Following in the footsteps of Gabon, Kenya, the Philippines, and the U.S., China has demonstrated its commitment to ending the bloody ivory trade by destroying 6.1 tons of confiscated elephant ivory. This was an important gesture, considering that ivory is a traditional symbol of wealth and status in China.
Link: South China Morning Post
National Bird Day, held this Sunday, January 5, is a day to reaffirm our commitment to birds—and to focus on bird species that are in peril. Check out this fascinating list of 14 highly endangered birds to keep in mind on National Bird Day (and all year round)!
Link: Mother Nature Network
Born Free USA’s Kate Dylewsky praises Tony Schinella, Editor of New Hampshire’s Concord Patch publication, for publicizing the dangers that traps pose to non-targeted animals. New Hampshire Representative Steve Vaillancourt plans to introduce a bill that will ban the cruelest forms of trapping.
Link: Concord Patch
Born Free USA’s Executive Vice President, Adam Roberts, emphasizes the importance of National Bird Day by sharing his history with avian protection; the progress that has been made for birds; and what must still be accomplished to ensure that birds enjoy a healthy future. Read his thoughts on National Bird Day below.
Happy new year from Born Free USA! 2013 was filled with successes, and 2014 is shaping up to be an even better year for animals. We’re kicking off the new year by celebrating National Bird Day this Sunday, January 5: a day to shine a spotlight on issues critical to the protection and survival of captive and wild birds. Visit www.nationalbirdday.org to learn how you can get involved and help our feathered friends!
No top 10 wildlife news story list would be complete without mentioning this year's historic ivory crush in Denver, the Born Free USA and Humane Society of the United States report on trapping on National Wildlife Refuges, the release of the acclaimed film "Blackfish" that's rapidly spreading the message that marine mammals don't belong in captivity, and so much more. You can bet that 2014 will usher in another year of wildlife success stories - and let's hope they're not along the lines of shooting one species to save another!
Though December 28 marked the 40th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act being signed into law, gray wolves still lack adequate protection. In 2011, the federal government removed the gray wolf from the list of endangered species in the Northern Rocky Mountains, which resulted in continued hunting—and declining wolf populations. And, this past weekend, a contentious Idaho hunting event rewarded participants for shooting both coyotes and wolves.
Link: The New York Times
In his latest Huffington Post blog, Will Travers, CEO of Born Free, discusses the threats facing birds in captivity and in the wild. January 5, National Bird Day, is a day to reaffirm our commitment to birds everywhere and to acknowledge that the fight for their freedom and survival is not over.
Link: Huffington Post