
The world’s forests are precious and delicate ecosystems that give humanity so much. We should work together to protect and treasure our forests.
È diventata legge la proposta che vieta gli spettacoli dal vivo e la riproduzione in cattività delle orche in California.
Another little step towards a fairer treatment of the animal kingdom has been finally taken. Observing a huge, majestic predator like a killer whale (Orcinus orca), which has an extraordinary emotional intelligence and an extremely complex social life, performing tricks for ignorant and unaware spectators’ entertainment is really discouraging. But fortunately, California will be no longer able to have this kind of shows.
California Governor Jerry Brown has signed a bill, named Orca Protection and Safety Act, which bans orca breeding and shows. Anyway killer whales can still be rescued and rehabilitated if they are found stranded. However, SeaWorld does not plan to return its 11 killer whales to the wild as the bill says that starting in 2017 orca shows can continue if they are “educational orca encounters”. The animals will still be kept in captivity but – at least – they won’t be forced to perform tricks and will be given larger pools.
People’s awareness on the exploitation of killer whales has increased exponentially after the launch of the documentary Blackfish in 2013, featuring the story of Tilikum, an orca that killed 3 people while kept in captivity. The documentary denounces the violence to which these animals are subjected in waterparks. After the release of Blackfish, SeaWorld’s shares have dropped from 39 dollars in 2013 to 18 dollars today. Joel Manby, CEO at SeaWorld, recognised that the decision of stopping orca shows followed the criticism and a reduction in visitors.
“As more and more members in the public in this post-Blackfish era are deciding to turn away from entertainment, the future holds a more hopeful animal-friendly entertainment outcome,” said Carney Anne Nasser, senior counsel for wildlife and regulatory affairs at the Animal Legal Defense Fund. California has set an example and activists are hopeful that other states like Texas and Florida will follow suit. “It’s only a matter of when, not if, the use of animals in entertainment will become a relic of the past”.
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The world’s forests are precious and delicate ecosystems that give humanity so much. We should work together to protect and treasure our forests.
It has taken 15 years of negotiations but the world’s governments have finally reached an agreement to protect the oceans and the high seas.
The extent of sea ice in Antarctica reached a new record low on 21st February 2023.
Communities in Kwa-Zulu Natal have been at loggerheads with Tendele Coal Mine over land destruction, water pollution and the killing of activists.
BNP Paribas has been sued by three French NGOs. This lawsuit marks the first time ever that a commercial bank is sued over its fossil fuel financing.
There are still a lot of unknowns regarding last month’s train derailment in Ohio, especially in terms of its consequences on the environment and health.
Nicole Menemene founded Plastycor to help fight plastic pollution, inspiring women and young people to join the cause and protect the environment.
Assam state in north-east India has won international appreciation for its successful efforts to stop rhino poaching, with zero deaths recorded in 2022.
The Po river basin, vital to part of Italy’s agriculture, is already in crisis: without rain in March or April, the drought will be worse than last year.