This is not cute it is tragic : little Ori torn away from his mother forced to be cuddled and passed on from person to person as a trophy pet

 

Ori the little lion cub, stolen from the wild and here a trophy pet particularly used for fun at party's 

At this age, little Ori should still have been nursing with his mother but instead, he was torn from her to become a product for sale in the illegal wildlife trade. He was passed from person to person, forced to be cuddled and posed with, as his owners enjoyed the status of owning a #TrophyPet lion. Deprived of everything he needed, forced into dependency on humans. But the day this picture was taken, Ori’s luck changed.

Ori was confiscated from a house by Israel’s Nature & Parks Authority (NPA) in a crackdown on illegally trafficked animals. He had been stolen from his mother so young that he was desperate for human attention, but Ori had another lucky break. Less than a week earlier, NPA had seized another cub Ben-Tzur, after he was found tied to a tree. There is every chance the pair are brothers; certainly, they are now loving brothers. Ben-Tzur has helped Ori regain his confidence, reassuring him when he is nervous, and helping him become a lion again. Being with Ori has also helped Ben-Tzur’s confidence.

Ori and Ben-Tzur  enjoying each others company

Now, the boys are on the brink of another giant step: A new life at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary in South Africa. We have been working since January to bring the boys home and are one permit away from confirming their flight. They needed to get out fast as are outgrowing their temporary space – ADI took the financial risk, and said yes. With your help, Ori and Ben-Tzur have almost their entire lives ahead of them, not tied to a tree, not living in a basement being passed from person to person but roaming acres of space in the land of their ancestors.

We must fight back against the traffickers, we must enforce laws, and help officials seize animals – sometimes the window of opportunity is tiny. Please help ADI support anti-trafficking law enforcement actions like this, to bring Ori and Ben-Tzur home to Africa, and care for them for the rest of their lives.

Will you help us TODAY? Donate US $, CA $ | Donate £, Euros, Rand

REMEMBER: NEVER SUPPORT CUB PETTING OR PEOPLE HANDLING LIONS ON SOCIAL MEDIA. ADI has already rescued other ‘pet’ lions from around the world, most recently Kuwait. Lions are not pets.

https://adiwildlifesanctuary.org.za/2026/02/20/this-is-not-cute-its-tragic/

Is de-horning rhinos the answer to anti-poaching? Cutting off rhinos’ horns is a contentious last resort to stop poaching. A new study found it works

 

It's a sad world that we have to de-horn wildlife so that they can survive

South Africa’s anti-poaching and anti-trafficking efforts saw a 16% drop in rhino poaching in 2025 compared to 2024. Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Mr. Willie Aucamp, attributes the decline to “dedication and tactical, swift coordination.” Conservationists, however, caution that the fight against rhino poaching is far from over.

“From January to December 2025, 352 rhinos were poached in South Africa, with 266 being killed on state properties and 86 on privately owned parks, reserves, or farms. This was a decrease of 68 in comparison to 420 rhinos poached in 2024,” said Minister Aucamp.

Mpumalanga was the hardest-hit province, losing 178 rhinos, mostly in Kruger National Park, which reported 175 poached rhinos—up from 88 in 2024. In contrast, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park in KwaZulu-Natal saw poaching drop from 198 in 2024 to 63 in 2025, thanks to collaboration through the Integrated Wildlife Zones (IWZ) Programme and support from WWF, Save the Rhino International, Wildlife ACT, and Peace Parks Foundation.

This how it should be, rhinos with horns. Money the root of all evil

Ezemvelo notes that 2025’s reduction was driven by multiple measures: strategic dehorning, advanced detection technologies, early-warning systems, and the Integrity Implementation Plan, including polygraphing of all park law-enforcement personnel.

The National Integrated Strategy to Combat Wildlife Trafficking (NISCWT) is strengthening prosecutions, centralizing cases to give courts a full view of criminal syndicates, including organized crime and money laundering. A key example is ZM Muiambo, aka Thomas Chauke, who was found guilty on 19 charges, including illegal rhino hunting and theft of rhino horns. In April 2025, he was sentenced to 20 years in prison. 

Minister Aucamp conveyed his gratitude to private rhino owners and the private sector for their anti-poaching efforts. He emphasized that coordinated action by the government, NGOs, and the private sector is central to sustaining progress.

“South Africa continues to strengthen its international collaboration to curb rhino poaching and wildlife trafficking. These efforts led to the country receiving the Asia Environmental Enforcement Recognition of Excellence Award late last year, which celebrates excellence in enforcement by government officials, institutions, and teams combatting transboundary environmental crimes,” said Minister Aucamp.

“Working together with the South African anti-poaching and anti-trafficking organizations, we remain committed to a balanced, intelligence-driven, and partnership-based approach to rhino protection, recognizing that sustained success requires constant adaptation, integrity, and cooperation across all sectors,” said Minister Aucamp.

“While this is much-needed progress, rhinos remain under serious threat. Urgent and coordinated action across all sectors is needed to stop poaching and ensure these animals have a future in the wild.” — Peace 4 Animals & World Animal News 

Members of the public can report suspicious wildlife activities to the environmental crime hotline at 0800 205 005 or SAPS 10111.

Britain is facing a disturbing phenomenon: Young children and teenagers are killing wild animals with catapults and sharing the videos on WhatsApp

 

Britain is facing a disturbing phenomenon: children and teenagers, including primary school students, are killing wild animals with slingshots and sharing the videos via a nationwide WhatsApp network. A Sky News investigation identified nearly 500 members in eleven such groups, where more than 350 photos and videos have been shared.

The animals hunted are diverse: swans, deer, foxes, rabbits, pheasants, pigeons, Canada geese, squirrels and ducks.

The swan sanctuary in Shepperton, England, is currently caring for around 20 birds with whiplash injuries. Volunteer Danni Rogers describes the wounds as "life-changing and fatal": "Facial fractures, exploded eyes, ruptured tracheas." X-rays show steel ball bearings embedded deep in the birds' tissue.

In one video, a deer lies seriously wounded on the ground, shot in the head, while the child who fired the shot continues to kick the animal. In another video, a teenager films a Canada goose drowning after being shot: "One up for the new slingshot, big Canada goose, dead as a dodo."

No ban, free sale – the legal loophole

Catapults are legal to buy in Great Britain, even for minors, and can be purchased from websites like Amazon and eBay. Carrying them in public is not prohibited. Although the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 protect wild animals from intentional harm, catapults are not explicitly included in these lists of prohibited weapons. This makes prosecution difficult and rare, as the RSPCA has publicly confirmed.

RSPCA animal expert Geoff Edmond calls catapult attacks an "emerging trend": "We're seeing more and more injured animals being catapulted." Police in London and Essex are also recording a growing number of cases.

Parliamentary petition demands consequences

A petition currently circulating in the British Parliament, which has gathered nearly 40,000 signatures, advocates making carrying a slingshot in public without a valid reason an absolute criminal offense – similar to carrying an air rifle. As a compromise, the initiators propose a licensing system for legitimate uses, such as fishing.

Conservative MP Henry Smith, vice-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare, is supporting the petition, saying Parliament must take "urgent" action and ensure clear penalties are in place for those "who use catapults as weapons to injure and cause suffering to animals."

We are urging the policing minister to take urgent action and help us make it illegal to sell catapults to anyone under eighteen. It is a simple, practical step that will help protect wildlife, domestic pets, and people from preventable harm.

For more information read our blog.

Right now, our wildlife and animals are not protected by strong enough laws. Without effective legislation, wildlife and animal crime will continue.

Ask the policing minister to support legislation to restrict catapult sales to over-18s.

 

We need you now more than ever, and so does our wildlife!

The government has so far refused to implement an outright ban on working from home, but wants to "actively explore" what else can be done.

What is behind the violence?

Animal welfare organizations and child psychologists emphasize that the willingness to target animals for "entertainment" is not an isolated phenomenon. It reflects a culture in which the killing of wild animals is seen as a sporting trophy, reinforced by social media that creates visibility and rewards in the form of likes. Those who torture animals demonstrate not only a broken relationship with nature, but also with compassion and responsibility in general.

The debate in Great Britain should also be heard on the continent. Similar loopholes exist in Swiss animal protection laws: slingshots are legal, proving animal cruelty remains difficult, and the number of unreported cases is likely significant. Anyone interested in learning more about animal protection in Europe can find regularly updated reports at wildbeimwild.com.

More about hunting as a hobby: In our hunting dossier you will find fact checks, analyses and background reports

World Animal News

The weekly report 'Safe Haven for Donkeys' : a special update from our teams working in the brick kilns of El Saf, Egypt

 

This week, I’m pleased to share a special update from our teams working in the brick kilns of El Saf, Egypt. Thanks to your kindness, our mobile vets are reaching working donkeys and mules who urgently need care - animals who simply wouldn’t receive help without you. Everything you’ll read in this report is made possible by your support. On behalf of all of us - and the animals you’re helping - thank you so much. Wendy Safe Haven UK Office An update from Dr Shaaban, Egypt An 11-year old donkey who has worked in the El Saf brick kilns for three years was recently reported to our team after developing a sudden and painful eye problem. He couldn’t open his right eye. It was constantly watering, and he was clearly in severe discomfort. Close-up of the corneal ulcer before treatment. When our team arrived, he was nervous and in obvious pain. A full eye examination revealed a corneal ulcer - a serious condition that can quickly lead to permanent sight loss if left untreated. Treatment began immediately. He received antibiotics to fight infection and medication to ease pain and inflammation. Our vets also applied a specialised treatment called platelet-rich plasma to help speed healing of the damaged surface of his eye. Medication is carefully applied to fight infection and reduce pain. But this donkey will need ongoing care, so we took time to train the stockman who looks after him, carefully explaining how and when to apply the eye medication so treatment could continue. Thankfully the donkey improved daily and went on to make a full recovery - with his vision completely restored. Corneal ulcers are common in the dusty, harsh conditions of the brick kilns. But because of our regular visits, cases like this are becoming less frequent in El Saf. This progress is only possible because of you. The donkey after his sight has been fully restored. In another urgent case, we received a call about a working donkey involved in a cart accident. He was in severe pain and bleeding heavily from one of his hooves. When our team arrived, he was badly lame on his left hind leg and visibly shaking. Front view of the damaged hoof before treatment began. On examination, we found a deep wound at the coronary band - the top of the hoof. An X-ray confirmed a fracture to a small bone inside the hoof. Our first priority was to stop the bleeding and prevent infection. The wound was carefully cleaned and soaked to reduce contamination, before a pressure bandage was applied. He was given antibiotics and strong pain relief, along with medication to reduce swelling and tissue damage. The team carefully repeat the hoof soak as part of ongoing care. Over the following weeks, the team provided regular follow-up care including gengle hoof trims to support healthy regrowth, and healing was closely monitored. Gradually the wound healed, and the hoof began to grow back normally. Today, he is standing comfortably again, a remarkable recovery from what could have been a life-ending injury. Amr, one of the Egypt team, with the donkey after his full recovery. Thank You  Your support funds our mobile vet teams in the West Bank, Gaza and Egypt, bringing veterinary care directly to working donkeys in desperate need. It also helps us care for rescue donkeys at our sanctuaries in Israel and the West Bank, where they receive nutritious food, specialist care, and the safety of a forever home. Thank you for caring for these gentle animals. Donate today You are helping to care for the donkeys of El Saf, working hard in the brick kilns every day. Thank you. 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.

Sea Shepherd video: 'When the Ocean Tests You' as the seas grow heavier and the winds picks up the ship faces an unexpected challenge

 

Edge of the World: Krill Crisis”  Episode 3 Now Live! There’s a moment every crew member waits for on the journey south. In Episode 3, the crew catches their first glimpse of ice in the Southern Ocean — a powerful reminder that Antarctica is no longer an idea on a map, but directly ahead. Excitement builds on deck, but the Southern Ocean has its own timing. As the seas grow heavier and the wind picks up, the ship faces an unexpected challenge. The engine must be stopped while the weather intensifies, leaving the crew to work through the issue as the vessel moves with the full force of the waves. It’s a raw look at what this journey truly demands. As the crew's journey south continues, conditions onboard start to change. The ship’s motion in the water intensifies, daily routines become harder to maintain, and the crew feel the full weight of the Southern Ocean for the first time. Morale, balance, and patience are tested as Cape Horn draws nearer. Then, on the horizon, the crew spot the first real signs that they are headed south. A reminder of where this journey is taking them, and what still lies ahead. Each episode is created in real time as the campaign unfolds, entirely unscripted and unplanned. Join us episode by episode as we head south and confront the krill fleet, never knowing what will be revealed next. Thank you to Mimo Connect for sponsoring this episode of Edge of the World: Krill Crisis. Learn more here: https://seashe.ph/mimo link for a lot more information: https://www.seashepherdglobal.org/latest-news/krill-pledge/ Sea Shepherd is an international, non-profit marine conservation organization that engages in direct action campaigns to defend wildlife, and conserve and protect the world’s oceans from illegal exploitation and environmental destruction. Learn more about us: https://seashe.ph/aboutus Support our efforts: https://seashe.ph/supportdonate UK Supporters: Your Voice Can Help Stop the Grind https://youtu.be/a289TztePe0?si=rflQ1AvvmAVs2BSv Graphic content and not suitable for children The UK Parliament has a real opportunity to take an official stand against the grindadráp pilot whale hunts in the Faroe Islands. A new cross-party coalition of British Members of Parliament has called on ministers to renew diplomatic pressure, conduct a trade review, and require consumer labelling of products coming from the Faroe Islands. The motion is currently supported by nine MPs, but pressure from constituents can influence more to join. If you are in the UK, follow the link to send a message to your MP asking them to support this motion. It takes less than a minute, but together it can create real political impact for the pilot whales of the Faroe Islands. Write to Your MPs Sea Shepherd Australia  Huge news for the Faroe Islands: a new motion for resolution to end the Grind has been submitted to the European Parliament. Here’s the reality of 2025 so far: 996 pilot whales and dolphins killed - and the year isn’t over. On September 13th alone, 285 pilot whales were slaughtered in Fuglafjørður. What’s called “tradition” was, in truth: chaos, cruelty, and waste. Pilot whales and dolphins are protected in the EU - but not in the Faroes. Why? Because the islands refuse international conventions and are outside EU law. To learn more - follow @seashepherd for more updates. #LivingFjord #StopTheGrind

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