Born Free USA In The News
Rise In Poaching Prompts Demands for Ivory Ban
The global trade in ivory and rhino horn is at the top of the agenda at the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, or CITES conference, taking place in Bangkok. The conference is debating imposing bans on all wildlife trade in 19 countries unless they crack down on the poaching, smuggling or sale of illegal ivory.
Link: VOANews.com
Lion Mauling Death: How Dangerous Are Private Zoos?
The mauling death of a 24-year-old intern at a private zoo in central California Wednesday has renewed calls for better regulation of exotic animals in the United States. A five-year-old male African lion named CousCous — who had once appeared as a cub on the TV show “Ellen” — attacked and killed the volunteer, Dianna Hanson, who was alone in the cage with the big cat.
Link: CSMonitor.com
Coroner: Lion Killed Woman after Escaping Cage
The investigation into a lion attack that killed a 24-year-old woman who loved big cats is focusing on a cage door that the 550-pound animal managed to escape through to reach the volunteer intern, officials say.
Link: MiamiHerald.com
People and Animals at Immediate Risk from Wildlife Crime, CITES Chief Warns
Crime syndicates and terrorists are outgunning those on the frontline of wildlife protection and pose a deadly threat to people and animals, the world's top wildlife official has told the Guardian. The law enforcement fightback must mirror the war against illegal drugs, said John Scanlon, secretary general of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites), with undercover operations and harsh penalties.
Link: Guardian.co.uk
Antiques, Furniture, and…Parrots? Why Animals Don’t Belong at Swap Meets
From exotic birds to reptiles, the health and safety of wildlife sold at outdoor markets is the focus of a new bill, AB 339 sponsored by Born Free USA and the State Human Association of California and authored by California Assemblyman Roger Dickinson (D-Sacramento). “Very frequently, I found the animals didn’t have food or water, even when it was really hot out,” Monica Engebretson, senior program associate for Born Free USA,
Link: www.takepart.com
Born Free Executives Warn of the End of Many of the World's Most Iconic Species
Adam Roberts, executive vice president of Born Free USA, a leader in wildlife conservation and animal welfare, and a board member of Species Survival Network (SSN), warned February 25, “We are presiding over a slide towards extinction for many of the world's most iconic species.”
Link: Examiner.com
Roberts Talks on TV about National Bird Day
National Bird Day, and related issues such as birds in captivity and the international trade of parrots, are discussed by Born Free USA Executive Vice President Adam M. Roberts on "The Pet Show with Dr. Katy."
Link: WJLA.com
Thailand May Face Heat Over Ivory Trade Business at Endangered Species Conference
It was a professional hit, the quick and ruthless slaying of a family of 12. Poachers with machetes hacked off the tusks of 11 African elephants on Jan. 5 in a Kenyan reserve, passing over a baby that was crushed by its mother after a gunshot felled her. The same day, customs officials in Hong Kong seized more than 770 tusks, weighing more than a ton and valued at more than $1 million, according to Born Free USA, a group that tracks poaching and government seizures.
Link: WashingtonPost.com
