AWI Quarterly Spring 2006 Volume 55 Number 2 about the cover Squirrel monkeys made up more than half the primates imported to Mexico from Guyana between 2000 and 2005. Fortunately, in January 2006, Mexico’s General Wildlife Act was modified to ban the import and export of both primates and marine mammals for exhibition purposes. The law is a conservation tool for wild popula- tions, but it will also pay off for captive animals, as facilities must improve their

Sa Team/Foto Natura/Minden Pictures welfare policies now that the creatures are no longer replaceable (see story, page 6). Meanwhile, squirrel monkeys are facing other threats. Dead monkeys were animals in the oceans recently discovered in Costa Rica’s Corcovado National Park, and the cause of their demise was starvation. The animals rely on a diet of fruit, insects, leaves European Whale Deaths Linked to British Navy...2 The Caribbean—Sand, Sea and Saving Animals...4-5 and stems, and global warming-induced climate change in the rainforest has led Laurel Canty-Ehrlich to excessive rainfall that caused trees to not bear fruit. This weather also made A Long Way from Home...9 it difficult for the monkeys to forage for food on the ground. If we do not take US Navy Plans Active Sonar Range...9 AWI drastic measures to reverse the problem, global warming will have similarly Wavering on Whales...9 Quarterly devastating effects on animal populations across the globe (see story, page 10). Spring 2006 Volume 55 Number 2 Manatee Deaths Up, Protections Down...13 Luna Hit by Tugboat Propeller...14 Founder Suffering and dying from numerous Christine Stevens European Whale Deaths Linked to British Navy threats, manatees must not lose the animals in the wild few legal protections they have (see Directors US Protects Caribbean Forest Habitat...5 n the evening of Jan. 26, four Cuvier’s beaked whales stranded story, page 13). Cynthia Wilson, Chair Freedom Fighter: Marjorie Cooke and died on two beaches off the Almeria coast in Southern Spain. Environmental activist Yolanda Alaniz helps Mexico achieve landmark Roger Fouts, Ph.D. The British Royal Navy had been conducting exercises in the John Gleiber O legislation for marine mammals and primates...6-7 Mediterranean at the time with the HMS Kent. The Animal Welfare Institute’s Fredrick Hutchison Jr. After Brief Hiatus, Aerial Wolf Gunning in Alaska Resumes...8 Cathy Liss Susan Millward contacted the Ministry of Defense on Feb. 2 and learned Bonfires of Compassion...8 Officers the Kent is equipped with active sonar that was allegedly turned on for five Sukree Sukplang/Reuters Cathy Liss, President minutes three days before the stranding—though its location on the 26th was not Elephant Social Structure Lost...8 Cynthia Wilson, Vice President divulged. While the Spanish naval base of Cartagena is located approximately Paradise Found...9 Fredrick Hutchison Jr., CPA, Treasurer 50 miles east of the stranding site, AWI was advised that no Spanish Navy ships John Gleiber, Secretary Say No to Palm Oil...9 were known to be in the area at the time. Global Warming: A Global Devastation...10-12 Scientific Committee This mass stranding incident appeared suspicious because the animals did Marjorie Anchel, Ph.D. Interspecies Attachments Why Different Animals Form Bonds...20 Gerard Bertrand, Ph.D. not strand together. Fortunately, a veterinary pathologist team from la Universi- F. Barbara Orlans, Ph.D. dad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria rushed to the scene to attend to the animals. companion animals Roger Payne, Ph.D. The team is experienced in noise-related strandings, having conducted numerous Live chickens are collected with Remembering Leibchen...14 Samuel Peacock, M.D. necropsies on whales who stranded in the Canary Islands after naval exercises. plastic bags that are later thrown Hope Ryden into massive landfills in an attempt to Trapper Ordered to Pay Damages for Killing Dogs...14 John Walsh, M.D. It also coined the term “Gas and Fat Embolic Syndrome” to describe a condi- tion in stranded marine mammals that is hypothesized to result when whales stop the spread of avian influenza in International Committee Thailand (see story, page 18). news from capitol hill Aline de Aluja, D.M.V., Mexico rise toward the ocean’s surface too quickly (an affliction similar to the bends in Ambassador Tabarak Husain, Bangladesh humans) as they try to Permanent Ban Needed...15 Angela King, United Kingdom escape from noise. Protect Your Pets...15 Godofredo Stutzin, Chile The preliminary Antonio Jesús Fernández Rodríguez Agnes Van Volkenburgh, D.M.V., Poland Revised Puppy Mill Bill Threatens to Undermine Existing Law...15 Alexey Yablokov, Ph.D., Russia necropsy results from Staff and Consultants this latest stranding animals on the farm Tracy Basile, Editorial Consultant were released on Frank Reese: A Good Shepherd for Turkeys, Catherine Carroll, Communications Associate March 17, and Gas and by Diane Halverson...16-17 Tom Garrett, Consultant for Rural Affairs Fat Embolic Syndrome Diane Halverson, Farm Animal Advisor Factory Farms Create the Environment for Deadly Bird Flu...18

was reported in all four Gunn-Dore Marlene Halverson, Farm Animal Economic Advisor Inhumane Slaughter and Misconduct Uncovered at Christopher J. Heyde, Research Associate animals. The report Vivian Leven, Research Associate concludes that the Kosher Slaughterhouse...18 Andrea Lococo, Wildlife Consultant “most likely primary Susan Millward, Research Associate This Cuvier’s beaked whale is one of four who cause of this type of AWI’s new book on refinement and books and films Annie Reinhardt, Information Specialist stranded in an atypical mass stranding event in Viktor Reinhardt, D.M.V., Ph.D., beaked whale mass Southern Spain. enrichment for rodents and rabbits Animal Passions and Beastly Virtues: Laboratory Animal Advisor stranding event is demonstrates optimal bedding and Reflections on Redecorating Nature...19 Ava Rinehart, Graphic Designer anthropogenic [human- foraging materials for these animals New Book Helps Rodents And Rabbits...19 Jen Rinick, Research Assistant caused] acoustic activities, most probably anti-submarine active mid-frequency (see story, page 19). D.J. Schubert, Wildlife Biologist The Meatrix II: Revolting...19 Tracy Silverman, Legal Associate sonar used during the military naval exercises.” Our European colleagues are Wendy Swann, Research Associate now urging British authorities to provide precise information about the location Jill Umphlett, Administrative Assistant of the Kent and its sonar use on the stranding date. For subscription inquiries or other information, please contact AWI at: P.O. Box 3650, Washington, D.C. 20027, phone: (703) 836-4300, facsimile: (703) 836-0400, email: [email protected] or visit AWI’s website at: www.awionline.org. his year, the Caribbean is not anti-whaling countries pushing for more to include volunteer coordinators just a popular destination for conservation-minded initiatives. across more than 40 Caribbean States T vacationers and pre-World Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) and Territories working to preserve Cup cricket enthusiasts, as the 2006 Research Associate Susan Millward the region’s six species of sea turtles. International Whaling Commission recently observed this division at an Attempting to replicate this hugely (IWC) meeting will be held in St. Kitts intercessional meeting; an impasse successful approach with other species, and Nevis in June. Once again, rumors was declared over the completion of we co-authored and presented a paper

are rife that pro-whalers will hold the the Revised Management Scheme, the on integrated conservation at a fall Scott A. Eckert/WIDECAST simple majority of votes. The same was rules that would govern whaling if the 2005 meeting of the United Nations Bob Talbot/LegaSea true last year in Ulsan, South Korea, but ban were lifted. With the immense and Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife in the end, the pro-whaling bloc was synergistic threats facing the world’s (SPAW) Protocol. The paper proposes unable to assemble a majority. oceans and their inhabitants from climate the establishment of a structured network There is an ironic twist this time change, bycatch, depletion of prey of experts drawn from various scientific around because the beautiful island species, illegal and overfishing, toxic governmental and non-governmental pollution and anthropogenic noise, a organizations to operate under SPAW. nation of St. Kitts and Nevis has Left: Rockey Aguillera is a member of Nature Seekers, a WIDECAST Lead Organization that collects data on the reproductive success of received over $14 million in fisheries return to whaling would be disastrous for It was well received, and we have been one of the world’s largest nesting colonies of endangered leatherback sea turtles. Right: This grey whale was discovered entangled in a aid from Japan over several years, and the world’s remaining whales—the focus given the go-ahead to begin researching, drift net. His head was successfully cut free, but the line from his tail could not be removed. The Caribbean—Sand, Sea and Saving Animals

when it comes to matters of whaling, should be directed toward an integrated contacting and connecting various with acoustic activity in this region, oil company for their loss of income US Protects Caribbean it consistently votes alongside Japan. solution to oceanic habitat and inhabitant sources of expertise in the Wider and it is known to have a negative due to the company’s seismic air Forest Habitat Yet even if the pro-whaling nations do preservation. Caribbean Region. impact on commercial and recreational gun use. Susan Millward and the obtain a simple majority at the upcoming fishing. The reason for the high number Ocean Mammal Institute President On Dec. 1, 2005, the US government signed meeting, the IWC will still face deadlock, Integrated Solutions Harmful Practices of incidents may be the unique habitat Marsha Green will be discussing into law the Caribbean National Forest Act as the pro-whalers are unlikely to have AWI has been promoting an integrated A month before the 2006 IWC meeting, offered by the steeply sloped seabed, the issue with local government of 2005, designating nearly 4,047 hectares the three-quarters majority needed to approach to species preservation in the animal welfare advocates will gather which offers a concentration of prey and fishery bodies while in overturn the moratorium on commercial Caribbean with Monitor Caribbean, in Antigua to discuss animal issues species, especially for deep-sea diving the Caribbean. They will also of the Caribbean National Forest and anoth- whaling that has been in effect since which founded the Wider Caribbean such as disaster planning, humane beaked whales. participate in a town hall meeting er site in Puerto Rico’s Luquillo Experimental 1986. The two sides seem poles apart, Sea Turtle Conservation Network education, animal cruelty investigations Recently, commercial fishermen and a radio show to discuss human- Forest as wilderness areas. with the pro-whaling countries recruiting (WIDECAST) in 1981. WIDECAST, and responsible welfare practices. The in Trinidad and Tobago were awarded caused threats to marine mammals This designation prohibits road con- new members year after year to vote a coalition of governmental and non- environmental and economic impacts financial compensation from a Canadian in the Bahamas. in favor of a return to whaling and the governmental stakeholders, has grown of various tourism activities related struction or other development, as well as to dolphins, whales and other marine motor vehicles, bicycles and timber harvest- mammals will also be addressed. AWI ing. The protected land is 25 miles east of will provide information in opposition History of the SPAW Protocol the capital city of San Juan, on the western to dolphin swim-with programs and the The landmark Protocol Concerning Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife in the Wider proliferation of ocean noise through side of the Luquillo mountain range. It is the Caribbean Region was co-authored in 1990 by AWI’s Tom Garrett and Monitor participation in an evening workshop United States’ first tropical wilderness area Caribbean’s Col. Milt Kaufman. with representatives of local non- and the home of the endangered Puerto governmental organizations. Daniel Loncarevic/Dreamstime.com Rican parrot, one of the world’s 10 most en- • As a product of the United Nations Environment Program, the treaty entered The issue of captive dolphin swim- into force in 2000 and has been hailed as the first international environmental with programs persists in the Caribbean, dangered birds. Other endangered wildlife agreement to utilize an ecosystem approach to conservation. though we hope the progressive move species found here include sharp-shinned • Its objective is to protect rare and fragile ecosystems and habitats in the taken by Mexico to ban imports and and broad-winged hawks and the Puerto exports of cetaceans (see story, page 6) Wider Caribbean Region, thereby protecting the area’s endangered and Rican boa snake. threatened species. will resonate across Central America and be heeded in other countries. The Caribbean National Forest is also • The Region extends throughout the marine environment of the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean nations also have much to home to 240 native tree species and several the Caribbean Sea and locations off the Atlantic coast of Florida. be concerned about regarding ocean endangered plants, including the capá rosa noise. There have been many marine • The Protocol has been signed by 15 nations and ratified by 12, including the Countless dolphins suffer and die to bring tourists a few moments of entertainment. evergreen tree and the miniature orchid. United States in 2003. mammal stranding incidents associated Every visit to a dolphin show or swim-with attraction supports this cruelty.

 AWI Quarterly Spring 2006  F r e e d o m F i g h t e r Environmental activist Yolanda Alaniz helps Mexico achieve Dolphin Swim-With Programs About COMARINO landmark legislation for marine mammals and primates. The growth of captive dolphin facilities In 1998, Alaniz was volunteering for an expanded during the 1990s, and by association against cruelty to dogs and 2000, a new facility was opening every cats in Mexico City when they received five to six months. Therefore, it is not a cruelty report against a captive dolphin surprising that the swim-with business and sea lion trainer. After she went to the istory was made in January 2006, when the Mexican government adopted legislation that modified the is booming in tourist spots such as show, she decided to do something—but General Wildlife Act to ban almost all imports and exports of marine mammals and primates, including Eric Booth/Dreamstime.com Cancun, Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos. there was no organization helping cap- Tourists think it is a magical experience tive marine mammals. “Two years parts and products. Passage of this law sends a clear signal to other nations that Mexico will no longer tolerate the to share a few minutes with these later, we started COMARINO, the only h creatures in an interactive way. But Mexican non-governmental organization cruelty of the captive wildlife industry. Without the efforts of Dr. Yolanda Alaniz, vice president of Conservation the facilities exploit both the dolphins devoted to protecting all marine life,” of Marine Mammals in Mexico (COMARINO), the victory would never have been achieved. and the tourists. “Everything they say she said. The organization is involved to attract people is a lie. ‘Education’ in promoting legislation for responsible Making Progress and ‘conservation’ through swim-with fisheries, saving sharks from overfish- For more than 30 years, the Mexican Building on the 2002 law, “We must remember that The ring-tailed lemur is one of programs are just myths that people ing, and protecting marine mammals and over 7,000 primates who were captive marine mammal industry—one COMARINO has now succeeded in Keiko, the famous whale in Free who pay to interact with the dolphins turtles from ocean noise and bycatch. trafficked in the last half-decade are told to believe,” Alaniz said. “From of the most powerful in the business— securing the passage of legislation that Willy, was held in Mexico City between Mexico and other As far as the captive industry work- operated without any regulations. Then, bans the importing and exporting of in a very small tank until he countries. The ban on imports the moment these animals are captured ers’ response to the ban, Alaniz is confi- in 2002, the capture of marine mammals marine mammals and primates for nearly died,” Alaniz said. “Now and exports will help these until their death, the magnificence of dent COMARINO will be able to uphold in Mexican waters was prohibited. While exhibition purposes. Over 40 Mexican companies, veterinarians and animals receive the protection dolphins, their instincts, intelligence the protections and make sure the bill native species were protected, the number and international nonprofit groups joined trainers will have to improve the they deserve. and natural behaviors are nullified.” is properly enforced. “They are furious of imports increased dramatically. with the organization in an unprecedented conditions of their captive facili- A swim-with session typically and will try to reverse the law—but it Dolphins were captured in Cuba, showing of solidarity, and committed ties, from the water quality to the lasts less than one hour, and eight to 14 will not be easy now that we have the Venezuela, Haiti and the Solomon Islands individuals worked hard to ensure the filtering and the quality of food. The new law will protect both cap- people swim with one or two dolphins. support of so many Mexican and inter- and brought to the country. Last year, bill’s enactment. “Biologist Diego Cobo Veterinarians will have to work tive and wild populations, and even the The cost per person ranges from $100 to national organizations,” she said, adding seven arrived from Japan. “Everybody Terrazas, the former president of the to keep their current inventory of trade in parts and products is outlawed $150, and each dolphin (most facilities that the hard work has paid off. “We’ve knows that these animals are obtained Environmental Commission of the animals healthy because going (except in cases approved by the Mexi- have about 10 performing at a time) achieved more laws to protect animals from the so-called ‘drive fisheries’ that Chamber of Representatives, was the one overseas to replace them will no can government for use in scientific works three to four sessions a day. in the last five years than the amount take place in Taiji every year, killing who presented the initiative to Congress longer be an option.” research). This is an essential conserva- Dolphins caught in the wild cost as little that was gained in the past three decades thousands of dolphins,” Alaniz said. and did not stop until the Senate ap- tion move, as families are often tragi- as $400 each—this is the usual price combined. At the end of the day, this is a proved it,” Alaniz said. “I am grateful to Primate Protection cally broken apart when primates and paid to the fishermen. But COMARINO fight for life and freedom.” him and Laura Rojas, my colleague from “Primates are abused in so many marine mammals are brutally captured reports that Mexico’s swim-with COMARINO, who has worked closely ways, mostly in places frequent- with me every step of the way.” Secretary ed by tourists, such as Acapulco You Can Make a Difference of Environment Jose Luis Luege was also or Cancun,” Alaniz said. Chim- instrumental in the bill’s ratification. panzees, macaques, baboons and “The dolphin industry exists Please contact the President of squirrel, capuchin and titi mon- Mexico to thank him for approving Marine Mammal Conservation keys are trafficked all over the because tourists pay for it.” this strengthening of the General

Earth Island Institute Dolphins rank at the top of the list of world. Sadly, these wild animals Wildlife Act. Make sure to remind marine mammal species currently kept were often brought to Mexico to him that good border inspections in captivity in Mexico, with about 250 be used as pets to draw the atten- are essential in making the law held in resort and entertainment tion of tourists. “In many cases, from the wild. Many animals die in facilities would train the animals and most effective. facilities. Sea lions are also affected. monkeys are given alcohol to transport to facilities because of the then sell them to other countries at President Vicente Fox COMARINO reports elevated mortality make people laugh. Most live callous, aggressive handling they re- much higher prices—a trained dolphin Residencia Oficial de los Pinos If Keiko had not been rehabilitated in rates of captive marine mammals due with a rope or chain tied around ceive and the long distances they must ready to be exported costs around Casa Miguel Aleman Iceland and successfully released to to poor husbandry, high levels of stress their necks, and few are fed their travel. Unaccustomed to life in captivi- $100,000. “People don’t realize that Col. San Miguel Chapultepec the wild in 1998, he would have died at and depression, lack of veterinary care natural foods,” she explained. ty, the creatures are unable to engage in they are paying for the suffering and C.P. 11850 the Mexico City facility pictured above. and physical injuries. All of these factors “Some live their whole lives in their natural behaviors and are typically death of these creatures,” Alaniz Thanks to a new Mexican law, marine Distrito Federal, Mexico helped perpetuate a market for wildlife small cages. Others are used in kept in small, barren enclosures. Addi- reinforced. “The dolphin industry exists email: vicente.fox.quesada@ mammals will no longer be taken from traffickers to capture more animals. circuses all over the country.” tionally, they may transmit diseases. because tourists pay for it.” the wild to be used for exhibition. presidencia.gob.mx

 AWI Quarterly Spring 2006  in brief Wildlife Worldwide news After Brief Hiatus, US Navy Plans Active Sonar Range Wavering on Whales Aerial Wolf Gunning UNITED STATES The US Navy is planning a 550-square mile permanent active sonar INTERNATIONAL Over the winter, Japanese range off the North Carolina coast—a hotspot for marine mammal species such as whalers tried to kill their self-appointed in Alaska Resumes the highly endangered North Atlantic right whale. The Scientific Committee of the scientific research whaling quota of over UNITED STATES As we reported in the International Whaling Commission has found that the evidence linking military sonar to stranding is “very convincing, and appears overwhelming.” The United 1,200 Bryde’s, fin, humpback, minke, sei and spring 2005 AWI Quarterly, using an Nations, the European Parliament and the World Conservation Union concur that sperm whales. Norway upped its quota aircraft to hunt down wildlife is illegal in active sonar has detrimental effects on all ocean life. Ocean noise can even injure to 1,052 minke whales—slaughtered most places—but not in Alaska. There, Care for the Wild International and kill fish; some studies show it has caused a significant decrease in commercial under its objection to the 20-year ban on the cruel practice is a state-supported catch rates. The Animal Welfare Institute has provided extensive comment, along with more than 36,000 groups and citizens. The National Oceanic and Atmospher- commercial whaling. In the meantime, form of predator control. A controversial ic Administration and the Marine Mammal Commission have also issued letters of negotiations have officially stalled on the aerial gunning program was launched to concern. The Navy must provide some form of response to each of the comments Revised Management Scheme, the rules increase moose and caribou populations in the final Environmental Impact Statement, due to be published this fall. If ap- that would govern whaling if the ban for hunters, which has caused the proved, construction of the sonar range is planned for next year. was lifted. slaughter of approximately 550 wolves Tibet is the world’s leading market for the skins of tigers, antelopes, leopards, In the past half-decade, the US over the past three years. A Long Way from Home otters and foxes. Spurred by their compassionate spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama government policy on whaling seems to In January, the targeted wolves (left), hundreds of thousands of Tibetans are now saying no to wildlife products ENGLAND A Northern bottlenose whale took a wrong turn and wandered up the have shifted away from whale conservation were granted temporary reprieve when and burning their pelts. River Thames to central London in late January, much to the delight of hundreds and toward capitulation to the whalers. a state judge found the program to be of Londoners. It was the first such sighting since records began nearly a century ago, as the endangered species is usually found in deep sea waters. The next day, In preparation for this year’s International illegal because the Alaska Board of Game Bonfires of Compassion the 18-ft. whale was placed in a pontoon and towed by a barge to be released. Whaling Commission meeting, we implore had failed to adequately address certain CHINA At an annual gathering attended by over 125,000 Buddhist devotees in Crowds grew to 3,000 cheering onlookers as the massive rescue attempt unfolded. January, the Dalai Lama made an impassioned plea for wildlife: “I am ashamed National Marine Fisheries Service Director regulatory requirements regarding its After several hours, the whale began to suffer from convulsions and became and don’t feel like living when I see all those pictures of people decorating William Hogarth, the newly-appointed justification. However, immediately after severely distressed. As the whale’s condition worsened, scientists decided to themselves with skins and fur.” He was describing the traditional dress of administer a lethal injection. The cause of the 11-year-old female’s tragic situation head of the US delegation to the the decision was reached, the board Tibetans, which in the last 50 years has become increasingly trimmed with has not yet been determined. Commission, to return whale protection to held an emergency meeting in an effort furs. In his closing comments, His Holiness instructed everyone to “neither use, sell [n]or buy wild animals, their products or derivatives.” Heeding his the top of the US agenda. to address the deficiencies found by words, Tibetans have set ablaze thousands of animal pelts. Chinese authorities Paradise Found the court. As a result, the program’s subsequently banned the mass bonfires, seeing these actions as a sign of the INDONESIA suspension was lifted. people’s allegiance to their country’s exiled leader. But the burnings still Living in a time when we Say No to Palm Oil hear so much about lost species, it’s Opponents waged an appeal to try continue, though less conspicuously. “What’s happening now in Tibet,” the Dalai Lama said, “is about compassion for all living things.” refreshing to learn that dozens, if not MALAYSIA A three-year genetic study and stop the aerial hunt from continuing hundreds, of new species of frogs, published in January in the journal PLoS but were unsuccessful, as the court refused butterflies, mammals, flowers and birds Biology analyzed DNA from the hair and to review its decision. While alternative Elephant Social Structure Lost were discovered earlier this year by an international team of scientists in the feces of 200 orangutans in Borneo. Their legal avenues are being explored, aerial KENYA and UGANDA Reports of elephants killing people or destroying villages remote mountain rainforests of Western Bruce Beehler/Conservation International research shows that the population has wolf gunning is taking the lives of for no apparent reason are on the rise, leading some researchers to believe that New Guinea. Many rare species were declined up to one hundred fold since the hundreds of wolves in Alaska. an “elephant breakdown” is occurring all over Africa, with young, orphaned also sighted, among them tree kanga- late 19th century, due mostly to human Please contact the state’s Division of elephants suffering from something akin to post-traumatic stress syndrome. roos, spiny anteaters and long-beaked Joyce Poole, research director at the Amboseli Elephant Research Project in echidnas, as well as male bowerbirds deforestation occurring within the past Tourism to indicate that you will not spend Kenya and a key scientist in this debate, told New Scientist, “they are certainly performing elaborate courtship rituals. several decades. Researchers conclude that your tourist dollars in Alaska until the aerial intelligent enough and have good enough memories to take revenge,” adding One scientist is reported to have said the major threat to the long-term survival wolf gunning is banned permanently. that when elephants are shot as a solution to human-elephant conflicts, little that the “dawn chorus” of birds was of orangutans is linked to the expansion of thought is given to “the very real possibility of stimulating a cycle of violence.” the most fantastic he had ever heard. Alaska Travel Industry Association Since poaching and culling in Uganda and other places in Africa and Asia have The most remarkable find was the palm oil plantations. Ninety percent of the 2600 Cordova Street, Ste. 201 decimated elephant populations, gone are the tight matriarchal groups in which Berlepsch’s six-wired bird of paradise, world’s palm oil comes from Borneo and Anchorage, AK 99503 young elephants forge strong bonds that last a lifetime. The older bulls are also thought to have become extinct in the The feline owlet-nightjar is among Sumatra, the only remaining habitats of gone. In their places are herds run amok—“teenage mothers” who have raised a 19th century when their feathers were the many newly discovered and rare email: [email protected] the orangutan. generation of juvenile delinquents. coveted for women’s hats. species found in New Guinea.

 AWI Quarterly Spring 2006  FWS American Park Network Wolcott Henry Bernard Breton/Dreamstime.com Franco Andreone United States Geological Survey Paul Edwards

t was a troubling site. In September 2004, US Minerals or at least slow the buildup of heat-trapping greenhouse While scientists have known for years that the warming particularly if they are prolonged, can kill coral. In October Management Service researchers found four dead gases in the atmosphere. These gases—primarily carbon temperatures melt the ice floes, few imagined how dramatic 2000 at a symposium in Bali, Indonesia, scientists warned polar bears floating in the Beaufort Sea. The scientists dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide—are emitted mostly and rapid the loss would be. The annual loss of Greenland’s that over 25 percent of the world’s coral reefs have already Iconcluded that as many as 40 polar bears likely drowned as a result of human activities, particularly the burning ice sheet, according to scientists from the National been destroyed, mainly because of global warming. as they swam between ice floes—their traditional hunting of fossil fuels. They have led to a 0.6 to 1.2 degrees F Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the In 2002, 60 percent of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef grounds. Though polar bears are skilled swimmers, as the temperature increase since the late 19th century, ten of the University of Kansas, has risen from 21.6 cubic miles in suffered bleaching, with 90 percent of coral bleached in floes retreat due to warming air and ocean temperatures, the warmest years on record since 1990 and up to a 10-inch 1996 to 36 cubic miles in 2005. In Alaska, scientists estimate the worst affected areas. More recently, an unprecedented greater distances they must travel have proven to be deadly. rise in sea levels due to melting polar ice. Unfortunately, the summertime Arctic could be ice-free within 70 years. die-off of coral was documented in the US Virgin Islands That same month, the polar ice cap was reported to have scientists affiliated with the Intergovernmental Panel on Responding to the significant loss of polar ice in Antarctica, by National Park Service biologists, with ancient corals retreated 160 miles north of the northern coast of Alaska. Climate Change now predict that global temperatures may top NASA climate scientist James Hansen has predicted that that existed during the voyages of Columbus found dead This was not an anomaly. As the arctic temperature rose 5 rise up to 8.1 degrees F by 2100. And while polar bears may without a dramatic cut to emissions, the sea level could rise over the past few months. Described by the Global Coral degrees Fahrenheit over the past several decades, the total be the most noticeable and charismatic species to be first to 80 feet by the time today’s children reach middle age. Reef Alliance as an “underwater holocaust,” the die-off amount of sea ice was reduced by 250 million acres, and ice fall victim to climate change, they will certainly not be the The potential consequences to the world’s oceans are was caused by increasing water temperatures that caused thickness declined from 10 to only 6 feet. With an annual last. Not a single species, including humans, will be spared dramatic. In the Arctic, crabs and other bottom dwelling bleaching and made the coral more susceptible to disease. loss of approximately 14,000 square miles of sea ice, it is the impacts of this warming climate. Coastal flooding, species will either have to move north with the retreating Indeed, 90 percent of coral reefs around the Maldives and of no surprise that many scientists predict polar bears could prolonged droughts, more ferocious and unpredictable sea ice or perish. In the Antarctic, the number of krill (the Seychelle Islands in the Indian Ocean have been killed become extinct within the next century. storms and climate patterns, fresh water shortages and primary food source for whales, seals and penguins) has over the past two years as a result of global warming. Such Despite the plight of the polar bear and other evidence increased disease will become commonplace as the mercury already declined by 80 percent since the 1970s as global losses have caused some scientists to claim that the world’s of global warming, no serious steps have been taken to stop continues to rise. warming causes the species’ food supply to diminish. As existing reefs may be dead within 50 years because coral the oceans warm, they also are becoming more acidic cannot recuperate in a hostile environment. due to escalating rates of carbon dioxide input into the For many animals and plants, surviving in a warming sea. Increasing ocean acidity threatens the very existence world may simply not be possible. Scientists estimate that of crabs, oysters and mussels by dissolving their shells to survive a 5.4 degree F increase, plant and animal species or preventing shell formation. Such changes, including will have to move north more than 300 miles or travel over alterations in the abundance and distribution of plankton— 1600 feet up a mountain in order to find a suitable habitat. a critical food species in an ocean ecosystem—will have Because such extreme movements are often unlikely due dramatic impacts on the health of our oceans. This means to both natural dispersal limitations and a lack of available disastrous consequences for a wide variety of species, habitats, scientists are predicting an impending extinction A Global Devastation including crabs, salmon, seals and whales. crisis. Already, scientists believe that a warming climate is Climate change is causing enormous impacts to the responsible for the extinction of almost half of the 80 herds world’s coral reefs, which provide critical habitat to a of desert bighorn sheep in California, the near extirpation cornucopia of marine organisms and are already under threat of a moose population in northwest Minnesota and a loss from unsustainable and illegal fishing practices, coastal of 60 percent of collared lemming habitat in Canada. The development and pollution. Global warming exacerbates population of over 5 million ducks who nest in the prairie these impacts by causing coral bleaching, a phenomenon pothole region of the central United States and Canada that occurs when stressed or diseased coral expel the algae may be halved by 2060 because of harsher, more frequent that give them their vibrant colors. Bleaching incidents, droughts. Habitat for freshwater fish species, including

Photos, clockwise from top: 1) The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge already shows reduced snow cover year-round, and scientists say it could be ice-free during the summer season within 70 years. 2) Moose populations are in decline due to an increase in ticks caused by higher winter temperatures. 3) Coral bleaching occurs when the algae that gives coral their bright color is expelled, often due to global warming. 4) Penguins are going hungry following the 80 percent decline of krill, their main food source, since the 1970s. 5) Two-thirds of harlequin frog species in Central and South America have been killed off as a result of a fungus spurred by global warming. 7) Rising temperatures may be responsible for the extinction of up to 80 groups of desert bighorn sheep in California. 8) The red-breasted goose is one Arctic bird species whose population could be halved due to global warming-related habitat loss. 9) Polar bears are put at risk by the melting of ice floes where they typically find their food (photo: FWS).

10 AWI Quarterly Spring 2006 11 Manatee Deaths Up,

espite an extremely high manatee mortality rate in On a federal 2005, wildlife scientists in Florida have proposed level, the animals Da downlisting of the species from “endangered” to would keep their “threatened” under state law. endangered

FWS FWS NOAA Almost 400 manatees died last year—the second status—but some highest toll in history, not much lower than the record- legislators are setting 415 fatalities in 1996. This year is not looking trying to gut any better for the beleaguered animals, as the total of 48 those protections brook, rainbow and cutthroat trout and Central and South America, entire manatee deaths in January was a third higher than the as well. Last year, the invertebrates they feed on, will populations of frogs have been killed, number for the same month in 2005. Representative shrink significantly as streams and with some species going extinct, Though 10 died in January of natural causes and six Adam Putnam rivers warm and their depth decreases. because of a deadly fungus triggered died of cold stress, eight were killed by watercraft and (R-FL) added language Forests like the Sierra Nevada by the higher temperatures. Warming the other half died of still-unknown causes that could be to exclude manatees from mountains in California have already has also caused an expansion in Many manatees human-related. Last year, 20 percent of manatee deaths the Marine Mammal Protection Act are marked with shifted their tree lines as much as 100 the range of insects with damaging were the result of a serious episode of red tide along as an amendment to the Threatened deep scars due to feet upslope, as they attempt to ecological consequences. In the several areas of the Gulf Coast, and an equal percentage and Endangered Species Recovery boat strikes. escape the heat and drought Rocky Mountains, the mountain pine were caused by boat strikes. Act (a bill that promises to severely that have increased the beetle is devastating whitebark pine Meanwhile, existing protections are in jeopardy for weaken the Endangered Species Act). Unfortunately, the frequency and ferocity of ecosystems, while in Canada, the same Florida’s manatees, whose population is reported to hover bill and the amendment passed in the House. forest fires. species has devastated lodgepole pines around 3,000. The state’s five-member scientific panel, If adopted by the Senate, Putnam’s devastating And even if across an area three times the size of appointed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation amendment would effectively allow almost any individual suitable habitat can be the state of Maryland. Commission, was asked to consider the “current and pro- dock permits to be approved—despite their proximity found, as the climate To put it simply, global warming jected size and locations of the animals” before coming to to manatee waters. The permits could only be denied if warms, various is a global crisis that requires its recommendation that the state protection be lowered. the particular docks in question would harm the entire diseases—including immediate solutions. Though it is Population census results are often used to suggest the population of manatees. It is the building of these docks those that threaten home to less than 5 percent of the number of manatees has increased. However, methods that has caused an increase in boat strikes over the years, human health—will Earth’s human population, the United used to collect population data have improved over the because it creates additional traffic. The structures also become more prevalent States produces a quarter of the years, permitting observers to see more manatees. Scien- contribute to further destruction of manatee habitats. in all wildlife, from world’s carbon dioxide emissions— tists caution that this should not be confused with an actual The gentle manatee needs increased protection, not life- those living in reefs to which affects the entire planet. Instead increase in the population. The hazards the animals face threatening policies that will further the species’ decline. those who dwell in tropical of waiting for the US government have not diminished over the years. In fact, lead panel sci- Please write your Members of Congress to urge them to rainforests. As winter and to take action, individuals must do entist Elisa Haubold admitted that the manatee population oppose any legislation that would reduce protection for summer temperatures rise, what they can to reduce energy use is expected to drop 50 percent over the next half-century, endangered species, including these marine mammals. viruses, bacteria and fungi increase and emissions. Simple steps such as due to factors such as habitat loss, watercraft collisions in number and range. Their deadly replacing standard light bulbs with and more red tide algae. Still, she claimed manatees do consequences grow as host species, compact fluorescent bulbs, driving not meet the state’s criteria for an endangered species. weakened by the stress of climate less, using recycled paper products, change, become more susceptible to unplugging unused electronic devices, Protections Down disease. In Maine, eastern oysters setting the household thermostat a few have fallen victim to a parasite whose degrees cooler in winter and warmer range was previously limited by colder in summer, taking shorter showers, temperatures. The last populations of purchasing minimally packaged boldly colored honeycreeper songbirds goods and buying locally grown in Hawaii have been afflicted by and produced products are all steps malaria as increasing temperatures in the right direction. Animals, the allow disease-carrying mosquitoes environment and future generations Gentle Florida to move higher up the mountains. In are all depending on your help. manatees are experiencing higher mortality rates, yet Photos, clockwise from top: 1) Rainbow trout populations could decline as suitable legislation on freshwater habitats shrink due to prolonged and pronounced droughts. 2) Research- both the state and ers fear that monarch butterflies may lose their central Mexico winter habitat within federal level aims 50 years because of climate change. 3) Some elephant seals living in the Southern to strip them of Ocean are already starving, as the retreating ice makes it harder for mothers to feed their protections. their babies. 4) Southern Africa’s quiver trees could be moving southward in an attempt to escape rising temperatures near the equator (photo: Warren Crowther).

12 AWI Quarterly Spring 2006 13 photos: FWS news news

brought to you by the Society for Animal Protective Legislation hill capitol from Remembering Leibchen Gulf Coast Doberman Rescue’s Terri Valenti contacted us with the sad news that Leibchen has died. Readers may remember this Hurricane Katrina dog from the previous AWI Quarterly; she updates clung to life for seven weeks, only to be placed out with the trash when her owners returned. Revised Puppy Mill Bill Threatens to Undermine Existing Law After her rescue, she was cared for by a foster family for several months before succumbing. OPPOSE PAWS DISCUSSION DRAFT Terri reflected on Leibchen’s fortitude: “We have been trying to understand Leibi’s will to Southern Animal Foundation live despite her advanced age and poor health. We are not so presumptuous to believe that we Senator Rick Santorum’s (R-PA) the job being done by the agency. know the reason, but we do believe that it was for a purpose… perhaps to educate people about Pet Animal Welfare Statute (PAWS), However, if the pet industry is allowed to taking their pets with them during a hurricane or to teach them that pets are not disposable. My S. 1139, has undergone a dangerous regulate any portion of its own dealers Companion Animal Protection Society thought is that had her owners come home and found her dead, she would have been easily transformation in the year since its under the Act, this transparency will be introduction to Congress. Bowing to lost, and files on individual licensees forgotten; no one would have been made to think about the suffering she endured before she pressure from the commercial puppy subject to industry oversight will not be died. I believe Leibi must serve as a reminder of the lives in our care. That they experience mill industry, Senator Santorum has pro- available to the public. pain and suffering and yes, a desire to live and be loved.” posed a modified version of PAWS that Bias is inherent to systems that would permit industry self-regulation of permit an industry to assess its own large-scale commercial breeders who sell constituency. This is not just a theory; dogs or cats directly to the public. While there are clear examples. The practice we support requiring these retail breed- of industry-run accrediting bodies is just Luna Hit by Tugboat Propeller ers to comply with the Animal Welfare one, as facilities accredited by either the Act (AWA), giving them the option of American Zoo and Aquarium Association All commercial breeders of dogs and Shortly after gaining an endangered status with other industry oversight instead of regulation or the Association for Assessment and cats should be inspected by USDA. orcas living around the Puget Sound, Luna the whale by the US Department of Agriculture Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (USDA) sets a dangerous precedent. have been cited by USDA inspectors was killed by the propellers of a tugboat in March. He The USDA has nearly four decades for failure to meet AWA requirements. was famous for interacting with boats and local people of experience enforcing the AWA, and its These bodies do not conduct routine, Protect Your Pets when he first became lost in Canada’s Nootka Sound inspectors are trained professionals. By unannounced inspections the way requesting data through the Freedom that the agency does, and they have SUPPORT ENGLISH-DOYLE BILL five years ago, and that never changed. Believing he of Information Act, the public is able to a broader mandate than remaining

held the spirit of their former chief, members of the Kim Borgen obtain inspection reports and monitor focused on compliance with the Act. The Pet Safety and Protection Act, a bill to stop the sale of dogs and cats to local Mowachaht/Muchalaht tribe bonded with the research laboratories by random source whale (AWI Quarterly, winter 2005). Luna, who was dealers, is being introduced in the House partment of Agriculture (USDA) approved of Representatives by Representatives known to play on boat wakes, swam under a tugboat Permanent Ban Needed Bubba and Savannah were shot and killed after being a petition from the three foreign-owned Philip English (R-PA) and Mike Doyle and collided with a propeller powered by a 1,700 caught in steel-jaw leghold traps. SUPPORT H.R. 503/S. 1915 horse slaughterhouses in the United (D-PA) as we go to press. A companion horsepower engine. However, this was not his first States that enables the horse slaughter to S. 451, introduced in the Senate by Trapper Ordered to Pay Damages for With overwhelming public support, the industry to fund its own inspections—in Senator Daniel Akaka (D-HI), the bill boat strike. In 2003, the whale was hit by a smaller Society for Animal Protective Legisla- direct contradiction to the law Congress would ensure that beloved companion propeller—but fortunately, he survived. This led to Killing Dogs tion (SAPL) convinced Congress to pass just passed. SAPL and other humane animals are not stolen and sold for an amendment to the 2006 Agriculture groups filed a temporary restraining or- experimentation—a laudable goal increased efforts to protect Luna, but in the end, he A token measure of justice was recently granted to Marcela Appropriations Bill that prohibits your der in federal court to prevent the USDA that Congress has sought to achieve could not be saved. Egea, the owner of two English mastiffs who fell victim to a tax dollars from being used to fund the from carrying out this scheme, but un- since it passed the Animal Welfare pair of steel-jaw leghold traps in February of last year. As we federally mandated inspection of horses fortunately, the judge claimed we lacked Act (AWA) 40 years ago. In writing reported in the spring 2005 AWI Quarterly, trapper Michael slaughtered for human consumption— standing and ruled against our request. your Representative, you may wish to thereby protecting America’s horses SAPL is pursuing further options in court, mention that only 10 of these notorious Kartman shot the dogs near Egea’s home in Belton, Mo. from slaughter for the rest of the fiscal but we urge readers to ask their Members dealers selling live dogs and cats remain, when he found them caught in the jaws of his traps. In March year. The measure was overwhelmingly of Congress to cosponsor the American and six of them are currently under 2006, a judge in an Associate Court ordered Kartman to pay approved in both the House of Represen- Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, H.R. investigation by the US Department of $2,400 in civil damages to Egea for the loss of her animals. tatives and the Senate and signed into 503 and S. 1915, the only permanent Agriculture for failing to comply with law by the President. However, the US De- ban on horse slaughter. the requirements of the AWA. In Missouri, dogs are considered “personal property,” and only their fair market value is recoverable. Despite only having to pay what most would agree to YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE be a small price for the lives he took, Kartman has appealed 1) Please urge your Senators to oppose the Pet Animal Welfare Statute (S.1139) Discussion Draft. the original decision to the higher Circuit Court, where he 2) Ask your Representative to cosponsor the English-Doyle Pet Safety and Protection Act.

ANON.org is entitled to have a complete retrial. The case has been 3) Request that your Senators and Representative cosponsor the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act referred to a new judge and the parties are awaiting a trial (S. 1915/H.R. 503) and request hearings for the bill. date. We are optimistic that the judge will be sympathetic to The addresses for your Members of Congress are: • The Honorable (name), US Senate, Washington, D.C. 20510 Luna, a playful orca whale separated from his pod, Egea’s case, and that she will have the opportunity to press was known for interacting with humans. for punitive damages. • The Honorable (name), US House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. 20515

14 AWI Quarterly Spring 2006 15 Frank Reese: A Good Shepherd for Turkeys

“I don’t remember not loving turkeys,” said Frank Reese, owner of the Good Shepherd Turkey Ranch. “My father told me that when I was real little, 3 years old, I begged to see the turkeys before anything else at the State Fair.” While fellow students wrote with pride and affection about the family dog, Reese’s first grade school essay was entitled “Me and My Turkeys.”

“I fed and watered the turkeys like the ones he Cecil Moore. The lines he first brought Frank and his year-round. Minnesota now where they graze, forage poultry, gathered eggs in the knew growing up. His conserves date from the farmer colleagues into the raises more turkeys than any and fly about during the day, mornings and evenings, and, turkeys are derived from 1800s. “These strains are public spotlight. Heritage other state. then settle onto roosts under not reproduce and at dawn, let the birds out of birds he received from the oldest continuous strains birds, they say, taste the way At Good Shepherd, the shelter of a canopy at survive as a species without the barn where they roosted breeders of the 1920s and of standard-bred turkeys turkeys used to taste before Frank placed a turkey in my night. Unlike their factory- human intervention. health and overnight,” Frank said of his 1930s. Norman Kardosh, in North America,” he factory breeding and raising arms. She was robust and farmed counterparts, the Under the Animal well-being. After childhood on his family’s known as “The Turkey said. The birds are born of “denatured” the birds. feather-soft and too heavy birds are never de-beaked Welfare Institute (AWI) witnessing these principles farm in Kansas. Come July Man” of the poultry world, exacting breeding programs Before my visit to to hold for more than a or de-clawed. Nor are their husbandry standards at work on Reese’s farm, and August, he recalls, “Dad became Frank’s mentor and that have preserved the Good Shepherd Turkey minute. His turkeys crowded skeletal systems deformed program, turkeys must AWI is pleased to endorse had me walk the turkeys to friend years ago, passing genetic purity of their Ranch, I’d known turkeys close to me and followed from breeding programs that meet the American Poultry Frank and the network the fields so they could eat on his wealth of knowledge ancestors. The offspring only from a distance-from my path, and I marveled at select for fast growth and Association definition of farms who share his the grasshoppers that came and strains of Narragansett, of Frank’s breeding flocks the viewpoint of a child how sturdy and stately they enhanced breast meat. “My of standard-bred or the mission. when it was hot and dry.” Blacks and Slates. In time, are pasture-raised by a riding in the family car appeared while parading mission is the preservation American Livestock Breeds The Reeses never needed to Frank received Bourbon network of family farmers past flocks of large white from place to place. Nearby, of these old breeds. It is a Conservancy definition of For more information, spray crops for bugs. Reds from Sadie Lloyd handpicked for their com- birds raised outdoors along other birds dust-bathed in labor of love,” he said. heritage birds (which has please visit these websites: Today, on his own and Bronze turkeys from mitment to conscientious Minnesota country roads. soft dirt under the pines, From an animal welfare recently been reinforced Lindsborg, Kan. pastures, husbandry. Local farmers let their foraging for food in the standpoint, the Good by the US Department of American Livestock Breeds Frank breeds old lines of Marion Burros, a writer turkeys roam on the range, pasture or nesting in straw- Shepherd Turkey Ranch is Agriculture in its rendering Conservancy: standard-bred for The New York Times, supplying small, movable lined boxes. There is ample impressive. Only standard- of the word “heritage” for www.albc-usa.org and Heritage Foods USA, wooden shelters to protect land for them, and Frank bred turkeys—popularly labeling and marketing American Poultry a marketing company that them in bad weather. Today, rotates the pastures to known as “heritage” birds— turkeys). This requirement Association: specializes in products from most of those farms have maintain healthy soils and are guaranteed to have a prevents disabilities that www.amerpoultryassn.com independent family farmers contracted with agribusiness vegetation. normal skeletal structure, result from selection for Good Shepherd Turkey raising heritage breeds under giants and confine their birds Frank’s turkeys only lay growth rate, metabolic unnaturally rapid weight Ranch: good welfare conditions, inside permanent buildings eggs in season and are never system and lifespan. gain and other production- www.reeseturkeys.com force-molted. Poults are The stressful process of related characteristics. All Heritage Foods USA: introduced to the outdoors artificial insemination is not species must be given the www.heritagefoodsusa.com through sunlit porches required because they still opportunity to engage in attached to their shelter. can mate naturally, unlike positive social interactions At 8 to 10 weeks of age, “modern” turkeys who are and perform instinctive Article and photos by they are moved to pastures so disabled that they could behaviors essential to their Diane Halverson

Photos (clockwise from top left): 1) At the Good Shepherd Turkey Ranch, Frank Reese holds one of his prized heritage birds. 2) Outdoor and indoor nestboxes are provided to hens. 3) Turkeys are omnivores, so the tall grass pasture provides a rich environment for the birds’ food searches. 4) The healthy skeletal structure and luxurious feathering of this standard-bred tom turkey gives him a regal appearance. 5) Turkeys enjoy grazing on the Williamson farm, part of Frank’s network. 6) With the shelter of shrubs close at hand, turkeys spend much of their time on the ranch’s pastures foraging for food.

16 AWI Quarterly Spring 2006 17 books and films and books

Factory Farms Create the Environment The Meatrix II: Revolting for Deadly Bird Flu The Meatrix II: Revolting is now online! Following in the critically acclaimed hoof prints of 2003’s The Meatrix, the popular spoof of the feature- Mild forms of avian influenza are rela- Workers at a factory farm in Thailand collect length filmThe Matrix, The Meatrix II features a tively common, but its mutation into a laying hens to be killed trench coat-clad cow named Moopheus, a pig virulent strain such as H5N1 is cause in an effort to contain named Leo (who just might be “the One”), and for a strong scientific and humane in- the H5N1 virus. The birds a saucy chicken named Chickity. The animated ternational response. To date, almost are shoved into trash 200 people have been infected, and bags while they are still short reveals the cruelty behind the commercial over half have died. Nearly a quarter of alive, and the bags are dairy industry, including the use of growth a billion birds have been killed. piled in trucks to be hormones and the practice of cutting the tails Migrating birds are often blamed dumped into massive off of cows. landfills. Prisoners for the spread of the H5N1, but an- Humorous and educational, the goal of have been used to other theory is that the disease occurs assist with this effort to The Meatrix series is to motivate consumers to purchase food produced in and travels along corridors used by “depopulate.” New Book Helps sustainable ways that protect animals, as well as the environment, communities industrialized poultry producers. The and workers. Like its predecessor, the sequel is coupled with online resources and non-governmental organization GRAIN Rodents and Rabbits general literature that informed diners can leave at restaurants. The Meatrix team notes that the virus follows man-made create the perfect environment for the has also recently launched a campaign asking Starbucks to stop using milk with roads, not wild bird flyways. Global spread of diseases, including avian flu.” The latest publication from recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH). To view the short and learn related shipments of hatching eggs and poultry By now, H5N1 has surfaced in

photos: Sukree Sukplang/Reuters the Animal Welfare Institute information about the campaign, please visit www.themeatrix2.com. feed (which contains bird feces, a high- more than 30 countries, and the major- (AWI), Variables, Refinement risk source of H5N1 contamination) ity of birds destroyed as a result have and Environmental Enrichment are identified as possible conduits. The come from animal factories. In addition for Rodents and Rabbits kept in to reforming the factory production of World Watch Institute also recognizes Research Institutions by Viktor and the role played by industrialized sys- farm animals, there is a desperate need Animal Passions and Beastly Virtues Annie Reinhardt, offers guidance tems, stating that, “Crowded, inhumane to end inhumane handling and killing on how animal care personnel can Reflections on Redecorating Nature and unhygienic conditions on factory methods. To learn more, please visit farms can sicken farm animals and www.grain.org. effectively care for rodents and By Marc Bekoff rabbits kept in research facilities. Temple University Press, 2005 It covers refinement possibilities ISBN: 1592133487; 320 pages, $26.95 for housing, husbandry and Inhumane Slaughter and Misconduct handling-related factors that In this collection of essays, author Marc Bekoff typically cause stress and distress brings together some of the most important Uncovered at Kosher Slaughterhouse reactions, as well as species- findings he has presented throughout his career appropriate improvements that as a biologist and an animal behaviorist. By The AgriProcessors (AGRI) kosher ter and did nothing to stop the prac- on behind closed doors. Rabbi Perry promote physical and behavioral asking questions such as, “Do animals experience slaughterhouse in Postville, Iowa was tice.” Some employees at the plant said Rank, president of the Rabbinical As- well-being. The book is based on a emotions?” and “Do animals have a sense of self?” documented mutilating still-conscious they had observed animals with their sembly, wrote in reference to the case, review of data-supported published he gives the reader detailed investigations into cows and using improper and brutal tracheas removed “get up and walk “When a company purporting to be material and is an essential resource the minds of the creatures around us. Yet while handling practices for killing poultry after being dumped from the kill box.” kosher violates the prohibition against for those concerned with the Bekoff successfully challenges traditional views of (AWI Quarterly, winter 2005). An un- Additionally, it was reported tza’ar ba’alei hayyim, causing pain welfare of rodents and rabbits used animal behavior, his explanation of the distinction dercover People for the Ethical Treat- that, “FSIS inspectors accepted meat to one of God’s living creatures, that for experimentation, testing and between animal rights and animal welfare advocates is inaccurate. He mistakenly ment of Animals video of the plant re- products from AGRI and that FSIS em- company must answer to the Jewish teaching. Please contact AWI if you suggests the goals of those in the animal protection community are the same as vealed that its slaughter methods clear- ployees engaged in other acts of mis- community....” are interested in receiving a copy. industry’s maligned view of “welfare.” ly violated both the Humane Methods conduct.” An FSIS inspector was also of Slaughter Act and Jewish law. said to have spent significant amounts The US Department of Agriculture of time sleeping on the job and playing YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE (USDA) Office of the Inspector Gen- games on a government computer. Please express your outrage to Bequests to AWI eral has released a report containing Despite these blatant violations, Secretary of Agriculture Mike details from its investigation, which the USDA imposed only minor sanc- Johanns and encourage strong If you would like to help assure the Animal Welfare Institute’s future through a provision in your will, this general form of bequest is suggested: determined that AGRI employees “en- tions on just three of the plant’s 10 enforcement of the law. I give, devise and bequeath to the Animal Welfare Institute, located in Washington, D.C., the sum of $______and/or (specifically described property). gaged in acts of inhumane slaughter” inspectors and claimed that the infor- US Department of Agriculture and the USDA’s Food Safety and mation “did not present a prosecutable 1400 Independence Ave., S.W. Donations to AWI, a not-for-profit corporation exempt under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3), are tax deductible. Inspection Service (FSIS) employees case.” However, many individuals are Washington, D.C. 20250 We welcome any inquiries you may have. In cases where you have specific wishes about the disposition of your bequest, “observed the acts of inhumane slaugh- still angry about the treatment going we suggest you discuss such provisions with your attorney.

18 AWI Quarterly Spring 2006 19 interspecies attachments Why Different Animals Form Bonds

he improbable relationship between Owen, a baby hippo orphaned by the T 2004 tsunami in Southeast Asia, and Mzee, a 130-year-old tortoise living in Africa, made headlines for its remarkable and touching story. Following the disaster, the displaced hippo was moved to LaFarge Eco Systems, a wildlife refuge in Kenya, and quickly bonded with the giant tortoise. Many reports of similar unexpected unions have made the news in recent months, from a rodent-eating snake and a hamster living in harmony in a Tokyo zoo to a puppy serving as a socialization tool for a lion cub separated The friendship between Owen the hippo and Mzee the tortoise from his mother. And though most of these has inspired several children’s books and countless news articles. situations are happening in captivity, similar introductions have been made in the wild. which he lacked from the other animals already present in his enclo- When a deer was killed near Natural Bridge, sure…. It’s a two-way relationship that really works.” Va. last year, her fawn moved onto a nearby Though the refuge has attempted to reunite Owen with other hippos, pasture occupied by a cow and her calves. The he continues to prefer the company of Mzee. This “imprinting” is a long- cow soon began looking after the fawn as if she accepted concept that endures despite animals’ differences, Reinhardt was the natural mother. said. “It’s a special phenomenon in that it is irreversible.” Not only does “In many instances, these cases have their Owen feel a stronger connection to Mzee than other hippos, but he may origins in a young animal who has not been prefer to be around tortoises for the rest of his life. weaned taking to an older animal,” says Animal In other cases, different species connect after the loss of a mate. Welfare Institute Laboratory Animal Consultant “It’s amazing what animals do when they want to bond and be close to Viktor Reinhardt, a veterinarian. “Under natural each other,” says Mark Bekoff, a professor of Ecology and Evolutionary conditions, this is the mother.” However, Biology at the University of Colorado. sometimes animals are forced to adapt. Recently at the Los Angeles Zoo, a Red River porcine named Willy This is certainly true in the case of Owen began nuzzling up to a bongo (a large, forest-dwelling antelope) named and Mzee. “Owen saw Mzee as his refuge,” Nicole after his mate died of cancer last summer. Together in the mud says LaFarge Eco Systems General Manager pit, they take naps side-by-side and groom each other. To the animals’ Paula Kahumbu. “Mzee is a social tortoise who caretakers, it’s obvious that Willy was lonely and wanted to make a new had been looking for closer companionship, connection. “We do it and so do they,” Bekoff says.

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