A weekly round-up of the most important animal stories happening around the world.
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Endangered Totoaba Fish Swim Bladders Worth $1 Million Seized In San Luis Port, Arizona
The endangered fish is still considered a delicacy despite being illegal to possess in the US and Mexico.
Animal Activist Found Guilty in Landmark Open Rescue Case
Wayne Hsiung has been convicted of felony conspiracy and trespassing for exposing animal cruelty at two factory farms. He is now facing up to three years in jail.
21 Species Declared Extinct By U.S. Wildlife Officials
Experts say that the news is a “wake-up call” for how important conservation is to conserve species before it’s too late.
Ejiao Act Reintroduced to Tackle 'Senseless' Donkey Skin Trade
While ejiao remains largely unknown to most American consumers, the United States stands as the third-largest importer of ejiao-containing products, with an annual import value of approximately $12 million.
Esther the Wonder Pig Has Passed Away
Esther the Wonder Pig, the beloved pig whose remarkable journey inspired people worldwide to perceive farmed animals as individuals, has passed away at the age of 11.
Members of Congress Lobby to Strengthen Animal Welfare Act
The proposed legislation will make it easier for the government to remove animals in danger and will allow for civil action to be taken against animal abusers.
Wild Animals Fear Human Voices More Than a Lion's Growl, Study Finds
The findings may help develop strategies and solutions to combat illegal hunting and protect endangered animals.
One Year Later: The 4,000 Beagles Rescued from the US Animal Testing Industry Now Living Happily Ever After
Thousands of dogs have been rescued and rehomed after a mass breeding facility in Virginia shut down last year.
Orangutans Still Being Killed In Borneo Despite Conservation Efforts
Direct killings of these endangered animals are feared to cause local extinctions, with potentially less than 100,000 left in the wild.
New California Law Passed To Reduce Amount of Animal Tests
The progress is a hopeful sign that there is continued momentum to replace animal tests with more accurate, ethical and modern tests that rely on cutting-edge technology instead of animals.
New Bill Aims To Ban Cosmetic Animal Testing in the US
Over 40 countries have already banned the controversial use of animals in experiments for cosmetics like perfume and makeup. Now, the US could finally do the same.
More Than 100 Dolphins In Amazon Dead As Water Reaches High Temperatures
Scientists suspect drought and heat, both worsened by climate change, have caused the mass deaths.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Returns - Without Animals
The iconic circus makes its comeback this month, and for the first time will focus solely on human feats instead of forcing animals to perform.
“World’s Loneliest” Lion Arrives In New Sanctuary Home After Five Years Alone
Ruben the lion is now safe and recovering after being kept on his own in a tiny concrete cell at an abandoned zoo in Armenia for half a decade.
New York City Carriage Horse Dies, Renews Calls for Citywide Ban
The latest death has renewed the call for a ban on carriage horses in the busy streets of NYC.
New Endangered Gray Wolf Pack Discovered in California’s Sierra Nevada
One adult female and four cubs have been detected in Sequoia National Forest, bringing hope to conservationists that wolves in the state are beginning to thrive amidst federal protections.
Tokitae, World’s Oldest Orca in Captivity, Dies at Miami Seaquarium
The killer whale was taken from the wild in 1970, and was kept in a tank for over 50 years.
31 Wild Horses Have Died in Nevada Roundups - Why Are They Allowed to Continue?
A federal judge has granted authorization for the US government to proceed with the ongoing gathering of thousands of wild horses in Nevada stating no evidence of inhumane or illegal treatment during the roundups.
The Donkey Skin Trade - Everything You Need to Know
With millions of donkeys being slaughtered to create ejiao, advocates are calling for alternatives and other solutions to take precedence to save the donkey population.
South Africa’s Lion Farming Industry Fuelling Illegal Global Trade in Big Cat Bones, Report Reveals
The report finds the country’s controversial lion breeding and ‘canned’ hunting industries are involved with “unimaginable” animal suffering and have ties with international crime syndicates.