(CELEBRITY ACTIVISM) Stand aside Lewis and Clark, because award-winning actor James Cameron just won the “Explorer of the Year” award at this week’s National Geographic Gala. The filmmaker and environmentalist won for his solo dive to the bottom of the Mariana Trench, which took place last year. Continue reading to learn more on Cameron’s Gala experience, and find out how his new vegan lifestyle is treating the him right. — Global Animal
(CAPTIVE ANIMALS) ORLANDO —Three years after the death of trainer Dawn Brancheau at the Orlando theme park, SeaWorld has been fined $38,500 and labeled a repeat offender for continuing to employ trainers in unsafe working conditions. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has imposed the fine after a follow-up investigation of the safety procedures at SeaWorld. The drowning of Dawn Brancheau in 2010 by an aggravated whale named Tilikum was certainly not an isolated incident. Read on to learn more about the dangers of working in close proximity with wild animals and the problems with SeaWorld. — Global Animal
(FARM) For the first time in modern history, fish farming has surpassed beef production. In 2012, the world production of farmed fish reached 66 million, while the world production of beef only hit 63 million. These staggering statistics are not coincidental but are most likely a result from the increase in grain and soybean prices, which makes raising cattle significantly more expensive. Thus, fish farming has become somewhat more efficient but is still problematic. Certain farm-raised fish, like salmon, tuna, and shrimp, are fed smaller fish, and the combined mass of the smaller fish is larger than that of the farmed fish—making the input greater than the output. Overall, the human race is eating beyond the constraints of the natural environment, and veganism may be the best solution to this growing problem. Continue reading for more on farmed fish and beef production as well as the effects these industries have on our environment. — Global Animal
(WHALE WARS) It’s summertime in the Northern Hemisphere, and for the last five years, this has typically meant a new season of Animal Planet’s popular reality show, “Whale Wars.” This coming season, however, has been pushed back to fall, or possibly even early 2014. It will be the show’s sixth season on air, and will exhibit a new, exciting twist. Rather than an Animal Planet crew shooting on deck, it will stitch together episodes from footage the activists shot of themselves. Read on for more information on Sea Shepherd and the advancement of “Whale Wars.” — Global Animal
(ANIMAL SCIENCE) Loggerhead turtles are known to sometimes mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, tricking the sea animals into hunting the pliable packaging. This case of mistaken identity is very harmful to the marine reptiles, even when the plastic bags are not ingested. When hunting garbage, loggerhead turtles waste a lot of time and energy that should be used during the pursuit for a real meal. A new study provides evidence that these ocean animals rely heavily on sight, rather than sound or smell, when searching for gelatinous prey, like jellyfish. Continue reading for more on loggerhead turtles and this fascinating new research. — Global Animal
(OCEANS) Diehard fanatics of the Loch Ness Monster may be jumping ship to support a new sea creature—one that actually exists. Rarely spotted in the wild, an oarfish was recently documented off the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. Usually an inhabitant of the ocean’s depths, the fish has been known to make sporadic visits to the surface. Continue reading to find out more on the mysterious oarfish, and watch the video below. — Global Animal
(MARINE PARKS) ONTARIO — The ocean life at Marineland Canada is subjected to a bleak environment consisting of glass barriers, screaming children, overstressed parents, and roller coasters. Last week, a park spokesperson confirmed speculation surrounding these unsafe conditions, specifically the deaths of two young beluga whales. This information was brought to light in October 18, 2012, when the Toronto Star reported the park suddenly lost two young belugas. Although no specific date of death has been given for either animal, Charlotte, a three-year-old beluga, died sometime in Fall 2012, and Luna, a one-year-old, died sometime earlier this year. Read on to learn more about the controversial history of Marineland Canada. — Global Animal
(OCEANS) The endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtle has been discovered living in dangerous territory. These particular sea turtles migrate and settle in very limited areas, and were recently found living in the oil-contaminated waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Up until a few days ago, the sea turtles’ migration patterns were relatively unknown. This new research could be the key to saving the species from oil spills, heavy commercial fishing, and oxygen depletion. Continue reading to find out how researchers hope to preserve the Kemp’s ridley sea turtle. — Global Animal
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