"The Angry Birds Movie 2" Flies In With All-Star Cast Of New And Returning Comedy Talent

"The Angry Birds Movie" (pictured) became a breakout animated hit in 2016. Sony Pictures announced today an all-star cast of new and returning comedy talent in "The Angry Birds Movie 2."

As Sony Pictures in association with Rovio Entertainment once again join forces on The Angry Birds Movie 2, the filmmakers have brought together a hilarious all-star cast of new and returning talent for the flightless birds and scheming green pigs as they take their beef to the next level.  The Angry Birds Movie 2 is slated to fly into theaters on September 20, 2019.

The first film's birds and pigs – including Jason Sudeikis (We're the Millers, Horrible Bosses) as the temperamental Red, Josh Gad (Beauty and the Beast, Frozen, Murder on the Orient Express) as speedy Chuck, Bill Hader (Barry, Trainwreck) as Leonard, king of the pigs, Danny McBride (Vice Principals, This is the End) as the volatile Bomb – are back for more fun, as is Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones, Avengers: Infinity War, Three Billboards), stentorian voice of the legendary Mighty Eagle.

They are joined for the sequel by a host of hilarious actors and comedy stars, including Leslie Jones(Emmy-nominee for Saturday Night Live, Ghostbusters) as the film's villain, Golden Globe-winner Rachel Bloom (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend), Golden Globe and Emmy-winner Sterling K. Brown (This is Us, Black Panther, The People vs. O.J. Simpson), Mexico's comedy superstar Eugenio Derbez (Instructions Not Included, Overboard), Zach Woods (Silicon Valley, The Post), Awkwafina (Oceans 8, Crazy Rich Asians), Lil Rel Howery (Get Out), Dove Cameron (The Descendants, Agents of SHIELD), Beck Bennett (Saturday Night Live, Brigsby Bear) and Brooklynn Prince (The Florida Project) have all signed on to roles.

John Cohen, producer of the film said, "I'm thrilled about our incredibly talented filmmaking team and the hilarious people we've brought together for the sequel.  We're so happy that Jason, Josh, Bill, Danny, and Peter are back for a second adventure joined by Leslie, Rachel, Sterling, Eugenio and this awesome ensemble of new talent.  We'll have many more exciting announcements to share soon."

The sequel follows on the success of the global blockbuster The Angry Birds Movie, which opened to #1 in 50 countries worldwide, including the U.S., in May 2016.  With $352 million at the global box office, it became the second-highest-grossing video game adaptation of all time.  The Angry Birds games have been downloaded over 4 billion times.

The Angry Birds Movie 2 is directed by Thurop Van Orman (The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack, Adventure Time), co-directed by John Rice (King of the Hill, Rick and Morty), and produced by John Cohen (Despicable Me, The Angry Birds Movie).  Mary Ellen Bauder Andrews is co-producing, Sean Charmatz (Trolls) is the head of story, Peter Ackerman (FX's "The Americans," Ice Age) is writing the screenplay, Pete Oswald is the production designer, and Linda Lamontagne is the casting director.  David Maisel and Catherine Winder are executive producers.  The talented team at Sony Pictures Imageworks handles the animation.

SOURCE: Sony Pictures Entertainment

Wild Animal Sanctuary Adds 9,004 Acres To Its Colorado Operation

The Wild Animal Sanctuary (images via The Wild Animal Sanctuary's site)

The Wild Animal Sanctuary has completed the purchase of a 9,004-acre ranch located in southeastern Colorado near the agricultural community of Springfield.

With more than 460 lions, tigers, bears, wolves and other rescued animals currently residing at the non-profit organization's facility near Keenesburg, Colorado, the need for additional space drove the organization to seek additional land to continue fulfilling its mission.  

Working with law enforcement agencies and other animal welfare groups within the United States and around the world, the organization had reached capacity at its 789-acre Sanctuary located just thirty miles northeast of Denver, CO.

Already considered the largest carnivore sanctuary in the world, the organization chose to purchase the large contiguous parcel near Springfield due to its size and abundant natural amenities. Consisting primarily of hills, canyons and rocky bluffs blanketed in various species of pine trees, as well as valleys and pastures flowing with native grasses, Sanctuary management says the property is well suited for hosting wildlife.

The additional land will allow The Wild Animal Sanctuary to continue rescuing and rehabilitating captive wildlife for many years to come. The organization says it has no plans to close its Keenesburg facility, since it continues to educate more than 150,000 visitors annually. The site also features a unique 1.5-mile long elevated walkway that holds the Guinness World Records award for Longest Footbridge.

According to The Humane Society of The United States (1), tigers, lions, and other big cat species have exploded in popularity in the exotic pet trade. There are an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 tigers in the United States, but fewer than 400 of them are in zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The Foreign Policy Group (2), and World Wildlife Fund (3), also recognize the Captive Wildlife problems within the United States that lead to so many tigers and other exotic animals needing sanctuary.

Last year marked the 38th year of rescuing exotic and endangered animals for the wildlife sanctuary. The 789-acre facility outside of Denver, Colorado had functioned as the primary facility for the organization, but now the larger and more natural tract near Springfield will become the main receiving facility for new rescues. 

The Sanctuary specializes in rehabilitating captive wildlife and releasing them to live and roam freely within large natural habitats. 

⏩ To learn more about The Wild Animal Sanctuary, visit wildanimalsanctuary.org

A lion  (image via The Wild Animal Sanctuary's site

Footnotes:

(1) humanesociety.org/issues/exotic_pets/facts/dangerous-exotic-pets-big-cats.html
(2) foreignpolicy.com/2016/04/11/there-are-more-domestic-tigers-in-the-u-s-than-wild-ones-in-the-jungle/
(3) worldwildlife.org/stories/more-tigers-in-american-backyards-than-in-the-wild

SOURCE: The Wild Animal Sanctuary (Rocky Mountain Wildlife Conservation Center)

The Video:

'Phoenix Wilder: And The Great Elephant Adventure' Offers All-Ages Entertainment While Focusing on Conservation, Debuting in U.S. Cinemas April 16 Only

Phoenix Wilder: And The Great Elephant Adventure - Poster

Moviegoers can take a ride through the African plains with two unexpected friends when "Phoenix Wilder: And The Great Elephant Adventure" comes to U.S. cinemas for one night this April. This family-friendly event from Emmy-nominated producer, director and writer Richard Boddington ("The Dogfather," "Against The Wild," "Against The Wild 2") follows a young orphaned boy and his elephant friend on their fight against poaching. Through this remarkable experience, he learns that one person can make a world of difference.

On worldwide Save the Elephant Day, Monday, April 16, Fathom Events will present "Phoenix Wilder: And The Great Elephant Adventure" in movie theaters nationwide at 6:00 p.m. local time. In addition to the feature content, audiences will enjoy two exclusive interviews featuring star Elizabeth Hurley ("Austin Powers," "Bedazzled") and renowned elephant conservationist Richard Leakey. 

Sam crosses the river (Credit: Patrick Toselli)

Phoenix Wilder, a 13-year-old newly orphaned American boy, receives word that he is to live with his only surviving relative (Elizabeth Hurley) in Africa. While he quickly falls in love with his new surroundings, Phoenix becomes lost on safari, and must learn to survive in the African bush. 

As the search for Phoenix continues, the boy becomes fast friends with a giant bull elephant he frees from a trap. As they begin to bond, Phoenix learns of the threat his new friend faces in the wild. 

The brave young teenager then ends up taking on a band of poachers who are preying on African elephants.

"I first became aware of the severity of the elephant poaching crisis while on a trip to South Africa in 2014," said Boddington. "I then got the idea to make a movie about a boy and his elephant who team up to take down the poachers. I believe that cinema can be used to both entertain and make the world's public aware of serious environmental issues."

"Fathom Events is pleased to bring this inspiring story to the big screen," Fathom Events VP of Programming Kymberli Frueh said. "Nowhere else will audiences be able to experience such compelling content and stunning videography addressing the real impact of poaching and the importance of elephant conservation."

Sam with baby and parents (Credit: Patrick Toselli)

⏩ Tickets for "Phoenix Wilder: And The Great Elephant Adventure" can be purchased online by visiting FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. 

Fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in more than 700 select movie theaters through Fathom's Digital Broadcast Network (DBN). 

For a complete list of theater locations, visit the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

SOURCE: Fathom Events

The Trailer:

UK: Let's Stop that Heartless Animal Vote!

A Lamb (image via Avaaz.org)

Dear friends across Britain,

MPs just voted that animals can't feel emotions or pain. It's our government at its most cruel and heartless -- but a massive outcry from the public can overturn this outrage.

EU law protects animal welfare, but as we fumble towards Brexit Britain, MPs just voted to remove this vital safeguard, reducing animals to deaf and dumb creatures that exist purely for our benefit.

The vote narrowly passed in parliament and will go to the Lords -- that’s our chance. If we can create a massive outcry from right across the country, we can give the Lords the backing they need to reject this heartless amendment. 

Add your name, with one click, and tell everyone: 

⏩Lords: Stop the Heartless Animal Vote!⏪

To the House of Lords:

"As citizens across Britain, we are horrified by the parliamentary vote that animals aren’t sentient beings. The vote strips animals of the rights they had under EU law -- and so we urge you to amend the EU Withdrawal Bill when it comes to the House of Lords." 

⏩Lords: Stop the Heartless Animal Vote!⏪

Wagging tails, excited little lambs, cats that nuzzle your arm -- it’s obvious to everyone that animals have feelings and are aware of their surroundings. It’s been proven in over 2,500 scientific studies.

There can only be one reason to deny animal sentience, and that’s to exploit them. Strip away that recognition and there’s no reason to worry about animal testing, barbaric hunting games, and gruesome slaughterhouses. But we won’t have it.

When this bill arrives at the Lords, let’s make sure they have the backing they need to overturn this outrage -- we need to make it massive! Let’s show our government want compassion and humanity looks like -- sign now with one click!

⏩Lords: Stop the Heartless Animal Vote!⏪

There are many beliefs that unite our community across the world, but surely one of the most beautiful is the understanding that we don’t own or rule the planet -- we share it with every other being. It’s why time and again we’ve risen to the challenge of defending animals around the world. Let’s make sure this time isn’t any different.

With hope and determination,

Loup Dargent

On behalf of Mike, Alex, Antonia, Bert and the whole team at Avaaz

One cute baby fox (image via cornwalllive.com)

More information:

• MPs vote 'that animals cannot feel pain or emotions' into the Brexit bill (Independent)
• Yes, Animals Think And Feel. Here's How We Know (National Geographic)
• After 2,500 Studies, It's Time to Declare Animal Sentience Proven (Live Science)

Will Your Dog Eat Your Steak Dinner?

If you tell your dog not to eat the steak, will he obey you?

You throw a perfectly cooked sizzling steak on your dining room table. Then you step away for a bottle of wine. As you head towards the cellar, you pause and look at your dog. You wag your finger and say, "Buster, do not eat this steak!" Buster looks back at you hungrily, eying your juicy hunk of sirloin.

"Buster will make a decision based on what he wants," says Perry Marshall, founder of Natural Code LLC. "And when you leave, he's going to decide whether to obey you or not. However, the situation turns out, he's doing something that no computer can do – which is to want something, then choose whether to take it or not."

This attribute, Marshall insists, is exclusive to living things. Computers don't do it. Rocks and molecules don't either. The aspect of will, which every pet owner and parent is all too familiar with, is what divides living from the nonliving.

Marshall seeks to unravel life's mystery with a $5-million Evolution 2.0 Prize. "If you trace life to its very beginnings, you'll find that information in DNA is the central mystery. It's the original set of choices. Nobody knows how we got from chemicals to code. But we intend to find out."

Marshall's private equity investment group, Natural Code LLC, suspects that the same physical principle that animates life today may have also given rise to the digital instructions in the very first cell.

"If we can solve this, Artificial Intelligence stands to make a giant forward leap. Because for the first time, we might be able to make computers that program themselves, much as living things do," says Marshall.

Evolution 2.0 Prize, funded by Natural Code LLC

• The Evolution 2.0 Prize takes its inspiration from Peter Diamandis and his Ansari X Prize for Space Flight. It was a $10-million challenge which resulted in a successful launch of a reusable manned space capsule into orbit, twice in two weeks.

"We all know that when you talk to Siri or Alexa, there's nobody 'in there.' Everyone knows Siri is just a hunk of silicon. But what if we had a living algorithm? What if your iPhone or computer could do what your dog does? That will transform everything," Marshall says. "It will spawn new billion-dollar industries."

• Details about the Evolution 2.0 Prize are available here. 
• All submissions must be received online.

SOURCE: Natural Code LLC

The Video:

Pew Applauds Agreement to Protect Migratory Sharks

Shark (PRNewsfoto/The Pew Charitable Trusts)

The Pew Charitable Trusts today praised the 124 governments of the U.N. Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) for taking action toward protecting six shark species. The decision came at the end of the weeklong 12th Conference of the Parties (CoP12) in Manila.

The governments of Honduras, Israel, Mauritania, Monaco, the Philippines, Samoa, Senegal, Sri Lanka, and Togo proposed six species—whale sharks, angel sharks, white-spotted wedgefish, common guitarfish, dusky sharks, and blue sharks – for protection through addition to the CMS lists, known as appendices. Appendix I prohibits the catch of any of these endangered species from any place they migrate, and Appendix II identifies the shark species most in need of conservation action, encouraging cooperation to properly manage and protect the species throughout their migratory range.

Today's actions placed whale sharks, angel sharks, and common guitarfish in the Mediterranean on Appendix I and dusky, angel and blue sharks, white-spotted wedgefish, and common guitarfish globally on Appendix II.

KerriLynn Miller, a conservation expert on Pew's shark conservation project, issued the following statement:

"The momentum for protecting sharks continues to build, thanks to the significant step CMS members have taken toward better management of six at-risk shark species.

These species, like many others, are migratory, even those that spend part of their lives in protected waters, leaving them vulnerable to various types of fishing gear. In some regions, the newly protected shark species have experienced population declines of 50 percent or more. The commitment that CMS parties will work together to offer these sharks the help they need to recover is critical to their depleted populations, and is important for making the entire ocean safer for the species that migrate.

The CMS Appendix II listings allow for the sustainable fishing of sharks, but if management measures are not effectively implemented, species listed in Appendix II could qualify for the stricter protections of Appendix I. To ensure that these Appendix II listings have the needed impact, governments must follow through on their commitments to cooperate by developing stronger domestic shark protections, while considering international management through regional fisheries bodies and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

As for the species that were protected today, the CMS parties have shown that proper management for imperiled sharks and rays continues to be a global priority. We applaud governments for offering the highest level of protection for the whale and angel sharks and the common guitarfish in the Mediterranean, where urgent action is needed, and are encouraged to see additional species—blue and dusky sharks, white-spotted wedgefish, and common guitarfish globally—afforded an opportunity to recover before their populations require full protection. This is an important step toward safeguarding shark populations for generations to come."

• More information on Pew's global shark conservation campaign is available at www.pewsharks.org.

SOURCE: The Pew Charitable Trusts

Bonus Video:

Bonus Infographic:

How Illegal Fishing Threatens the Safety of Crews

Are Dogs Trying To Tell Us Something With Their Expressions?

Image via Shutterstock

By Jan Hoole, Keele University

Dogs have been part of human social groups for at least 30,000 years. So it’s not unreasonable to suppose that we might have had some influence on their behaviour, and perhaps their understanding, during that time. We certainly know that dogs have developed ways to communicate with us, for example by whining when they are distressed or barking to alert us to intruders.

Many dog owners would probably say their pets can even tell us things using facial expressions, just like humans do. But is that really true? Perhaps they are just showing emotion without meaning to communicate (just like humans also sometimes do). New research published in the journal Scientific Reports suggests it might be, but there are still reasons to be sceptical.

In a rather elegant experiment, the researchers set up four scenarios. They offered a dog food (a guaranteed way to get their interest) while the human handler was facing towards and also away from the dog. They also had the handler face towards and away from the dog without offering food. They found that the animals showed facial expressions more often when the handler was facing towards them than away, regardless of whether or not food was involved.

Until now, there has been little work on whether or not facial expressions in dogs are involuntary. You might be able to see when a dog’s happy, angry or sad from their face, but that doesn’t mean they are purposefully trying to tell you how they felt.

The new paper suggests that the expressions may be a means of communicating something to the person. It is certain that the expression is more frequently displayed when the human is facing towards the dog, even though the handler did not look directly at the dog during the trial, and that humans respond to that expression.

If I make this face, will you stop shouting? (Shutterstock)

That dogs are able to understand when a person is paying attention to their behaviour is well documented. We also know that dogs show different facial expressions when in the presence of humans, especially in the case of that “guilty” look that every dog owner knows. That particular expression doesn’t actually mean they are feeling guilty. It’s more an attempt to appease the owner who is angry for some, to the dog, unknown reason.

But there are some questions about the particular facial expressions the dogs made in the new study that mean the evidence isn’t conclusive. For example, one of the expressions the authors noticed was the raising of the inner end of the eyebrows. This increases the size of the eyes and makes the dog look more puppy-like.

Studies have shown that humans prefer animals that look like infants. This explains the popularity of breeds with short noses and large eyes, such as boxers and pugs. Dogs that raise their eyebrows more frequently seem to be more popular with people than those that don’t. This could have led to the breeding of dogs that are more likely to show these more attractive expressions alongside those that have childlike anatomical features.

Tongue wagging
Another important indicator that the authors noted was when the dogs showed their tongues. Unfortunately, the researchers didn’t separate tongue movements that indicate stress, such as licking the nose or lips, which can be an appeasing signal, from those that indicate pleasure, anticipation or excitement, such as panting or hanging the tongue out of the mouth. Without this distinction it is difficult to draw conclusions about the emotional state of the dogs.

Previous research also suggests that dogs are aware of when a human is paying attention to them and may change their behaviour accordingly. It is possible that these dogs, aware that the human is facing them felt a level of anticipation, excitement and possibly some anxiety which affected their facial expression. The fact that the food produced no extra interest when the person was turned towards the dog or away from them, could be influenced by the fact that the dog was not actually given the food.

The authors suggest that the dog’s facial expressions may be partly a result of their emotional state and partly an attempt to actively communicate with the handler. Without any evidence about the effect of the expression on the behaviour of the handler, it is difficult to say if that is true.

If further research could make distinctions between the type of tongue movements involved in these expressions, as well as the raising of the eyebrows, we might be able to say with more certainty. But whatever the outcome, many dog owners will probably continue to swear their pets are trying to tell them something.

About Today's Contributor:
Jan Hoole, Lecturer in Biology, Keele University

This article was originally published on The Conversation. 

Halloween Partygoers to Raise Money for the IKEA Monkey's Home this Saturday in Toronto

Vegan Social Events, created by Love Wild Live Free, has partnered with UNIVERSEOFÁLI to bring the wonderful world of OZ to life, for their 3rd Annual Halloween Charity Event, benefiting Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary!

The 'WIZARD OF ODDZ' Halloween Charity Event, benefiting Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary, is proudly presented by UNIVERSEOFÁLI in partnership with Vegan Social Events, created by Love Wild Live Free. 

Guests will journey down the yellow brick road to find themselves at the historic and exclusive Armour Heights Officers Mess. 

This gala-style, costumed event is Toronto's only vegan-friendly Halloween party. It will bring together party-goers from Toronto's professional and corporate communities, the vegan community, the International and Canadian Military communities and the general public, in a non-judgmental and inclusive space.

The 'Flying Monkeys' Balloon Raffle will rule the sky as guests explore the various themed rooms around the mansion. Guests will be welcomed with appetizers by Chef James Snow of Canada Catering and complimentary tasting items curated by Kupfert & Kim, Panago Pizza, Culcherd, and more. 

Pockets Warhol

The event will include a Silent Auction, featuring paintings by Pockets Warhol, a Capuchin Monkey from Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary, whose artwork has garnered attention from worldwide news outlets and celebrities including Ricky Gervais and Dr. Jane Goodall. 

Entertainment will include Candy Warhol of Bangs & Blush and live performances featuring a musical number by event co-organizer, Alexandria Beck of UNIVERSEOFÁLI. 

Beck is an international recording and performing artist and has performed for audiences of up to 60,000 people, including royalty and Heads of State, and opened the first Vancouver Olympic venue. She has been featured on TMZ, CBC, and was the in-house opera singer for the world's foremost luxury department store, Harrods.

• What: 'WIZARD OF ODDZ' Halloween Charity Event 2017
• When: Saturday, October 21, 2017
• Where: Armour Heights Officers Mess, 215 Yonge Boulevard, Toronto
• Time: 8:00 PM - 1:00 AM 
• Event Details: lovewildlivefree.com/blog/halloween-2017

Meet Darwin the “IKEA Monkey”

This event proudly supports Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary, home to Darwin the 'IKEA Monkey', a Japanese Macaque whose photo went viral in December 2012, after he was found wandering an Ikea parking lot in North York, Ontario. This 100% volunteer-run sanctuary does important and necessary work, by currently providing a permanent home for 19 primates retiring from biomedical research, zoos, universities, and private residences. 

The exotic pet trade is a growing trend in Canada; according to CTV News, Canada has the worst record in the Western world when it comes to protecting animals. Unfortunately, animal testing for medical and cosmetic purposes still takes place in Canada. As one of two primate sanctuaries in Canada, Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary offers 'freedom from fear', and a place of healing and recovery for primates in need.

U N I V E R S E O F Á L I, is a collective of music, cosplay, and charity. Created by International Recording and Performing Artist, Canadian Military Veteran, Award-winning Cosplayer, and Animal rights and Vegan Advocate, Alexandria Beck.

Love Wild Live Free is a lifestyle blog created by Avra Epstein, a Toronto-based lawyer, animal rights and vegan advocate and creator of Vegan Social Events. Love Wild Live Free has gained a dedicated following and was named by BlogTO as one of "15 Instagram Accounts for Toronto Vegans to Follow."

SOURCE: Love Wild Live Free

European Fashion House HoodLamb Brings 100% Cruelty-Free Collection to North America

HoodLamb brings 100% cruelty-free outerwear to North America.

HoodLamb, a European fashion house specializing in cruelty-free outerwear and knits, aims to address a serious market void for eco-friendly cold-weather alternatives.

Since 1993, HoodLamb has been pioneering hemp into fashion. As one of earth's strongest natural fibers with an ecological impact lower than cotton production, hemp is perfect for outerwear. 

HoodLamb hemp is sourced directly from family-run farms across Northern China where it is harvested raw and spun into fine hemp thread for sustainable fabrics and technologies. Even the water-resistant coating on the jackets, called Hempulose, comes from the natural cellulose of hemp stalks.

HoodLamb balances conscious design with cold-weather functionality. HoodLamb's proprietary Satifur, an ultra-soft faux-fur lining that is made from recycled PET, provides sheer comfort and protection in almost every piece. 

Nordic Parkas, which are designed for the harshest climates, also incorporate cruelty-free Thermore Ecodown lining technology, which is a duck-less down insulation. Consumers will also discover surprising design elements such as integrated backpack straps for mobility (on heavier parkas), secret document pockets, magnetic zip overlays that auto-seal the jackets, as well as a signature built-in rolling paper dispenser which pays homage to both hemp, and the brand's counterculture roots in Amsterdam.

Image via HoodLamb's Facebook Page

The entire HoodLamb collection is Peta Approved Vegan with annual proceeds from sales supporting both PETA and the environmental NGO Sea Shepherd to further their missions.

Fashionable, functional, and forward-thinking, HoodLamb continues to amass a growing tribe of consumers and celebrity fans. 

As of Fall/Winter 2017, US and Canadian consumers will be able to shop the brand's cruelty-free innovations including parkas, knits and cold-weather accessories at specialty stores across the country and via us.hoodlamb.com

SOURCE: HoodLamb

Bonus Videos:

Iconic Wild Animals In Amazon Suffering For Selfies

Local sloths are taken from the wild and used for harmful selfies with tourists, in Manaus, Brazil. (C) World Animal Protection / Nando Machado

Demand for selfies has changed the lives of wild animals forever: the explosive trend on social media is driving the suffering and exploitation of some of the world's most iconic animals in the Amazon, says international charity World Animal Protection.

Focusing on two gateway cities of the Amazon – Manaus, Brazil and Puerto Alegria, Peru – World Animal Protection's investigators reveal in a new report that animals are snatched from the wild, often illegally, and used by irresponsible tour operators who cruelly exploit and injure wildlife to entertain and provide harmful photo opportunities for tourists.

In public view and behind the scenes, investigators uncovered evidence of cruelty being inflicted on wild animals, including:

• Sloths captured from the wild, tied to trees with rope, not surviving longer than six months
• Birds such as toucans with severe abscesses on their feet
• Green anacondas wounded and dehydrated
• Caiman crocodiles restrained with rubber bands around their jaws
• An ocelot (a type of wild cat) kept in a small barren cage
• A manatee held in a tiny tank in the forecourt of a local hotel
• A giant anteater, manhandled and beaten by its owner

Steve McIvor, CEO at World Animal Protection, says: 

"The wildlife selfie craze is a worldwide phenomenon fueled by tourists, many of whom are unaware of the abhorrent conditions and terrible treatment wild animals may endure to provide that special souvenir photo.

Behind the scenes, wild animals are being taken from their mothers as babies and secretly kept in filthy, cramped conditions or repeatedly baited with food, causing severe psychological trauma."

Cutting-edge research commissioned by World Animal Protection for insights into the worldwide trend on social media of wildlife selfies shows:

• The number of wildlife selfies posted on Instagram has increased 292% between 2014 to present
• 27% of wildlife selfies were posted within the U.S. or by U.S. users. 
• Over 40% of wildlife selfies show 'bad' or harmful wildlife selfies – i.e. someone hugging, holding or inappropriately interacting with a wild animal
• People will most likely upload a 'good' or humane wildlife selfie when they have been educated or exposed to the cruelty behind the scenes.

Dr. Neil D'Cruze, Global Wildlife Advisor at World Animal Protection, says:

"It's extremely distressing to see animals being stolen from the wild and used as photo props for posting on social media. The reality is these unfortunate animals are suffering terribly, both in front of and behind the camera.

The growing demand for harmful wildlife selfies is not only a serious animal welfare concern but also a conservation concern. Our online review of this kind of practice in Latin America found that over 20% of the species involved are threatened by extinction and over 60% are protected by international law."

To tackle the issue, World Animal Protection is calling on relevant governments to enforce laws protecting wild animals, and ensure that travel companies and individuals who are exploiting wild animals for tourism in the Amazon abide by the existing laws.

The organization is also launching a Wildlife Selfie Code for tourists to learn how to take a photo with wild animals without fueling the cruel wildlife entertainment industry.

Tourists can join the movement to end this cruel industry by signing World Animal Protection's Wildlife Selfie Code and commit to keeping wild animals in the wild, where they belong.

World Animal Protection (PRNewsFoto/World Animal Protection)

Case study info:

Manaus, Brazil:

• Manaus is the capital of the Amazonas state, the largest state in Brazil, with a land mass of 1.6 million square kilometers. 77% of the state's rain forest remains intact.
• 10% of the planet's biodiversity can be found in the Amazon region. It is home to over 18,000 species of plants, more than 400 species of mammals and over 200 species of reptiles, many of which are only found here.
• Tourism accounts for around 1% of the GDP of the Brazilian Amazon region
• Direct contact with wild animals for photo opportunities was offered on 94% of excursions offered by tour companies in Manaus, at six different locations.  Official tour guides actively encouraged this type of activity during 77% of excursions.

Puerto Alegria, Peru:

• A total of at least 40 individual animals, representing 24 different species (7 birds, 12 mammals, 5 reptiles) were identified being used in wildlife excursions for selfies.
• Five of these species are considered to have "threatened" status according to the IUCN, and 75% are listed by CITES.

 

The Wildlife Selfie Code

SOURCE: World Animal Protection