vrijdag 28 augustus 2026

From helplessness to happiness: 20 years moonbear Dawn endured abuse, confined to a rusty cage, her spirit crushed due to repeated bile extraction

Dawn

From helplessness to happiness

Voor over two decades, Dawn, a moon bear endured the unimaginable. She was confined to a dark, rusty cage on a bile farm – her body exploited, her spirit crushed. When our rescue team arrived to bring her home to our sanctuary in 2023, she didn’t even look up. She simply swayed her head in endless repetition – a heartbreaking sign of ‘learned helplessness’.

It was as though she’d given up. No sounds or smells stirred her. No treats enticed her. Her will to live had been all but extinguished. This wasn’t just physical trauma – this was deep emotional despair.

The deepest scars

Dawn’s first health check revealed decades of silent suffering. Her teeth were shattered from desperately chewing her cage bars. Her gall bladder was inflamed from repeated bile extraction. She was riddled with arthritis, had a misshapen spine, and her blood pressure was dangerously high.

The diagnosis was devastating, but her emotional state was what really worried us – bear carer Sarah van Herpt said Dawn was ‘one of the most broken bears’ she’d ever seen. Dawn was totally unresponsive, isolated and unreachable. As we stood by her side, the weight of responsibility felt overwhelming. Would we ever be able to get through to her?

Slowly building trust

We refused to give up. We met her silence with compassion. Day after day, our carers offered soft voices, calming music, gentle movements. We worked with specialists to create a tailored plan of recovery, including antidepressants to ease her emotional pain, carefully chosen toys and natural browse, and unwavering routine.

Every meal was an opportunity to rebuild trust. Every day brought a chance to see a flicker of light in her eyes. Slowly, with patience and love, we began to see tiny signs – her ears twitching at a familiar voice, a small stretch of her paw, the beginning of presence.

Her first smile

Once she was ready, her carers moved Dawn to a den which had beds, hammocks, enrichment and its own pool. Dawn had responded well to water in quarantine so we were hopeful she would enjoy a dip, but we weren’t prepared for quite how much she loved it! She splashed and played for hours – sending water flying, soaking herself and her carers who were standing by watching. For the first time, Dawn was smiling.

Reunited in joy

Shortly after, Dawn was integrated with two other bears from the farm she was on – Dotti (previously called Midnight) and Twilight. Her carers watched with bated breath – how would they react to each other? But we didn’t need to worry! The trio started playing together immediately, all three with big smiles on their faces. Dawn surprised us all – we thought Dotti and Twilight would initiate play, but it was Dawn who jumped all over them, got the zoomies and crashed around the den with sheer delight. It was as if their presence unlocked something deep within her – a reason to live. It was like watching her soul return.

Our brave girl

And then it was time for Dawn to step outside. When her den door opened to the outside world, she was understandably tentative. She lifted her nose to the breeze, blinked in the sunlight, and bravely touched her paw down on natural ground for the first time in over 20 years. We watched in awe – and tears – as she took in the world she’d been denied for so longFrom that day on, progress came in joyful waves. Dawn began exploring, foraging and splashing in her pool. She was finally becoming the bear she was always meant to be.

dinsdag 25 augustus 2026

Compassion in World Farming: Atlantic bluefin tuna fattening farms, where young, wild-caught tuna are fattened in hatcheries for consumption causes severe animal suffering

Press release: Compassion in World Farming

https://action.ciwf.org.uk/page/195012/petition/

Aquaculture threatens the Atlantic bluefin tuna

The explosive growth of aquaculture is leading to new concerns regarding the global population of Atlantic bluefin tuna. In aquaculture, young, wild-caught tuna are fattened for consumption. Worldwide, the number of companies in this sector has increased nearly tenfold over the last twenty years. This is according to a new report by Compassion in World Farming (CIWF). This form of aquaculture leads to severe animal suffering and food waste.

Photo: Compassion in World Farming ( CIWF )

Now that there is enthusiasm because bluefin tuna have been sighted in the North Sea again ^[1] , and Dutch fishermen are already ready to fish for the animal, great caution is still required, CIWF emphasizes. Research shows that purse seine fishing for Atlantic bluefin tuna has reached a historically high level. purse seine fishing definition - Zoeken

In addition, supervision of the catch of this fish species has now almost completely fallen into disrepair again. This has led to growth in the global market for Atlantic bluefin tuna. This also applies to the Dutch market.

According to United Nations trade figures, the Netherlands imported a net total of approximately 243,000 kilograms of bluefin tuna in 2024. In the span of a year, this grew by 18 percent to more than 288,000 kilograms in 2025. This involves thousands of animals that are primarily processed into luxury products such as sushi and sashimi.

The Atlantic bluefin tuna is a top predator that swims across the entire Atlantic Ocean. With speeds of 70 km per hour, it is one of the fastest fish in the ocean, and one of the largest: it can grow up to three meters long.

Due to decades of overfishing and inadequate catch control, the situation for these tuna was so bad in 2009 that the fish in the Mediterranean Sea was classified as endangered. In 2011, the species was even recognized as endangered worldwide. Temporarily improved monitoring allowed the population to begin recovering, and in 2021, the species was no longer considered endangered globally.

Animal suffering and food waste

Since then, aquaculture has often been presented as the way to reduce pressure on wild fish populations. Tuna farming, however, is at odds with this. The 'farming' relies on young tuna caught in the wild, which are fattened in the hatcheries. Therefore, these are not actually 'farms', but fattening farms. Worldwide, the number of Atlantic bluefin tuna fattening farms has increased tenfold, from 13 in 2006 to 123 at present.

The fattening farms require enormous numbers of smaller wild fish as feed for the tuna. Before slaughter, a farmed tuna eats up to 3,000 kilos of fish; that amounts to thousands, even tens of thousands, of wild fish such as sardines and anchovies. In addition, there is serious animal suffering in the fattening farms.

The wild, captive animals, which naturally swim thousands of kilometers, are confined in cramped sea cages and have no room whatsoever for their natural behavior. The report shows that they suffer from stress, often have skin conditions and damage to fins and eyes, and are at a high risk of mortality.

Call: moratorium on tuna farms

The Atlantic bluefin tuna stock is most alarming in the Mediterranean Sea, where tuna fishing and farming have expanded rapidly in recent years. This is despite the fact that the population in this sea has not been reassessed for 17 years.

Compassion in World Farming calls for an immediate international moratorium on new fattening farms for Atlantic bluefin tuna and on the expansion of existing farms. A new assessment under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Animals (CITES) and a reassessment of the Red List of Endangered Species are also urgently needed.

Note to the editor

This is a link to the CIWF report on the Atlantic bluefin tuna: https://www.ciwf.org/media/ bjkn0bi2/atlantic-bluefin- tuna-report_web.pdf

Factsheet

1. Tuna aquaculture is expanding rapidly

• The number of Atlantic bluefin tuna from aquaculture increased nearly 20-fold between 2003 and 2024. In 2003, approximately 55,700 caught tuna were kept in fattening farms. By 2024, that number had risen to as many as one million.

• In 2006, there were 13 licensed fattening farms worldwide. In 2026, that number will be 123.

• The sector is dependent on caught tuna. This increases pressure on wild populations. Catches of wild Atlantic bluefin tuna in 2024 were 29% higher than in 2008, just before they were classified as endangered to protect their numbers.

2. Tuna farming undermines food security

• One farmed tuna requires up to 3,000 kilograms of wild-caught fish as feed. That is the equivalent of approximately 33,000 sardines or 166,000 anchovies. This harms marine life.

• Some of the fish used as feed comes from vulnerable coastal communities that depend on these fish for their food and livelihoods.

• Over the past decades, the European Union and national governments have spent more than €64.9 million in public financial support on the farming of Atlantic bluefin tuna.

3. Capture and breeding cause severe animal suffering

• The Atlantic bluefin tuna is a migratory, fast-swimming wild animal that must swim continuously to breathe. These characteristics make confinement in aquaculture systems inherently harmful to the animals.

• Confined in sea cages, they suffer from stress, injuries, and high mortality rates.

• Current slaughter methods give rise to serious concerns regarding animal welfare, including due to missed shots and suffocation.

[1] https://www.ad.nl/binnenland/ blauwvintonijn-zwemt-weer- door-de-noordzee-en-levert- kustvissers-een-lucratieve- kans-op~a21faa39/

Annemarie Brijder

maandag 24 augustus 2026

The weekly update from Safe Haven for Donkeys in Gaza: 3 new vets from Gaza City provide free care for working animals whose owners can't afford a vet

Dear Erna

A few weeks ago, I shared the news that Dr Saif had sadly left Gaza.

Today, I’m very pleased to introduce you to Dr Ahmed Thabet and the vet team who are continuing our work to help Gaza’s donkeys.

Dr Ahmed is joined by two other vets and a veterinary assistant. Together, they strengthen our veterinary capacity in Gaza, allowing us to build on the vital first aid provided by Dr Saif and his team and, where equipment and supplies are available, provide a wider range of more complex treatments.

I know many of you care deeply about the animals caught up in this terrible conflict, so I wanted Dr Ahmed to tell you, in his own words, a little about his team, the challenges they face and the animals they are already helping.

Thank you, as always, for caring.

Wendy
Safe Haven UK Office

An update from Dr Ahmed in Gaza

My name is Dr Ahmed Thabet and I work out of a vet clinic in Gaza City. Our team includes three vets - myself, Dr Muath Al-Sir and Dr Mohammed Basal - alongside our veterinary assistant, Ahmed Althawabteh.

We are Safe Haven’s new team providing vet care for working animals whose owners cannot afford or access treatment in Gaza.

Before the war, there were approximately 5,000 donkeys, horses and other equids in Gaza, around two-thirds of them donkeys. Today, we believe around half of these animals have been lost.

Dr Ahmed - pictured above - heads up our new team of three vets and a vet assistant, strengthening our work in Gaza.

Veterinary medicines and essential supplies are also extremely difficult to obtain, so every day we have to make the best decisions we can with the limited resources available to us.

Recently, we treated a jenny (a female donkey) who had been attacked by a dog. With no rabies vaccinations available, we cleaned her wounds as thoroughly as possible, stitched them and are now monitoring her closely.

This female donkey had been attacked by a dog. With veterinary supplies extremely limited, the team is doing everything it can with the resources available.

We also treated a severely malnourished donkey with multiple wounds and painful sharp points on his teeth that were making it difficult for him to eat.

Our new team has the veterinary expertise to carry out more complex procedures, including dental treatment. But much of the specialist equipment we would normally use has been lost or damaged during the war and cannot currently be replaced.

This male donkey was suffering from multiple wounds and severe malnutrition. Painful sharp points on his teeth were also making it difficult for him to eat.

Using the tools available, we were able to carefully file his teeth to provide some relief, as well as clean and treat his wounds. As soon as access allows, we hope to replace essential equipment such as our mechanical dental rasp, enabling us to provide a wider range of treatments for donkeys like him.

As Safe Haven’s new team, we will continue doing everything we can to relieve suffering and provide these remarkable animals.

Thank you for caring for Gaza’s working animals and I’ll look forward to sending you updates in the coming months.

Just two days after our team provided treatment, this severe back wound was already beginning to heal. The team will continue to monitor the donkey’s recovery.

Thank You

Working animals have become even more important to people in Gaza since the war, with donkeys and horses increasingly relied upon for transport and daily livelihoods. This places enormous strain on animals that are already living in extremely difficult conditions.

Thank you for supporting us to provide veterinary care to donkeys and other working animals in desperate need. Your support means we can continue to treat injuries, relieve suffering and give these animals the care they deserve.

Help our vet teams today

Above - Our new Vet Assistant Ahmed stitches the dog bite wound. This is just one example of the wider range of veterinary treatment our new team - headed up by lead vet Dr Ahmed - can now provide in Gaza, thanks to your support.

If you'd like to read previous updates of our work, please click here to visit out blog. You can also view today's update online by clicking here.

Registered charity number 1083468

Safe Haven for Donkeys

Unit 23 More House Farm Business Centre

Wivelsfield

Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH17 7RE

United Kingdom

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zaterdag 22 augustus 2026

The last wild Amur tiger in Kazakhstan was killed in the 1950s. after 70 years tiger Umit equipped with a tracking system reintroduced into an ecosystem which had disappeard

International , Brief , News

After 70 years, the tiger returns to Kazakhstan.

Tigers once roamed Kazakhstan. Unfortunately, this magnificent animal was regarded as an unwelcome guest and preferably shot. The last wild Amur tiger in Kazakhstan was killed in the 1950s. It was quiet

“Today we witnessed a historic event. For the first time since the tiger disappeared from Kazakhstan more than 70 years ago, a tiger has been released back into its historical range. This is the result of years of collaboration (…)”

In good condition

Umit is equipped with a collar with a tracking system to monitor her movements and behavior. She has been examined by veterinarians and, fortunately, was found to be in good condition
.

The nature reserve was formerly inhabited by the extinct Caspian tiger, also known as the
Turanian tiger. This species was closely related to the Siberian or Amur tiger. Umit is an Amur tiger, a population of the Asian mainland tiger that is native to the Russian Far East and northeastern China. The government chose Amur tigers because research showed that their genetic makeup was virtually identical to that of Caspian tigers
.

Tiger back in Kazakhstan

Umit is one of four Amur tigers transferred from Russia to Kazakhstan, possibly as a form of ' panda diplomacy '. Before she could roam free, like their extinct relatives, Umit was released into fenced areas to get used to the sights, sounds, smells, and weather. Alongside Umit resides a male named Amur and two cubs, six to seven months old, from the Russian Khabarovsk Reserve.

Amur will remain in captivity for the time being, until he is ready to be released. The cubs will grow up semi-wild in the reserve. When they are fully grown, around 18 months of age, they will be released if they pass behavioral tests demonstrating that they are truly ready.

The tiger returns to Kazakhstan — Umit runs towards her new life | Photo: screenshot video euronews/Tube

Siberian tiger

The Siberian tiger, or Amur tiger, is a very rare subspecies of tiger. It is the largest of the big cats. A male can reach a length of 3.35 meters (excluding the tail), while a female is smaller. The coat is orange-brown to orange-yellow with vertical brown to black stripes.

Formerly, the species occurred on the Korean Peninsula, most of Manchuria, the Amur Basin, and the eastern slope of the Sikhote-Alin Mountains. The animal is now rare in the wild. Illegal hunting for its fur and use in traditional medicine threatens the species. In 2011, there were an estimated only 500 individuals remaining.

Complex situation

Despite this remarkable news, it remains a complex situation. One challenge is the security of the communities surrounding Ile-Balkhash. The reserve is large but not fenced, meaning tigers can return to their original habitat if the population grows. Officials from the Kazakh Ministry of Ecology say:

The safety of the people living near the reserve is our highest priority. We have taken measures to prevent conflicts between people and tigers, including a special team that takes action if an animal approaches a populated area.he safety of the people living near the reserve is our highest priority. We have taken measures to prevent conflicts between people and tigers, including a special team that takes action if an animal approaches a populated area.

Wild tigers are still struggling regardless. Their numbers have dropped from approximately 100,000 at the beginning of the 20th century to about 5,500. In large parts of Asia, numbers are still declining. They are facing new challenges such as diseases and climate change
.

If the project succeeds, Kazakhstan will be the first country in the world to reintroduce the tiger into an ecosystem from which it had previously disappeared .

Sources:

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