(ANIMAL SCIENCE) A new species of pit viper has been confirmed in the highland forests of Honduras. Named after late conservationist Mario Guifarro, the new species of snake could be an extremely rare occurrence in the wild. In fact, some scientists argue the new viper should be classified as critically endangered, as threats to the snakes’ limited environment are increasingly imminent. Continue reading for more on the details surrounding this new discovery. — Global Animal
(ENDANGERED SPECIES) For the first time since 1980, American officials are allowing a hunter to bring a slain African rhino back to the States as a hunting trophy. David Reinke, the CEO of Liberty Parts Team, reportedly killed a black rhino in 2009 with consent from the Nambian government—which allows five male black rhinos that are too old to reproduce to be shot each year—claiming his kill was an act of “conservation hunting.” This self-serving move has angered many within the animal protection and anti-hunting communities, who believe this decision will only further glorify hunting. Read on for more on Reinke’s illogical rationalization and what he plans to do with his new “specimen.” — Global Animal
(POLITICS) MONTANA — Efforts made over the years in response to the dwindling population of gray wolves in the United States has recently taken a critical hit. Federal wildlife officials plan to nullify legislation detrimental to the preservation of the gray wolves. If passed, laws protecting gray wolves would further jeopardize the species, despite the fact that after countless years of protection, gray wolves have begun to make a promising comeback. Read on for more regarding the hardships gray wolves may have to face in the near future. — Global Animal
(POLITICS) Tony the tiger is not doing so great. The 550-pound Bengal-Siberian tiger currently resides in a 40-foot-by-80-foot enclosure at a Louisiana truck stop right outside of Baton Rouge. Tony is not the first tiger to have lived at the roadside establishment. Over the years, several adult tigers have been brought to this wild cat prison, and 13 cubs were born here. These unusual practices have caught the attention of animal rights organizations, local news stations, and law enforcement, and now the Tiger Truck Stop is smack-dab in the middle of a complicated legal dispute. Read the article below to learn more about Tony the tiger and the Tiger Truck Stop’s pending legal issues. — Global Animal
(OCEANS) In a new study, Bryan Wallace and a team of researchers illustrate the relationship between sea turtle bycatch, (unwanted animals which are caught by fishing boats then discarded) and small-scale fisheries. Although there is little research backing bycatch and mortality rates in terms of endangered species like marine turtles, Wallace, in his research, learned that on average, the hardest places to be a sea turtle were in the East Pacific, Northwest, Southwest Atlantic, and Mediterranean. With such a vast number of sea turtles being killed in the bycatch of small-scale fisheries, it is critical for these small-scale fisheries to become a sustainable business. Read on to learn more about the informative study. — Global Animal
(ZOOS) An hour outside of Buenos Aires, Argentina, at the Lujan Zoo, patrons pay 130 Argentine pesos (about $25) to pet and feed exotic animals. The 37-acre zoo has around two dozen exhibits featuring lions, tigers, and bears. Oh my! In 2011, a YouTube video was uploaded showing zoo-goers petting a full-grown lion who looks anything but comfortable. Claudio Nieva, the zoo’s general manager, claims the animals are properly trained to be around humans, yet animal advocacy groups are saying the risks are still significant. Keep reading for more on the disturbing “petting” zoo, and check out the 2011 video of the public petting a lion at the Lujan Zoo. — Global Animal
(WILDLIFE) SOUTH AFRICA — Home to practically all rhinos on the continent, South Africa has deployed its military, political figures, and police force in an attempt to protect rhinos from the growing number of poachers. However, with more animals being killed than born each year, these efforts are not enough to save the species from extinction. Statistics show that the region is on track to lose over 800 rhinos to poaching this year, and if this continues at its current rate, more than 1,000 rhinos would be killed in 2014. Read on to learn more about how the National Park Service plans on training new rangers to fight in the bush. — Global Animal
(ZOO ANIMALS) Local residents debuted a short film exposing the appalling conditions animals are subjected to at Colon’s Zoo in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The footage revealed an entire animal community plagued by abuse and neglect on a day-to-day basis. Many disturbing scenes were shown including lions, emaciated and malnourished; bears and tigers, living in unsanitary and abnormally small caged areas; and monkeys, confused and frightened by the thunderous roar of a large crowd at the neighboring soccer field. Read on about Colon’s Zoo, and sign the petition to stop the maltreatment of these animals. — Global Animal
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