Author: Rachel Maddow

Ryan Easley, 37, died during a tiger performance at his Growler Pines Tiger Preserve in Oklahoma.The preserve confirmed the accident on Facebook, calling Easley’s work his “calling and life’s purpose.” Connections to “Tiger King” Easley had past associations with Joe Exotic, who praised him on social media after the death.Exotic emphasized the tiger bore no blame, noting human risks exist in many professions. Animal Rights Concerns Raised PETA criticized Easley’s facility as a “roadside zoo,” claiming it forced tigers to perform across the country.Debbie Metzler called direct interaction with big cats unsafe and urged remaining exhibitors to retire the animals…

World Animal Protection urges Kenya to immediately close abusive wildlife facilities across the country.Their new report, “Behind Bars: Lifting the Lid off Kenya’s Cruel Wildlife Farming,” uncovers severe animal abuse.Investigators found crocodiles, giraffes, ostriches, tortoises, monkeys, and hippos confined in small, stressful conditions.Many wild animals were illegally taken from nature and falsely marketed as captive-bred, harming biodiversity. Alarming Welfare and Health Findings Researchers documented overcrowding, untreated injuries, parasite infestations, poor diets, and extreme stress in every facility.Some tourist attractions allowed visitors to handle or feed animals without hygiene protocols, increasing zoonotic disease risks.The report confirms that captive wildlife farming fuels…

Florida received 163,459 applications for its first bear hunt in ten years, far exceeding available permits.The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will award 172 permits by lottery for the December hunt.Hunters may kill one bear per permit in regions with sufficient bear populations.Florida officials estimate the state hosts roughly 4,000 black bears. Conservationists Join Lottery to Save Bears Organizations such as the Sierra Club encouraged people to apply for permits and not use them.Chuck O’Neal of Speak Up Wekiva said this tactic will protect bears and influence hunting rules for decades.Environmentalists argue human encroachment, not bears, causes most conflicts with…

The Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS) launched a campaign in Cyprus to expose large-scale illegal bird trapping in Maroni.The initiative, “Occupy Akas,” began September 21 with support from BBC presenters Chris Packham and Megan McCubbin.The campaign targets the “Akas farm,” a fenced valley where poaching reportedly continues unchecked. Criminal Network Exploits Protected Birds CABS General Secretary Alexander Heyd accused an organised criminal group of trapping up to 30,000 birds annually.Poachers use mist nets and electronic lures to capture the birds, many of which belong to protected species.CABS said the group earns an estimated €180,000 in untaxed black-market profits each year.Heyd…

The North Florida Wildlife Center marked its 5th anniversary by unveiling a second lemur enclosure for guests. Community Joins Festive Celebration Hundreds of visitors attended “Wild & Thriving,” enjoying animal encounters, face painting, local vendors, and special presentations.Organizers cut the ribbon on the new habitat while families explored interactive activities. Leaders Highlight Growth and Purpose Executive Director Ryan Reines praised the event’s success.He said the center grew from a dream into a thriving hub for community and wildlife.The celebration raised thousands to support animal care and global conservation projects.

A black bear climbed into a tree in a southeast Butte neighborhood and has refused to leave for days.Security cameras filmed the animal carrying a garbage bag through a backyard before taking refuge high above the ground. Wildlife Teams Deploy Chicken Trap Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks staff arrived quickly to handle the situation and protect residents.Officials placed rotisserie chicken from Three Bears Alaska grocery inside a trap to lure the bear down safely.Reporter John Emeigh watched as crews carefully worked to guide the animal into capture. Relocation Planned After Capture Authorities intend to move the bear to a rural…

The Trump administration plans a deal allowing a road through Izembek National Wildlife Refuge in southwestern Alaska.Interior Department documents reveal the agreement would transfer 490 acres to King Cove Corporation for road construction.King Cove Corporation would exchange thousands of its own acres, some joining the wildlife refuge. Road Sparks Lifesaving vs. Environmental Debate Proponents claim the road connects King Cove to Cold Bay airport, enabling emergency medical evacuations.Opponents warn construction would destroy habitat and harm Alaska Native communities relying on hunting and fishing.The 40-mile route would cut 10 miles through wetlands that host migratory birds, including emperor geese and Steller’s…

The Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center celebrated the hatching of four state-threatened eastern box turtles.Two of the hatchlings are extremely rare twins, emerging from eggs laid by a mother recovering from a severe ear infection.Staff incubated the eggs while the mother healed, ensuring successful hatching despite her health challenges. Intensive Care Boosts Survival Odds Baby turtles face high mortality, with less than 0.1 percent surviving to adulthood.The center will keep the hatchlings through winter to help them gain weight and strengthen survival chances.The twin turtles weigh only 3 grams each and are much smaller than their siblings.Staff provide intensive care to…

In Puerto Narino, Colombia, researchers waist-deep in the Amazon River carefully trap river dolphins with mesh nets.They tighten the nets gradually as silver fish leap to escape the splashy enclosure.The team hauls each dolphin into a boat, where it thrashes before researchers carry it to the riverbank.On the sandy bank, scientists place the dolphins on mats and limit handling to 15 minutes. Careful Handling Protects Dolphins Marine biologist Fernando Trujillo shields each dolphin’s eyes with a cloth and speaks in gentle tones to calm them.He says, “Taking a dolphin out of the water is a kind of abduction,” while resting…

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension released a new fact sheet, “Wildlife Monitoring and Management for New World Screwworm,” to help Texans protect wildlife. Experts from AgriLife Extension, Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute, and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department developed the science-based guide. It provides urban and rural residents with instructions to detect and report possible infestations in free-ranging wildlife. Protecting Vulnerable Wildlife “Wildlife are vital for ecosystem health,” said Marcus Blum, AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist. “Over 100 mammal species in Texas face risk if screwworms return. This guide helps Texans safeguard them.” Blum noted that white-tailed deer, mule deer, black bears,…