Press Releases
Innocent Killer?
Warnings ignored. Species not suitable for captivity
According to eyewitnesses, as spectators watched, an orca (the largest member of the dolphin family) named Tillikum at SeaWorld Orlando grabbed his trainer and pulled her under the water. In a statement issued by SeaWorld, the trainer, who had 14 years experience training captive orca and dolphins, “drowned.”
This is the third time that Tillikum, whose stage name at SeaWorld is Shamu, has caused a fatality after nearly three decades in captivity.
Born Free USA calls on Montana Residents to Help Keep Montana’s Peregrine Falcons Flying Free
Born Free USA, a leading national wildlife advocacy organization, today called on Montanans to stop a potentially dangerous proposal to allow the capture of peregrine falcons.
Wisconsin tops list of “Worst Fur Farming States” in the U.S.
Unregulated farming practices and regulatory confusion raise serious animal welfare concerns
Sacramento, CA — Born Free USA, a leading national wildlife advocacy organization, today released Cruelty Uncaged: A Review of Fur Farming in North America. The 44-page report, which reviews statistics and legislative oversight of animals raised for their fur, names Wisconsin as the worst state for cruelty to “fur farmed” animals.
Bear mauling renews call for ban on wild animals as pets
PA woman mauled to death by "Pet" black bear
Ross Township, PA — Born Free USA, a leading national wildlife advocacy organization, is calling on Pennsylvania legislators to immediately ban the ownership of dangerous wild animals after a 37-year-old woman was killed by a black bear kept as a pet in Ross Township. According to media reports, the woman was killed while cleaning the bear’s 12x12 foot cage. The bear was shot to death by a neighbor.
Assembly Passes Bill to Protect Pets from Unscrupulous Sales Practices
AB 1122 prevents animals from being sold along roadsides, in parking lots and at carnivals
Sacramento, CA — The California Animal Association, a coalition of 11 state and national animal welfare organizations, today lauded the California State Assembly for passing AB 1122, a bill that will prevent animals from being sold along roadsides, in parking lots and at carnivals, where they are often subject to unsanitary conditions and pose human health risks.
Animals win big, thanks to Fur Free Fashion!
Celebrity judges announce winners of Born Free USA “fffashion” competition
Sacramento, CA — Born Free USA is proud to announce the winners of “fffashion”, its inaugural fur-free fashion design competition. Independent designers were invited to enter their innovative fur-free fashion designs for cash prizes and the chance to be featured in a full-page ad in the September/October issue of E Magazine, a co-sponsor of the competition.
Shocking undercover video bolsters Ringling elephant abuse lawsuit
Circus to open in Kent under shadow of federal trial and damaging new video footage
Kent, WA — As Ringling Bros. circus prepares to open in Kent, new undercover video of its handlers beating elephants with bullhooks is spreading like wildfire on the Internet and in the media. National wildlife advocacy non-profit Born Free USA, a plaintiff in the federal trial against Ringling Bros., points to this investigation as further evidence that Ringling Bros. circus is violating the Endangered Species Act by abusing Asian elephants.
Shocking undercover video bolsters Ringling elephant abuse lawsuit
Lexington, KY — As Ringling Bros. circus prepares to open in Lexington, new undercover video of its handlers beating elephants with bullhooks is spreading like wildfire on the Internet and in the media. National wildlife advocacy non-profit Born Free USA, a plaintiff in the federal trial against Ringling Bros., points to this investigation as further evidence that Ringling Bros. circus is violating the Endangered Species Act by abusing Asian elephants.
