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Interview: The Art of Animal Advocacy with Kenda Francis
Kenda Francis is a passionate animal advocate and artist who combines her love for animals and art to support animal welfare and wildlife foundations. She creates vibrant and expressive paintings that tell the stories of animals and their struggles. Kenda's dedication extends to organizing events that blend art, animals, and education to make a significant impact on both animals and the environment. She has also traveled to South Africa to witness firsthand the conservation efforts and meet important figures in the field.
Interview: Advocating for Animals: How to lobby your representative to make legislative change with Debbie Dahmer
Welcome to a special episode of the Rising Lioness podcast, where hearts, minds, and souls unite for animal rights and a harmonious world. Host Erica Salvemini is joined by dedicated advocate Debbie Dahmer, also known as "Mama Bear," who has been a voice for the voiceless since 2008. Together, they discuss Debbie's journey, shaped by social media advocacy and podcasting, as well as her passion for animals and the transformative power of the online community.
Debbie emphasizes the importance of taking action, sharing her experience of transitioning from personal social media posts to advocacy-focused content.
Interview: Oceans Away From Home with Devan Schowe
Devan Schowe, a campaign's associate for Born Free USA delves into the "Oceans Away from Home" report, which highlights the suffering of fish in captivity. Fish often face challenges that parallel those of larger, more commonly studied captive animals. Additionally, the rising surge of octopus farming in Spain, raises ethical concerns due to the remarkable intelligence of these creatures.
Join us in this conversation, challenging our perspectives on animal treatment and advocating for a more compassionate approach to their well-being.
Interview: Interview: Compassionate Pet Care - How Do We Get There
Erica Salvemini shares her journey as a compassionate companion animal care provider and successful entrepreneur, shedding light on the challenges and impact she has had on animal welfare.
Erica, a master reiki practitioner and the founder of Just for Paws Spa and Academy, embarked on her career nearly two decades ago. Erica discusses her evolution from a software marketing director to a devoted animal care provider.
Erica's passion for animals dates back to her childhood, when she rescued wounded animals and organized bake sales for Greenpeace, indicative of her lifelong love for animals.
Interview: Wildlands Network with Ron Sutherland
Wildlands Network's Chief Scientist, Ron Sutherland, discusses the importance of rewilding efforts and their vision of continental wildways.
Wildlands Network's Chief Scientist, Ron Sutherland, discusses the importance of rewilding efforts and their vision of continental wildways to promote wildlife conservation in North America. Rewilding, a concept rooted in letting nature reclaim its territory, emphasizes the need to reintroduce keystone species to restore ecological balance. Ron explains how rewilding helps to manage ecosystems more efficiently and highlights the case of Yellowstone's wolf reintroduction, which led to a cascade of positive ecological effects.
Death sentence handed to wild monkeys of Sint Maarten, can we still save them?
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A group of wild but non-native monkeys on the island of Sint Maarten is at the center of a controversial debate over their future. The government of Sint Maarten received a letter in March 2023, signed by 75 experts in primate and animal protection, urging them to reconsider plans to cull these monkeys as a means of population control. Born Free USA, a renowned animal protection organization, leads the effort to save these monkeys.
Despite the expertise behind this plea, the government has yet to respond, leaving the fate of these animals hanging in the balance.
Full Interview:Death sentence handed to wild monkeys of Sint Maarten, can we still save them
Interview: Endangered Roar - The Fight to Save Sumatran Tigers
Dive into the urgent mission to rescue Sumatran tigers from the brink of extinction. With less than 400 remaining in the wild, these Critically Endangered creatures face dire threats such as habitat destruction, human-tiger conflicts, and ruthless poaching. Join us as we uncover the challenges and efforts to protect this iconic species in the Indonesian tiger's last stand.
Explore the world of wildlife conservation with Leif Cocks, founder of Wildlife Conservation International and International Tiger Project. Hear firsthand about his journey from Zookeeper to advocate for tigers and their habitats.
The Tule Elk need our help now!
The native Tule elk population in the Point Reyes National Seashore faces a dire threat to their existence, and conservationists are making an urgent call for assistance.
For decades, these magnificent creatures have been confined within the boundaries of the National Seashore, unable to roam freely. Their very survival now hangs in the balance. Advocates argue that these animals, a symbol of American wildlife, belong to all Americans, and their habitat is maintained with taxpayers' money, giving every citizen a stake in their future.
Blog: World Rhino Day 2023
Today is World Rhino Day! With approximately less than 27,000 rhinos left in the wild, it is imperative to support organizations like Global Conservation Corps and the rangers who are on a mission to provide a future for these keystone species. The rhinos are a target for poachers and wildlife traffickers for their horn. The horn (which is made up of the same properties as our nails) is prized by some people as it is assumed to have magical healing properties.
Interview: Exposé - Dark Secrets from inside the Dolphin Entertainment Industry
In an exclusive two-part episode of "The Rising Lioness" podcast, renowned ex-dolphin trainer David Holroyd shares his shocking journey from fame and fortune to becoming a whistleblower in the UK's dolphin entertainment industry. David and Tracey, co-authors of "The Perfect Pair Dolphin Trilogy," reveal the grim reality behind the scenes of a profit-driven industry, shedding light on the exploitation of dolphins and cetaceans.
Holroyd, once Europe's top dolphin trainer, exposes the cruelty and mistreatment of these creatures as mere commodities. "The Perfect Pair Dolphin Trilogy" offers a unique perspective by narrating the story through the eyes of these remarkable animals, aiming to raise awareness and advocate against animal exploitation and cruelty.
Interview: RHINO MAN The Movie
On a new Wild For Change podcast, we speak with John Jurko II, creative director of Global Conservation Corps and lead producer and director of the film RHINO MAN.
Global Conservation Corps is a non-profit organization that is bridging the gap between communities and wildlife. The film RHINO MAN was the first project of Global Conservation Corps and was created to support the rangers protecting the rhino and to share their stories.
Rangers are the front line, the boots on the ground, protecting our diminishing population of rhino that deserve to be here but are being poached for their horn. These rangers put their lives on the line to protect the rhino. This is what makes a ranger so special and formidable. This is truly where passion meets purpose.
Blog: International Whale Shark Day - August 30
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August 30 is International Whale Shark Day. A day to celebrate and raise awareness about the largest fish in the ocean, the whale shark. These gentle giants are amazing creatures that deserve our respect and protection.
Whale sharks are gentle giants of the ocean can can grow up to 14 meters long and weigh up to 20 tons. They have a distinctive pattern of white spots and stripes on their dark grey skin, which helps them camouflage in the water.
Blog: Understanding Puppy Mills and Supporting International Dog Day
Every year on August 26, we celebrate International Dog Day, a time to honour our beloved furry companions while also raising awareness about the challenges they encounter. This occasion serves as a platform to discourage the purchase of dogs from unethical and illegal breeders, commonly known as puppy mills.
Through participating in International Dog Day and standing against puppy mills, you can play a role in improving the lives of these innocent animals and contribute to creating a more compassionate world for them.
Blog: Rest In Peace Tokitae
Tokitae, also known as Lolita or Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut, was a female orca who spent more than 50 years in captivity at the Miami Seaquarium. She was captured from her family in the Salish Sea in 1970, when she was about four years old, and sold to the aquarium for $6,000. She was also the subject of a long and passionate campaign by activists, scientists, and Native Americans to free her from her small and barren tank and return her to her home waters.
On Friday, August 18, 2023, Tokitae passed away from what is believed to be a renal condition. She was estimated to be 57 years old, making her the second-oldest orca in captivity
Interview: Dr. Cheryl Laite, The Maverick Vet
Dr. Cheryl Laite, known as The Maverick Vet, shares a transformative experience on The Wildlife Guardians podcast. She recounts her time with Sudan, the last Northern White Rhino, just before the species became extinct. This encounter changed her perspective on wildlife conservation and life itself.
Cheryl's encounter with Sudan led her to engage in various wildlife rescue and conservation projects, including assisting at the Zululand Rhino Orphanage in Africa and aiding in Australia's bushfire crisis. Her dedication even involves extreme actions like skydiving for conservation fundraising. Hosted by Jeff Harrison and Erica Salvemini, this emotionally charged episode of The Wildlife Guardians delves into Cheryl's inspiring journey.
Blog: Trophy Hunting Kills One Animal Every Three Minutes
In a study posted last year, it was found that trophy hunters killed one animal every THREE minutes over the last decade.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has reported we have a decade left to help turn back the clock on preventing even larger scale climate disasters and rewilding of endangered species like the elephant and wolf can help promote healthier ecosystems which results in a healthier planet for you and me.
Interview: Captain Paul Watson
Staci-lee chats with Captain Paul Watson, known for his work with Greenpeace and founding Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. He explains his departure from Greenpeace, which happened because he believed in a more direct action approach rather than just bearing witness to animal abuse.
Captain Paul Watson is one of those people that stands as a symbol of an active activist. While petitions and peaceful protests have their place, Captain Watson has always believed in the power of direct action. Speaking for the voiceless is a trying and never ending lifelong mission and so many burn out, lose hope or end up corrupted by it. For Captain Watson he is still going strong after more than 50 years.
Interview: Alaska Wildlife Alliance
Nicole chats with Nicole Schmitt, the Executive Director of the Alaska Wildlife Alliance (AWA). Established in 1978, the AWA emerged as a dedicated advocate for Alaska's diverse wildlife, including marine mammals and endangered species. Guided by a profound understanding of the intrinsic value wildlife holds within ecosystems, as well as its significance to the people of Alaska, the AWA's mission is to ensure the preservation of wildlife biodiversity.
In recent times, the AWA has broadened its horizons by forging partnerships with other environmental organizations.
Interview: Born Free USA on Recreational Animal Slaughter in the U.S. with Devan Schowe
Devan Schowe, Campaigns Associate for Born Free USA, sheds light on their new report, Thrill Kill: Recreational Animal Slaughter in the U.S., released in May 2023. Born Free USA’s investigative research explores the dark world of animal slaughter in the name of entertainment, where across the U.S., animals are slaughtered for fun in killing contests, canned hunts, fringe youth group activities and other events.
Devin also discusses her journey into animal advocacy, her work in researching and writing reports on wildlife trade, fur trade, and social media's impact on animals.
Blog: International Clouded Leopard Day
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August 4th is International Clouded Leopard Day - a day to celebrate and raise awareness about one of the most elusive and threatened wild cats in the world. The clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) is a medium-sized cat that lives in the tropical forests of Southeast Asia and parts of China. It is named for its distinctive coat pattern, which consists of large, irregularly shaped spots that resemble clouds.
Unfortunately, the clouded leopard is also one of the most endangered cats in the world, facing multiple threats from habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict.
Interview: Elephants in Japan with Ulara Nakagawa
In the Land of the Rising Sun, a poignant and compassionate organization, Elephants in Japan, has taken up the noble cause of shedding light on the plight of elephants held in captivity and advocating for their welfare. Despite Japan being renowned for its cutting-edge technology and modernity, the conditions under which elephants are kept in its zoos often appear paradoxically outdated and inhumane.
Elephants in Japan seek to challenge the status quo and educate the public about the dire circumstances faced by elephants in captivity across Japan's zoos. Surprisingly, despite being publicly funded, the majority of these institutions struggle to allocate resources towards improving the living conditions of these elephants.
Interview: Mara and Baby with Veronika Jancikova
Veronica is campaigning for the release of two elephants named Mara and Baby who are currently confined in a zoo in Slovakia. The elephants were previously circus performers and have experienced cruel training and poor living conditions. Veronica aims to relocate them to a sanctuary where they can peacefully retire. She has received significant public support through a petition with over 65,000 signatures. The campaign is also seeking financial support to cover expenses related to the elephants' relocation. The zoo has stopped offering elephant rides due to a complaint filed by animal rights organizations.
Interview: Co-existing with Coyotes with Sarah Killingsworth
For as long as humans have been around the Coyote has been one of those species vilified and killed for almost no reason. Yes once in a rare blue moon one may kill livestock but the overwhelming majority of livestock, and domestic pets, are not killed by coyotes. Despite the scientific facts that coyotes are a boon to a healthy ecosystem the hype and false narrative making them out to be monsters persists.
Despite the misconception that coyotes are dangerous and a threat, they play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance. Killing them disrupts their social structures and can even lead to increased populations.
Interview: White Bison Association
Cynthia Hartbutton, the founder of the White Bison Association, is a descendant of Sitting Bull and a member of the Lakota tribe. Her deep connection and love for animals were influenced by her father, who cared for sick wildlife and abused circus animals. After her father's passing, she embarked on a mission to care for and protect the white bison. Cynthia and her husband, Charles, run a non-profit, no-kill sanctuary for the white bison. The White Bison Association's mission is to raise awareness about the conservation and protection of the white bison, which holds great significance as a symbol of peace for Native American nations.
Blog: Celebrating International Tiger Day - Preserving the Majesty of the Wild
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Full Blog:Celebrating International Tiger Day - Preserving the Majesty of the Wild
Interview: Helping Rhinos with Simon Jones
Simon Jones, founder of Helping Rhinos chats about events leading up to his corporate world departure and the inspiring journey that led him to create Helping Rhinos. Simon shares the harrowing and inspiring tale of Thandi and how she goes on to birth 5 calf's and now has 2 grand calf's! This is just one of many important moments in the history of Helping Rhinos, beautifully illustrating how saving Thandi’s life ultimately creates 7 more rhinos on our planet. Simon states of Thandi, “She knows she has a purpose in life.” We think Simon Jones has found his too. Hear Simon educate on the benefits of protecting these powerhouse herbivores who germinate growth of fresh vegetation and how the rhinos presence on our planet is critical for the future of any habitat where they live.
Interview: The Black Mambas with Craig Spencer and Leitah Mkhabela
Erica Salvemeni chats with Craig Spencer and Leitah Mkhabela, part of the Black Mambas Anti-Poaching Unit in South Africa. Craig Spencer is the executive director of Trans-Frontier Africa and founder of the Black Mambas, while Leitah Mkhabela is a supervisor and ambassador for the all-female anti-poaching unit. The Black Mambas initiative, started in 2013, employs 36 women from local tribal communities to protect wildlife, particularly rhinos, from poaching. Craig Spencer's motivation to create the Black Mambas came after losing rhinos to poaching, realizing the need for a different approach to conservation
Interview: Effective Animal Advocacy with Dr Marc Abraham OBE
Marc and Billie chat openly about the realities of animal advocacy, which, for Marc, began with a litter of parvo puppies, leading him into a ten-year project resulting in the enactment of Lucy’s Law - a law that impacted animal welfare in the UK and beyond. They discuss his book, #BeMoreMosquito, in which Marc shares his knowledge and experience to inspire all animal lovers to make an impact, and his new project, Paws2Connect. Did you know Marc received the honor of OBE? Find out why this prestigious honor is so special to Marc.
Full Interview:Effective Animal Advocacy with Dr Marc Abraham OBE
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