Born Free USA Articles

Lions, Eagles and Owls: What Are Zoos Teaching Us About Them?

2012-02-27T21:39:44Z

Ash died suddenly and violently in front of many onlookers, including children. “It was over in seconds,” one woman reportedly stated. “People were horrified. Women and children were screaming. My little boy was in tears.”

Ash was 9 years old and her death seemed to amuse some other folks, according to letters to the editor in response to the news reports.

And what did we learn? The death did happen at a facility that, we are told, is educational.

Born Free USA Leads Initiative in Hawaii to Protect Bears from Global Trade

2012-01-20T23:54:45Z

Born Free USA, a leader in animal welfare and wildlife conservation, is urging Hawaii lawmakers to join the majority of U.S. states that fully prohibit the trade in bear gallbladders. Throughout the U.S. mainland, bears are killed for their gallbladders and bile. Hawaii is one of the few states that still allow trade of bear gallbladders. Although Hawaii lacks a wild bear population, this allowance — and the state’s location &mdash, could encourage bear poaching globally, compromises bans already in place on the mainland, and puts bears everywhere at risk.

Do or Die for the WAO 113

2011-12-06T18:04:48Z

(This story appears in the fall/winter 2011 issue of Born Free USA's Animal Issues Digest.)

Fifi, a rhesus macaque, had been a "pet" in a tiny cage in her owner's New York City basement. Her tail was amputated, probably to facilitate putting diapers on her. Chappy, a crab-eating macaque, was a biomedical research subject; the stress of life in the lab led him to pluck his body bald. Dex, a stumptail macaque, also exploited for research, has only his thumb and index finger on his right hand.

Lions on the Menu: A Deadly Delicacy

2011-11-28T22:06:31Z

(This story appears in the fall/winter 2011 issue of Born Free USA's Animal Issues Digest.)

Near our Washington, DC, office, Serbian Crown, a restaurant known for its Russian and French specialties, is offering a December menu special under Les Gibiers et Volailles (wild game and poultry): Scaloppini of Lion. Thinly sliced lion meat served with wild mushrooms. When we inquired about the source of the meat we were told it was indeed lion meat, imported from Africa, allegedly from a "farm."

fffashion L.A. 2011: The Principles

2011-09-28T17:46:48Z

Pretty Birdie by Stephanie Teague* — www.stephanieteague.etsy.com

Pretty Birdie is a hand-made, eco friendly clothing line founded in 2008, and based in Greesnboro, NC. The company's founder and head designer, Stephanie Teague, has been in the world of fashion for more than 15 years, beginning as a model. She worked in many major markets across the United States and Europe, and gained incredible insight into the world of design and fashion. She is completely self-taught as a designer. Stephanie began Pretty Birdie with one main objective - to provide buyers with eco-friendly clothing and accessories that were fashionable, yet comfortable.

* First-place winner, fur free fashion competition.

Speak Up for New Mexico's Wildlife on Sept. 14, 2011

2011-08-29T23:52:57Z

As you know, Born Free USA recently conducted an undercover trapping investigation documenting the cruelty of fur trapping in the United States – including New Mexico.

Following this investigation, we asked our dedicated supporters to call on the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish to take immediate steps to protect your state’s wildlife from the barbaric cruelty uncovered by our investigation, and you did.

N.Y. Passes Bear Trade Bill — a Step Forward

2011-06-21T16:50:46Z

Update (August 2011): Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo signed the bill into law. It takes effect on Jan. 1, 2012.

The New York Legislature has officially passed legislation to restrict the trade in bear gallbladders and bile, an issue brought to the Legislature’s attention by Born Free USA.

Help Make National Forests Safer for Animals!

2011-05-04T19:13:39Z

(Following is a suggestion on what comments you might make about the proposed Forest Planning Rule. Please take the time to personalize these comments, which is likely to give them more impact. Make your comments by visiting govcomments.com. The deadline is May 16, 2011.)