After an epic journey, Goliath and Coralie, rescued from a tiny circus cage in France, stepped onto African soil for the first time at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary (ADIWS), South Africa. ADIWS veterinarian Dr Peter Caldwell gave them their first post-arrival examination, and Coralie received stitches for a cut on her paw. Both lions received vaccinations and vitamins following their journey from France. These majestic lions are now settling into their new home.
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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.
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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.
Give Muheeb and the other cats a special treat:
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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 appeal to 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 here and 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:
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Thank you so much for your support.
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.
If you live in the LA area, click here for relief effort resources.
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.
If you live in Washington, please send a comment to your State Legislators and urge them to support SB 5065.
Across the US, call on your legislators to support the reintroduction TEAPSPA to ban traveling wild animal acts nationwide:
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 