Ten years ago, ADI supporters like you helped one of our most ambitious building projects – a complex of monkey habitats in the Peruvian rainforest at the Pilpintuwasi Wildlife Rescue Center, providing a home for dozens of monkeys, like Pepe and Valerie, saved from horrific abuse. A home in their natural jungle environment.
We worked in sweltering heat and pouring rain and found ways to build around trees and across streams, but it was worth it, as all of the different species of monkeys plus kinkajous and coatimundis bounded from their travel crates. We continue to fund their care and the others who have since joined them.
Recently, I reached out to you about some important repairs to these jungle habitats. Ten years of enthusiastic monkeys swinging through the trees at great speeds, leaping onto houses and landing with force, and testing habitat fencing – plus wear and tear from the rainforest environment – have taken a toll.
Thanks to your generous donations, work is underway, and I wanted to share an update! We purchased all of the materials – rolls of mesh, metal poles, concrete, wire, and wood – and transported them up the river. We are underway! Thank you.
However, there is still much to do, and we are only halfway towards our fundraising target. I hope you will consider a donation today to help us continue taking care of residents rescued from circuses, restaurants, the pet trade, and traffickers.
Saved from lives where they were chained up, alone, and often mutilated by having their teeth broken off, they could never go back to the wild. Our sanctuary habitats in the rainforest gave them a lifeline and a chance to live as close to what nature intended as possible.
Pepe symbolizes so many of these survivors. Chained alone in a circus for eight years until ADI cut him free. We reunited him with his own kind – I’ll never forget that first magical meeting with Valerie when he called out with joy! Then we took him home to the forest. Check out this new video from Geo Beats telling his story. Check out this new video from Geo Beats telling his story.
As Pepe approaches his 20th birthday, what better way to celebrate than by completing the renovations to his cherished home? With your donation, we can give Pepe, and indeed all of the monkeys, a gift that he will truly enjoy for years to come!
I do appreciate that we are also asking for your help to save lions Goliath and Coralie, that is the nature of working on multiple fronts for animals and needing to care for these animals for life. If you can spare something, any help for our monkeys in the forest will be appreciated.
Coralie and Goliath spent their first decade in a tiny, rusting cage on the back of a truck, sleeping on bare boards – prisoners of Cirque Idéal in France.
With your help these doting lions could be starting a new life at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, South Africa, THIS MONTH!
In circuses, animals are confined in small spaces, in cages the size of a queen-size bed. They would never run, explore, or play. Never have the sun over their head. A brutal life of deprivation, lack of space. They had no access to life on the other side of their bars. Deprived of everything that makes life worth living.
As we know, circuses cannot meet the physical or behavioral needs of wild animals. They are often seen behaving abnormally – rocking, swaying, and pacing, all indicating they are in distress and not coping with their environment. This was the life that Coralie and Goliath were living.
After France passed a law in 2021 phasing out animal circuses, Coralie and Goliath were removed from Cirque Idéal, following an investigation and ADI was asked to provide a forever home. Tim and I immediately said yes! This was a chance for us to return these wonderful lions to the land of their ancestors, in the African sun where they belong.
Coralie and Goliath are currently being kept at a temporary holding center in France as we work to get their flights scheduled. We have secured the permits to move them to their new home, and – thanks to your generous support – we have raised enough money to build their crates, which cost $5,500 / £4,200 each.
But we are still a long way off our fundraising target to cover the costs of a mission like this. We hope to be flying them before the end of the month, will you help make that happen?
There’s always a lot to do to prepare for a new arrival. The new house is nearing completion and habitat landscaping is underway with three pools and more for tiger Sasha. Her current habitat will become our main quarantine unit for new arrivals. This quarantine space will provide Coralie and Goliath – and future rescued animals – with about 2.5 acres of space to run and play. These renovations have added to the cost of getting our new lions back home.
Coralie and Goliath have lived together all their lives and are a close, affectionate pair. They may remind you of our dear Tanya and Tarzan, who have enjoyed life at the Sanctuary since 2020, after we rescued them from a circus in Guatemala. Just like these two, Coralie and Goliath will be able to enjoy the rest of their lives free from suffering at the hands of humans.
This rescue will transform the lives of Coralie and Goliath and is an important step towards eliminating all wild animals in French circuses by 2028. ADI is ready to help move this ban along quickly, as we’ve done many times in other countries. This starts by getting Coralie and Goliath to their new home in South Africa. Can you help change their lives forever?
As we approach the Easter holidays and World Day for Laboratory Animals (April 24), I’d like to share with you the latest news from ADI including another US State passing a ban on wild animals in circuses, a circus rescue in France, state bans on bullfighting rippling across Mexico, and what could potentially be one of the biggest breakthroughs on animal experiments for years.
In what could be one of the most important breakthroughs towards ending animal testing, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a ‘Roadmap to reducing animal testing in preclinical safety studies’, saying there is “..growing recognition that animals do not provide adequate models of human health and disease” and “over 90% of drugs that appear safe and effective in animals do not go on to receive FDA approval in humans”. Announcing that “new approach methodologies” (NAMs) are “more effective, human-relevant models” and the new strategy can “accelerate the validation and adoption of …human-relevant methods”. The roadmap is a statement of intent – we must ensure that it is followed through.
Passing the House with a massive majority (65-32), bill SB 5065 will ban traveling acts from touring with elephants, big cats, primates, bears, and hybrids of these species across Washington State. The bill now moves to the Governor’s desk for signature. If you live in the state, please urge Gov. Ferguson to sign SB 5065 into law – call 360-902-4111 or send a message here (making sure to leave your name and address to verify residency).
In addition to the new ADI Wildlife Sanctuary grey water recycling and waste disposal systems which are under construction, we have boosted our supply of drinking water with three new boreholes. Drilled to depths from 40m/131ft to 60m/196ft you can see the one pictured here hitting water! This will help safeguard our future and enable us to save more animals.
Michoacán joined Sinaloa, Sonora, Coahuila, Quintana Roo, and Guerrero, to become the sixth of Mexico’s 31 states with a bullfighting ban. Mexico City has outlawed the use of weapons that injure the bulls, making it a bloodless spectacle, but still one that terrorizes the bulls. ADI Latin America, a member of the “México Sin Toreo” (Mexico Without Bullfighting) Movement, will continue to fight for its abolition nationwide. We are also working on a new campaign in Peru following Colombia’s successful ban on bullfighting.
The Bay Area Renaissance Festival in Dade City, Florida invited Lauryn Murray back again this year to host elephant rides. ADI undercover investigations have documented training of elephants for rides which has included beatings and electric shocks to ensure the animals are compliant in public. The festival is over this year, but please send a polite message to the Bay Area Renaissance Festival, urging them to no longer host elephant rides: info@bayarearenfest.com.
The ADIWS on site team has moved into the first section of the Tohir Staff Village and the final phase is almost finished. Once complete, it will house 15 of our team at the heart of the Sanctuary. On duty 24/7 to look after the animals and deal with any emergencies. Each team member has their own room with bathroom, with common areas including two kitchens, laundry room, a TV room, and a games room. Thank you to everyone who supported this important investment in the future of the Sanctuary and the welfare of the animals.
Sponsored by Congressman Don Beyer, the Humane Cosmetics Act (HR1657) has been reintroduced! The Act would make it illegal to conduct or contract for animal testing for cosmetic products in the US and prohibit the sale or transport of cosmetics developed or manufactured using animal testing. ADI investigations have exposed suffering of animals in cosmetic testing, including racks of rabbits restrained in stocks, and guinea pigs suffering raw, inflamed skin lesions. Help get the Humane Cosmetics Act (HR1657) passed to restrict. Take action here
Abbey Stadium in Swindon is to close at the end of this year after 73 years. Costs for staging dog racing have increased rapidly, and keeping the stadium operating is said to be no longer viable – indicating falling public support. Greyhound racing causes fatal injuries to dogs and life as a racing dog is short – ADI hopes England and Scotland will follow Wales’ lead and ban this cruel sport.
The California Authority of Racing Fairs has cancelled all 2025 horse racing events in Northern California. Horses however continue to suffer and die on other racing tracks, with nearly 700 horses dying in the US alone last year. If you live near a racecourse and are organising a protest, let us know at USA@ad-international.org and we can help promote.
In the UK, horse Willy De Houelle died after a horror fall on the first day of the Grand National Festival at Aintree, with another horse, Celebre d’Allen, later dying after collapsing near the finish line. At the subsequent Scottish Grand National, Macdermott and The Kniphand also died. Horses are dying in the name of entertainment and it’s time it ended.
It can be tough, dirty work at ADIWS, preparing food, giving meds, cleaning animal houses and habitats, cutting grass, planting trees, and more. Work continues whatever the weather and in Africa that can mean torrential rain and serious heat, so our team needs practical clothing. We were therefore incredibly grateful to Jonsson Workwear, who donated new uniforms for the ADIWS team and especially for much needed wet and cold weather clothing. It felt like Christmas came early when the boxes of clothing arrived and the boxes were turned into toys for the lions and tigers.
Meta acted after calls by ADI and other members of the Social Media Animal Cruelty Coalition to remove two monkey cruelty Facebook pages. Shockingly, one of the pages had been awarded a ‘Creator Badge’, which promotes and incentivises engagement. Meta’s existing policies explicitly prohibit content that depicts animal cruelty, yet enforcement remains inconsistent, and despite reports being sent to Meta, these sickening pages had remained up. Online cruelty is an ongoing issue and ADI with SMACC are calling for a full review of Facebook’s content moderation management system, full transparency on abusive content continuing to generate profit and how to stop it.
The India Shrine Circus invited Hamid Circus to bring Carson & Barnes elephants to Oklahoma City, in violation of the Oklahoma City Code prohibiting animal performances, or exhibitions where animals are encouraged, forced, or trained to perform. Please speak out and urge the Greater OKC Chamber to ensure the circus does not return with animals in future – email econdev@okcchamber.com and/or call the Chamber on (405)297-8900.
David was heartbroken after Easy passed away last year. He retreated into himself, barely leaving his feeding camp at the Sanctuary. Grief protocols, used to help the animals through loss, were implemented with Resident Welfare team member Eleanor giving extra enrichment and spending quiet time with him. It is good to now see him exploring his habitat again. We put David with Easy after she lost her sister Shakira, and he adored the older lioness, who was very much the boss. We were all devastated when Easy succumbed to cancer, leaving poor David alone again. We will continue to look for a companion for David. It is always a challenge introducing powerful animals like lions, but the extra risk for David is that he was ‘declawed’ (front toes partially cut off) in the circus, making it risky to put him with a female with claws.
ADI joined activists outside the Los Angeles Zoo to call for sanctuary for elephants Billy and Tina. Elephants need vast amounts of space and complex social structures to remain physically and psychologically healthy. Like so many others, Billy and Tina have been condemned to a life of solitude and confinement for decades. It’s time for the zoo to do the right thing and release them to a sanctuary. Join our call and contact CEO & Zoo Director Denise Verret on (323) 644-4200 or email membership@lazoo.org.
King’s Lynn & West Norfolk Borough Council rejected plans to demolish existing buildings and build new units to expand housing on-site to 14,000 pigs and 714,000 chickens in Norfolk. Producers Cranswick, who were behind the application, failed to demonstrate the development would not cause ‘significant adverse effects’ and failed to provide sufficient environmental information, despite having had 3 years to do so. In its submission of opposition, ADI outlined the negative effects the proposal would have on public health, climate, environment, animal welfare, and local residents. Over 12,000 objections were lodged. A victory for common sense, we hope the decision of the council will stand and not be appealed.
It is a decade next week since our epic relocation of 39 monkeys, coatis and kinkajous, saved from circuses and the pet trade in Peru, including Pepe and friends. It was a 15-hour journey by road, air, and river. Back to the jungle with their own kind, the animals formed family groups. Talking the same language, they were no longer alone. ADI has continued to fund the care and housing for our rescues at Pilpintuwasi ever since. We are now undertaking major repairs and replacements. To help with urgent improvements and repairs: Donate US $, CA $ I Donate UK £, Euros, Rand We are nearly halfway to our target – can you help us get over the finish line?
Check out this aerial view of some of the habitats at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary. You’ll see Kiara and Scarc, Rey Cusco, horses Crockett with mom Amani grazing between habitats, cow Matilda, Smith looking up from his platform, Africa and Kiara on the feeding camp platform and Rolex amongst the trees, Saham in the feeding camp, and David on the move.
Coralie and Goliath spent a decade in this circus cage. They now have a chance to spend the next ten years at ADIWS. In 2021, France passed a law phasing out wild animals in traveling circuses, first prohibiting breeding wild animals in circuses and setting minimum welfare standards, with the full ban coming into force in 2028. Removed from Cirque Idéal, following an investigation by Free Life, Coralie and Goliath are being cared for at Tonga Terre D’Accueil, a temporary holding facility for confiscated animals near Lyon. ADI has secured permits from France and South Africa, and are looking for flights, and building at the Sanctuary. We urgently need funds for the care of the relocation and care of these animals: Donate US $, CA $ | Donate UK £, Euros, Rand
Let’s start with some great news: This week, Washington State’s ban on traveling shows with elephants, big cats, non-human primates, bears and hybrids of these species, passed with a massive majority – 65-32! The ban now moves to the Governor’s desk for signature.
Thanks to relentless campaigning, we are continuing to make progress. More than 50 countries now have bans and where possible, wherever we can, ADI will be there to empty the cages – saving the animals and maintaining the momentum for others to pass bans.
This is why our latest rescue of Goliath and Coralie in France is so important.
France, which, when we started with the first undercover investigations had one of the largest and most established circus industries in the world, recently passed their law phasing out wild animals in traveling circuses by 2028. The phaseout started with regulations to end breeding and set welfare standards.
With your support, ADI can help make this ban work as we have done elsewhere, by rehoming the animals – starting with two wonderful lions Coralie (13 years) and Goliath (11 years).
These circus survivors have been removed from Cirque Idéal and are being cared for in the Tonga Terre D’Accueil, a temporary holding facility near Lyon, which takes in confiscated animals until a permanent home is found. With your help, that will be the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, South Africa for Goliath and Coralie.
Goliath and Coralie endured their first decade in a tiny stinking, circus cage. If we all pull together, their next decade will be in the African sunshine, in their native homeland.
Huge thanks to everyone who responded to my call for help last week. We have raised enough for their new travel crates, and these are being built in France. I am also pleased to confirm that our permits to move the lions have been approved by France and South Africa.
And we are making their space at ADIWS at top speed! We need to move around some residents to make Goliath and Coralie’s patch of African heaven:
First up: The new Alexis Habitat, we are building the house, fitting out the internal rooms, building the outside viewing platforms with dens underneath, and pools, for Sasha tiger. She can then move closer to her relatives – Sun, Moon, Luna, Lupe, Max and Stripes.
Second: Sasha’s old habitat will be converted into a quarantine unit to receive Goliath and Coralie. They will have 2.5 acres with pools and viewing platforms and dens, and the bottom half of the habitat (which they will access after initial quarantine and orientation) has a natural spring running through it. Our current quarantine units are still occupied by the Kuwait lions, who need to stay in there for a while longer. All of this is a major expansion for the ADIWS, but if we are to save more animals, we must press on.
That said, for Goliath and Coralie, we have a way to go yet. I am speaking to cargo companies about flights, we will need road transport and handling arrangements at the airports. However, as you know, the biggest challenge is raising enough funds to cover food, care, and veterinary treatment for the rest of their lives.
I love how these animals rescued from such deprivation, suffering and abuse, embrace life when given the chance. As Tim and I watched them in France, Goliath rolled on his rubber bed with his legs in the air, like a kitten. Coralie joined in, they played with bowling skittles, climbed on logs, enjoyed the fun in life they had missed for the first half of their lives.
Why not adopt these fun loving lions today and follow their incredible journey over the coming years? UK store I US store
Can you imagine how much they will enjoy the acres of space and treats and surprises that ADIWS has to offer? The small wildlife running across their habitat – ground squirrels, rabbits, hares, mongooses, birds flying overhead, the sounds of the wild. You can make that happen for them.
This rescue is a huge step towards eliminating wild animals in circuses in France, forever. We can show government officials that circus bans can be a success. If this move is successful, we hope to help with more animals from the circuses, emptying more cages and bringing the day closer when no animals will suffer like Coralie and Goliath, ever again.
I do hope that you can help with this rescue, for Coralie and Goliath AND the animals still in the circuses, whose chance to be free has not yet come. Let’s empty these cages ahead of the 2028 deadline. Donate UK (£, Euros, Rand) I Donate US $, CA $
ADI has been asked to provide a forever home for lions 13-year-old Coralie and 11-year old Goliath, who have escaped the circus following France’s ban on wild animal acts in circuses in 2021. The law has phased out the animal circuses with stopping breeding, setting of welfare standards, and the full ban is set to take effect in 2028.
Of course, we said yes! Tim and I went to visit Coralie and Goliath to finalise the agreement to bring them home to the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, South Africa. The couple have lived together all their lives and are close, affectionate, and remind us very much of our dear Tarzan and Tanya from Guatemala (like Coralie, Tanya is also a little older than Tarzan).
Coralie and Goliath were removed from Cirque Idéal in France, following an investigation by our colleagues from the Free Life Association, which exposed how they were confined to a tiny, rusting cage on the back of a truck. A complaint was filed with the authorities, but the circus left town and disappeared – a familiar story for ADI, as we have often had to pursue circuses for months! Then a stroke of luck; a town hall contacted Free Life, saying the circus had been on their land for several months and was refusing to leave. The other lions were removed and given a temporary space in a zoo, but Coralie and Goliath could not be homed – it was claimed that Goliath was aggressive, but when Tim and I met him, we found him to be a peaceful, playful soul.
Goliath and Coralie were taken to Tonga Terre D’Accueil, a temporary holding centre for confiscated wildlife established in 2007 which is funded/attached to a zoo, Espace Zoologique de Saint-Martin-la-Plaine. Their first rescue was a hippopotamus confiscated from a circus, (coincidentally, one that Tim and I worked to free through a court case in the noughties) and they have since housed and relocated over 500 wild animals rescued from cruelty cases, or confiscated from traffickers, or illegal exotic pets. But it is not a permanent home – Coralie and Goliath cannot stay there.
After a long process to get permission from the wildlife and veterinary officials in France and South Africa, we have our permits and are looking for flights!
Now, let’s get them home!
We need help – we must build new crates for Goliath and Coralie (on our last rescue we shipped two old crates flat-packed, but it was not as economic as we hoped). The new crates will be built in France (to international transport specifications) at a cost of €5,000 / $5,500 / £4,200 each. Other transport costs will include trucks to and from the airports in France and South Africa; customs and ground charges. We hope to get a free flight, or a concession on flight costs for both the lions and for Tim and myself to accompany them. We will keep you updated!
Meanwhile at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary….
We are busy building a new tiger house so that Sasha tiger can move out of Stephi Habitat to our new Alexis Habitat, opposite her family (Max, Stripes, Lupe, Luna, Sun, Moon).
Then, Stephi Habitat will be converted to our first permanent quarantine unit, initially for Coralie and Goliath and then other animals who arrive and need quick space. They will have about 2.5 acres of space, plenty of room to run and play (or just snooze) – more space than they have ever known.
While Coralie and Goliath are in quarantine, our next task is to work on their permanent home – Antonia Habitat (7.5 acres = 110metres x 250metres / 361ft x 820ft).
We must complete house and fence repairs and add some lion viewing platforms. Currently, this habitat is home (at night) to Matilda the cow and her family of sheep and goats, while their new barns and enclosures are being built. They roam during the day, but come in at night, protected from larger native wildlife.
This is a lot of moving around, but although we have 455 acres in total, we have never had spare finances to build extra habitats and houses, for future residents. We build as we need them.
It is also essential that we raise funds for Coralie and Goliath’s care including veterinary treatment for the next decade, this is a major commitment but one that we think you’ll agree they deserve.
Tim and I do hope you can help us bring Coralie and Goliath home to Africa. Their story breaks our hearts. After a lifetime of suffering, abuse, shouting and screaming in the circus, living in a tiny space the size of a truck, on bare boards, nothing of interest and the wonderful outside world, the other side of the bars. These two beautiful souls need us to change their lives forever.
So, what do you think? Shall we do it? Would you like to bring another Tarzan and Tanya to the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary? This important rescue will help drive forward the French circus ban, ensuring every cage is empty by 2028.
I think this is a YES WE CAN! With you by our side, we can do this.
On Sunday, Mother’s Day will be celebrated in the UK, Ireland, and other countries – while in the US and several other countries, Mother’s Day is May 11, and we will again celebrate our moms! For our sanctuary moms – lioness Kiara, mother of Mahla and Scarc, for tigress Lupe, mother of Max and Stripes, for horse Amani, mother of Crockett, and for donkeys Brighty and Puzzle, mothers of Nugget and Eeyore respectively – every day is Mother’s Day. So we thought we’d pay tribute to our moms while also, sparing a thought for those moms in captivity around the world, who are not so lucky.
As a Sanctuary, we do not allow breeding, but we were in for a surprise when we rescued our family of donkeys from an abandoned lodge – donkeys have a 14-month pregnancy and so it was a while before we noticed two were pregnant. Almost a year later, we were joined by Nugget and then Eeyore. Since then, our donkey family has adopted a baby springbok (also rescued). The family roams freely across the ADIWS and when a storm is coming, the donkeys huddle protectively around their young, including the springbok.
Crockett was born on a township street where, along with mother Amani and father Apollo, he was rescued after the family was found cruelly hobbled. Joined by another rescued horse, Sammy, they, like the donkey family, roam freely across the whole Sanctuary and will often turn up at the door for carrots and apples for breakfast.
Tiger cubs Max and Stripes were rescued from a circus in Guatemala at 6 months old, spent their first year at the ADI Temporary Rescue Unit (where they enjoyed their first pools), and so have grown up knowing little of the life they escaped. Alongside their extended family, they have all known freedom, care and loving kindness at the ADIWS.
Captive lion and tiger mothers are tormented throughout their lives – confinement, repeated pregnancies and heartbreak as their cubs are torn from them. Who can forget the grotesque scenes in ‘Tiger King’ when, even WHILE she was giving birth, a mother tiger’s newborn cubs were being hooked away from her. And this continues to be the fate of mothers in captivity worldwide – their babies torn away from them for photos, or to be used as pets, or killed for food or other products.
When I first met Lupe, she was in a metal box in a circus cage, nursing tiny cubs Max and Stripes. Circus workers would use metal poles to drag her babies out of the cage for photos with members of the public. Although Guatemala had banned animals in circuses, it was many months before we could take the animals, by which time Max and Stripes were six months old. However, they were still young enough for them to be protected from the most devastating impacts of early age malnutrition in the circus (many cats suffer neurological, skeletal and other problems due to lack of the necessary vitamins and minerals in their diet from a young age). Max and Stripes have grown up big and strong at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary and tower over their mother.
Sadly, Lupe was not so lucky; malnutrition and in-breeding in the circus have taken their toll on her body: she suffers seizures, has a cataract, and severe allergies (Max also suffers from allergies). Her seizures mean she cannot live with Max and Stripes (we cannot know how they may react), and she can only enjoy the pool when she is being monitored. However, she sees the boys every day and they can make contact through the fence. The circus stole a lot from Lupe; she is on lifelong medication, cannot plunge into a large pool, but she is enjoying the best life possible.
No life story expresses the anguish these mothers endure more than lioness Kiara.
I will never forget trying to distract her with toys in a truck stop in Cusco, Peru, as she stared into the distance and heartbreakingly wailed for her cubs, Mahla and Scarc. Earlier in the day, we had raided a circus with riot police to remove all the now-illegal animals. The circus brought a mob, got a lawyer, and a day-long stand-off commenced, during which the circus separated Kiara from her cubs. We loaded three lions, including Kiara; but officials, facing an angry mob, halted the rescue. We had to leave without castrated male Smith, and Kiara’s cubs, planning how to go back for them.
We holed up at a truck stop with the three lions and spent the next day trying to force the removal of the remaining animals through the local court. We headed back to the ADI Temporary Rescue Unit (TRU) near Lima with heavy hearts. Kiara paced and called for her cubs for a week as we worked to save them. We then returned to rescue the cubs.
As we returned back to the TRU, even before we were through the gate, Kiara was on her feet. She knew. We removed the travel covers; she saw her cubs and was transfixed. We lowered the cage and released Mahla and Scarc into the cage with Kiara. During a long greeting of nuzzling and vocalizing, Kiara even lightly cuffed Scarc around the ear as if saying, “Don’t ever frighten me like that again”. The scenes were shown in an episode of the first series of ‘Dodo Heroes’, called ‘Jan & Tim’s greatest show on earth’, available on Amazon Prime.
Those magical moments in Peru were ten years ago. Mahla and Scarc have grown into powerful lions, and they are very protective of their mother (who has lost an eye due to cataracts, from early age malnutrition).
Thank you for helping to transform the lives of our ADIWS mothers. Sunday will be another happy day for them. But please never forget, and tell all of your family, friends, work colleagues, social media contacts that animals’ mothers (and their babies) pay a high price for those pics of people with young animals you see on social media. With your help, we can change the world for animals.
Please also consider what it takes to rescue young animals with their mothers. Since their rescue from the circus, we have cared for Kiara, Scarc, Mahla in the TRU for a year, then flew them to South Africa, built their ADIWS home and they have already been with us for a decade. We hope they will be with us for another ten years. Youngsters Saif and Dhubiya, rescued in Kuwait last year, could enjoy life at ADIWS for another 20 years. Crockett could roam ADIWS for 25 or more years, and Nugget and Eeyore may outlive many of us, and still be roaming ADIWS in 30 years’ time. They need you to be with them forever. This is why a bequest to ADI in your will is so vital, a gift that secures their future. Find out more here.
Please enjoy our video tribute to the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary mothers:
There is something especially magical about seeing our rescued monkeys home in the Amazon rainforest. Climbing through the trees, watching butterflies, swinging on ropes, picking through the undergrowth, tasting things, finding treats, always so inquisitive, examining anything new, grooming each other, and just being together in their family groups.
We save these animals from horrific abuse. Captured from the wild, terrified, they are taken to live lives of isolation, chained, abused, and many have their teeth snapped off to stop them biting. I have seen horrific infections from these crude mutilations, which would have been fatal had we not been there in time.
For these animals who have endured so much, our aim is to always try to give our rescues a life as close as possible to what nature intended. The life they lost. We have successfully returned monkeys to the wild, but for many, the physical and emotional damage from abuse has left them in need of special care for the rest of their lives. That’s why I need your help today.
It is now ten years since ADI supporters, like yourself, helped us to build our complex of monkey habitats in the Peruvian rainforest at Pilpintuwasi – one of the most challenging construction projects we have faced – but also the most innovative, like when we decided the little white capuchins would enjoy having a stream run through their habitat and needed to build the fence under water, into the rocks. Within days of completion of the homes, we took our first 39 primates, coati mundis, and kinkajous – cut from chains in circuses, restaurants, and taken from wildlife traffickers – home to the rainforest. Watch them return to the jungle here
Since then, this safe haven has been a lifeline for many animals, like baby Chaska, a woolly monkey saved from traffickers, living her best life in her natural habitat, reunited with her own kind.
That said, caring for animals in their natural jungle habitat, humid, with regular heavy rainfall, comes at an extra cost. And of course, it is often the busy, inquisitive, dexterous efforts of our primates themselves which results in weakening of the habitat fencing, while swinging through the trees at great speeds, leaping onto houses and other structures and landing with force, that takes a toll on enrichment structures. Some of our residents will be with us for 30 years or more.
Ten years of repairs to withstand enthusiastic monkey pounding has brought us to the point that we need to undertake some major work and replacements to fencing and structures.
Can you help us to raise $10,000/ £8,000 for comprehensive repairs and improvements to this beacon of hope in the Peruvian forest, a lifeline for so many animals?
We have undertaken some of the most urgent repairs but need your help now – for more rolls of mesh, metal poles, concrete, wire, wood, and other materials. We have a limited window to get all of these in place because we are moving into the season where the river will begin to drop, making it very difficult to get everything to our remote location.
Together, we have given these animals the closest thing to the natural life that was stolen from them. We have reunited them with their own kind, ended their loneliness and created families, allowing them to swing through the trees again and be monkeys.
Spider monkey Pepe was chained in a circus for eight years until ADI rescued him. I’ll never forget the day he looked into our eyes as we cut him from his chains, nor the time we waited anxiously for him to come around after hours of dental surgery to repair his teeth, brutally broken by the circus, and deeply touching, when he was first reunited with his own kind, meeting the beautiful Valerie with her blue eyes, followed by many more spider monkeys; then his final hug to me, before bounding into his new forest habitat.
Pepe is 19 now, and a spider monkey can live to 40 years old. He will grow old in the forest with his own family of spider monkeys. That is how important this special rainforest place of safety is, for these monkeys.
The clock is ticking for us to get everything delivered for these vital repairs. Will you help raise the $10,000 / £8,000 we need?
Please make a commitment for the monkeys in our care and for the many more who have not yet been saved, with a donation today.
The hardest thing about rescuing animals from abuse is when it is time to say goodbye. When we save an animal, they dominate our thoughts, time and energy, a bond develops as we work to take them to freedom and a new life, but we have to acknowledge, both physically and psychologically, they cannot entirely escape their past. It is with great sadness I must report the passing of Jade, one of the young tigers from a Guatemala circus, who has passed away after an aggressive, fast-growing cancer was diagnosed. Our vet Dr Caldwell advised there was nothing to be done, and trying to treat it would cause more suffering. It was time to say goodbye.
Jade was the smallest of the group of young tigers we call the Spice Girls, but with a huge personality and quick mind which made her their leader. She was the live and soul of the group. Jade was the one who raced around and got her sisters playing, sometimes bounding up and getting them up, even when they were sleeping. For almost seven years, despite a terrible start in life in the circus in Guatemala, this small tiger had inspired us all with her boundless energy, lust for life, intelligence, sense of mischief and enthusiasm. She leaves a huge gap at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary.
Now, through the sense of loss, we celebrate what precious years ADI supporters gave to dear Jade, and how very different her life would have been . The support for her and her family let them all know real joy.
The picture of Jade, above, was the day I first met her in the circus. It was a sweltering hot summer’s day in 2018, and the circus was refusing to comply with the Guatemalan Government’s ban on animal circuses. They were aggressive, shouting and blocking our way. Jade and her sister Luna shared a small bare cage, the size of a queen-sized bed. In the other cages were 13 other tigers and two lions (Tarzan and Tanya). Their lawyer blocked us that day, but over the course of the next five months, we kept pressing ahead and eventually, saved every one of them.
Jade and sister Luna were 18 months old at the time, and in our ADI Temporary Rescue Unit (TRU) in Guatemala, we united them with 6-month-old siblings from another litter, Sun and Moon. The group became known as ‘the Spice Girls’, because of their rambunctious behaviors. Our TRU in Guatemala was basic, but this was where the girls first ran and played on grass. Nobody who saw it will ever forget their first time playing in water. We had made a small pool for them – they raced in, water went everywhere, and within minutes it was full of mud, half the water splashed out and the whole area soaked. Everyone was laughing, enjoying their antics.
However, as always, the inbreeding, malnutrition and confinement of the circus would be harder to leave behind than the cages we had emptied. The members of the tiger family have all proved to be in the worst health of any animals we have rescued – 4 have already passed away due to neurological malfunctions (seizures) related to lifelong malnutrition and inbreeding. Jade was undersized and suffered spondylosis – the cause was similar to the ones who suffered seizures – malformed bones meant the nerves between her brain and spine were unable to function properly, in Jade, causing a goose-stepping walk.
The difference can be seen with Sun, Moon, Max, and Stripes – all rescued from the same circus but at just 6 months old, so they benefited from the enhanced ADI feeding regime, with extra vitamin and mineral supplements. They are all larger, strong, and not showing any neurological problems.
Jade had also lost her tail in the circus, with just a small stump left. This is a common injury in circuses when animals are chased through drop doors between cages and doors are dropped on their tails. Similarly, Tanya (from the same circus) has no fluffy tip to her tail. An ADI investigator filmed this happening in a British circus (before the ban).
In our grief at the loss of a family member, it is hard not to feel rage that circuses not only confine these animals in barren cages and take all the joy from their lives, but also break their bodies, causing lifelong damage. But they never broke Jade’s spirit.
Despite being the smallest of the Spice Girls, Jade was clearly the boss, and the one who energized the group to go out and play – she always raced to investigate everything first. It may have been sheer force of character, but it may also have been because she was so smart. Something she demonstrated to us with the puzzle game.
The ADIWS team built a play center for the residents, which was moved from habitat to habitat for different residents to play with and try to solve the puzzle (a ball inside a tunnel), while also enjoying the scent of other residents who had previously enjoyed the structure. The puzzle challenge was to get a small green ball around a corner and out of a small gap. While many residents at the ADIWS had pawed at it and tried to tug it out, Jade worked out the puzzle; she rolled in along the tunnel, around the corner, using her nose and paws, until the ball popped out.
When the family arrived at ADIWS, it was Jade who led them out. In part due to the spondylitis caused by the circus, and perhaps in part due to her character, she didn’t so much run, but rather bounced everywhere. She always appeared to be endlessly bouncing around the entire perimeter at high speed. It was magical when she first entered her big habitat at ADIWS when they arrived in 2020, just running and running and leaping on and off the big platform den, with such joy.
Jade always led the Spice Girls into the charge out of the houses and get the fun going. Classic Jade was also when seen she would be snoozing in the pool and then wake up, deciding it was time for everyone to get up, and race from one to another of the girls to rustle them up to play.
Jade was an inspiration to all, a bright star who brought joy and a smile to us all for seven wonderful years. A huge loss to her family and the whole Sanctuary. For seven years this small bundle of energy was a huge character at ADIWS.
Jade, you were loved and will be missed.
While we mourn Jade, just think of how very different her story would have been if ADI had not been on the ground for those long hot months in Guatemala, battling to empty the cages? Never forget how your support really does transform the lives of animals.
You may like to consider a donation in memory of Jade, to help care for her sisters, and to ensure that others like her get their chance to experience the life Jade enjoyed. Donate UK £, Euros, Rand | Donate US $, CA $
The past month has been an emotional rollercoaster, as we received news of Muheeb’s cancer diagnosis, but saw him active and playful after arriving home at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary from the hospital – his whole attitude is one of a fighter, who is determined to enjoy the best of his new life.
To support the work of the Sanctuary, where animals saved from suffering can enjoy their life as close to nature as possible: Donate UK £ | Donate US $.
Muheeb’s cancer is a diffused intestinal lymphoma which has spread along his intestine and there is no potential surgery and no cure. He is not in pain and enjoying a good quality of life and will be monitored by Dr Caldwell, and us, to ensure he remains comfortable for as long as possible, with as many toys, enrichment and treats as he wants. On his arrival back home after his diagnosis, he amazed us all with a huge display of energy and enthusiasm with his orange playball. Dr Caldwell is pleased with his energy and appearance, and he is now on two small meals per day, to maximise the nutrition he can get from each meal. Our thanks for the incredible outpouring of love our supporters have given him, see Muheeb with his ball here.
GREAT NEWS! SB5065 to prohibit the use of elephants, big cats, non-human primates, and bears in traveling acts in Washington state, has passed the Senate with a clear majority of 30-19 votes! The bill now goes to the House Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee. Drew McCormick, ADI Public Policy Specialist, presented evidence in support of the Bill.
If you live in Washington, send a comment to your State Legislators TODAY! Find your Legislators with this easy-to-use form: https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/bill/5065 Simply fill in your contact details, and click SUPPORT. You can then add a comment to let them know why this is important to you.
In the US, contact your Congress Members and urge them to support the reintroduction of TEAPSPA, to ban traveling animal acts nationwide: bit.ly/SupportTEAPSPA
Los Angeles finally got some much-needed rain to contain the massive fires that swept the area. Our thoughts remain with those impacted by the fires, which ripped through LA County, driven by unusually high winds, displacing wildlife, families, and their pets. As LA begins picking up the pieces, we launched an appealto provide assistance on the ground and deliver resources to individuals and organizations whose voices are perhaps not heard above the other emergency calls for help. Our LA office will get help to where it is needed most.
Excellent progress has been made on the new system of sewage and grey water recycling management at the Sanctuary. Five new septic tanks are being installed alongside four ‘grey’ water filtration tanks and water storage tanks. Once fully installed, all grey water (from showers, sinks, etc.) will be filtered for use for watering plants, firefighting, washing cars, etc. This preserves our supplies of fresh drinking water for the humans, lions, tigers, and other animals. We have tested the older boreholes on the property for water supplies and will reopen new wells where possible. The Sanctuary has just been through another drought during rainy season, where our lake dried up completely for the first time since we arrived five years ago– fortunately we are getting rain now and the sanctuary is turning green again. Global weather cycles are changing, and the first rains have arrived months later than normal, it will take months for the lake to recover. This, and the horrific fires in Los Angeles have been a shocking reminder of the impact of climate change. Water security will be critical to the Sanctuary’s growth and capacity to save more animals.
In an attempt to counter legislation to end bullfighting and cockfighting, Peruvian Congressman Juan Bartolome Burgos has launched bill 2828/22, declaring these cruel events ‘cultural’. The bill has already been approved in the first debate in the Culture Committee of the Peruvian Congress despite negative reports from the Ministry of Culture, the Bar Association and animal rights activists. Following the law banning bullfighting in Colombia, ADI recently met with activists and congressmen in Peru, to stop the initiative and end the suffering once and for all (pictured: ADI’s Yani Mateus address a meeting in Peru).
To help, please contact the Peruvian Embassy in your country hereand urge them to join other countries in promoting protection of animals, and also support the campaign for a #PeruWithoutToreo.
Following approval of amendments by the UK House of Lords in November, hippopotamus, narwhal, killer whale and sperm whale now have greater protection under the UK’s Ivory Act. Also, strengthened penalties mean offenders face up to five years in prison and unlimited fines.
We’ve built a lot of houses for lions and tigers, now we are nearing completion of accommodations for the humans who care for them each day. Work on the final wing of the Tohir Staff Village began last month and is making great progress. Once complete, the complex will house 15 Resident Welfare carers at the heart of ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, on duty 24/7. Thank you to everyone who has helped get us this far.
Five years ago last month, the last circus animals to perform in Guatemala, 17 tigers and lions, arrived at the ADIWS. It had been a volatile, challenging 18-month operation to empty the country’s circuses. Then flight restrictions through several countries meant a two-day journey via Mexico, Belgium, Qatar before finally reaching South Africa – perhaps you were one of those cheering us on and following the live updates at every stop? Little did we know at the time, we were just weeks away from a global pandemic which would have left the animals stranded in Guatemala. Watch the video to re-live one of the greatest animal escapes and enjoy the incredible moments when the lions and tigers stepped out into their new home, to more space than they had ever known.
ADI’s inflatable owl monkey continues traveling Colombia, generating empathy and awareness in schools, fairs, libraries and streets. The friendly 4-meter-tall monkey is highlighting ADI Colombia’s campaign to end the use of animals in laboratories. We recently attended a festival of independent publishers organized by the Fondo de Cultura Económica at the Gabriel García Márquez Cultural Center, where we hosted workshops for children and attendees. The message is clear, animal testing is unreliable, unethical and unnecessary.
For decades there were live shows with dolphins and whales at the Antibes facility. The shows were banned in 2021 and the park has finally closed. The 4,000 animals are to be sent to different parks in Europe. France’s Inspector General had determined the best option for Wikie and Keijo, the last orcas in captivity in the country, would be the Whale Sanctuary Project’s Nova Scotia sanctuary. However, in a disturbing development, the Ministry of Ecological Diversity has rejected the application, the attraction Loro Parque in the Canary Islands is now an option.
Tekwe, the smallest of our rescued goats, was treated for ticks by veterinarian Dr Eksteen before quickly rejoining her pals. Tekwe is named after the place from where she was rescued. A reminder that as well as the lions and tigers, the Sanctuary has many other rescues, and they all need our care.
ADI Colombia joined colleagues in Mexico to support the citizen’s initiative seeking a ban on bullfights in Mexico City. Proposed by our Cultura Sin Tortura and Mexico Sin Toreo (ADI is a member), if the citizen’s initiative is successful, a ban will be debated and a vote held in the Congress of Mexico City.
ADI Colombia, Cultura Sin Tortura and Mexico Sin Toreo have launched a campaign of public support – letters, postcards, lobbying – to persuade the city’s deputies to ban the archaic, cruel and violent bullfights in the city.
Supporters have been asking what President Donald Trump’s Executive Orders mean for animals and the environment. ADI is analysing their potential impact, and at this stage, there does not appear to be any good news, mainly several concerns.
For example, we do not know yet the full implications of EC 14192 ‘Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation’. Regulation is frequently decried as “unnecessary” and presented as bureaucratic over-reach, but regulations are often the only line of protection animals have. They stop hunters from killing wildlife, provide animals in laboratories or on farms with the little protections they have against the worst suffering, or prevent destruction of habitats and dumping waste into the natural world. Deregulation and cuts in departments like the Environmental Protection Agency may have a significant impact.
Four of the Executive Orders look like bad news for the environment and wildlife, with a drive for more fossil fuel production (despite US oil production already hitting a record high under President Biden) – ‘Declaring a National Energy Emergency’, ‘Unleashing Alaska’s Extraordinary Resource Potential’, ‘Unleashing American Energy’ and ‘Putting America First in International Environmental Agreements’; the last Order removes the US from the Paris Climate Agreement, which heralded a global approach to tackling climate change. Signed by over 190 countries and representing the overwhelming scientific consensus, the Paris Agreement is a rare worldwide initiative to try to protect and preserve our planet. Now, the USA joining Iran, Libya, and Yemen outside of this agreement represents a significant setback in the battle to prevent, or slow, climate change.
Finally, supporters will also have seen the order “Ending Procurement and Forced Use of Paper Straws”, which raises the question, do we really need more plastic do dispose of for such a trivial use? And does nobody think the US is capable of manufacturing effective paper (or other alternative) straws?
If you missed our special Valentine’s compilation of the Sanctuary residents having fun with their special treats, sit back and enjoy here.
With your help, we are continuing to make a difference for animals. To support our work you can make a one-time donation, or consider a monthly gift, here: Donate UK £, Euros, Rand | Donate US $, CA $.
Our very best wishes for a peaceful and successful New Year!
Muheeb has been taken to hospital this week, for Dr Caldwell to examine him and undertake more tests to establish the reason for his weight loss. One of the #Kuwait6 lions, rescued from the illegal trophy pet industry, Muheeb has a friendly, playful nature, and since his arrival at ADIWS, has developed a loud roar and is now a regular voice in the daily chorus with Chino, Coco, Kesari, Simba and Rey. You may recall that Muheeb was sedated before Christmas for blood tests – the Christmas break delayed results, but they were inconclusive. We hope to hear further results soon. In the interim, his food, dietary supplements and vitamins have all been increased, and he has been given a broad-spectrum antibiotic. Although his weight stabilized, he has not yet gained weight, which is what we need to see. As a precaution, he is under strict quarantine. This does not appear to have impacted his playful nature, he wrestles with any form of enrichment and remains engaged with his carers, enjoys his blood/water ice lollies (to keep his fluids up), and continues to roar with his neighbours. We are all hoping for the best for Muheeb.
ADI Wildlife Sanctuary (ADIWS) Our journey building the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary to provide a safe and loving home for our survivors of circuses, zoos and private ownership is now in its seventh year – and what a journey it has been! This coming year, we hope to be ready to bring schools and other visitors to learn how they can help change the world for animals. In the meantime, the campaigns to end suffering of animals in entertainment have secured many more circus bans, as well as other entertainment.
I am delighted to bring you the latest news of our fundraiser to install the state-of-the-art waste disposal and grey water recycling and filtration system to conserve precious water at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary in South Africa. Since our pre-Christmas update, we have now raised the remaining $21,764 / £17,799 of our $125,600 / £100,000 goal. THANK YOU to everyone who has supported this important appeal, and to Big Cat Rescue for their generous $50,000 / £40,000 match fund. WE DID IT and, with your help, the Sanctuary will enjoy water security for years to come, and work is already underway!
It has been over three years since the cataract on Kiara’s left eye began to significantly impact her vision and she now has very little, if any, vision in that eye. The ADIWS team constantly monitor for any inflammation and discomfort, so it can be treated quickly. Dr Peter Caldwell examined Kiara and determined that the eye will need to be removed at some stage. Now around 15 years old, ADI rescued Kiara from a circus in Peru ten years ago. Eye problems are common in rescued circus animals due to early age malnutrition, and it is often a case of holding the damage at bay for as long as possible. Over the years, several of our lions (Leo, Kiara Cusco, Smith) have needed surgery to remove an eye due to cataracts, which can become infected and painful. All have coped well and resumed life as normal following the surgery.
A barrage of lawsuits is before the Constitutional Court in Colombia in efforts to stop Law 2385/2024 banning bullfighting coming into force. The bullfighters argue the law violates fundamental rights such as culture, work, and personal freedoms, among others. ADI has filed a brief in defence of the law, citing the public’s strong opposition to violence towards animals in cultural events and that social norms and standards have evolved beyond such events. The public wishes to leave such activities in the past. The passing of Law 2385 has involved a colossal effort by ADI and other Colombian groups, and now we will defend the law until abolition of bullfighting becomes a reality.
ADI Colombia attended the 16th International Summit Against Bullfighting in Mexico City. The Summit, convened by CAS International, is an opportunity for campaigners across Latin America to exchange experiences, news, and strategies to help colleagues in the few countries in Latin America which still allow the barbaric bullfights. During the Summit, ADI and other Colombian groups, along with Senator Esmeralda Hernandez and House Representative Juan Carlos Losada, were recognized for their work to pass the Colombia bullfighting ban with an award from the Defenzoores Organization. ADI Colombia’s Eduardo and Yani are pictured with the award.
Our hearts and thoughts are with Los Angeles as wildfires in the area continue to rage. Taken from the ADI office, this image shows the fires starting to blaze, driven by exceptionally high winds. Members of our team and friends were under evacuation orders, and we were heartbroken to hear that some close friends lost everything. Our gratitude to everyone who has helped those still fighting the fires, and the wonderful people helping the animals. Our thoughts are with all affected. We are familiar with defending our Sanctuary in South Africa against wildfires but, thankfully, nothing of this magnitude.
Washington State: A new bill to prohibit the use of elephants, big cats, primates, and bears in traveling animal acts has been introduced in Washington State. This week, ADI testified in support of SB5065, which passed its first committee and now heads to the Rules Committee. The only way to stop the suffering of animals in circuses is to get prohibitive measures like this passed, so please join ADI in supporting them every step of the way, and until they become law.
The New Zealand government is to phase out greyhound racing with a ban from 2026. This allows time for the rehoming of dogs and for workers to transition to alternative jobs. In 2021 alone, 232 greyhounds died and 900 were injured on New Zealand’s tracks. ADI is hoping to see other countries, including the UK, Ireland, Australia, and the US—follow New Zealand’s example.
The Bern Convention’s Standing Committee has voted in favour of an EU proposal to downgrade the status of wolves from ‘strictly protected’, to ‘protected’. The Convention is a binding international legal instrument, and this is a step in the wrong direction for biodiversity and conservation. ADI with Eurogroup for Animals argue for the wolf to remain ‘strictly protected’. Scientific studies have shown culling is not an effective measure to reduce attacks on farmed animals. This decision will leave wolves in Europe vulnerable to hunting.
Olympic dressage gold medallist Charlotte Dujardin was fined 10,000 Swiss Francs and banned for one year after being found guilty of ‘engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare.’ The Team GB medallist withdrew from last year’s Olympics after video emerged of her hitting a horse 24 times. Since the ban is backdated, Dujardin is eligible to compete again as early as July as well as at the next Olympics. Horses are the only animals used in the Olympics and ADI is supporting a petition to drop equestrian events from future Games, to stop horses being subject to intense training, travelling, competing, and physical abuse. Sign the petition here.
Animals in entertainment: Belgium has become the fourth country in Europe to ban dolphinaria, with a plan for the seapark in Bruges to close by 2037. It is hoped that improvements will be made to the conditions for the dolphins until they can return home. Provisions include a mandatory ban on breeding and import, and regular welfare evaluations to be conducted. Dolphins are highly intelligent and communicative, they live in family groups and have been known to show compassion, even for humans. The world’s oceans are their home – confinement in small concrete tanks is mental torture for such individuals, deprived of their family and the rich environment of the sea.
Over Christmas, Waldo the goose joined the gaggle at ADIWS after he was found caged and in appalling conditions in Bloemfontein by the SPCA. Of course we offered a home! Our rescued Pomeranian geese Hoity and Toity honked as they greeted the new arrival and the three now patrol the Chris Lee Lodge (volunteer housing) gardens and swim in the pool together.
Orca Kshamenk has been confined to a small concrete pool in Argentina’s Mundo Marino aquarium for over 30 years. Viral footage showing the male orca lying motionless has reignited the global outcry for his release. Although Mundo Marino insists he is “healthy” the scientific evidence is clear: captivity harms orcas, leading to abnormal behaviours and shortened lifespans. ADI is supporting a petition calling for his release. Help us push for the Kshamenk Law, a bill to ban captivity of marine mammals for shows in Argentina and demand rehabilitation or reintegration into the wild. Sign the petition here.
Good news. After banning fur from its catwalks, London Fashion Week has taken the next step, ending the use of exotic animal skins this year. Leading the way, collections will no longer feature the skins of animals such as alligators and snakes.
Widespread condemnation has followed the decision of Iceland’s outgoing government to grant 5-year whaling permits to two companies, Hvalur hf and Tjaldtanga. This will allow over 400 whales (209 fin whales and 217 minke whales) to be caught each year until 2029. Isolated in allowing such cruelty, only Iceland, Japan, and Norway are issuing whaling permits. Thank you to those who have taken action and spoken out against the killing. Please keep up the pressure and urge caretaker president Bjarni Benediktsson to end the hunts, see here.
Jordan World Circus will continue touring with animals this year, despite repeated calls to end animal performances. In 2024, one of their female Asian elephants, Viola, escaped after being spooked by backfire from a truck. She ran through the streets of Butte, Montana for 15 minutes before being caught and returned to the circus, put back in the ring and even giving rides to children. Loomis Brothers are also set to hit the road later this month. Help us to get TEAPSPA reintroduced in Congress in 2025 and ban the use of wild animals in traveling acts in the US.
If you missed our special video of the ADIWS residents enjoying their catnip stockings, stars, gingerbread men, elves, Santas, and other gifts over Christmas, you can watch (or watch again!) here.
Our rescued monkeys and bears, saved from circuses, wildlife traffickers, restaurants, and illegal zoos in Peru, received some special treats too. Watch them receiving these here.
With your help, we are continuing to make a difference for animals. We love to celebrate the victories each year, but we know in this fast-changing world, animals are suffering, tormented and under threat all over the world. Like us, you have chosen to step up and speak for the animals – please keep doing that.
To support our work over the coming months and year, please make a one-time donation, or consider a monthly gift, here:Donate UK £, Euros, Rand | Donate US $, CA $.
Jan Creamer 