CWI is sad to report the death of Inuka, a polar bear who spent his entire life confined within the Singapore Zoo. Just weeks ago, CWI Executive Director Carrie LeBlanc did a welfare check on Inuka, and captured the sad photo to the right. (Note: Inuka was green due to algae that would form on his fur. His mother, also deceased, suffered from the same discoloration.) His walking, demeanor, and appearance were all poor (video here). The zoo felt the same, and opted not to rev

As part of our ongoing series of educational videos about animal abuse we witnessed in Thailand, CWI has released one of our most heartbreaking clips yet. Elephant abuse in the tourism industry is still prevalent around the world, including Thailand, where the "trekking" industry continues to thrive. In our video, we show how riding/trekking businesses use young elephants to lure customers into their "camp." This young female is chained by one leg and exhibits extreme distres

In today's day and age, when we know so much about animals and the fact that they are sentient, aware beings who have their own families, lives, desires, and needs, why would anyone opt to start a zoo where they will be unnaturally confined against their will? Believe it or not, this is the plan in Las Vegas, according to the Las Vegas Zoological Society. The zoo, in its planning infancy, is being spearheaded by Board of Trustees Chair Bruce Thompson. Mr. Thompson has no expe

Join CWI Executive Director Carrie LeBlanc at the Rally For Billy taking place on May 5th from 10am to 12pm. Carrie will be speaking at the event about the inherent cruelty of confining elephants to zoo life. Are you familiar with Billy? Billy has been living in the LA Zoo for over two decades, since he was just 4 years old. A "gift" from the Malaysian government, a long battle has been fought for Billy's freedom due to the inadequate provisions that the LA Zoo has made for B

Tomorrow the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission hosts a public meeting in which they are soliciting comment on elephant ride regulations. Elephant rides are cruel. Time and again we see lame elephants forced to give rides with numerous people piled on their backs, trudging around and around in a small circle for hours on end....only to be hauled off to do it all again at the next venue. The world is waking up to the dangers of elephant rides both at home and abroad. Please,

Today, CWI received information from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) regarding the elephant Anna Louise, after we submitted a request for follow-up from them. As you may recall, CWI filed an emergency complaint with the USDA on behalf of Anna Louise last May. We found abnormalities in her gait, and were concerned about her well-being as well as the safety of the public who were riding her. Within two weeks of filing of the complaint, to the best of