Latest news with #InDefenseOfAnimals
CBS News
02-07-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
CEO of San Francisco Zoo announces retirement amid turmoil
The longtime chief of the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens announced her retirement Tuesday night, just days after Mayor Daniel Lurie called for her departure. Tanya Peterson told the San Francisco Zoological Society board's executive committee that she will be retiring Aug. 1. "She thanked the board and employees and animals at the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens, saying it has been an honor to serve the loyal constituents of this amazing community," according to a statement from spokesperson Sam Singer. "She made the decision on her own because she believed it was the right thing to do on behalf of the institution," Singer said. Hired in 2008, Peterson and the zoo had come under fire recently in the wake of a report detailing animal welfare and staff safety concerns. And while a recent inspection by the United States Department of Agriculture found the zoo was compliant with federal animal welfare regulations, the animal rights groups In Defense of Animals, SF Zoo Watch and Panda Voices have repeatedly called for Peterson's ouster "following year of negligence, mismanagement, preventable animal deaths, obstructing accountability, and misuse of public resources." One of Peterson's most visible recent efforts was to champion the zoo's possible acquisition of a pair of giant pandas from China by April 2026 -- a plan Lurie signaled would move forward without her. "Under new, stable leadership, the San Francisco Zoo has the opportunity to reach new heights. I want to thank Tanya Peterson for her service to the zoo and our city," Lurie said in a statement. "I look forward to working with the board and the new leadership to improve our zoo and fulfill the rare and exciting opportunity to bring pandas to our city."
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
What the flock? People gather to gander at captivating geese gang in Jersey City
Take a gander at Jersey City's newest residents. Folks in Chilltown have been going gaga over a goodly gaggle of some 60 Canada geese. People have been sharing pictures and video of the waddling water fowl who've been on a single-file tour of the city's downtown. The eight adults and more than 55 fluffy goslings have been spotted at all hours, slowly strutting across the streets and sidewalks of Jersey Avenue, Thomas Gangemi Drive, Newark Avenue, River Drive and Second Street. They've also been spotted outside the Newport Centre Mall, which is situated not far from the Hudson River. Recently, entire intersections have gladly come to a standstill to permit the dozens of geese to pass through. Since we are all obsessed with the geese family… they crossed the road so well! byu/Coolgrnmen injerseycity 'That's so many,' laughed a man who filmed the geese outside Dirty Hippie Studios last week. A woman passing by commented, 'That is so cute,' to which the man replied, 'It's a great migration!' Lisa Levinson, director of the National Goose Protection Coalition at In Defense of Animals, told The Post seeing this many geese together isn't all that unusual. In fact, geese mate for life, and often raise their young in groups known as 'gang broods,' making geese among 'the most family-oriented birds,' she said. They even have no problem adopting abandoned or orphaned goslings. 'What you might be seeing [in Jersey City] is an extended family,' said Levinson. Added Levinson: 'I applaud the people of Jersey City for appreciating them and giving these geese the right of way when they're out there, walking with their families.' While reputed to have aggressive dispositions, Levinson said that's a myth. 'When people talk about geese as not friendly or aggressive, it's usually at the time of year when they are protecting their young, like any human mom would,' she said. Paul Curtis, an urban wildlife expert at Cornell University, told The Post it is rare to see such a large group of geese 'in such visible areas on public streets,' and estimated 'there are at least a dozen family groups of geese in that large flock' seen in Jersey City, 'walking from wherever the young were hatched at their nests — probably a pond nearby — to a favored molting area.' The geese will likely stick around downtown Jersey City until late next month, and return next spring. 'Geese come back to the same locations to nest and molt year-after-year,' Curtis noted. 'Once the birds can fly [again], it is much easier to avoid predators, and geese family groups will start to leave the molting area or pond.'
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Michigan Department of Natural Resources cancels goose euthanasia program
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — The Michigan Department of Natural Resources () has canceled its controversial goose euthanasia program. The MDNR issued a letter on May 9, stating that they have decided to pause the program for this year. They add that permits will not be issued this year, and no lethal population control measures will be taken. WOODTV reports that Michigan lawmakers expressed concerns about the program in a letter sent to the within the DNR in late April. Michigan State Sen. Dayna Polehanki says the MDNR will 'continue to research alternative options for managing human-goose conflicts and health and human safety concerns for areas with overabundant Canada Goose populations.' 'It is important for the health and safety of our citizens and the management of our natural resources that we continue to use the goose management tools at our disposal,' said Sen. Polehanki in a letter shared with 6 News. She says they will continue to prioritize non-lethal techniques, including habitat modification, elimination of feeding, scare tactics, repellents, and nest/egg destruction. Goose euthanasia program receives criticism In October 2024, said the goose population in some areas across the state is out of control. To resolve the issue, it was initially planned that the organization would euthanize flocks by gassing them. The MDNR says the gassing method is approved by the . In April, a leader from the group In Defense of Animals said they designed a billboard reading 'Tell Governor Whitmer Don't Gas Geese'. The leader said that the sign was strategically put up on I-96 ahead of the meeting to spread awareness. The DNR said killing the birds is always the last option, but sometimes has to be done. During public comment, Karen Stamper shared her concerns. 'Which is it? public health or just convenient justification.' Stamper continued, 'I mean, there are so many things that are wrong with this.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Yahoo
Dog abandoned, left zip-tied in Malibu wilderness dies
A dog whose story of surviving animal abuse and being found and rescued by good Samaritans has come to a bittersweet end. Argon, a German shepherd who made national headlines after he was found last year wandering the Malibu wilderness with his snout zip-tied shut, died this week after a second battle with cancer. The dog was found in July 2024 by two rock climbers who noticed the sweet and stoic creature suffering from clear signs of abuse, most noticeable, its mouth and neck being restrained with zip ties. They were able to gain the dog's trust and remove the zip tie from its mouth; they waited alongside him as the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department arrived on scene and then carried him some 250 feet up the hill to safety. He was brought to a local animal shelter for treatment of starvation, dehydration and exposure to poison oak. It was also discovered that the dog, given the name Argon, had telltale signs of lymphoma — a diagnosis that was later confirmed by animal care specialists. Local nonprofits began raising funds for the dog to cover costs for his treatment, and to hopefully locate the person who left him to die in a remote area of Malibu Canyon. He was eventually transferred to the German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County where he became a 'beloved guest' and a 'model of heroism and strength for his followers.' The cancer treatment, officials said, proved to be successful and Argon was able to enjoy five months of 'pain-free remission' in which he ran and played and enjoyed his new lease on life. He even got adopted by 'a wonderful woman and slept in a cozy bed by her feet every night.' But, sadly, the cancer returned, and the dog who battled and fought and refused to give up, ultimately was too tired to keep going. His rescuers say he will be remembered for having a gentle and forgiving spirit, not for the pain and loss that he endured in his tragically short life. 'His story is one of inspiration and hope and reminds us that compassion conquers cruelty in the end,' officials said. 'The last things he experienced were love, great care and the knowledge that he was treasured.' The person responsible for abandoning Argon is still sought by law enforcement and animal welfare groups. The $25,000 reward raised by local groups remains available for anyone who's able to provide information that leads to their identification or arrest. Anyone with information is urged to call In Defense Of Animals at 415-879-6879. Those who wish to honor Argon's memory are encouraged to make a charitable donation to the German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County in his name. The donation-funded nonprofit focuses on rehabilitating and rehoming German shepherd dogs that have faced past hardship. For more information, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
