A “miracle tiger” has been released back into the wild
We’re constantly hearing awful stories involving poachers or animals being put on the endangered list, so when we get a win it’s kind of nice to celebrate, isn’t it? Well celebrating is certainly what a group of rescuers should be doing now that a “miracle tiger” has been released back into the wild, nearly two … Continued
18 giraffe products that are harming the population
Environmentally conscious buyers may be more savvy when it comes to not shelling out bucks for endangered-animal products like rhino, elephant, and turtle, but apparently that’s just made poachers even more creative in terms of the animals they’re hunting. A recent undercover investigation by the Human Society of the United States and Human Society International … Continued
Poachers could soon face the death penalty in Kenya
It’s no secret the illegal pet trade and poaching is a huge problem in Asia and Africa, but perhaps some countries are a little more serious about solving the issue than others. Or at least that’s one takeaway from the news that Kenya is hoping to soon implement the death penalty for those who poach … Continued
10 of the most trafficked animals in existence (for now)
Recently more than 10,000 endangered radiated tortoises were seized from poachers in Madagascar, but not all of them were physically saved. Hundreds of the animals died from illness and dehydration, proving once again that most animals just really shouldn’t be taken out of their habitat. Experts believe the turtles were intended for the illegal pet … Continued
Rhinos are Unicorns, but their Horns aren’t Magic
A 100 years ago there were 500,000 rhinoceroses in the world, by 1970 there were 70,000, today there is 29,000. To save them, we’re trying everything from rhino-horn-poison to rhino-defense-rangers to airlifting the rhinos to safer locations. The rhinoceros is an incredible creature. With such a fierce frame and sharp horn, you would think that … Continued
Everything you ever wanted to know about the illegal ivory trade, as explained by a leading elephant expert
Mary Rice has held a deep affinity with elephants for as long as she can remember. Today Executive Director of the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA)—an independent campaigning organisation committed to protecting the natural world from environmental crime—and team leader of their Elephant Campaign, the author of Heat, Dust and Dreams has been fighting for the welfare of … Continued
Rhinos to be airlifted to Australia in a desperate bid to save the species
If one man’s mission is successful, Australia is set to see an influx of refugees whose lives are in grave peril in their African homeland. The group is escaping conditions that would be described as genocidal if they were human. But they’re not. They’re rhinos. And according to expat South African Ray Dearlove, they and … Continued
Virtual brutality—The cruel online world of animal atrocities
From live-animal smugglers to rare body-part merchants, puppy farmers to underground hunters—there’s a wild worldwide web of nastiness going on behind your computer screen, but thanks to a new app, you can help do something about it. The modern magic of social media gives us connectivity to entire communities at the swipe of a screen … Continued
Kenya set to burn massive ivory stockpile heavier than 17 bull elephants
The Government of Kenya is preparing to destroy a 106 tonne stockpile of ivory next week in a high-profile international event, which conservation charities hope will prove a significant stepping stone towards ending all ivory trade and the poaching epidemic that feeds it. The Kenyan Government’s ivory burn will follow the Giants Club’s two-day wildlife summit … Continued
We are the rangers: Mapping a message of conservation into Minecraft
It’s been called Lego for the digital age, the popularity of Minecraft—created by Microsoft-owned developer Mojang—lying in the game’s ability to let anyone dive right in and create anything they could possibly imagine. Now a new community-made and charity-backed map of the game is going one step further, creating an interactive world to help teach … Continued
Case cracked? The illegal hobby of wild egg collecting
For most birdwatchers, simply seeing a new species is enough to make their day. Getting a photo of a rare or unusual bird is even better. But in years gone by, some individuals have allowed their fascination with birds to grow out of hand and into an immoral, bird-bothering hobby. Egg collecting (sometimes confusingly referred … Continued
Britain's Wildlife Crime Unit facing extinction, but YOU can help save it
The agency tasked with combatting crimes such as illegal hunting and cruel sports in the UK is under severe threat of imminent closure, and time is fast running out to save it—but you can help. Since it was established in 2006, the National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU) has been investigating countryside criminality including deer poaching, … Continued
The dark and depressing world of British poaching
The word poaching normally conjures up images of trophy hunters stalking lions in Africa or the illegal trade in elephant ivory and tiger skins. But what many people don’t realise is that poaching—the illegal shooting, trapping or capturing of wild or semi-wild animals—also takes place on British soil. Wildlife crime In the UK, poaching is … Continued
Africa's vultures are circling towards extinction, a new study warns
One of nature’s most iconic birds—the vultures of Africa—is now in serious danger of vanishing from the continent completely, a new study reports. The assessment, carried out by BirdLife International, discovered that six of Africa’s 11 vulture species are now at risk of extinction. The drastic population decline is thought to be the result of … Continued
Watch an elephant's first moments of life as mother shows off her calf to her rescuers
It’s a tale we’ve heard one too many times in recent years, an elephant is struck down by poachers, leaving behind young that must struggle to survive. But what starts as a sad tale about an elephant losing her mother takes a bright turn, as Wendi the elephant begins her own journey of motherhood. When … Continued
Playtime! Watch these orphaned baby rhinos frolic about with a completely new lease on life
Sadly, like too many baby rhinos these days, PJ and Monty have experienced much more trauma then they ever should have. But thankfully, through the tireless efforts of a few kind-hearted helpers, these two cheeky little fellas finally have a chance to once again do what all youngsters do best: play! PJ lost his mother … Continued
It's #WorldRhinoDay! Let's raise awareness about these majestic animals
It’s World Rhino Day today, and people right across the planet are joining together to celebrate all five species of rhino—Black, white, greater one-horned, Sumatran and Javan—as well as raise awareness about the continued and desperate need to protect these majestic animals. First announced by WWF-South Africa in 2010, the international day of celebration has since grown … Continued
Orphaned baby rhino gets happiest ending possible
The surge in ivory poaching is seriously hurting South Africa’s rhino population, but one baby rhino left motherless by hunters goes against the odds. Remember seeing pictures of a poor little orphaned baby rhino, snuggling up to a passing vehicle it mistook for a potential mum? Good news—things are definitely looking up for little the little … Continued
Are elephants evolving in response to poachers?
Originating from an organism the size of a dog, elephants spent 50 million years evolving into the magnificent beasts we know and love today. Elephants boast a spectacular list of unique adaptations, from their prehensile trunks to their ultra-sensitive but armour-like skin. And now biologists are seeing rapid adaptations in their tusks. Are poachers to … Continued