While many see zoos as organizations that protect, conserve, and appreciate wildlife, at AIA we know that no wild animal placed in captivity could ever truly be appreciated. Endangering both animals and the humans that visit them on their grounds, zoos pose one of the largest physical and ideological setbacks to the animal welfare field in our current moment. AIA is committed to informing the public about the many cruel aspects of confining and exploiting wild animals. The following articles by various writers in collaboration with AIA, and past episodes of Animals Today Radio, point out the holes in zoos’ budgets when it comes to claims of “conservation”, the devastating accidents that could have been prevented on zoo property, and the ethical issues with the existence of zoos.
Zoos claim to be the next “conservation powerhouses” as they report countless initiatives to support wildlife protection and conservation. However, the truth behind zoo budgets may suggest otherwise. Are zoos living up to their public image? Let’s take a deeper dive into where the money… read more
How zoos harm eleph Lori begins by welcoming back to the show Will Anderson with the elephant program at In Defense of Animals (IDA). Will and Lori discuss IDA’s 2019 review of the worst North American zoos for elephants and the cruel realities of keeping… read more
The show begins with Lori’s discussion with Toni Frohoff, PhD., Elephant Campaign Director at In Defense of Animals. Each year, IDA publishes its list of the worst North American zoos for elephants, and sadly, this year’s list demonstrates that the horrendous conditions for elephants in… read more
Inspired by Anthony Weiner’s recent use of the phrase, “beat him like a rented mule,” we discuss a variety of idioms concerning animals, hoping to find interesting, humane alternatives to ones like “killing two birds with one stone.” Then Lori speaks with Mary Finelli founder… read more
On this show, Lori welcomed two outstanding guests. First was Tim Ream, Staff Attorney, Endangered Species Program at the Center for Biological Diversity. Four groups have filed a petition with US government officials demanding better regulation of and transparency from Wildlife Services. Many people do not… read more
It was recently disclosed that the Namibian Government auctioned off 57 elephants caught from the wild, with the intention to export 42 of them to foreign zoos. With the widespread awareness about the cruelty of keeping wild elephants in captivity, this news is both shocking… read more
This show features elephant expert Will Anderson, with In Defense of Animals, who provides the background and events leading up to an important new international agreement to limit the exportation of wild elephants from Africa to the US, China and other countries. Elephants in Captivity Lori… read more
On this show, two wonderful guests appeared. First, Adam Roberts joined Lori to discuss the killing of Marius, a healthy juvenile giraffe in Copenhagen’s zoo. Worldwide shock and criticism has followed this incredibly horrifying and unnecessary event. Adam Roberts, CEO of Born Free USA and… read more
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A14NXY3uZfo
