Born Free USA In The News
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
The Lion's Fading Roar: Declining West African Lion Population Hints at Grim Future
It was alarming to read new research which suggests that the West African Lion may be on the verge of extinction, with just 645 members of the sub-species left in western and central Africa. The study, carried out by conservation group LionAid, finds there are no lions at all in 25 of the region's countries, and the animal is virtually extinct in 10 others. In Nigeria, once home to a huge community of West African Lions, just 34 remain.
Link: IBTimes.co.uk
1,500 Elephant Tusks Seized on Way to China; Biggest Bust a Sign of Worse Things to Come?
Some 1,500 African elephant tusks — the biggest seizure ever — were found this week hidden within timber planks and destined for China's ivory market. Shocked conservationists noted 2012 will now go down as the worst year in 24 years of records — and warned that 2013 could be even worse.
Link: WorldNews.NBCNews.com
Largest Transfer of Macaques in History Is Complete
This past September marked the ending of a journey that involved transferring 107 macaques and one baboon from their former home, the defunct Wild Animal Orphange (WAO), San Antonio, Texas to their new location in Dilley, Texas. The macaques and baboon will now live out their lives in the primate sanctuary on 186 acres under the supervision of Tim Ajax, Director of the Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary.
Link: ReadingEagle.com
Born Free USA Goes on TV to Fight for Lions
In late November our bid to have the African lion listed as "endangered" under the Endangered Species Act cleared a hurdle. From now through Jan. 28, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is soliciting comments (click here to add your two cents) on why the lion should receive this layer a protection — a much-needed development that would mean the United States no longer would be a "consumer" of lions (import them for trophy-room display, restaurant use, etc.) On Dec. 6, 2012, our executive vice president, Adam Roberts, spoke on Canadian TV about this issue. Watch this CTV News segment now!
African Lions Near Protection
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will consider protecting the African lion under the Endangered Species Act. The groups Born Free USA, Born Free Foundation, the International Fund for Animal Welfare, The Humane Society of the United States, Humane Society International, Defenders of Wildlife and the Fund for Animals filed the petition for protective status in a joint effort, and thanked the USFWS for its preliminary positive 90-day finding.
Link: CatChannel.com
