News Releases:
Child’s death in python’s grip renews call for ban on private ownership of dangerous reptiles
Oxford, FL — Born Free USA, a leading national wildlife advocacy organization, is calling on Florida legislators to immediately ban the ownership of dangerous reptiles after a 2-year-old girl was killed by a python kept as a pet in Sumter County. According to media reports, the illegally-kept 12-foot Burmese python broke out of its cage and strangled the girl in her bedroom.
Hollywood star tells Californians to skip the circus
Embattled Ringling Bros. rolls into California, shackled by evidence of elephant abuse
Los Angeles, CA — The recent federal trial of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus (Ringling) revealed shocking evidence of routine mistreatment of elephants in the circus. As the circus prepares to open July 8 in Los Angeles, plaintiff Born Free USA and Hollywood star Corey Feldman are asking California residents to review the evidence before buying a ticket to Ringling Bros. circus engagements across the state.
Oregon Governor Signs Bill to Ban Exotic Pets
Salem, OR — Born Free USA, The Humane Society of the United States, and the Oregon Humane Society (OHS) today applauded Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski for signing legislation to prohibit possession of wild animals as pets.
Circus comes to Corpus Christi scarred by trial evidence of cruel bullhook and chain use on beloved circus elephants
Corpus Christi, TX — The recent federal trial of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus (Ringling) revealed shocking evidence of routine mistreatment of elephants in the circus. As the circus prepares to open July 8 in Corpus Christi, Born Free USA, a plaintiff in the trial, is asking Corpus Christi residents to review the evidence before buying a ticket that supports animal cruelty.
Court-Ordered Settlement Restores Endangered Species Act Protections to Great Lakes Wolves
Washington, DC — In a victory for the gray wolf, a coalition of wolf advocates led by The Humane Society of the United States has reached a settlement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to restore federal Endangered Species Act protections for wolves in the Great Lakes region, including the states of Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
Big Country, Small World
California children’s book author and Boston printing company founder share passion for conservation and Indonesia.
Boston, MA — Six years ago while traveling in Indonesia, Monica Engebretson, who works with the wildlife advocacy and conservation group Born Free USA, aided in the release of a wild-caught parrot — a rainbow lorikeet — that had been chained to a perch for over a year (a common practice in Indonesia). Monica was so touched by the experience, she wrote a children’s book manuscript based on it. After shopping the manuscript around for several years, the project received funding and support from several animal welfare and conservation organizations and the book, Lucky, was self-published to rave reviews.
Trial Evidence of Animal Abuse Haunts Circus as It Rolls into Fresno
Fresno, CA — The recent federal trial of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus (Ringling) revealed shocking evidence of routine mistreatment of elephants in the circus. As the circus prepares to open July 1 in Fresno, California-based Born Free USA, a plaintiff in the trial, is asking Fresno residents to review the evidence before buying a ticket that supports animal cruelty.
Federal Court Blocks Canned Hunting of Endangered Species
Washington, DC — In a blow to trophy hunting groups like Safari Club International, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia today struck down a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rule allowing sport-hunting of endangered antelopes at “canned” hunting facilities. Safari Club and other trophy hunting advocates intervened in the case, and argued in favor of legalizing the shooting of endangered animals trapped in enclosures.
