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The Critter Chronicle

News about animal matters.

Headlines 2024-11-23

Week 31

	In KwaZulu-Natal, the IFP expressed concern over the ongoing rhino poaching incidents, with 231 rhinos killed in South Africa during the first six months of 2023. Of these, 42 were poached in the Kruger National Park and 143 in KZN. The party called for immediate government funding to combat poaching, which poses a significant threat to wildlife-based tourism and the livelihoods of affected communities.
	SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. Announces Attendance Decline and Revenue Impact
	Researchers from the Marine Mammal Research Association (DMAD) have conducted studies on whales and dolphins in Türkiye and issued a warning that all dolphin species in the Mediterranean are endangered.
	Iberian wolves declared extinct in Andalucía, Spain. The Andalucian government's environment department has officially declared wolves (Canis lupus signatus) extinct in the region after years of decline. Despite being a protected species, there has been no evidence of wolves in Andalucía since 2013, and no reproductive group since 2003.
	The Asia for Animals Coalition’ Social Media Animal Cruelty Coalition (SMACC) has written a letter to Mark Zuckerberg, urging him to take comprehensive action to prevent and remove animal cruelty content from Facebook and other platforms operated by Meta. The focus of concern is on content depicting primate torture and abuse, particularly videos of macaque monkeys being subjected to extreme and sadistic acts of violence.
	A dead Bryde's whale was found off the waters of Hong Kong with a new wound, likely the same animal that was spotted two weeks earlier. This discovery has raised concerns about the lack of protective measures and the presence of sightseers around the carcass. The whale's body was taken for examination, and a fresh wound on its fin was observed at Sai Kung's High Island Reservoir. Marine expert Compass Chan emphasizes the need for people to seriously reflect on how to coexist with different animal species. The incident occurred on July 31, 2023.
	After the summer performance season at Circus World in Baraboo, the elephants, which have been a part of the circus since 1888, will no longer return. They will retire at the Endangered Ark Foundation in Oklahoma due to factors such as concerns about the ethics of animal performances and a commitment to endangered animal conservation. Animal performances will continue with various animals. List of captive elephants
	The dog meat industry in South Korea is facing increasing pressure to be banned. While dog meat consumption has been a longstanding tradition on the Korean Peninsula, there is a rising awareness of animal rights and concerns about the country's international reputation. The anti-dog meat campaign received significant support when the first lady expressed her backing for a ban, and two lawmakers submitted bills to outlaw the trade.

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