and determination have brought about significant change, as we step up and demonstrate the way forward in helping to save the world’s vulnerable species.”

Celebrity support

A wealth of high-profile names have thrown their support behind Animals Asia and its efforts, including Dame Judi Dench, Alan Cumming, Stephen Fry, James Cromwell, Slash, Kesha, and Peter Egan.

Actors Tara Buck (True Blood), Torrey DeVitto (The Vampire Diaries, Chicago Med), and Marina Squerciati (Chicago P.D) are all in Vietnam to celebrate the unveiling of the sanctuary. They’re joined by television personality Josh Packham (Love Island), photographer Katarina
Benzova, and actor Tang Thanh Ha (Mỹ Nhân Kế).

In a video seen by Plant Based News, Ricky Gervais (who just donated £142,414.47 to Animals Asia), asked the public to “stand by them in this mission” and “raise their paw for the moon bear.”

Dr. Jane Goodall offered her “warm congratulations” to the nonprofit. “Animals Asia is ending bear bile farming in Vietnam,” she said. “To protect these beautiful moon bears, please help Animals Asia build this last bear sanctuary and make sure that in Vietnam, there will be no bear left behind.”

The post Vietnam’s Bile Trade Will Soon Be History As Last 310 Bears Are Rescued appeared first on Plant Based News.

The menu is a collaboration between vegan restaurateur Matthew Kenney and KBW Ventures, a mission-driven investment firm founded by environmentalist Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed of Saudi Arabia.

Focusing on ‘innovative’ culinary concepts

The multi-course menu is available at the hotel’s Après Spa Café and is said to focus on innovative creations inspired by a range of global culinary concepts – with an added Qatari touch. 

The menu boasts a selection of appetizers and entrées, including green papaya salad made with basil, cilantro, and spinach leaves, and topped with cashew dressing; and truffle pizza with Tuscan kale, wild mushrooms, cashew truffle cream, and lemon vinaigrette.

Chef Kenney has also crafted a selection of vegan desserts for the hotel, offering a combination of treats made from orange, chocolate, coconuts, banana, and cocoa.

“My mission has always been to empower, inspire and influence others to cultivate a healthy and conscious way of life through plant-based cuisine,” explained Kenney.

“Bringing vibrant food that is equal parts delicious, nutritious and sustainable to Four Seasons Doha is the latest milestone in our conquest to change the way the world thinks about food.”

Increased plant-based offerings in time for the World Cup

The menu has launched ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which will take place in Qatar later this year. As one of the five host cities, Doha is expected to attract a large number of tourists from across the world.

In a recent press release, Prince Khaled said, “It is fitting that Folia, crafted to appeal to palates that have eaten the finest in healthy cuisine, is being presented at Four Seasons Hotel Doha now that Qatar is preparing to welcome the world for one of the biggest sporting events in history.”

He continued, “I look forward to seeing the Qatari plant-based dining scene elevated with Chef Kenney’s inspired dishes.”

The post Chef Matthew Kenney And Prince Khaled Bring Vegan Dining To Four Seasons, Qatar appeared first on Plant Based News.

Are you a hosting a feast fit for a queen? Then this gorgeous Victoria sponge cake featuring Plenish Oat Milk has your name all over it!

Duration55 mins

Cook Time45 mins

Prep Time10 mins

Servings12 people

Ingredients

SPONGE

• 370 ml Plenish Oat Milk
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 330 g self raising flour
• 1 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp flaked sea salt
• 150 g vegan block butter soft
• 220 g golden caster sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

FILLING / TOPPING

• 250 ml / 1 cup vegan whipping cream we used Elmlea plant
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 – 2 tbsp icing sugar to taste
• 6 tbsp strawberry or raspberry jam
• 400 g fresh strawberries halved or quartered

Instructions

METHOD

• Preheat the oven to 350°F / 180°C / 160 fan. Line the bottom of two non-stick 20 cm cake pans with parchment paper. Grease the parchment and sides of the tins with vegan butter.
• Combine the oat milk and apple cider vinegar in a glass jug and microwave for 30 seconds until just warm. This will create a kind of vegan buttermilk.
• Sift the self raising flour into a mixing bowl and add the baking soda and salt. Mix to combine.
• Add the soft butter and sugar to a stand mixer and beat until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Option to use an electric hand whisk if you prefer.
• Once whipped, fold in about 1/3 of the oat milk mixture and 1/3 of the flour mix. Use a spatula to combine. Repeat twice more until both the mixes are used up. Fold through the vanilla extract. NOTE: doing it in stages will prevent the batter clumping. Do not over mix as this will make the sponge denser.
• Divide the mixture between the two tins and bake until a toothpick comes out clean, about 30-35 minutes. Allow the cakes to cool down in the tins for 15 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to fully cool.

FILLING / TOPPING

• Using a stand mixer or electric whisk, whip chilled vegan whipping cream until thick.
• When the cakes are cooled, spread the jam onto the top of one, a few quartered strawberries if you wish, and top with half of the cream. Place the second sponge on top and the rest of the cream.
• Decorate with fresh strawberries and optional sprinkling of icing sugar and / or lemon zest.

If you purchase something through a link on our site, Plant Based News (PBN) may earn a commission, which helps us to provide our free services to millions of people each week. All linked products are vegan, and are curated by the PBN team.

The post Vegan Victoria Sponge Cake appeared first on Plant Based News.

Toss this flavorful vegan pesto with your favorite pasta for a quick weeknight dinner!

Duration21 mins

Cook Time1 min

Prep Time20 mins

Servings6 servings

Ingredients

• 6 cups 90 g of stinging nettles, blanched, squeezed dry, and chopped
• Salted water for blanching the nettles 2 quarts of water mixed with 1 tablespoon of kosher salt
• 1 cup 115 g of walnuts
• 1-2 garlic cloves minced (2 cloves if you really love garlic)
• 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast
• 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon of lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
• 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2-3 tablespoons of water

Instructions

• Deactivate the stinging nettles – In a 4–6-quart pot, bring 2 quarts of water with 1 tablespoon of salt to a rapid boil. Use a gloved hand and tongs to plunge the nettles into the boiling water. Blanch for 60 seconds only. Drain the nettles in a colander and rinse under cold running water. (You can also immerse them into an ice bath, but I find cold water does the trick.) Gather the nettles in your hands (They won’t’ sting, I promise!) and squeeze all the extra water out by forming them into a tidy round ball. Roughly chop the nettles and set aside.
• Make the pesto – Add the walnuts to a food processor (not a blender) and pulse until coarsely ground. Next, add the nettles, garlic, nutritional yeast, lemon juice and zest, salt and pepper. Process until a chunky paste begins to form.
• With the motor running, drizzle in the olive oil. Then slowly add the water. You’re looking for a consistency that is thick enough to spread on a cracker or thin enough to toss with pasta. So, add more or less liquid depending on how thick/thin you like your pesto.
• Sprinkle in a dash of salt and pepper and taste before adding more. You’re looking for a burst of flavor that makes you immediately want to take another bite!

Recipe republished with permission from Carol Clayton AKA Vegetafull. Find the original recipe here.

 

• Store leftover pesto in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
• For vegan pesto pasta, toss with 1 pound of spiral shaped pasta, cooked, like fusilli or rotini and serve with a sprinkling of vegan parmesan cheese!
• If you’re new to stinging nettles, read all about how to make them safe for eating in this blog post here.

The post Vegan Stinging Nettle Pesto appeared first on Plant Based News.

Animal Rebellion, including two ex-RSPCA trustees, met with the RSPCA earlier this month. The meeting was an opportunity to press the charity to take a formal stance against animal farming, and to support a transition to a plant-based system. 

Martin Whybrow is a former RSPCA branch trustee and now a member of the Animal Rebellion group. He said in a press statement, “It is impossible to meet the targets needed to limit global heating without the shift to a plant-based food system.” 

Whybrow continued, “Already, millions of humans and animals are suffering from the effects of extreme climate. It makes total sense for a charity dedicated to animal welfare to join the dots.”

RSPCA’s animal welfare standards

The RSPCA campaigns for the “highest possible standards” of animal welfare during the rearing, transportation, and slaughter of animals.

But the organization permits controversial practices, including the use of gas and maceration for the killing of day-old chicks.

“Done correctly, both methods can offer an effective and humane kill and our welfare standards set strict parameters stating how both of these methods must be carried out to ensure this is the case,” the RSPCA shared in a Tweet.

Advocating for a kinder food system

Animal Rebellion is asking the RSPCA to fulfil its mission statement and support a future where all animals are respected and treated with kindness and compassion. 

“We ask the RSPCA how they can justify caring for dogs and cats while supporting the slaughter of the millions of farmed animals who are killed for food every year in the UK alone,” Animal Rebellion explained.

“Additionally, we ask the RSPCA how they can claim to care for and respect wild animals when they condone an industry that is one of the leading causes of the climate crisis.” 

The animal protection movement intends to continue taking action until “the world sees a food system that centers on climate, animal, and human justice, rather than unsustainable growth.”

The post Former Trustees Urge RSPCA To Reject Animal Farming In Favor Of Plant-Based Systems appeared first on Plant Based News.

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.

An undercover investigator for Mercy for Animals, a non-profit animal protection charity, captured the footage at a contract farm for the supermarket chain.

This comes soon after the charity exposed the names of major retailers that are lagging behind in their efforts to address welfare issues associated with chickens raised for meat.

Aldi is among the companies that ranked the lowest for standard practices in the chicken industry.

Animal cruelty on chicken farms

The hidden-camera footage shows tens of thousands of chickens packed into overcrowded sheds, forced to live in waste-soaked litter for weeks. The investigator also documented countless birds, including day-old chicks, suffering from severe open wounds, twisted necks and beaks, and other serious injuries.

Many of these conditions arise from the way chickens are routinely bred to grow unnaturally large over a short space of time. This inflicts a huge amount of physical and mental stress on the birds.

In the hard-hitting video, workers are seen hurling sick and injured live birds into buckets to die. Some were crushed under the weight of corpses piled on top of them.

In light of the footage, Mercy for Animals is calling on Aldi to adopt meaningful animal welfare standards for all its chicken suppliers. The charity is urging Aldi to undertake the Better Chicken Commitment (BCC), which requires extra space, litter, and lighting, as well as environmental enrichments. 

As a way for individuals to take action, Mercy for Animals encourages eliminating animal products altogether. It states on its Aldi Uncovered website: “We can end this cruel, unsustainable system. By choosing plant-based foods, we can build a food system that is good for animals, people, and our planet.”

The post New Investigation Uncovers Severe Animal Cruelty In Aldi Supply Chain appeared first on Plant Based News.

Kardashian, who has a sizeable 313 million followers on Instagram alone, joined Beyond Meat as the company’s first Chief Taste Consultant.

The partnership will see the A-lister promoting “her favorite Beyond Meat products” with recipes and creative content, according to a press release.

She will also feature in the Beyond Meat newsletter.

“I’ve been focusing on going more plant-based and can tell you that Beyond Meat is my absolute favorite – I love how all their products not only taste amazing but are also good for me and my family,” Kardashian said in a statement. She added that her four children are “obsessed” with her Beyond Beef taco recipe, the Beyond Burger, and Beyond Chicken Tenders.

“As my fans know, my fridge and freezer are fully stocked with Beyond Meat’s products.”

Celebrity influence

Kardashian added that she’s “thrilled” by the collaboration, and “really inspired” by Beyond Meat’s mission.

“[I] love that they are not only making plant-based eating delicious and accessible, but are doing so in a way that benefits both people and the planet,” the media personality said.

“It’s empowering to know that the small changes I’m making for my family, like incorporating more Beyond Meat into our meals, can add up to make a big impact.”

Kardashian joins Shay Mitchell, Kevin Hart, Snoop Dogg, and Liza Koshy as an ambassador of Beyond Meat. The brand, founded in 2009, is now available at roughly 135,000 retail and foodservice outlets in more than 90 countries.

Beyond Meat’s star-studded lineup of celebrity backers is no accident. Besides the additional attention the company undoubtedly receives, research indicates that celebrities and social media can influence what people eat.

A survey conducted earlier this year, commissioned by dairy conglomerate Arla, found that one in three adults make dietary choices based on what they see on social media.

Additionally, a Harvard review published in 2015 looked at the role celebrities play in spotlighting the climate crisis, especially its ties to animal agriculture.

It asserted that “celebrities can help draw attention to an issue and galvanize youth engagement.”

And, that “food is one such area where celebrities can help link the impacts of climate change to our consumption habits.”

The article concluded: “Celebrities can help by relating the causes and impacts of climate change to existing socio-cultural practices, facilitating not only a questioning of cultural values (such as meat and dairy consumption) but simultaneously making the necessary changes to our habits appear more positive, achievable and accessible.”

The post Here’s Why Kim Kardashian Is Now An Ambassador For Beyond Meat appeared first on Plant Based News.

Monkeypox is a rare infection that typically manifests as a rash, which develops into fluid-filled blisters. The rash is often preceded by symptoms such as a high temperature, headaches, muscle aches, backaches, swollen glands, shivering, and/or exhaustion.

It usually takes between five and 21 days for the first symptom to appear after infection.

Monkeypox in the UK

Monkeypox is typically found in Africa, but more than 130 cases have now been discovered in 19 countries outside of the continent, cropping up in Europe, the US, Canada, and Australia.

There are now 71 confirmed cases of monkeypox in the UK – 70 in England and one in Scotland, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

Last week, on May 16, there were just seven confirmed cases in the UK.

According to news outlet i, the recent outbreak is the first time person-to-person transmission of monkeypox has occurred in the UK.

But officials have assured that while the number of cases is “unusual,” the illness is usually mild, clearing up in two to four weeks.

The government has ordered more than 20,000 vaccine doses as a precaution, i reports.

How do you catch monkeypox?

Monkeypox is predominantly spread by wild animals – namely rats, mice, and squirrels – in west and central Africa. A human can catch the disease if they are bitten by an infected animal, or if they come into contact with infected blood, body fluids, blisters, or scabs.

You can also catch monkeypox by eating undercooked meat from an infected animal, according to the NHS, or by handling infected “products” like animal skin and fur.

Touching clothing, bedding, or towels used by anyone with the monkeypox rash also raises the risk of infection. The coughs and sneezes of an infected individual can spread the disease too.

How to avoid getting monkeypox

To lower the risk of contracting monkeypox, the NHS advises people to “only eat meat that has been cooked thoroughly.” Individuals should also not eat or touch bushmeat (the flesh of wild animals).

Washing your hands regularly with soap and water, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, can also protect against the infection.

The NHS has urged people to stay away from wild or stray animals, animals that look unwell, and dead animals.

Additionally, the organization stresses the importance of maintaining distance from people who are unwell and may have monkeypox, including not sharing bedding or towels.

Those who have monkeypox are advised to self-isolate, and stay away from pets.

Dr. Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser for the UKHSA, said: “If anyone suspects they might have rashes or lesions on any part of their body, particularly if they have recently had a new sexual partner, they should limit their contact with others and contact NHS 111 or their local sexual health service as soon as possible, though please phone ahead before attending in person.”

Visit the NHS website for more information.

The post NHS Issues Advice To Meat-Eaters Amid Outbreak Of Monkeypox appeared first on Plant Based News.

Nike x Eilish

Eilish first joined Nike’s artist roster last year. She kicked off the collaboration with a range of leather-free vegan Air Jordans, featuring her signature slime green color.  

In their latest collaboration, Eilish puts her own unique spin on the iconic Nike Air Force 1s.  

The new sneakers – featuring a neutral mushroom color palette – are made from a synthetic nubuck leather material, derived from 80 percent recycled materials, including 100 percent recycled polyester. 

Similar to past releases, the sneakers channel Eilish’s own oversized aesthetic, featuring chunky mid-foot straps. The collection showcases a total of four chunky straps covering the sneaker’s laces, a look that is inspired by two other Nike staples, the Alpha Force Low and Air Trainer 3.

The sneaker also features a fifth strap that goes around the ankle in the high-top version of the vegan-friendly AF1s.

Eilish’s stick-figure Blohsh logo is displayed on the lace deubrés and the Nike Air logos appear as usual over the tongue and heel. The insoles are made with cork and embossed with lyrics from her song Billie Bossa Nova: “It’s hard to stop it once it starts.”

“The challenge and opportunity with this collection was to respect the originals, but make them my own. It was also important for me to mix in environmentally preferred materials where we could and present them in a way that felt fresh,” Eilish shared in a press release.

New apparel collection

The Nike x Billie collaboration also features a new range of matching mushroom-colored apparel in her signature oversized style.

The clothing range includes a fleece hoodie, t-shirt, and sweatpants, embellished with subtle silicone Billie Ellish graphics and the iconic Nike logo turned on its side, pointing straight upwards.

Cruelty is never in style

Beyond Eilish’s music career, she’s an avid activist working to promote sustainability and veganism. She uses her platform to influence the fashion industry as a whole to recognize that cruelty is never in style. 

PETA has also recognized Eilish’s work, naming her its “Person Of The Year” in 2021. President of PETA, Ingrid Newkirk, previously shared: “PETA is happier than ever to celebrate her for seizing every opportunity to point out that vegan fashion and foods are kinder to the animals and the planet we share with them.”

The new Nike x Billie collection is now available on Nike’s website.

The post Billie Eilish’s Latest Collaboration With Nike Features Vegan Air Force 1s appeared first on Plant Based News.