MP Michael Jack Welcomes Temporary Reprieve For Whales

FYLDE MP Michael Jack has welcomed news that humpback whales – including his adopted whale Hodda – have received a temporary reprieve from the Japanese government.

Read more: Blackpool Gazette

Cat Stuck In Tree Rescued

A cat that was stuck in a tree for two days was eventually rescued by firefighters.

Full story here: Evening Star

New Protection For Sharks On The Horizon

John Stanley reports in the Telegraph about the plight of the shark. Since the film Jaws, the sight of a fin sticking out of the water sends people racing back to their beach towels.

Unfortunately it’s the sharks that are in danger as their fins are considered a delicacy, not just in Asia, but here in the UK. Their fins are cut off, and the shark is thrown back in the sea, leaving it to suffer a slow and agonising death. 

There is finally some hope on the horizon for the shark. During 11-13th December this year, 40 governments and fisheries representitives met up in the Seychelles and agreed to put in place a protection mechanism by the end of 2008. The only snag is they could not agree on whether the new rules would be legally binding. John Stanley who attended the meeting said:

‘My own view is that CMS decisions on sharks should be binding in law and enforceable in practice. Of course, the detailed application of the agreement should be left to the competent authorities at national level, working as necessary through the regional fisheries organisations. But at least a clear framework for conservation and management would have been set.

Sharks have been around for 400 million years, longer than most other species, a fact which makes the prospect of their imminent extinction particularly poignant. Maybe, after the Seychelles meeting, things are at last looking up.’

Circus Death Mystery

Sky News indicate that the circus worker originally thought to have been crushed to death by an elephant, may have suffered from a heart attack.

Elephant Kills Trainer

I just heard the news, that a circus elephant fell out of a truck and killed its handler in Australia. The elephants being unloaded were called Arna and Gigi from the Stardust Circus. According to the Circus Watch website – back in 2002 a cruelty case was upheld against Stardust Circus regarding its treatment of Arna the elephant.

In 1974 a similar accident happened in Heidelberg, Victoria, an elephant called Abu killed a circus driver/attendant.

Circus Watch an organisation ‘dedicated to aiding the ongoing awareness of the public as to why and how animals in circuses suffer’, have their own list of incidents involving circus animals in Australia.

Orangutan Island

I’ve been a bit busy over christmas and only just discovered this in my inbox, sent from the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation:

Don’t miss the latest episode of Orangutan Island, tonight [21st Dec] at 8:30 on Animal Planet. For those not in USA you can still view a number of videos from the series online here: http://animal.discovery.com/tv/orangutan-island/video/video.html

Episode 7: ORANGUTAN 911 The rains have returned and mosquitoes are everywhere. Best friends Donald and Chen Chen are as close as ever, but when Donald refuses to play and is obviously lethargic, Chen Chen leaves him alone. As Donald’s condition worsens, the Teknisi realize he is ill and rush him off the island back to the clinic where he is treated for malaria. However, when the initial test results come back, the staff discovers that a mysterious illness has taken hold of Donald. The clinic is now in a race to find out whether this sickness is contagious. Does Donald have any chance of recovering? Unaware of his best buddy’s illness, Chen Chen sets off to find a new playmate. Using a mixed bag of tricks, he tries and eventually succeeds in piquing the interest of the intelligent female Yeyen. Meanwhile, as the clinic works hard to determine what Donald is suffering from, the Teknisi monitor the island, on guard for any signs of this mysterious disease spreading. Will anyone else become ill? If so, will this be the end of Orangutan Island?

Meet the Orangutans Donald Donald was brought into the Nyaru Menteng Rescue and Rehabilitation Center with Daisy. They spent a lot of time together during forest school until Donald ditched Daisy for a slightly more unpredictable buddy: the one eyed Chen Chen. Ever since, Donald has been happy to play in Chen Chen’s shadow; there are benefits in hanging around with a big, moody bully. Life on the Island Donald’s allegiance to the dominant Chen Chen allows him to go about his days on the island with a certain amount of ease. He usually receives the playful, tender side of Chen Chen’s mood swings and in return is always there to offer comfort to his one-eyed friend when it gets tough at the top. Stats and Quirks Character: Loyal Alias: The Apprentice Sex: Male Age: 6 ID Tips: Sparse hair on head and body; broad face with close-set, very almond-shaped eyes and pink muzzle Quirk/Dysfunction: Other than having a slightly heavy dependency on Chen Chen, Donald is pretty straight up and down.

Interview with Lone about Donald: http://animal.discovery.com/tv/orangutan-island/meet/donald.html

Chen Chen At Nyaru Menteng Rescue and Rehabilitation Center Chen Chen was like any other baby orangutan; playful, curious and always up for a wrestle. Tragically, during a playful scrap, Chen Chen pierced his left eye with a stick. His eye was so severely damaged veterinarians had no choice but to remove it completely. From then on Chen Chen became known as “The Pirate,” both because of his looks and a new, very changeable, personality. Through the ordeal Chen Chen became good friends with a younger smaller male called Donald… Donald seemed to be the only one willing to put up with his mood swings. Life on the Island Chen Chen has found himself in a new role on the island. He is one of the oldest, largest males making him top dog in the line up for dominance over the young community and he has no trouble throwing his weight around – especially when food and females are concerned. But Chen Chen’s status is fragile; when he is challenged in a dramatic face-off with the aggressive intruder Hamlet, he comes off second best. But long-time friend Donald is still his loyal supporter and benefits from the tender and playful side of the island bully.

He is very curious and enjoys exploring the island having encounters with interesting creatures including a cicada and a python.

Stats and Quirks

Character: Dominant, moody and curious Alias: The Pirate Sex: Male Age: 8 ID Tips: The only one with one eye; also has hairless patches on back Quirk/Dysfunction: Mood swings Interview with Lone about Chen Chen: http://animal.discovery.com/tv/orangutan-island/meet/chen-chen.html

Sneak peek videos http://animal.discovery.com/tv/orangutan-island/video/video.html

Please help support the orangutans of Orangutan Island and hundreds more looked after by the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation. Visit www.savetheorangutan.co.uk or our partner in the States, Orangutan Outreach, at www.redapes.org It is not too late to adopt an orangutan or purchase a virtual gift in time for Christmas!

Villagers Urged To Stock Tiger Urine To Scare Killer Elephant Herd

An elephant named Osama Bin Laden and his herd have trampled to death seven people during the last few months in Jharkhand. Villagers have been urged to use tiger urine and excrement to frighten off the animals.

Clashes between humans and elephant are occurring more and more, as man encroaches on jungle territory. 

Full story: BBC News

Japan Bows To Pressure On Humpbacks – But Presses On With Largest Hunt Since Whaling Ban

From Politics UK, IFAW press release:

Japan bows to pressure on humpbacks – but presses on with largest hunt since whaling ban

Contact: For information, photographs or to arrange interviews, please contact Clare Sterling on 020 7587 6708, mobile 07917 507717, or email csterling@ifaw.org

Channel 4 To Highlight Cruel Farming Methods

A new Channel 4 show called ‘Big Food Fight’ will be aired throughout January showing shoppers the truth about what’s in their baskets. Even Gordon Ramsey the chef called an animal hater by PETA will help highlight the plight of factory farmed animals and encourage people to buy more ethical animal produce.

Read more: Hippy Shopper

Lucky Escape For Humpback Whale

A 40 foot humpback whale has been saved by a team of rescuers including the IFAW’s Campobello Whale Rescue Team and a local fisherman in the Bay of Fundy. The 40 foot creature was caught up in 75 lobster traps and their ropes and anchors, the fisherman raised the alert.

The IFAW praised the fisherman saying:

‘If it was not for the fisherman making the distress call this whale would be dead which is one of the reasons why IFAW’s collaboration with fisherman through the CWRT is vital’

Full story: Market Wire