ACTIVISM

(PENGUINS/ANIMAL FACTS) Today, April 25 is World Penguin Day--not to be confused with Penguin Awareness Day, which takes place January 20th. Marking the start of the flightless birds' annual migration north, World Penguin Day is a great opportunity to learn about and celebrate one of the few natives of Antarctica, penguins! -- Global Animal

(ANIMAL NEWS/DOLPHINS) Today, April 14 is National Dolphin Day, a day dedicated to the plight of dolphins of all species across the globe. These incredibly intelligent and social mammals congregate in schools of five to hundreds, and range in colors from pink, white, brown, and even black. Found all over the world, these species are threatened by a number of issues including fishing gear, ocean pollution from oil and gas development, ship collisions, and climate change. It's time to take a stand for dolphins and protect the world's oceans. On this day, take a moment to celebrate these charismatic animals with the 10 fun facts below, courtesy of Dolphin Way. -- Global Animal

(OCEAN CONSERVATION/WHALES) Every year on February 16, conservationists and animal lovers alike come together to celebrate World Whale Day. Founded in 1980, this international day of observance serves to raise awareness about the ongoing need to protect our world's whale populations. Whales are so incredibly important to our Earth's ecosystems as they play an integral role in balancing the food chain and ensuring certain species do not overpopulate the world's oceans. However, these animals are threatened by a number of human-related activities like pollution, ship collisions, and even hunting. Despite a ban on commercial whaling in 1986, whales still face slaughter--most notably off the coasts of Japan. Celebrate World Whale Day and learn more about the oceans' most iconic mammals with these important facts below, and see how you can take action to help marine life. -- Global Animal

(ZOOS/ANIMAL WELFARE) In Defense of Animals has released its annual list of the ten worst zoos for elephants in North America. The respected list exposes the shocking hidden suffering of captive elephants, including premature deaths, brutal breeding procedures, and flagrant violations of the Animal Welfare Act. To some degree, 2017 was a banner year for wild and captive elephants. At least 44 zoos around the globe, including 29 in the U.S. alone, have closed their elephant exhibits for good, while Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus famously folded up their tents for the very last time. What's more, legislations banning the use of elephants for entertainment are gaining momentum, and were passed in Illinois and New York. But there's still a lot of work to be done to end elephant abuse and exploitation. While performing elephants are becoming a thing of the past, elephants in zoos are still being cruelly exploited and subjected to battering bullhooks, inadequate living conditions, captivity-induced health problems, unnaturally cold climates, debilitating isolation, and sexually abusive breeding programs that do nothing to further the conservation of this ecologically vital species. As the zoo industry desperately tries to cling onto any shred of remaining credibility, the simple truth is elephant lifespans are shorter in captivity than in the wild--even when droughts and poaching are taken into account. Read on to learn more about the worst zoos for elephants in North America, and raise your voice to help end elephant cruelty and captivity by sending a message for elephants. -- Global Animal

(CLIMATE CHANGE/ACTIVISM) There's no denying climate change is real--and it's occurring at a rate that's roughly ten times faster than normal. But let's face it, sometimes the statistics regarding global warming and it's threat to humans, animals, and the environment can be overwhelming. So what can you do about it? From campaigning and going vegan/vegetarian, to installing insulation and solar panels, here are some practical steps you can take to help prevent climate change. -- Global Animal

(DOGS/DOG FIGHTING) Dog fighting is a terrible crime where heartless individuals will typically breed and raise dogs for the specific purpose of fighting other dogs. It is a brutal blood sport that occurs across the globe in all types of communities, facilitating abuse and violence solely for the sake of spectators' entertainment and gambling. Today, on April 8, it's time to take a stand against the horrors of dog fighting by joining the ASPCA in support of National Dog Fighting Awareness Day. The ASPCA is encouraging animal lovers to #GetTough on this barbaric practice. By following the steps below, you can make a difference and help put an end to dog fighting once and for all. -- Global Animal

(HELP ANIMALS/ANIMAL RESCUE) HOUSTON -- In the same type of catastrophic flooding that beset Texas during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, record rainfall from Tropical Storm Harvey has battered the nation's fourth largest city this past week. The flooding has left 25 dead and caused more than 30,000 people to flee their flooded homes. While many pets are left behind, animal rescuers remain hopeful that animals will stand a better chance than they did 12 years ago during Hurricane Katrina, which left an estimated 600,000 animals killed or stranded. Thanks to the passage of the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards which forever changed the way animals are treated during emergency situations, first responders can now rescue pets just as they save people. Efforts to save animal victims are well underway as floodwaters continue to rise. Global Animal Foundation, a 501(c)(3) that funds emergency animal rescue worldwide, is collecting donations to disperse between vetted organizations working on the ground in the affected areas to help with medical costs for injured animals, boarding and food, and reuniting lost pets with their guardians. Please consider supporting the efforts to save animals in critical peril. Read the New York Times article below for more on the Hurricane and citizens' tireless efforts to save their beloved pets amid the chaos. -- Global Animal

(ANIMAL TESTING) In the latest major victory for animals, Australia has become the most recent country to ban animal testing for cosmetic products. In accordance with an agreement made with animal welfare group Humane Society International (HSI), the Australian Senate passed a bill--first introduced by the House of Representatives back in June 2017--effectively banning animal testing of industrial chemicals throughout the country. Read on to learn more about the country's decision to go cruelty-free and see how you can take a stand against animal testing. -- Global Animal

(ENDANGERED SPECIES) Lolita is an orca whale who has been captive at the Miami Seaquarium for over 40 years. She was taken from her pod at just four years old and brought to the facility, which boosts the smallest orca whale housing in the nation. When she is not performing, Lolita is left to swim in her tank by herself day in and out, while Seaquarium owners, Arthur and Andrew Hertz, have profited tens of millions dollars during her four decade enslavement. Read on for more information. — Global Animal

(FUR TRADE/ANIMAL NEWS) In a unanimous vote, San Francisco has officially become the largest city in the U.S. to ban fur sales! With fur sales in San Francisco ranging from $11 million to a whopping $40 million, the ban is expected to most significantly impact an estimated 30 retailers in the Union Square area. While the new legislation does not apply to other animal products like leather, lambskin, or wool, retailers with fur in their existing inventory will no longer be able to sell fur products starting January 2020. San Francisco joins two other California cities, West Hollywood and Berkeley, in saying no to fur. In recent months, an increasing number of influential top fashion designers are also choosing to go fur-free. An estimated 50 million animals all over the world are slaughtered for their fur, with 85 percent of pelts coming from fur farms. We hope that San Francisco's historic ban will encourage legislators globally to consider similar bans. Read on to learn more about the unanimous vote and see how you can take action against the fur trade below. -- Global Animal

(EMERGENCY ANIMAL RESCUE) Early last week, a ferocious storm system tore through Central and Southern U.S., killing at least 38 people and destroying hundreds of homes across six states. For three days, dozens of tornadoes and widespread flooding with hurricane force winds moved through parts of the Plains, Midwest, and South. Arkansas and Mississippi were among the hardest hit states. Amid tornado recovery and search and rescue efforts to ensure human safety, animal rescue operations are ongoing. Several agencies are lending their services to help out however they can—whether by bringing in search dogs, providing food assistance and veterinary services for lost and/or injured animals, or reuniting families with their four-legged loved ones. — Global Animal

(HELP ANIMALS/DISASTER RELIEF) As wildfires continue to blaze throughout opposite ends of California, first responders are working around-the-clock to help save those in need. More than 300,000 people have been forced to evacuate their homes since the fires began, with many unable to take their beloved pets with them. Horses and other animals are also in danger as flames continue to spread and new fires flare up. -- Global Animal

(ACTIVISM) LOS ANGELES — Hundreds, including Olivia Munn from The Daily Show and Linda Hogan, protested with PETA against circus giants Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, who paraded their mistreated and shackled elephants. Read why a circus is no place for kids, or animals! — Global Animal

(HURRICANE HARVEY/ANIMAL RESCUE) Being the most powerful storm to hit the mainland in over a decade, Hurricane Harvey has completely wreaked havoc throughout Texas and Louisiana. To put things in perspective, an estimated 20 trillion gallons dumped on the 2.3 million-person city of Houston since Harvey came ashore. Some parts of Texas received as much as 50 inches of rain, causing extensive property damage that could reach $190 billion. The torrential rain, devastating winds, and widespread flooding has resulted in 39 human casualties and driven over one million people and their pets out of their flooded homes. Fortunately, an extensive network of animal rescue groups from all over the U.S. are rushing to provide aid as first responders are working round-the-clock to save stranded pets. In Houston alone, there likely are thousands upon thousands of displaced pets in need. These animals desperately need our help. Please consider making a donation, no matter how small, to make this life-saving work possible. -- Global Animal