petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-03-23--A Look Inside ‘Wet Markets,’ Where Experts Believe COVID-19 Originated

As the COVID-19 outbreak becomes a rapidly growing crisis in the U.S. and beyond , folks are arming themselves with necessities , including knowledge .
The outbreak has caused us all to become more familiar with terms like “ novel coronavirus , ” “ self-quarantine , ” and—here ’ s a new one— “ wet market.
” Experts believe that the novel coronavirus originated at the Huanan Seafood Market , a wet market in Wuhan , China .
A wet market ( sometimes referred to as a “ wildlife market ” ) sells live and dead animals—including fish , birds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scaly anteaters ) , and turtles—for human consumption .
The term is pretty on point : These markets are wet .
Water splashes over the sides of open tubs filled with live sea animals who will inevitably be killed , countertops and floors are streaked red with the insides of gutted fish and slaughtered animals ’ blood , and turtles crawl over each other before their shells are cut off while they ’ re still alive : It ’ s no wonder that a deadly virus flourished in such an environment .
These @ @ @ @ @ @ @ animals—are breeding grounds for diseases like COVID-19 .
But what about the live-animal markets that exist here in the U.S.—or any animal agriculture operation , really ?
What ’ s the different between these chickens at a wet market in Taiwan … … and the ones at the more than 80 live-animal markets and slaughterhouses operating in New York City ?
How are the restaurants in Los Angeles that mutilate and serve live animals to customers any better than wet markets in Asia ?
Zoonotic viruses don ’ t originate exclusively in wet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commonly connected to viral outbreaks in humans are chickens and pigs .
And the U.S. is home to countless farms where chickens are crammed together in small cages and pigs are packed in feces-ridden sheds as well as slaughterhouses where chickens and pigs are killed on floors soaked with blood , urine , and other bodily fluids .
So while current events have many calling for an end to wet markets and the wildlife trade in Asia , it ’ s simply not enough .
To prevent pandemics like coronavirus , we must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s been widely speculated that bats ( some of whom build friendships in ways similar to humans ) sold for soup could be COVID-19 ’ s origin point .
But since previous influenza viruses have originated in chickens and pigs , we can ’ t blame bats or other wild animals for these outbreaks .
Zoonotic viruses aren ’ t a wet market or wildlife-trade problem—they ’ re a human problem .
Humans ’ actions toward other animals created COVID-19 , and it ’ s up to us to shape @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep breaking out until the world stops eating animals .
If we were all vegan , COVID-19—along with SARS and MERS—likely wouldn ’ t exist .
Plus , animals deserve better than this : Just as we don ’ t want to become infected with or die of COVID-19 , animals don ’ t want to suffer or be killed for food .
Pigs , for example , just want to be left in peace to nurse their young , protect their friends , and relax in the sun ( much like humans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heart disease , salmonella … when will people realize that eating animals kills in so many ways ?
Yes , wet markets should be banned .
But please , ban meat , eggs , and dairy from your plate—before the next deadly zoonotic disease hits .
Let PETA Help You Avoid Meat Like the Plague Click below to help us and Slaughter Free NYC shutter New York City ’ s cruel and dangerous live-animal markets .
Tell Health Officials to Shut Down NYC Live-Animal Markets

(WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT)
Since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists have been trying to determine where the novel coronavirus originated and how to prevent future pandemics. In an unsurprising reveal, two recently published studies point toward the probable culprit: a live-animal market in China.
Using different approaches, both studies traced the virus back to the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market, a “wet market” and live-animal market in Wuhan.
What Are Live-Animal Markets?
Live-animal markets sell live and dead animals—including fish, birds, badgers, bats, pangolins (scaly anteaters), and turtles—for human consumption. These markets—where animal carcasses are typically displayed on countertops and floors streaked red with the blood of gutted fish and slaughtered animals and where live animals are packed closely together—are cesspools of filth.
In one of the studies, researchers from around the world used mapping tools and social media reports to determine that the earliest COVID-19 cases were clustered around the Wuhan wet market. In the other study, scientists used genetic information to examine the earliest strains of the virus, which suggests that at least two variants spread directly from infected animals to humans in November or early December 2019.
Raccoon dogs—who are bred and killed in China primarily for their fur but also their flesh—may have been the first animals to transmit COVID-19 to humans after contracting the virus from bats. Traces of the virus were reportedly found in cages that housed raccoon dogs—cages that were likely stacked on top of one another and covered with urine and feces, making it easy for bacteria and diseases to spread. At live-animal markets, vendors typically slaughter raccoon dogs on demand, leaving the animals’ blood on the walls and floor.
Live-Animal Markets Are Filthy Breeding Grounds for Diseases
This news comes as no shock to PETA, as live-animal markets are hotbeds for dangerous diseases. While observing nearly a dozen live-animal markets, PETA Asia investigators saw marketgoers walking around in flip-flops on floors covered with animals’ bodily fluids, humans handling raw flesh and touching blood-streaked countertops without gloves, animals with open wounds clustered together, and more.
PETA’s was the first voice publicly calling on the World Health Organization (WHO) to close wet markets, and just a few days later, more than 60 legislators did the exact same thing.
The coronavirus crisis has many world leaders, lawmakers, and health officials calling for wet markets to be shut down. Dr. Anthony Fauci—director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases—is one of them.
Elizabeth Maruma Mrema—the United Nations’ biodiversity chief—made headlines, too, after proclaiming that all countries must shut down these markets to avoid future pandemics like COVID-19.
PETA’s own inside look at live-animal markets in Indonesia and Thailand …
… and other reports that blood-soaked, disease-prone wet markets are still operating in Asia as well as elsewhere in the world has Sen. Lindsey Graham disturbed, too.
Lara Trump—President Donald Trump’s daughter-in-law and an adviser to his campaign—has called for an immediate ban on wet markets.
Jinfeng Zhou—secretary general of the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation—along with other officials have echoed the sentiment that a crackdown is a must, and we agree. These markets—including the more than 80 live-animal markets and slaughterhouses operating in New York City, many of them near schools, parks, and residences—must be closed down for good.
To prevent more diseases like COVID-19—which are transmitted to humans from other animals—we must do more than crack down on wet markets in just certain sections of the world. All live-animal markets must go.
Actor and longtime PETA friend Edie Falco recently wrote to New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio urging him to “take whatever action is necessary to effect the immediate and permanent closure of all live-animal markets” in the Big Apple, and you can join her:
Here at PETA, we’ve done a little letter-writing of our own. We were the first to urge WHO to shut down deadly live-animal markets around the globe. Not long afterward, Graham made good on his promise—he, Sen. Cory Booker, and more than 60 bipartisan congressional lawmakers followed in PETA’s footsteps, writing their own, similar letter to WHO urging the agency to “protect public health” by immediately closing all live-animal markets.
As we, Graham, and Booker pointed out in our letters, such markets—where stressed, injured, and sick animals are caged in public areas—are perfect breeding grounds for pathogens like the novel coronavirus.
Live-animal markets are breeding grounds for diseases like COVID-19, but what about the live-animal markets that exist here in the U.S.—or any animal agriculture operation, really? What’s the difference between these chickens at a wet market in Taiwan …
© Jo-Anne McArthur / We Animals
… and the ones being killed and sold at live-animal markets and slaughterhouses in New York City? How are the restaurants in Los Angeles that mutilate and serve live animals to customers any better than wet markets in Asia? Zoonotic viruses don’t originate exclusively in wet markets. The types of animals most commonly connected to viral outbreaks in humans are chickens and pigs. And the U.S. is home to countless farms where chickens are crammed together in small cages and pigs are packed in feces-ridden sheds as well as slaughterhouses where chickens and pigs are killed on floors soaked with blood, urine, and other bodily fluids. So while current events have many calling for an end to wet markets and the wildlife trade in Asia, it’s simply not enough.
Bigotry begins when categories such as race, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or species are used to justify discrimination. Join the Movement
To prevent pandemics like coronavirus, we must end the demand for animal flesh entirely.
It’s been widely speculated that bats (some of whom build friendships in ways similar to humans) sold for soup could be COVID-19’s origin point. But since previous influenza viruses have originated in chickens and pigs, we can’t blame bats or other wild animals for these outbreaks.
Zoonotic viruses aren’t a wet market or wildlife-trade problem—they’re a human problem. Humans’ actions toward other animals created COVID-19, and it’s up to us to shape up.
Deadly diseases like COVID-19 will keep breaking out until the world stops eating animals. If we were all vegan, COVID-19—along with SARS and MERS—likely wouldn’t exist. Plus, animals deserve better than this:
Jo-Anne McArthur / We Animals
Just as we don’t want to become infected with or die of COVID-19, animals don’t want to suffer or be killed for food. Pigs, for example, just want to be left in peace to nurse their young, protect their friends, and relax in the sun (much like humans).
Yes, wet markets should be banned. But please, ban meat, eggs, and dairy from your plate—before the next deadly zoonotic disease hits.
Click on the link below to join PETA, Graham, and others in urging WHO to take the connection between meat and coronavirus seriously:
Stay up to date with PETA’s work during the current outbreak at PETA.org/COVID19.
Note: PETA supports animal rights, opposes all forms of animal exploitation, and provides the public with information on those issues. PETA does not directly or indirectly participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office or any political party.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-03-23--Air France: Stop Shipping Monkeys to Labs for COVID-19 or Any Other Reason

Amid calls for increased experimentation on monkeys during the COVID-19 outbreak , PETA is once again calling on Air France to stop flying monkeys to laboratories for pointless and deadly studies .
Air France is the only major airline that continues to transport monkeys to laboratories , despite the failure of primate experimentation to lead to cures and treatments .
This has certainly dried up the supply of victims for callous experimenters who now scramble to get their hands on these animals for numerous reasons .
We have a hunch that pointless COVID-19–related experiments may be a factor .
Rhesus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than subject their friends to electrocution .
In nature , some monkeys lay sticks on the ground indicating to others which trail to follow .
These sensitive , intelligent animals need our help now !
Monkeys are poor models when it comes to studying the effects of coronavirus on humans .
Animals are not tiny humans , and experiments on them have failed dismally in all areas of research .
The use of monkeys as models of human infection in SARS and MERS ( also coronaviruses ) experimentation failed to yield any significant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s unlikely that the situation with COVID-19 will be any different , and we already know the virus isn ’ t the same in humans as it is in monkeys .
Vaccine trials for COVID-19 , caused by the novel coronavirus , are already underway in humans .
A vaccine created by Moderna Therapeutics and funded by the U.S. government is going directly to clinical trials without the usual lengthy and irrelevant animal tests .
Experimenters attempting to receive funding for pointless animal tests at this stage are taking money away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solutions .
No one knows this better than the feds , who admit that 95 % of new drugs that test safe and effective in animal trials go on to fail in humans .
There Are Serious Health Concerns With Importing Monkeys Removing more monkeys from their native homes and importing them to laboratories also poses a significant health risk for Air France employees , cargo handlers , airport staff , and passengers as well as for laboratory workers in experimental settings .
The stress of transport has been shown to compromise immune @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can lead to reactivation of diseases such as tuberculosis , which is known to be prevalent in monkeys exported from China and Southeast Asia .
Ill monkeys are more likely to transmit pathogens to humans , and they ’ re more likely to die in transit .
Urge Air France to Stop Its Support of These Cruel and Deadly Tests Whether experimenters are driven by greed or hubris , sending monkeys to laboratories is senseless and wrong .
With the current spotlight on public health and dangerous diseases , it ’ s more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shipping primates to laboratories .
PETA won ’ t give up until it does .
Using the button below , join thousands in calling on the airline to stop transporting monkeys immediately .

Amid calls for increased experimentation on monkeys during the COVID-19 outbreak, PETA is once again calling on Air France to stop flying monkeys to laboratories for pointless and deadly studies.
Air France is the only major airline that continues to transport monkeys to laboratories, despite the failure of primate experimentation to lead to cures and treatments.
This has certainly dried up the supply of victims for callous experimenters who now scramble to get their hands on these animals for numerous reasons. We have a hunch that pointless COVID-19–related experiments may be a factor.
Rhesus monkeys in laboratories would starve themselves rather than subject their friends to electrocution. In nature, some monkeys lay sticks on the ground indicating to others which trail to follow. These sensitive, intelligent animals need our help now!
Monkeys are poor models when it comes to studying the effects of coronavirus on humans.
Animals are not tiny humans, and experiments on them have failed dismally in all areas of research. The use of monkeys as models of human infection in SARS and MERS (also coronaviruses) experimentation failed to yield any significant insight into these diseases in humans. It’s unlikely that the situation with COVID-19 will be any different, and we already know the virus isn’t the same in humans as it is in monkeys.
Vaccine trials for COVID-19, caused by the novel coronavirus, are already underway in humans.
A vaccine created by Moderna Therapeutics and funded by the U.S. government is going directly to clinical trials without the usual lengthy and irrelevant animal tests. Experimenters attempting to receive funding for pointless animal tests at this stage are taking money away from real scientific work to find worthwhile solutions. No one knows this better than the feds, who admit that 95% of new drugs that test safe and effective in animal trials go on to fail in humans.
There Are Serious Health Concerns With Importing Monkeys
Removing more monkeys from their native homes and importing them to laboratories also poses a significant health risk for Air France employees, cargo handlers, airport staff, and passengers as well as for laboratory workers in experimental settings.
Can you make it to the end? ✈🐒 Tell @AirFrance to STOP shipping monkeys like this: https://t.co/q5IZVNl8zM pic.twitter.com/40jjNFgACY — PETA (@peta) July 17, 2018
The stress of transport has been shown to compromise immune function in monkeys. Depressed immune function can lead to reactivation of diseases such as tuberculosis, which is known to be prevalent in monkeys exported from China and Southeast Asia. Ill monkeys are more likely to transmit pathogens to humans, and they’re more likely to die in transit.
Urge Air France to Stop Its Support of These Cruel and Deadly Tests
Whether experimenters are driven by greed or hubris, sending monkeys to laboratories is senseless and wrong.
With the current spotlight on public health and dangerous diseases, it’s more important than ever that Air France stop shipping primates to laboratories. PETA won’t give up until it does. Using the button below, join thousands in calling on the airline to stop transporting monkeys immediately.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-03-23--PETA Can Help Make Sure Your Kids Continue Learning at Home

Families all over the U.S. and Canada are being affected by school closures in response to the COVID-19 outbreak .
And teachers ’ lessons plans are being unexpectedly halted as students are left without a classroom to learn in and potentially no online curriculums to turn to .
Many of us are being instructed to practice social distancing and self-isolation , so TeachKind—PETA ’ s humane education division—is encouraging parents to take advantage of our free online educational resources , including activities and lessons for students of all ages .
Here are a few of our favorites : • Parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exercises for kids in grades K–12 and dozens of writing prompts for middle and high school students .
Our posters can prompt a discussion about animal-friendly idioms , like “ feed two birds with one scone , ” while lessons about pronouns can help teach students in grades K–2 or 3–5 not to call animals “ it ” ( because each one is someone , not something ) .
And our heartwarming rescue stories ( along with our thought-provoking worksheets ) could be just the inspiration you need during a time like this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” program , which includes an online video , helps even the youngest learners develop empathy for animals .
And PETA Kids offers fun activities—including comic books , games , and videos—for kids under 12 .
• Virtual dissection for the win !
We make it easy for parents to access non-animal dissection methods , like apps and online programs—here ’ s our list of animal-free dissection lessons .
Virtual dissection company eMind is also giving a 25 % discount on its fantastic virtual tools with discount code “ PETA.
” • See @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own home : These animal-friendly virtual field trips make it possible for you to observe animals hanging out by watering holes in Africa and exploring the Arctic tundra—all in real time and without leaving your home or disrupting wildlife .
Live videos help kids see what life is like for wild animals living on their own terms , not ours .
• Parents can also take advantage of TeachKind ’ s free virtual presentations covering a range of topics , including how animal agriculture hurts the planet ; why experimenting on and dissecting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unnecessary ; the benefits of a healthy vegan lifestyle ; and so much more .
For more information or to schedule a presentation , e-mail us at .
Trying to continue kids ’ education at home during this uncertain time is new to everyone , but it doesn ’ t mean that students have to miss out on learning and experiencing new things .
Our worksheets , debate kits , writing prompts , videos , and games can keep them busy at home and hone their reading and writing skills , all while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for others .
Use this time to bond as a family , build empathy and compassion , and improve your health .

Families all over the U.S. and Canada are being affected by school closures in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. And teachers’ lessons plans are being unexpectedly halted as students are left without a classroom to learn in and potentially no online curriculums to turn to.
Many of us are being instructed to practice social distancing and self-isolation, so TeachKind—PETA’s humane education division—is encouraging parents to take advantage of our free online educational resources, including activities and lessons for students of all ages. Here are a few of our favorites:
Virtual dissection for the win! We make it easy for parents to access non-animal dissection methods, like apps and online programs—here’s our list of animal-free dissection lessons. Virtual dissection company eMind is also giving a 25% discount on its fantastic virtual tools with discount code “PETA.”
See animals in their habitats from your very own home: These animal-friendly virtual field trips make it possible for you to observe animals hanging out by watering holes in Africa and exploring the Arctic tundra—all in real time and without leaving your home or disrupting wildlife. Live videos help kids see what life is like for wild animals living on their own terms, not ours.
© iStock.com/pjmalsbury
Parents can also take advantage of TeachKind’s free virtual presentations covering a range of topics, including how animal agriculture hurts the planet; why experimenting on and dissecting animals is cruel, wasteful, and unnecessary; the benefits of a healthy vegan lifestyle; and so much more. For more information or to schedule a presentation, e-mail us at [email protected] .
Trying to continue kids’ education at home during this uncertain time is new to everyone, but it doesn’t mean that students have to miss out on learning and experiencing new things. Our worksheets, debate kits, writing prompts, videos, and games can keep them busy at home and hone their reading and writing skills, all while teaching them to have compassion and empathy for others. Use this time to bond as a family, build empathy and compassion, and improve your health.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-03-23--Breakthrough! PETA Science Group Saves Animals With New 3-D Lung Model

In an impressive scientific breakthrough , funding from the PETA International Science Consortium Ltd. has helped lead to the creation of a first-of-its-kind human cell–based 3-D lung model that will be used to study the effects of chemicals and other substances on the deepest part of human lungs .
As many animals are commonly used and killed in inhalation tests , this exciting development has the potential to save tens of thousands of lives .
And because humans ’ physiology is very different from that of rats and mice , this new human-based model will better predict what happens when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provided MatTek Life Sciences with funding that went towards the development of EpiAlveolar™—a 3-D model composed of human cells from the lower respiratory tract .
The cells can be exposed to the test material in the air on one side and can receive nourishment from a nutrient-rich liquid on the other—similar to the workings of a human lung .
EpiAlveolar™ can be used to study the health effects of different kinds of substances instead of conducting tests in which animals are confined to small tubes and forced to inhale substances for hours or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ describing the EpiAlveolar™ model and its application to test nanomaterials was recently published in the esteemed scientific journal ACS Nano .
As a part of its larger initiative to replace inhalation toxicity testing on animals , the Science Consortium has also awarded international researchers inhalation exposure devices designed to be used with such cell-based models .
The development of EpiAlveolar™ is the latest scientific breakthrough to come about from funds contributed by the Science Consortium .
Research funded by the Consortium recently resulted in the creation of fully human-derived antibodies capable of blocking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ antibodies will replace the antiquated method of injecting horses with diphtheria and draining huge amounts of their blood .
Join the humane science revolution !
If you ’ re not yet a proud , card-carrying member of PETA , join today for just $ 16 a year and support our vital work for animals .

In an impressive scientific breakthrough, funding from the PETA International Science Consortium Ltd. has helped lead to the creation of a first-of-its-kind human cell–based 3-D lung model that will be used to study the effects of chemicals and other substances on the deepest part of human lungs. As many animals are commonly used and killed in inhalation tests, this exciting development has the potential to save tens of thousands of lives. And because humans’ physiology is very different from that of rats and mice, this new human-based model will better predict what happens when we breathe chemicals.
The Science Consortium provided MatTek Life Sciences with funding that went towards the development of EpiAlveolar™—a 3-D model composed of human cells from the lower respiratory tract. The cells can be exposed to the test material in the air on one side and can receive nourishment from a nutrient-rich liquid on the other—similar to the workings of a human lung.
EpiAlveolar™ can be used to study the health effects of different kinds of substances instead of conducting tests in which animals are confined to small tubes and forced to inhale substances for hours or months before being killed.
A paper describing the EpiAlveolar™ model and its application to test nanomaterials was recently published in the esteemed scientific journal ACS Nano.
As a part of its larger initiative to replace inhalation toxicity testing on animals, the Science Consortium has also awarded international researchers inhalation exposure devices designed to be used with such cell-based models.
The development of EpiAlveolar™ is the latest scientific breakthrough to come about from funds contributed by the Science Consortium. Research funded by the Consortium recently resulted in the creation of fully human-derived antibodies capable of blocking the toxin that causes diphtheria. These antibodies will replace the antiquated method of injecting horses with diphtheria and draining huge amounts of their blood.
Join the humane science revolution! If you’re not yet a proud, card-carrying member of PETA, join today for just $16 a year and support our vital work for animals.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-03-24--PETA and ‘Tiger King’: Here’s What You Won’t See on Netflix

A new seven-part docuseries from Netflix called Tiger King : Murder , Mayhem and Madness follows filmmaker Eric Goode as he details events leading to the 2019 murder-for-hire and wildlife-crimes convictions of notorious abuser of big cats Joseph “ Joe Exotic ” Maldonado-Passage , and PETA plays a key role .
PETA Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Brittany Peet agreed to be interviewed for the series to talk about the horrid abuse that animals suffered at the hands of Joe Exotic and other exhibitors featured in the film .
PETA and our supporters campaigned for years to help animals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ultimate conviction , PETA helped rescue 39 tigers , three bears , two baboons , and two chimpanzees from the hellhole roadside zoo that he ran .
ALL of them are now thriving at reputable sanctuaries .
Maldonado-Passage—aka “ Joe Maldonado , ” “ Joe Schreibvogel , ” and , of course , “ Joe Exotic ” —has been in PETA ’ s sights for years .
He is a notorious animal abuser and was once the primary supplier of big-cat cubs used for the cruel cub-petting industry .
The world will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man behind bars , where he can no longer harm animals or the animal advocates he threatened .
Roadside zoos and other tourist traps that exploit lions , tigers , and other animals are often even worse than Tiger King lets on .
However , the series does a good job of accurately portraying animal exhibitors—including Joe Exotic , Jeff Lowe of the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park ( G.W .
Zoo ) , Bhagavan “ Doc ” Antle of Myrtle Beach Safari , and Tim Stark of Wildlife in Need—as exploiters and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the money coming in .
Ultimately , Tiger King focuses mostly on the battle between animal rights activist Carole Baskin ( the CEO of accredited wildlife sanctuary Big Cat Rescue in Tampa , Florida ) and Joe Exotic .
The series largely skips over serious issues of animal welfare , including the horrors of cub trafficking and the problems with commercial cub-petting attractions .
PETA ’ s Work to Help Animals at Roadside Zoos PETA ’ s team of legal experts is always working hard on groundbreaking cases that are saving animals from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cruel cub-petting industry , and we are winning !
PETA ’ s Endangered Species Act ( ESA ) lawsuit against Tim Stark ( also featured in the series ) and his roadside zoo , Wildlife in Need , led to the first-ever preliminary injunction preventing the premature separation of big-cat cubs from their mothers .
The injunction also prohibits the use of cubs in public encounters and the declawing of cubs during the pendency of the litigation .
G.W .
Zoo ’ s Jeff Lowe is now a defendant in that suit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a default judgment in a separate ESA lawsuit against Dade City ’ s Wild Things , another cub-petting operation that used to acquire tiger cubs from Joe Exotic .
Thanks to PETA ’ s case , the operators of that roadside zoo can never own tigers again .
In total , PETA has rescued 73 bears , 43 tigers , 10 chimpanzees , two baboons , and one lion from roadside zoos and traveling shows in just the past eight years , and our work has shut down countless shady animal exhibitors .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tiger King In addition to his murder-for-hire conviction , Joe Exotic was found guilty of 17 counts of wildlife-related federal crimes , including killing five endangered tigers and trafficking in endangered animals .
In nature , tigers stay with their protective and nurturing mothers for up to two years , but tiger cubs used for photo ops are typically torn away from their mothers within days , hours , or even minutes after birth .
Baby big cats , just like baby humans , need the constant comfort of their mother .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and her companionship—and most of all , they need to be undisturbed so that they can rest when they need to and develop properly .
These frightened , helpless infants are susceptible to many dangers , including not only physical abuse inflicted during public encounters but also cold and heat stress , malnutrition , exhaustion , and infectious diseases .
These are all especially challenging for babies , since their immune systems aren ’ t yet fully developed .
• “ PETA is unapologetic in its mission to help animals , and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many , many years .
I think that we can ’ t underestimate how dangerous some of these people are … Joe is always armed .
There ’ s always a gun by his side.
” • “ Joe was public enemy number one for my department .
But we went to the jail where he was held in Oklahoma , and we met with Joe and his attorneys for two days .
He was able to share information with us about wildlife trafficking in the United States , the abuse of animals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scenes by a lot of the players.
” • “ Joe told me that Doc Antle puts tiger cubs who ’ ve aged out of playtime events in a gas chamber to kill them and then he cremates their bodies in their on-site crematorium.
” • “ I think that Joe ’ s motivation in this case is revenge .
He really wants to see a lot of other people in the big cat trade go down with him.
” • “ Once we start trying to shut a person down and end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t stop.
” How Big Cats Are Treated in Tiger King PETA keeps detailed records of the abuse endured by animals at roadside zoos , including at the hands of Joe Exotic at G.W .
Zoo .
While watching Tiger King , you may notice scenes showing animals in distress : • Joe Exotic takes a baby cub from their mother almost immediately after birth .
• Joe Exotic fires a gun near animals to scare them .
• Several tigers are crammed into one crowded cage .
• There are graphic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the manner in which Joe Exotic shot and killed five tigers .
In the series , Maldonado-Passage also blows up a dummy wearing a PETA hat .
By the end of the series , Joe Exotic seems to have a revelation , stating that he feels that he denied chimpanzees their right to be chimpanzees by holding them captive .
Spending time in a jail cell led him to reflect that animals die when they ’ re held in cages because their souls die .
Remember : The abuse and neglect on display @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course whenever and wherever animals are used for entertainment .
What You Can Do to Help Lion and Tiger Cubs After Watching Tiger King Never support businesses that offer cruel cub-petting experiences , wild-animal photo ops , or any other hands-on encounters with big-cat cubs .
PETA makes it easy to take action for big cats abused in the entertainment industry .
What are you waiting for ?
Get started now :

A new seven-part docuseries from Netflix called Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness follows filmmaker Eric Goode as he details events leading to the 2019 murder-for-hire and wildlife-crimes convictions of notorious abuser of big cats Joseph “Joe Exotic” Maldonado-Passage, and PETA plays a key role. PETA Foundation Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Brittany Peet agreed to be interviewed for the series to talk about the horrid abuse that animals suffered at the hands of Joe Exotic and other exhibitors featured in the film.
PETA and our supporters campaigned for years to help animals abused by Joe Exotic. Before his ultimate conviction, PETA helped rescue 39 tigers, three bears, two baboons, and two chimpanzees from the hellhole roadside zoo that he ran. ALL of them are now thriving at reputable sanctuaries.
PETA and Joe Exotic
Maldonado-Passage—aka “Joe Maldonado,” “Joe Schreibvogel,” and, of course, “Joe Exotic”—has been in PETA’s sights for years. He is a notorious animal abuser and was once the primary supplier of big-cat cubs used for the cruel cub-petting industry. The world will be a safer place for everyone with this man behind bars, where he can no longer harm animals or the animal advocates he threatened.
RIGHT: Santa Rosa County Jail
PETA Responds to Tiger King
Roadside zoos and other tourist traps that exploit lions, tigers, and other animals are often even worse than Tiger King lets on. However, the series does a good job of accurately portraying animal exhibitors—including Joe Exotic, Jeff Lowe of the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park (G.W. Zoo), Bhagavan “Doc” Antle of Myrtle Beach Safari, and Tim Stark of Wildlife in Need—as exploiters and abusers who would do anything to keep the money coming in.
She’s so scared that she screams and even pees on herself. Animals aren’t property of humans — they are their own individuals and should be treated as such. Think of this while you’re watching Tim Stark on #TigerKing: https://t.co/IAWnyVTXxw pic.twitter.com/GG11mRG7ct — PETA | #BreakingTheChain (@peta) March 22, 2020
Ultimately, Tiger King focuses mostly on the battle between animal rights activist Carole Baskin (the CEO of accredited wildlife sanctuary Big Cat Rescue in Tampa, Florida) and Joe Exotic. The series largely skips over serious issues of animal welfare, including the horrors of cub trafficking and the problems with commercial cub-petting attractions.
PETA’s Work to Help Animals at Roadside Zoos
PETA’s team of legal experts is always working hard on groundbreaking cases that are saving animals from abusive handlers. PETA is taking on the cruel cub-petting industry, and we are winning!
Their reactions to human contact say it all. PETA is suing Tim Stark and his roadside zoo, Wildlife in Need over their cruel “Tiger Baby Playtime” encounters. #TigerKinghttps://t.co/qEBrQ0EHYT pic.twitter.com/F2yPNuCRpI — PETA | #BreakingTheChain (@peta) March 22, 2020
PETA’s Endangered Species Act (ESA) lawsuit against Tim Stark (also featured in the series) and his roadside zoo, Wildlife in Need, led to the first-ever preliminary injunction preventing the premature separation of big-cat cubs from their mothers. The injunction also prohibits the use of cubs in public encounters and the declawing of cubs during the pendency of the litigation. G.W. Zoo’s Jeff Lowe is now a defendant in that suit as well.
Jeff Lowe profits off the exploitation of big cats. There's warrant out for his arrest relating to a law-enforcement raid of his Vegas home when two big cat cubs & a lemur were confiscated. We won’t stop until every animal at his roadside zoo is rescued. https://t.co/FX3qlSWZhz pic.twitter.com/S2QIu3yC5s — PETA | #BreakingTheChain (@peta) March 22, 2020
PETA also just won a default judgment in a separate ESA lawsuit against Dade City’s Wild Things, another cub-petting operation that used to acquire tiger cubs from Joe Exotic. Thanks to PETA’s case, the operators of that roadside zoo can never own tigers again.
In total, PETA has rescued 73 bears, 43 tigers, 10 chimpanzees, two baboons, and one lion from roadside zoos and traveling shows in just the past eight years, and our work has shut down countless shady animal exhibitors.
In addition to his murder-for-hire conviction, Joe Exotic was found guilty of 17 counts of wildlife-related federal crimes, including killing five endangered tigers and trafficking in endangered animals.
In nature, tigers stay with their protective and nurturing mothers for up to two years, but tiger cubs used for photo ops are typically torn away from their mothers within days, hours, or even minutes after birth.
Baby big cats, just like baby humans, need the constant comfort of their mother. They need her milk, her warmth, and her companionship—and most of all, they need to be undisturbed so that they can rest when they need to and develop properly. These frightened, helpless infants are susceptible to many dangers, including not only physical abuse inflicted during public encounters but also cold and heat stress, malnutrition, exhaustion, and infectious diseases. These are all especially challenging for babies, since their immune systems aren’t yet fully developed.
Tiger King and PETA: Quotes
“PETA is unapologetic in its mission to help animals, and we’ve been targeting Joe Exotic for many, many years. I think that we can’t underestimate how dangerous some of these people are … Joe is always armed. There’s always a gun by his side.”
“Joe was public enemy number one for my department. But we went to the jail where he was held in Oklahoma, and we met with Joe and his attorneys for two days. He was able to share information with us about wildlife trafficking in the United States, the abuse of animals that’s going on behind the scenes by a lot of the players.”
“Joe told me that Doc Antle puts tiger cubs who’ve aged out of playtime events in a gas chamber to kill them and then he cremates their bodies in their on-site crematorium.”
“I think that Joe’s motivation in this case is revenge. He really wants to see a lot of other people in the big cat trade go down with him.”
“Once we start trying to shut a person down and end their abuse of animals, we don’t stop.”
How Big Cats Are Treated in Tiger King
(Note: Spoilers ahead)
PETA keeps detailed records of the abuse endured by animals at roadside zoos, including at the hands of Joe Exotic at G.W. Zoo. While watching Tiger King, you may notice scenes showing animals in distress:
Joe Exotic takes a baby cub from their mother almost immediately after birth.
Joe Exotic fires a gun near animals to scare them.
Several tigers are crammed into one crowded cage.
There are graphic descriptions of animal abuse, including of the manner in which Joe Exotic shot and killed five tigers.
In the series, Maldonado-Passage also blows up a dummy wearing a PETA hat.
Tiger King and PETA: Final Takeaways
By the end of the series, Joe Exotic seems to have a revelation, stating that he feels that he denied chimpanzees their right to be chimpanzees by holding them captive. Spending time in a jail cell led him to reflect that animals die when they’re held in cages because their souls die.
Remember: The abuse and neglect on display throughout Tiger King are par for the course whenever and wherever animals are used for entertainment.
Fun Facts About Tigers Tigers enjoy bathing in rivers and lakes—yes, these are cats who love water. They are proudly introverted and prefer spending time on their own, except when there are cubs at home to raise. When tigers socialize, they’ll chuff (or blow short air bursts out of their nose) as a way to greet others. Eager for even more inspiring animal stories and fascinating facts? Pick up Animalkind, the book that has readers and even celebrities like Anjelica Huston and Joaquin Phoenix raving.
What You Can Do to Help Lion and Tiger Cubs After Watching Tiger King
Never support businesses that offer cruel cub-petting experiences, wild-animal photo ops, or any other hands-on encounters with big-cat cubs.
PETA makes it easy to take action for big cats abused in the entertainment industry. What are you waiting for? Get started now:
Note: PETA participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide websites with a means to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-03-24--Watch As Animal Rahat Rescues a Cobra From a Watery Grave

What can a snake possibly do after falling into a deep well ?
Would a passing human put their speciesism aside and help this struggling living being in peril ?
PETA ’ s friends at Animal Rahat—a PETA-supported animal relief organization in India—rushed to the aid of an Indian cobra who had fallen into a 15-foot well filled with water .
We don ’ t know how long the most likely exhausted reptile was down there , but the well would have become a watery grave if not for the group ’ s help .
Rescuers used a long pole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reach the cobra .
Eventually , the snake curled around the pole and was removed from the well .
Rescuers released the animal , who was shaken but otherwise uninjured , in a safe area .
Sure , we humans may look different from cobras , but when it comes to fear and the will to protect our lives from pain , we ’ re all the same .
Cobras are intelligent and quick learners , which helps them avoid dangerous situations .
Some even “ play possum ” until potential threats have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eggs by building a nest and then covering the eggs with leaves or other debris .
She stays on top of them to incubate them until they hatch .
Like all animals , cobras are just trying to get by and live free from harm .
Cheers to our friends at Animal Rahat for helping this snake do just that !
Animal Rahat offers a safe haven and a new lease on life for animals , who deserve happiness , autonomy , and respect after so much suffering .
The group helps tens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
Its 10-acre sanctuary provides rescued and retired ones with a lifetime of care .
Some of the sanctuary ’ s residents were retired from backbreaking work in the sugar trade , some came from cruel circuses , and many were rescued after enduring illness , injury , or abandonment .
In addition to providing formerly abused animals with a home and high-quality veterinary care , the group ’ s animal protection initiatives include spaying and neutering dogs and cats , rescuing displaced wild animals , and rehabilitating them with the help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Help Animal Rahat ’ s Work by Sponsoring an Animal Whether you ’ re helping to supply vaccinations for a “ community dog , ” secure medical care for an injured bullock , or provide relief through one of many other sponsorship opportunities , your generosity will have an immediate impact on animals in need .

What can a snake possibly do after falling into a deep well? Would a passing human put their speciesism aside and help this struggling living being in peril?
PETA’s friends at Animal Rahat—a PETA-supported animal relief organization in India—rushed to the aid of an Indian cobra who had fallen into a 15-foot well filled with water. We don’t know how long the most likely exhausted reptile was down there, but the well would have become a watery grave if not for the group’s help.
Rescuers used a long pole with a hook on one end to reach the cobra. Eventually, the snake curled around the pole and was removed from the well. Rescuers released the animal, who was shaken but otherwise uninjured, in a safe area.
Sure, we humans may look different from cobras, but when it comes to fear and the will to protect our lives from pain, we’re all the same.
Cobras are intelligent and quick learners, which helps them avoid dangerous situations. Some even “play possum” until potential threats have passed. Mother cobras care for their eggs by building a nest and then covering the eggs with leaves or other debris. She stays on top of them to incubate them until they hatch.
Like all animals, cobras are just trying to get by and live free from harm. Cheers to our friends at Animal Rahat for helping this snake do just that!
Animal Rahat offers a safe haven and a new lease on life for animals, who deserve happiness, autonomy, and respect after so much suffering.
The group helps tens of thousands of animals in need every year. Its 10-acre sanctuary provides rescued and retired ones with a lifetime of care. Some of the sanctuary’s residents were retired from backbreaking work in the sugar trade, some came from cruel circuses, and many were rescued after enduring illness, injury, or abandonment.
In addition to providing formerly abused animals with a home and high-quality veterinary care, the group’s animal protection initiatives include spaying and neutering dogs and cats, rescuing displaced wild animals, and rehabilitating them with the help of state forest departments.
You Can Help Animal Rahat’s Work by Sponsoring an Animal
Whether you’re helping to supply vaccinations for a “community dog,” secure medical care for an injured bullock, or provide relief through one of many other sponsorship opportunities, your generosity will have an immediate impact on animals in need.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-03-24--Fish Love PETA LAMBS’ Free VEGAN Fish Fry for Lent

To inspire kindness and peace during Lent , PETA LAMBS organized the first-ever free vegan Lenten fish-fry dinner in the U.S. and offered it to families on Friday , March 20 .
The feast was prepared by the chefs at The Taphouse Grill near PETA ’ s Norfolk , Virginia , headquarters and included flaky faux-fish fillets fried in tempura batter , vegan tartar sauce , coleslaw , and French fries .
The unique charitable event went on despite the COVID-19 outbreak—all meals were provided as takeout and even delivered to diners ’ cars .
One participant posted on social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ … .
Thank you !
Your service and kindness [ were ] not unnoticed.
” Another wrote to PETA to say that before the fish fry , she had stopped eating other animals but hadn ’ t yet switched to faux fish .
She found that the plant-based fish “ tastes just like the real thing , ” and her two children agreed , exclaiming , “ It ’ s good !
” She even added on Facebook , “ Vegan can be delishhhhhhh.
” One patron who attended mentioned that he had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus outbreak .
PETA LAMBS was able to supply him with several more days ’ worth of animal-friendly meals .
Lent is an important season of reflection , prayer , and penitence for many Christians that begins with Ash Wednesday .
Every Friday during Lent , Catholics abstain from eating meat in order to honor Christ ’ s sacrifice on the cross .
However , the Catholic Church interprets “ meat ” as the flesh of only warm-blooded animals , including cows , pigs , sheep , and birds .
As a result @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Fridays during Lent , and countless parishes and organizations sell fish dinners .
Sacrificing fish—who have complex central nervous systems and experience pain , just as all other animals do—misses the essence of honoring Christ ’ s sacrifice .
Fish slowly suffocate or are crushed to death when they ’ re dragged out of the ocean in massive nets , and the throats and abdomens of those who survive are cut open on the decks of fishing boats .
Saint Paul reminded us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at risk .
Fish flesh is responsible for the greatest number of foodborne disease outbreaks , according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
And nearly all of it is contaminated with dangerous toxins such as mercury and PCBs .
Eating fish also harms the planet that God created .
Commercial fishing has nearly emptied millions of square miles of ocean and pushed many marine species to the brink of extinction as trawlers indiscriminately pull up nets full of animals .
Coastal fish farms dump massive amounts of feces , antibiotics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sensitive marine ecosystems , killing more ocean wildlife .
A healthy vegan lifestyle lets us care for our bodies , animals , and God ’ s Earth and allows us to follow Christ ’ s directive to “ love one another.
” PETA offers free vegan mentorship services to everyone who would like help making kind choices this Lenten season or anytime .

To inspire kindness and peace during Lent, PETA LAMBS organized the first-ever free vegan Lenten fish-fry dinner in the U.S. and offered it to families on Friday, March 20. The feast was prepared by the chefs at The Taphouse Grill near PETA’s Norfolk, Virginia, headquarters and included flaky faux-fish fillets fried in tempura batter, vegan tartar sauce, coleslaw, and French fries. The unique charitable event went on despite the COVID-19 outbreak—all meals were provided as takeout and even delivered to diners’ cars.
One participant posted on social media, “The food was delicious …. Thank you! Your service and kindness [were] not unnoticed.” Another wrote to PETA to say that before the fish fry, she had stopped eating other animals but hadn’t yet switched to faux fish. She found that the plant-based fish “tastes just like the real thing,” and her two children agreed, exclaiming, “It’s good!” She even added on Facebook, “Vegan can be delishhhhhhh.” One patron who attended mentioned that he had just lost his job because of the coronavirus outbreak. PETA LAMBS was able to supply him with several more days’ worth of animal-friendly meals.
Lent is an important season of reflection, prayer, and penitence for many Christians that begins with Ash Wednesday. Every Friday during Lent, Catholics abstain from eating meat in order to honor Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. However, the Catholic Church interprets “meat” as the flesh of only warm-blooded animals, including cows, pigs, sheep, and birds. As a result, most Catholics—and many other Christians—eat fish on Fridays during Lent, and countless parishes and organizations sell fish dinners.
Sacrificing fish—who have complex central nervous systems and experience pain, just as all other animals do—misses the essence of honoring Christ’s sacrifice. Fish slowly suffocate or are crushed to death when they’re dragged out of the ocean in massive nets, and the throats and abdomens of those who survive are cut open on the decks of fishing boats.
Saint Paul reminded us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, but eating fish puts human health at risk. Fish flesh is responsible for the greatest number of foodborne disease outbreaks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And nearly all of it is contaminated with dangerous toxins such as mercury and PCBs. Eating fish also harms the planet that God created. Commercial fishing has nearly emptied millions of square miles of ocean and pushed many marine species to the brink of extinction as trawlers indiscriminately pull up nets full of animals. Coastal fish farms dump massive amounts of feces, antibiotics, parasites, and non-native fish into sensitive marine ecosystems, killing more ocean wildlife.
A healthy vegan lifestyle lets us care for our bodies, animals, and God’s Earth and allows us to follow Christ’s directive to “love one another.” PETA offers free vegan mentorship services to everyone who would like help making kind choices this Lenten season or anytime.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-03-25--In ‘Tiger King,’ Netflix Didn’t Even Touch On the Worst Part

In episode one of Netflix ’ s Tiger King : Murder , Mayhem and Madness ( a new seven-part docuseries about former roadside zoo owner and convicted criminal Joseph “ Joe Exotic ” Maldonado-Passage ) , Carole Baskin—an animal rights activist and the CEO of accredited wildlife sanctuary Big Cat Rescue—asserts : Tiger King certainly alludes to the suffering of big cats used in tourist traps , but the docuseries—ultimately focusing on the rivalry between Baskin and Joe Exotic—glosses over why forcing these animals to participate in public encounters or photo ops is never worth it .
In the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are passed around for rapid-fire photo ops during what Joe refers to as “ playtime.
” When asked by a customer how old the tiger cubs are , he reveals that they ’ re just 6 weeks old .
The cubs in this clip have their eyes closed because they ’ re exhausted , likely after being overworked .
Like any young animal ( including human babies ) , tiger cubs require a lot of sleep , but these cubs are often not afforded adequate rest .
“ From the time that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time that they ’ re 16 weeks old , you can profit $ 100,000 on that cub … interaction , playtime , photos , ” Joe admitted on camera .
In another scene , Joe presents tiger cubs to a crowd of dozens of people and claims that “ they ’ re only an hour old.
” In episode four , after demanding that a camera operator film a mother tiger giving birth at his infamous ramshackle roadside zoo , The Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park , Joe and his cohort use a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ newborn cubs from their mother .
This occurred mere moments after the helpless infant entered the world .
A staff member then pulled the cringing newborn tiger cub under the enclosure ’ s metal fence , separating her completely from the safety of her mom .
Premature maternal separation often causes psychological and physiological trauma .
In nature , tiger cubs would stay by their protective and nurturing mothers for up to two years , but tiger cubs used for photo ops are torn away from their mothers when they ’ re just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Cold and heat stress , malnutrition , exhaustion , and infectious diseases affect many of these likely terrified cubs , particularly the youngest ones , whose immune systems aren ’ t fully developed yet .
In addition , the Tiger King scenes in which primates are shown being raised in a house with humans neglect to mention that they were torn away from their mothers .
In their natural habitats , some primates stay even longer with their mothers than tiger cubs do , depending on them to learn social skills in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used for public encounters face a lifetime of suffering .
In episode one , a graph and Baskin ’ s narration explain the small “ cub petting ” age bracket for tiger cubs .
The series mentions that once cubs grow beyond photo-op age ( which is , at most , when they ’ re only a few months old ) , exhibitors regard tigers as nothing more than a bill—a bill that can live upwards of 20 years .
Even so , not much is revealed about the fate of these animals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tigers are killed , it fails to mention that most are relegated to dingy cages in roadside zoos and sometimes used for breeding to perpetuate the cycle .
Many are inbred in order to get more “ desirable ” or profitable color patterns .
In episode four , a cross-eyed white tiger makes an appearance—a demonstration of the way inbreeding can lead to genetic deformities and health issues .
Early on in Tiger King , viewers are introduced to the practice of carting big cats to shopping malls for exploitative cub-petting sessions and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaves viewers merely to infer that this is horrible—there ’ s no explicit mention of the dangerous and stressful nature of transport for young cubs .
When carted around , vulnerable , defenseless cubs are subjected to strange environments , cramped cages , and extreme temperatures .
They have heightened stress responses in these conditions , and many of them have even died because of health complications resulting from stressful transport and handling .
Tiger cubs belong in the jungle by their mothers ’ sides , not crammed into transport trucks and small @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Tiger King let its audience down again when it included footage of Joe Exotic and other big-cat exploiters exhibiting tiger cubs on talk shows without explaining why this isn ’ t OK. Wild animals forced to appear on talk shows are typically crated for extended periods , transported to and from sets , and forced to endure noisy crowds that can cause them a great deal of stress .
Exposing audiences to such exploitation may also make some likelier to buy exotic animals as “ pets.
” Forcing wild animals onto a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crowds is cruel , and it ’ s irresponsible to teach viewers—including children—that this sort of treatment is acceptable .
Sure , Joe Exotic ’ s murder-for-hire plot makes for good television , but Tiger King didn ’ t delve nearly deeply enough into the abuse of the cub-petting industry .
So once you ’ ve finished the Netflix docuseries , do yourself and big cats a favor by watching one more video … … and resolve never to participate in photo ops with wild animals .
Reputable sanctuaries never breed or sell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ photo ops with wild animals , and never cart wild animals to fairs or other venues for entertainment .
Don ’ t be duped by any shoddy operation that does these things and still calls itself a “ sanctuary.
” Click on the link below to speak out for captive tigers and other animals exploited by the entertainment industry : Tigers Suffer for Photo Ops—Take Action to Help Them PETA is working hard to protect tigers and other animals from the beatings , other abuse , and neglect common in the entertainment industry @ @ @ @ @ @ @

In episode one of Netflix’s Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness (a new seven-part docuseries about former roadside zoo owner and convicted criminal Joseph “Joe Exotic” Maldonado-Passage), Carole Baskin—an animal rights activist and the CEO of accredited wildlife sanctuary Big Cat Rescue—asserts:
“Anybody who poses with an exotic cat is a problem, and that just drives more and more and more breeding of these cats who will never live free.”
Tiger King certainly alludes to the suffering of big cats used in tourist traps, but the docuseries—ultimately focusing on the rivalry between Baskin and Joe Exotic—glosses over why forcing these animals to participate in public encounters or photo ops is never worth it.
If you are finding that you have some extra time on your hands…. The news docuseries #TigerKing is a MUST WATCH on @netflix. It’ll keep you indoors and socially distanced…. just trust me on this one. #tcnt pic.twitter.com/D7x67ugNzh — Nick Zerwas (@NickZerwas) March 24, 2020
In the first episode, for example, sleeping tigers are passed around for rapid-fire photo ops during what Joe refers to as “playtime.” When asked by a customer how old the tiger cubs are, he reveals that they’re just 6 weeks old. The cubs in this clip have their eyes closed because they’re exhausted, likely after being overworked. Like any young animal (including human babies), tiger cubs require a lot of sleep, but these cubs are often not afforded adequate rest. “From the time that they’re 4 weeks old to the time that they’re 16 weeks old, you can profit $100,000 on that cub … interaction, playtime, photos,” Joe admitted on camera.
Tiger Cubs Cry out for Their Mothers, but Joe Exotic Doesn’t Care Their screams are heartbreaking 💔 Tiger King’s Joe Exotic callously ABDUCTED baby tigers from their mothers just moments after they were born — putting them in danger of injury and death. All the “quirky” things he did in the Netflix show were just to distract from the animal abuse 😠 Posted by PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) on Friday, March 27, 2020
In another scene, Joe presents tiger cubs to a crowd of dozens of people and claims that “they’re only an hour old.” In episode four, after demanding that a camera operator film a mother tiger giving birth at his infamous ramshackle roadside zoo, The Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park, Joe and his cohort use a metal hook to drag one of the newborn cubs from their mother. This occurred mere moments after the helpless infant entered the world. A staff member then pulled the cringing newborn tiger cub under the enclosure’s metal fence, separating her completely from the safety of her mom.
Premature maternal separation often causes psychological and physiological trauma.
In nature, tiger cubs would stay by their protective and nurturing mothers for up to two years, but tiger cubs used for photo ops are torn away from their mothers when they’re just hours, days, or weeks old. Cold and heat stress, malnutrition, exhaustion, and infectious diseases affect many of these likely terrified cubs, particularly the youngest ones, whose immune systems aren’t fully developed yet.
In addition, the Tiger King scenes in which primates are shown being raised in a house with humans neglect to mention that they were torn away from their mothers. In their natural habitats, some primates stay even longer with their mothers than tiger cubs do, depending on them to learn social skills in their complex societies and cultures.
Bigotry begins when categories such as race, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or species are used to justify discrimination. Join the Movement
Tigers used for public encounters face a lifetime of suffering.
In episode one, a graph and Baskin’s narration explain the small “cub petting” age bracket for tiger cubs. The series mentions that once cubs grow beyond photo-op age (which is, at most, when they’re only a few months old), exhibitors regard tigers as nothing more than a bill—a bill that can live upwards of 20 years. Even so, not much is revealed about the fate of these animals.
While the series indicates that some tigers are killed, it fails to mention that most are relegated to dingy cages in roadside zoos and sometimes used for breeding to perpetuate the cycle. Many are inbred in order to get more “desirable” or profitable color patterns. In episode four, a cross-eyed white tiger makes an appearance—a demonstration of the way inbreeding can lead to genetic deformities and health issues.
Early on in Tiger King, viewers are introduced to the practice of carting big cats to shopping malls for exploitative cub-petting sessions and photo ops. Again, the docuseries leaves viewers merely to infer that this is horrible—there’s no explicit mention of the dangerous and stressful nature of transport for young cubs. When carted around, vulnerable, defenseless cubs are subjected to strange environments, cramped cages, and extreme temperatures. They have heightened stress responses in these conditions, and many of them have even died because of health complications resulting from stressful transport and handling.
Tiger cubs belong in the jungle by their mothers’ sides, not crammed into transport trucks and small cages to be hauled around for entertainment.
Tiger King let its audience down again when it included footage of Joe Exotic and other big-cat exploiters exhibiting tiger cubs on talk shows without explaining why this isn’t OK. Wild animals forced to appear on talk shows are typically crated for extended periods, transported to and from sets, and forced to endure noisy crowds that can cause them a great deal of stress. Exposing audiences to such exploitation may also make some likelier to buy exotic animals as “pets.” Forcing wild animals onto a bright, noisy soundstage surrounded by shouting crowds is cruel, and it’s irresponsible to teach viewers—including children—that this sort of treatment is acceptable.
Sure, Joe Exotic’s murder-for-hire plot makes for good television, but Tiger King didn’t delve nearly deeply enough into the abuse of the cub-petting industry. So once you’ve finished the Netflix docuseries, do yourself and big cats a favor by watching one more video …
… and resolve never to participate in photo ops with wild animals. Reputable sanctuaries never breed or sell animals, never allow public encounters or photo ops with wild animals, and never cart wild animals to fairs or other venues for entertainment. Don’t be duped by any shoddy operation that does these things and still calls itself a “sanctuary.” Click on the link below to speak out for captive tigers and other animals exploited by the entertainment industry:
PETA is working hard to protect tigers and other animals from the beatings, other abuse, and neglect common in the entertainment industry, and we need your support.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-03-24--Watching ‘Tiger King’ on Netflix? Here’s PETA’s Response


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-03-19--COVID-19 Update: PETA’s Vital Work to Help Animals is Going Full Steam Ahead

Despite the COVID-19 crisis and the many disruptions and health precautions that we ’ re all faced with now , PETA ’ s groundbreaking work to help animals—including emergency response , cruelty casework , homeless-animal assistance through spay/neuter , research , investigations , and new outreach strategies in lieu of being on the streets—isn ’ t slowing down !
We ’ re still here on the job , actively helping animals 24 hours a day , seven days a week .
We ’ re out there right now—as we ’ ve always been—providing animals in deeply impoverished families with free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proper shelter .
Take Wayne , for example .
Until just a few days ago , this senior poodle mix was suffering chained up in cold weather .
Today , thanks to support from you and other kind PETA members , he is rid of all that matted fur and is enjoying loving care .
He ’ ll soon be up for adoption .
In just the last week , you helped us respond to 174 emergency calls for assistance and sterilize 235 animals ( including 17 pit bulls , the most abused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the financial toll that the pandemic is taking , we expect the need for these services to grow .
As we have seen during other crises , such as hurricanes , floods , and past recessions , animals and their needs are becoming part of the pandemic ’ s casualties .
Never fear , however—PETA will not miss a beat .
We ’ ll continue full steam ahead to keep pressure on corporations that abuse animals .
This week , feeling the heat from more than 250,000 PETA supporters , Chrysler put the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , sending the message that dogs deserve better than being run to death for mushers ’ prize money .
You may recall that earlier this month , we got Alaska Airlines to withdraw its sponsorship of this wretched race in which over 150 dogs have died , and we ’ re determined to end it .
… PETA is only able to make this progress , particularly now , because of the determination of our supporters .
Learn More About Supporting PETA ’ s Vital Work for Animals For however long it takes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ woods , animals will still need our help .
Your support and compassion matter greatly to all animals , including those of us at PETA .
Want to do more for animals in your community ?
Remind family and friends that when they stock up on supplies , it ’ s vital that they remember the needs of their animal companions .
Encourage them to keep plenty of extra food and medications for animals on hand and to look out for neighbors who may not be able to shop for their animals , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food banks .
Click below to learn more : How to Prepare for Self-Quarantine

Update: May 18, 2020
What do a tethered king, an ailing queen, Zeus without his palace, and a goose with a broken wing all have in common? Our field team was there for them when no one else was.
In just the last week, our fieldworkers helped several animals, such as King, a little dog who was tethered outdoors when we found him. Now, thanks to the efforts of our “miracle workers,” he’s sitting on his throne at the Virginia Beach SPCA (one of our wonderful placement partners) awaiting adoption.
Our field team heroes also came to the aid of Queen, a crated pit bull suffering from a prolapsed uterus—an extremely painful and life-threatening condition. She was mercifully released from life in order to end her suffering.
And then there’s Zeus, who (like all dogs) deserves a Mount Olympus–worthy palace. Our fieldworkers replaced his inadequate shelter …
… with a sturdy, custom-built PETA doghouse (something we’re able to do thanks to donations from kind mortals like you).
We also transported 16 animals this week—including Belle, below—to and from their spay or neuter appointments, all free of charge. As you can see, Belle and her guardian are quite happy that she won’t be breeding and bringing more animals into a world that’s already short of homes—plus, sterilized animals live longer, happier lives!
Thanks to a carefully planned and coordinated team effort, we also rescued this injured but mobile goose who had sustained a broken wing and was hanging around a mostly closed government construction site. We transported him to a nearby veterinary hospital so that he could receive expert assessment and care.
One of our fieldworkers also got a shout-out from the Danville Area Humane Society (another of our placement partners) after transferring six nursing cats and their kittens as well as a sweet Labrador mix to the Virginia Beach SPCA, where they’ll have a chance at adoption.
https://www.facebook.com/danvilleareahumanesociety/posts/3476824502331012
If you’re a diligent, hardworking, kind, professional, and physically able individual—and if saving animals like it’s your job sounds like your cup of tea—please consider applying to become part of our essential field team.
Update: April 28, 2020
Without PETA’s field team, what would’ve happened to Reggie, a caged, scared pup whose owner simply didn’t want him anymore?
Reggie’s former owner called PETA, hoping to surrender him—and, despite the COVID-19 crisis, our fieldworkers responded. Once in their capable, loving hands, it didn’t take long for shy Reggie to warm up and come out of his shell. After giving him some TLC, we transferred him to one of our wonderful placement partners, the Norfolk SPCA, where he awaits adoption.
The coronavirus crisis is sparking lots of discussion of “essential businesses” and “essential workers.” If ever there were an essential service provider, our field team is it. Without it, BeeGee would’ve been forced to continue enduring a severe ear infection, which left his ears bloody and painful. Instead, we transported him to one of our mobile clinics, where his infection was treated and he was neutered—all totally free of charge for his low-income family.
Star—who we’d previously spayed at no cost to her owner—received a sturdy new custom-built PETA doghouse to replace her flimsy plastic shelter.
Our fieldworkers gave Snowball—a chained, neglected, and severely matted dog—a much-needed shave-down just in time for the summer.
We also rescued six dogs in Halifax County, North Carolina, who were confined to a small, dirty, barren pen. We transferred the adorable family (two adults and four puppies) to our other placement partner, the Virginia Beach SPCA, for a chance at adoption.
An elderly, emaciated Chihuahua named Yodi was brought to PETA for end-of-life help after her guardian passed away. Yodi was suffering from a mammary tumor, severe hair loss, a painful dry eye, and a skin infection. We freed the sweet pup from her pain, free of charge.
After a good Samaritan found a severely bloated hamster trapped in a cage near a dumpster, he took her home, thinking she might be pregnant. He quickly realized that she was in critical condition and brought the blind, dying hamster to PETA so she could be released from her suffering.
These animals are just a few of those PETA’s fieldworkers have helped during the last week alone. And our staff will continue to visit hundreds of animals each week, despite the COVID-19 pandemic (while taking every precaution recommended by health authorities, of course—including practicing social distancing, wearing gloves, frequently washing hands, and disinfecting surfaces often).
Click below to learn more about our available fieldworker position if this vital team sounds like one you’d like to join:
Update: April 15, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic is leaving families struggling to put food in the bowls of the beloved dogs and cats they share their homes with. Our fieldworkers are doing all they can to ensure that none of these animals go hungry, but we need your help.
Please, if you have the means, drop off sealed bags of animal food in the donation box located outside The Sam Simon Center—our headquarters in Norfolk, Virginia—or, if you’re elsewhere in the world, consider shipping dog or cat food to this address:
PETA
Attn.: Community Animal Project
501 Front St.
Norfolk, VA 23510
Any type or brand of food is accepted and appreciated—the hungry dogs and cats we serve aren’t picky! Alternatively, click below to make a monetary donation, which will go toward ensuring that these animals don’t go without food.
The “miracle workers” on our field team will be sure to put your kind donations to good use. Check back for updates about the animals who have been helped thanks to your support.
Update: April 7, 2020
There’s no working from home for the “miracle workers” on PETA’s field team. While staying at least 6 feet away from animals’ human guardians, our fieldworkers are still heading out—as they do all 365 days of the year—to low-income communities, where they get up close and personal with dogs whose whole lonely lives are spent chained in the far reaches of a backyard.
Here are a few of the animals PETA has helped in recent days:
Brownie, seen above, had a badly matted coat that was pulling painfully at his skin. We gave the sweet pup a desperately needed haircut, providing him with some relief at last.
And then there was Luna …
… who, after being constantly tethered up outside, was surrendered to PETA after her owner had a heart-to-heart talk with our fieldworkers—they explained how much dogs crave affection and need to run and play.
We provided Casper with a sturdy new doghouse …
… and Boe—a severely emaciated pit bull who was wracked with cancer—was given a peaceful release from his suffering.
Worried that some people are having a hard time making ends meet and feeding their animals, we also donated 100 bags of dog and cat food to the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore on April 2.
As long as there are cats and dogs out there who need help, we’ll continue to do our best to assist guardians who have fallen on hard times. Anyone in southeastern Virginia who wants to help can make a world of difference by dropping off sealed bags of animal food in a donation box located outside the Sam Simon Center—our headquarters in Norfolk, Virginia (located at 501 Front St.). Those elsewhere in the U.S. who have the means can click below to donate dog or cat food to our rescue team electronically—our fieldworkers and the animals they help (whose families are struggling to feed them) will be forever grateful.
Update: March 26, 2020
If ever there was an essential service provider, PETA’s field team is it! Our fieldworkers aren’t letting COVID-19 stop them from helping animals—so they’re taking every precaution recommended by health authorities (including practicing social distancing, wearing gloves, frequently washing their hands, and disinfecting surfaces often) while giving animals the attention and care they desperately need. Take Princessa, for example: We transported this sweet pup to and from her free spay appointment on PETA’s mobile clinic.
We also replaced Boss’ dilapidated shelter with a sturdy wooden doghouse.
Our fieldworkers found Mary Puppins tied to an overturned garbage can in rural North Carolina. Her owner agreed to let us take her, and she was transferred to our local placement partner—the Virginia Beach SPCA—where she awaits a loving home.
And then there was Missy, who was suffering from end-stage liver failure. She was emaciated, jaundiced, vomiting blood, severely dehydrated, barely able to lift her head, and struggling to breathe. Her elderly owner had contacted several veterinarians and animal shelters but couldn’t find help because of COVID-19 shutdowns. But someone referred her to us, and we were able to give Missy a peaceful release from her suffering.
Keep reading to learn more about PETA’s work during this trying time and what we can do to keep our animal companions safe during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Originally published on March 19, 2020:
Despite the COVID-19 crisis and the many disruptions and health precautions that we’re all faced with now, PETA’s groundbreaking work to help animals—including emergency response, cruelty casework, homeless-animal assistance through spay/neuter, research, investigations, and new outreach strategies in lieu of being on the streets—isn’t slowing down!
We’re still here on the job, actively helping animals 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
We’re out there right now—as we’ve always been—providing animals in deeply impoverished families with free medical care, food, and even proper shelter. Take Wayne, for example. Until just a few days ago, this senior poodle mix was suffering chained up in cold weather.
Today, thanks to support from you and other kind PETA members, he is rid of all that matted fur and is enjoying loving care. And he’s looking for a new home.
In just the last week, you helped us respond to 174 emergency calls for assistance and sterilize 235 animals (including 17 pit bulls, the most abused breed of dog). Because of the financial toll that the pandemic is taking, we expect the need for these services to grow.
As we have seen during other crises, such as hurricanes, floods, and past recessions, animals and their needs are becoming part of the pandemic’s casualties.
Never fear, however—PETA will not miss a beat. We’ll continue full steam ahead to keep pressure on corporations that abuse animals. This week, feeling the heat from more than 250,000 PETA supporters, Chrysler put the brakes on its connection with the Iditarod, sending the message that dogs deserve better than being run to death for mushers’ prize money.
You may recall that earlier this month, we got Alaska Airlines to withdraw its sponsorship of this wretched race in which over 150 dogs have died, and we’re determined to end it.
Whether freeing a dog from a chain …
… or bears from dismal roadside zoos …
… PETA is only able to make this progress, particularly now, because of the determination of our supporters.
For however long it takes us to get out of the COVID-19 woods, animals will still need our help. Your support and compassion matter greatly to all animals, including those of us at PETA.
Want to do more for animals in your community?
Remind family and friends that when they stock up on supplies, it’s vital that they remember the needs of their animal companions. Encourage them to keep plenty of extra food and medications for animals on hand and to look out for neighbors who may not be able to shop for their animals, as well as donating pet food to food banks. Click below to learn more:


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-04-16--An Open Letter From Monkeys Used in Experiments

While everyone is feeling the stress of isolation and the mounting tension that comes from hunkering down in one small place , National Institutes of Health ( NIH ) Director Francis Collins and National Institute of Mental Health Director Joshua Gordon had a conversation in which they discussed dealing with stress , anxiety , and grief during the current pandemic .
Their own stress , anxiety , and grief .
What they personally felt—apparently without a thought for the thousands of animals they keep locked in laboratory cages .
Here ’ s one group of individuals painfully aware of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by a lockdown : the monkeys trapped in cages and used in experiments carried out by NIH experimenter Elisabeth Murray and overseen by both Collins and Gordon .
And here ’ s what we think these monkeys would say in an open letter to Collins and Gordon about being held captive and used in archaic , terrifying , and painful experiments in NIH labs : We hope you ’ re both healthy and well during this trying time .
We were interested to learn of your conversation about dealing with stress , anxiety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Social isolation is difficult , as we know .
We ’ ve been involuntarily practicing it for most of our lives .
This is new for you—the curtailment of your freedom , the restriction of your movement , a desperate feeling that you ’ ve lost your autonomy and that your very life is no longer your own .
Dr. Gordon was right when he said that “ there is tremendous grief ” over this loss .
Ours was so intense that for some of us , most of our hair fell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experience that when you ’ re cooped up in the same surroundings day after day , barely able to move , the oppressiveness of the tedium can close in on you like walls pushing in from all sides , so it ’ s good that you ’ re keeping busy to prevent one day from bleeding into the next in an indistinguishable blur .
Sometimes , they give us a rope to fiddle with to pass the time .
We hear you both have families with whom you can share your experiences .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ re all primates , right ?
None of us does well without a circle of loved ones to connect with .
Without them , things can get really dark really quickly—leading to trouble sleeping , loss of appetite , irritability , or anger , just as Dr. Gordon said .
We ’ ve been through it all many times .
At least you have a hotline number to call .
It would be quite bleak living through all that with no one at all to communicate with .
But it ’ s the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fear that can be impossible to overcome .
With this virus , there ’ s a very real fear that it could harm you , and those feelings can be so strong that they induce the kind of panic attack that Dr. Gordon described while speaking about his recent trip to a grocery store .
We live with this , too .
We never know which day may be our last or if that snake or spider might attack .
Or if the human who came for others who never returned is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our time is limited , that we are expendable , and that one day , we ’ ll no longer be of use .
So we understand .
We understand your fear , your anxiety , and your grief over what is now denied to you .
In these trying times , it ’ s our sincere hope that you ’ ll remain healthy , that you ’ ll be surrounded by friends and family , and that you ’ ll continue to find life fulfilling .
That ’ s the way it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a chance , please come and see the way we exist .
( We can ’ t really say “ live.
” ) The Monkeys in Elisabeth Murray ’ s Laboratory at NIH : You Can Help Monkeys Suffering in Experiments Join PETA and tens of thousands of compassionate people who ’ ve already taken action to demand that NIH stop experiments on monkeys and immediately shut down the lab where the 23 named on this page have suffered .

It’s a disconnect of epic proportions.
While everyone is feeling the stress of isolation and the mounting tension that comes from hunkering down in one small place, National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Francis Collins and National Institute of Mental Health Director Joshua Gordon had a conversation in which they discussed dealing with stress, anxiety, and grief during the current pandemic. Their own stress, anxiety, and grief. What they personally felt—apparently without a thought for the thousands of animals they keep locked in laboratory cages.
Here’s one group of individuals painfully aware of the stress, anxiety, and grief caused by a lockdown: the monkeys trapped in cages and used in experiments carried out by NIH experimenter Elisabeth Murray and overseen by both Collins and Gordon.
And here’s what we think these monkeys would say in an open letter to Collins and Gordon about being held captive and used in archaic, terrifying, and painful experiments in NIH labs:
Dear Dr. Collins and Dr. Gordon,
We hope you’re both healthy and well during this trying time. We were interested to learn of your conversation about dealing with stress, anxiety, and grief during the current pandemic. Social isolation is difficult, as we know. We’ve been involuntarily practicing it for most of our lives.
This is new for you—the curtailment of your freedom, the restriction of your movement, a desperate feeling that you’ve lost your autonomy and that your very life is no longer your own. Dr. Gordon was right when he said that “there is tremendous grief” over this loss. Ours was so intense that for some of us, most of our hair fell out.
It’s been our experience that when you’re cooped up in the same surroundings day after day, barely able to move, the oppressiveness of the tedium can close in on you like walls pushing in from all sides, so it’s good that you’re keeping busy to prevent one day from bleeding into the next in an indistinguishable blur. Sometimes, they give us a rope to fiddle with to pass the time.
We hear you both have families with whom you can share your experiences. That’s important. We’re all primates, right? None of us does well without a circle of loved ones to connect with. Without them, things can get really dark really quickly—leading to trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, irritability, or anger, just as Dr. Gordon said. We’ve been through it all many times. At least you have a hotline number to call. It would be quite bleak living through all that with no one at all to communicate with.
But it’s the fear, right? It’s the fear that can be impossible to overcome. With this virus, there’s a very real fear that it could harm you, and those feelings can be so strong that they induce the kind of panic attack that Dr. Gordon described while speaking about his recent trip to a grocery store.
We live with this, too. We never know which day may be our last or if that snake or spider might attack. Or if the human who came for others who never returned is coming for us next. We know our time is limited, that we are expendable, and that one day, we’ll no longer be of use.
So we understand. We understand your fear, your anxiety, and your grief over what is now denied to you.
In these trying times, it’s our sincere hope that you’ll remain healthy, that you’ll be surrounded by friends and family, and that you’ll continue to find life fulfilling. That’s the way it should be.
For everyone.
Also, if you have a chance, please come and see the way we exist. (We can’t really say “live.”)
Sincerely,
The Monkeys in Elisabeth Murray’s Laboratory at NIH:
Beamish
Blofeld
El Guerrouj
Goldfinger
Gordon
Gronk
Guinness
Jaws
Le Chiffre
Mackeson
Mo’ Farah
Murphy
Watch Murphy’s heartbreaking story:
Nick Nack
Nurmi
Odd Job
Porter
Pre
Rudisha
Rupp
Sam Smith
Shorter
Smithwick
Wilfork
You Can Help Monkeys Suffering in Experiments
Join PETA and tens of thousands of compassionate people who’ve already taken action to demand that NIH stop experiments on monkeys and immediately shut down the lab where the 23 named on this page have suffered.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-04-16--Jeff Lowe Did a Reddit AMA—It Went Just As Badly as You’d Think

Whoever told big-cat exploiter Jeff Lowe ( or as one Redditor called him , “ an anthropomorphized can of Monster Energy , ” which was funny even though we love Monster ’ s vegan options ) that doing a Q & A with the internet was a good idea—well , it seems that they were looking out for Lowe like he looks out for tigers .
In a grasping attempt to stay relevant after the success of Tiger King : Murder , Mayhem and Madness , Lowe recently appeared on Reddit to do an “ Ask Me Anything ” ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ask him anything .
If you are a connoisseur of fine internet roasting or just want to see an animal abuser get laid into by the ruthlessly honest public , go ahead and sift through the full AMA here .
A roast of this caliber isn ’ t for the faint of heart , and the language is definitely NSFW ( but most people are working from home , so it ’ s probably cool ) .
Among our favorite responses came from Redditors who noted Lowe ’ s connection with other infamous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tim Stark .
In the past , Stark has encouraged patrons to hit tiger cubs , swung and tossed monkeys by their tails and hips during public encounters , and bludgeoned a leopard to death with a baseball bat .
See the company Lowe seems to keep ?
Redditors also wanted to know about his connection to fellow notorious animal exploiter Bhagavan “ Doc ” Antle and suggested that perhaps Lowe should check himself before casting stones : Keep in mind that in nature , tiger cubs stay with their protective and nurturing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This means that the tigers mentioned above were torn away from their mothers and then , surely frightened , stuffed into a suitcase like a tacky piece of apparel .
It doesn ’ t take an oracle to understand who Lowe is as a person .
The man is a straight-up animal exploiter , no better than “ Joe Exotic ” himself .
Following complaints from PETA , local law-enforcement officials raided Lowe ’ s Las Vegas home and confiscated two tiger cubs and a solitary lemur .
This led to charges of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ animals .
He was reportedly selling public interactions and photos with the animals .
Lowe ’ s ability to stand out in Tiger King truly is a feat considering that the Netflix docuseries features some of the worst animal abusers PETA has ever gone up against .
Some questions got straight to the point , such as this one … … and this one .
Other posts weren ’ t so much questions as overwhelmingly descriptive deep dives into the essence of Jeff Lowe .
Tigers are complex , living beings with emotions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he thoroughly lacks .
For whatever ridiculous reason , Lowe chose to do this AMA—but tigers imprisoned at Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park would never choose to be handled by humans for photo ops or to live in cramped , barren cages .
There is one choice we wonder if Lowe made , however : There may be no hope for Lowe to climb out of the body bag that Reddit just zipped him into , but you can help tigers like the ones he ’ s exploited for years .
All animals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just like you and me .
PETA makes it easy to take action for big cats abused in the entertainment industry .
Click on the link below to help with our crucial work .

Whoever told big-cat exploiter Jeff Lowe (or as one Redditor called him, “an anthropomorphized can of Monster Energy,” which was funny even though we love Monster’s vegan options) that doing a Q&A with the internet was a good idea—well, it seems that they were looking out for Lowe like he looks out for tigers.
In a grasping attempt to stay relevant after the success of Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness, Lowe recently appeared on Reddit to do an “Ask Me Anything” (AMA)—and wow, did people ask him anything.
If you are a connoisseur of fine internet roasting or just want to see an animal abuser get laid into by the ruthlessly honest public, go ahead and sift through the full AMA here.
A roast of this caliber isn’t for the faint of heart, and the language is definitely NSFW (but most people are working from home, so it’s probably cool).
Among our favorite responses came from Redditors who noted Lowe’s connection with other infamous animal exhibitors, such as the disgraceful Tim Stark. In the past, Stark has encouraged patrons to hit tiger cubs, swung and tossed monkeys by their tails and hips during public encounters, and bludgeoned a leopard to death with a baseball bat.
See the company Lowe seems to keep?
Redditors also wanted to know about his connection to fellow notorious animal exploiter Bhagavan “Doc” Antle and suggested that perhaps Lowe should check himself before casting stones:
Keep in mind that in nature, tiger cubs stay with their protective and nurturing mothers for up to two years. This means that the tigers mentioned above were torn away from their mothers and then, surely frightened, stuffed into a suitcase like a tacky piece of apparel.
It doesn’t take an oracle to understand who Lowe is as a person. The man is a straight-up animal exploiter, no better than “Joe Exotic” himself.
Following complaints from PETA, local law-enforcement officials raided Lowe’s Las Vegas home and confiscated two tiger cubs and a solitary lemur. This led to charges of three counts of unlawful possession of wild animals. He was reportedly selling public interactions and photos with the animals.
Lowe’s ability to stand out in Tiger King truly is a feat considering that the Netflix docuseries features some of the worst animal abusers PETA has ever gone up against.
Some questions got straight to the point, such as this one …
… and this one.
Other posts weren’t so much questions as overwhelmingly descriptive deep dives into the essence of Jeff Lowe. Tigers are complex, living beings with emotions and vibrant personalities—two things the internet feels he thoroughly lacks.
For whatever ridiculous reason, Lowe chose to do this AMA—but tigers imprisoned at Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park would never choose to be handled by humans for photo ops or to live in cramped, barren cages.
There is one choice we wonder if Lowe made, however:
There may be no hope for Lowe to climb out of the body bag that Reddit just zipped him into, but you can help tigers like the ones he’s exploited for years.
All animals want to be free from torment, just like you and me. PETA makes it easy to take action for big cats abused in the entertainment industry. Click on the link below to help with our crucial work.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-04-16--Want Some Good News? Take a Look at PETA’s Victories So Far in 2020

Looking for some good news , well , here 's just a small sampling of Peter 's victories for animals all in the first three months of 2022 , Tigers name , Remington and Luna arrived at the Turpin Time Creek Wildlife Refuge after being rescued as part of a litigation against David City 's Wild Things .
thanks to Peter Notorious animal abuser Joe Exotic was sentenced to 20 20 - - two two years years years in in in in prison .
prison prison prison and and And the US .
and and the USDA issued .
the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issued in in in order order to to revoke the license .
revoke the license animal animal animal animal Exhibitor Exhibitor Exhibitor Tim Tim Stark after .
Tim Stark , Stark after after successful People .
successful Peter law .
Date City 's Wild Things has reportedly closed its doors and their last tigers have been transferred to a sanctuary following a vigorous campaign .
Dillan a morbidly obese Asiatic black bear suffering from painful and life-threatening dental disease was rescued and transported to the wild Animal Sanctuary in Colorado , the Los @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the use of wild and exotic animals at parties circuses and from performing performing at at animal animal shows .
shows Garden Garden Brothers Brothers Circus .
Circus stop using .
Elephants SeaWorld band It 's cruel and demeaning dolphin surfing shows and Jimmy Kimmel scrapped a wild animal trainer from his show .
global brands group banned fur and abusive sheep farmer pleaded guilty to cruelty to animals charges following a Peta Asia investigation Sky Harbor listening to recommendations from Peter They 're getting rid of glue traps .
Polito air stopped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bam The Force Force swim swim Test , Test , Avon Avon and and Swap Swap also also .
stop .
On animals and Sabra Food Company Band experiments on animals , Panera Bread impress agreed to remove the up charge for their non-dairy milk and the world continue to go vegan with Pizzeria and grill on the border , Denny 's Poetry applicable and many other chains expanding their vegan menu options .
The Golden Globes the Screen Actors Guild Awards , the Critics Choice Awards and the Oscars all went vegan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the belief belief that that one one nation nation nation one one one people people people people one one one one race race race race .
when when when gender , gender , gender .
but but when .
when species has the .
To dominate control and use and exploit another with impunity .
In In a a landmark landmark victory victory for for free free speech , speech , Texas , Texas , A A and and M M University University agreed agreed to to stop stop filtering filtering comments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ page page that that were were critical critical of of its its muscular muscular dystrophy dystrophy experiments experiments on on dogs dogs demonstrators demonstrators from from Peta Peta handcuff handcuff themselves themselves to to a a Chrysler Chrysler door .
door .
They They say say that that company company is is killing killing dogs dogs by by sponsoring sponsoring the the Iditarod Iditarod Dog Dog Sled Sled race race in in Alaska , Alaska , Peter 's Peter 's Mobile Mobile clinics , clinics , spayed spayed and and neutered neutered more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and and Peter Peter helped helped a hundred and 80 a hundred and 80 - - eight eight animals animals be be adopted adopted or or transferred transferred to to placement placement partners partners That 's all in just three months , just imagine all of the other victories .
Peter can achieve for animals in 2020 .

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