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AllAfrica
01-08-2025
- General
- AllAfrica
Pandas as China's most valuable and vulnerable diplomats
Anthony Albanese's recent visit to Chengdu's panda breeding base showed the enduring power of China's panda diplomacy. China has been sending pandas to other countries, sometimes for obviously political reasons, since the 1940s. The term 'panda diplomacy' became widespread when China gifted two pandas to the United States on Richard Nixon's 1972 visit. In a new paper published in The Pacific Review, we explain the importance of panda diplomacy for the Chinese state. This importance persists during times of high political tension between China and other countries that host pandas, such as the United States. And it persists despite growing concerns about it in China. No other animal can match the giant panda's combination of universal appeal and national distinctiveness. The global popularity of pandas is a rare source of soft power for China, inspiring warm feelings and cultural acceptance. But the flipside of cuteness is vulnerability. Pandas are seen as 'national treasures' in China, and nationalist netizens are becoming upset about the practice of entrusting them to foreign powers. This is not the only case where Chinese popular nationalism has been at odds with the official nationalism of Chinese foreign policy. In our article, we explore these issues by looking at the Chinese government's response to the death of a panda in an American zoo. And we examine how the panda came to be such an emotionally charged and politically powerful symbol in the first place. In February 2023, the 25-year-old giant panda Lele died of heart disease in Memphis Zoo, shortly before he was due to return to China at the end of his 20-year loan. His female companion, Yaya, went back to China soon after. Yaya had suffered from a skin condition for many years, and in 2020 American animal rights groups In Defense of Animals and Panda Voices began posting photos of the pandas appearing dirty and emaciated, with missing fur. These photos generated rumors on Chinese social media that the pandas were being fed substandard bamboo and contaminated water. Much of the outrage and concern, expressed across millions of social media posts, was couched in nationalist terms. One Weibo user commented: our national treasure panda begging for food while kneeling is the same as us 1.4 billion Chinese people begging for food while kneeling! Another complained: pandas are claimed to be national treasures, but they are more like princesses in diplomatic marriages. In the face of national interests, whether a panda is doing well or dying is fundamentally unimportant. Many called for the abolition of panda diplomacy. The Memphis Zoo controversy happened at one of the lowest points in the recent history of relations between the US and China. Former President Joe Biden had just ordered the destruction of a Chinese surveillance balloon that had spent weeks in American airspace. Planned diplomatic talks had been cancelled, and both sides were accusing each other of infringing their sovereignty. Under these circumstances, we might expect the Chinese government to exploit popular nationalist outrage directed at the United States. Instead, its response to the death and illness of the Memphis pandas was measured and conciliatory. Following Lele's death and just before Yaya's return, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters the pandas had received good care from the zoo and great affection from the American people […]. China stands ready to continue to work with cooperation partners including the US to play our part in protecting endangered species. Chinese zoological authorities confirmed Lele and Yaya's conditions were normal for pandas 'in the geriatric phase of their lives.' They declared that the Memphis Zoo's care of the pandas was 'excellent.' The hawkish state-owned newspaper Global Times ran editorials exonerating the Americans, even while acknowledging nationalist concerns. It would also exonerate a zoo in Thailand where a panda died a few months later. Other newspapers ran stories about the broader benefits to China of panda diplomacy. Both the online nationalist outrage and the calming state response to the Memphis controversy show the emotional weight and political importance of pandas in China. How did they get to be so important? Historians have documented that pandas were virtually absent from Chinese art, literature and culture until the 20th century. In historical terms, the panda is an unusual political symbol. Many national animal symbols are chosen for their ferocity, such as lions, eagles, and the dragons that long symbolised Imperial China. Pandas, on the other hand, are loved for their roundness, innocence and clumsiness. If a dragon can be seen as a nation's protective parent, a panda is more like its vulnerable child. The fact that wild pandas are only found in China deepens this attachment, much as it does for Australians with koalas or New Zealanders with kiwis. Our search for mentions of xiongmao (panda) in China's People's Daily newspaper shows a developing consciousness of pandas as a rare national animal from the 1950s onwards. This was accelerated in the 1970s by the popularity of pandas gifted to other countries, and the widespread commercialization of panda images. In 1983, the wild panda population in Sichuan was brought to the brink of starvation by the flowering and death of bamboo plants. This led to the mass mobilisation of the population to save the precious bears through donations and volunteering. This incident enshrined the language of pandas as 'national treasures.' It also elevated the panda as a global icon of wildlife conservation. Today, conservation research is China's main public reason for sending pandas abroad. The 21st-century panda has many layers of accumulated symbolism. It is a symbol of China, a symbol of international friendship, a symbol of global environmental consciousness and a symbol of the universal power of cute. These symbolic layers have generated complex and contradictory political emotions around pandas in China. In 2023, there was widespread speculation that pandas would not be returning to the United States and Australia because of their poor relationships with China. That speculation turned out to be premature. But the question of whether 'national treasure' pandas should be diplomats will remain a difficult one in a world defined by both environmental and human vulnerability. David Smith is associate professor in American politics and foreign policy, US Studies Centre, University of Sydney and Minglu Chen is senior lecturer in government and international relations, University of Sydney This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Florida enacts Dexter's and Trooper's Law to combat animal abuse
TAMPA, Fla. (BLOOM) — Two new state laws aimed at protecting animals and increasing accountability for abusers are set to take effect in Florida, following the recent signing of Dexter's Law and Trooper's Law by Gov. Ron DeSantis. Dexter's Law, named after a dog found brutally decapitated and stuffed into a plastic bag days after being adopted in 2023, strengthens penalties for aggravated animal cruelty and creates Florida's first-ever public registry of convicted animal abusers. The law takes effect July 1. The measure introduces a 1.25 sentencing multiplier in cases of aggravated animal cruelty and requires the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to maintain a searchable database identifying individuals convicted of such offenses. Supporters say the law is a critical tool for transparency, deterrence, and prevention. 'Making the identities of convicted abusers public will empower shelters, rescue groups, and adopters to protect vulnerable animals,' said Doll Stanley, Justice for Animals Campaign Director for In Defense of Animals. 'Dexter's Law is justice for Dexter — and a powerful safeguard for other animals statewide.' In Defense of Animals, a national nonprofit, led advocacy efforts with more than 14,000 signatures pushing for justice in Dexter's case and over 1,000 Floridians contacting lawmakers to demand legislative change. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Linda Chaney, Sen. Tom Leek, and Rep. Meg Weinberger, and championed by Port Orange resident Debbie Darino, also behind 2018's Ponce's Law. Gov. DeSantis also signed Trooper's Law, which makes it a third-degree felony to restrain and abandon a dog outdoors during a declared natural disaster or mandatory evacuation. Named after a bull terrier rescued by Florida Highway Patrol during Hurricane Milton, the law goes into effect Oct. 1. The new laws are especially relevant to the Tampa Bay area, where hurricanes and tropical storms are regular threats. Local animal advocates say Trooper's Law could be lifesaving for pets and first responders alike during future emergencies. 'These are commonsense protections that reflect how seriously Floridians value the safety of animals,' said Amy Rondeau, a longtime Tampa Bay volunteer with rescue organizations. 'Trooper's Law will encourage more people to think twice before leaving dogs behind when a storm hits.' Experts note that these laws go beyond animal welfare. Dr. Marilyn Kroplick, a psychiatrist and president of In Defense of Animals, says cruelty to animals often correlates with human violence. 'Dexter's Law is not just about protecting dogs — it's a public safety measure,' Kroplick said. 'Identifying abusers can help prevent further trauma and violence in our communities.' With the enactment of both laws, Florida becomes one of the few states with a public animal abuse registry — a move animal rights groups hope other states will emulate. For Tampa Bay residents, the laws offer reassurance that abusers will face greater consequences and that pets, particularly during the state's tumultuous hurricane season, will have stronger protections. More information and resources are available through In Defense of Animals at Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Last two elephants to leave L.A. Zoo after years of controversy
The L.A. Zoo is putting an indefinite pause on its elephant program and relocating its two remaining herd members, Billy and Tina, to Oklahoma, where they will live in a newly expanded elephant habit at the Tulsa Zoo. The elephant program has been criticized by animal rights advocates for decades because of its small enclosure size and history of deaths and health challenges among its inhabitants. Celebrities including Cher, Lily Tomlin, and the late Bob Baker have previously advocated for Billy — who has been at the L.A. Zoo since 1989 — to be moved to an elephant sanctuary, citing concerns over his mental and physical health in the enclosure. Motions to relocate him have been proposed three times by the City Council. Read more: Billy the elephant is ailing from 30 years at L.A. Zoo and should be moved, City Council panel says The L.A. Zoo, however, has long defended the quality of care provided to its elephants and did not cite any health issues as a reason for the relocation, which was announced Tuesday. The zoo said that it's currently unfeasible to replace Billy and Tina's two former herd members, who recently died, and that elephants need to live in larger social groups, so officials opted to move them. Jewel, 61, and Shaunzi, 53 were euthanized in 2023 and 2024 respectively, because of health issues that the zoo said were age-related and not due to their enclosure or care. Read more: After two L.A. Zoo elephants die in the span of one year, the City Council wants answers "Creating a larger social herd at the L.A. Zoo is currently not a viable option due to the limited availability of Asian elephants within the AZA [Assn. of Zoos and Aquariums] population," the zoo wrote in a news release. "Moving them to Tulsa, another AZA-accredited zoo with an excellent elephant program, will allow Billy and Tina to continue receiving exceptional care with opportunities to integrate with a larger herd." Courtney Scott, an elephant consultant with animal welfare organization In Defense of Animals, said she had mixed feelings about the L.A. Zoo's announcement. "I'm glad that they are at least pausing and hopefully ultimately ending their elephant program," she said. "It's very disappointing that they're sending them to another zoo, especially when you know there has been years and years of efforts through the City Council to send those elephants to a sanctuary." A date has not been set for the elephants' move, so Angelenos still have a chance to visit the animals at Griffith Park. Billy and Tina will be joining five other Asian elephants at the Tulsa Zoo, which recently expanded their elephant complex to include a 36,650-square-foot barn and a 10-acre wooded preserve. In Defense of Animals ranked the L.A. Zoo as No. 1 on its "10 Worst Zoos for Elephants" list for the second year in a row this year, citing Billy's and Tina's poor health and social isolation. "Both elephants suffer from severe zoo-related medical problems," the organization stated in its report. "Billy experiences recurring foot problems — one of the most common causes of death for elephants in zoos — while Tina suffers from osteoarthritis, joint disease, and bouts of lameness." In addition, the organization said, both elephants display distributing levels of what they say is zoochotic behavior. Billy is often seen bobbing, pacing and swaying — all signs of brain damage caused by years of captivity, the organization said. Scott said both animals would be better off at a sanctuary where they have many acres to openly roam in, rather than in the confinement of another zoo enclosure. Billy's bobbing is a key reason that members of the public and L.A. City Council have advocated for him to be relocated to a sanctuary. "I can't get over Billy's head-bobbing. Every time I go there, that's all he does," then-Councilmember Ed Reyes said during a 2008 City Council discussion over whether to halt construction on the L.A. Zoo's new elephant habitat in favor of creating a 60-acre preserve in the L.A. Basin. In 2009, the council voted to allow the zoo to complete the exhibit and keep Billy. Concerns over Billy's health were once again trumpeted in City Hall in January 2018 when then-Councilmember Paul Koretz advocated for a motion to relocate Billy, citing concerns about his mental and physical health. Koretz tried to move a similar motion forward again in December 2022, but neither advanced to a full-council vote. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles Times
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Last two elephants to leave L.A. Zoo after years of controversy
The L.A. Zoo is putting an indefinite pause on its elephant program and relocating its two remaining herd members, Billy and Tina, to Oklahoma, where they will live in a newly expanded elephant habit at the Tulsa Zoo. The elephant program has been criticized by animal rights advocates for decades because of its small enclosure size and history of deaths and health challenges among its inhabitants. Celebrities including Cher, Lily Tomlin, and the late Bob Baker have previously advocated for Billy — who has been at the L.A. Zoo since 1989 — to be moved to an elephant sanctuary, citing concerns over his mental and physical health in the enclosure. Motions to relocate him have been proposed three times by the City Council. The L.A. Zoo, however, has long defended the quality of care provided to its elephants and did not cite any health issues as a reason for the relocation, which was announced Tuesday. The zoo said that it's currently unfeasible to replace Billy and Tina's two former herd members, who recently died, and that elephants need to live in larger social groups, so officials opted to move them. Jewel, 61, and Shaunzi, 53 were euthanized in 2023 and 2024 respectively, because of health issues that the zoo said were age-related and not due to their enclosure or care. 'Creating a larger social herd at the L.A. Zoo is currently not a viable option due to the limited availability of Asian elephants within the AZA [Assn. of Zoos and Aquariums] population,' the zoo wrote in a news release. 'Moving them to Tulsa, another AZA-accredited zoo with an excellent elephant program, will allow Billy and Tina to continue receiving exceptional care with opportunities to integrate with a larger herd.' Courtney Scott, an elephant consultant with animal welfare organization In Defense of Animals, said she had mixed feelings about the L.A. Zoo's announcement. 'I'm glad that they are at least pausing and hopefully ultimately ending their elephant program,' she said. 'It's very disappointing that they're sending them to another zoo, especially when you know there has been years and years of efforts through the City Council to send those elephants to a sanctuary.' A date has not been set for the elephants' move, so Angelenos still have a chance to visit the animals at Griffith Park. Billy and Tina will be joining five other Asian elephants at the Tulsa Zoo, which recently expanded their elephant complex to include a 36,650-square-foot barn and a 10-acre wooded preserve. In Defense of Animals ranked the L.A. Zoo as No. 1 on its '10 Worst Zoos for Elephants' list for the second year in a row this year, citing Billy's and Tina's poor health and social isolation. 'Both elephants suffer from severe zoo-related medical problems,' the organization stated in its report. 'Billy experiences recurring foot problems — one of the most common causes of death for elephants in zoos — while Tina suffers from osteoarthritis, joint disease, and bouts of lameness.' In addition, the organization said, both elephants display distributing levels of what they say is zoochotic behavior. Billy is often seen bobbing, pacing and swaying — all signs of brain damage caused by years of captivity, the organization said. Scott said both animals would be better off at a sanctuary where they have many acres to openly roam in, rather than in the confinement of another zoo enclosure. Billy's bobbing is a key reason that members of the public and L.A. City Council have advocated for him to be relocated to a sanctuary. 'I can't get over Billy's head-bobbing. Every time I go there, that's all he does,' then-Councilmember Ed Reyes said during a 2008 City Council discussion over whether to halt construction on the L.A. Zoo's new elephant habitat in favor of creating a 60-acre preserve in the L.A. Basin. In 2009, the council voted to allow the zoo to complete the exhibit and keep Billy. Concerns over Billy's health were once again trumpeted in City Hall in January 2018 when then-Councilmember Paul Koretz advocated for a motion to relocate Billy, citing concerns about his mental and physical health. Koretz tried to move a similar motion forward again in December 2022, but neither advanced to a full-council vote.
Yahoo
23-02-2025
- Yahoo
Animal-rights advocates denounce 100th year anniversary of Tucson Rodeo competitions
Animal rights advocates protested the Tucson Rodeo, a century-old event they argued perpetuates a culture of abuse in competitive rodeo, a claim rejected by event organizers. On Feb. 15, the rodeo's opening day, a small group of protesters gathered outside the grounds, holding signs. The demonstration was organized by In Defense of Animals and the Tucson-based group Supporting and Promoting Ethics for the Animal Kingdom (SPEAK). The group alleged that the Tucson Rodeo used physically abusive methods to wrangle and manage horses and bulls during the competition. "Animals do not exist for human entertainment and rodeos have no place in a modern, progressive society," wrote Brittany Michelson, spokesperson for SPEAK in a news release. The group cited the alleged use of electroshock devices, spurs, and straps that abuse and hurt animals. Sam Merriman, chairman of the Tucson Rodeo, refuted these claims in a written statement to The Arizona Republic, emphasizing that the event operates under the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), which enforces strict safety rules for both animals and participants. He also noted that a veterinarian is embedded within the rodeo to ensure animal welfare. According to PRCA regulations, spurs must be dulled, and electric shock prods may only be used when necessary, and only on an animal's hip or shoulder. A shock prod might be used if an animal becomes stuck in the chute area, where they are contained before release. Violators face fines or disqualification from a rodeo competition. "The Tucson Rodeo Committee is proud to produce one of Tucson's longest running community events. We are proud to continue to produce a safe and enjoyable event for thousands every year," wrote Merriman. Merriman added that a veterinarian was on-site to oversee the care and treatment of animals throughout all Tucson Rodeo competitions. "I have not treated animal injuries in the Tucson Rodeo performances this year," said Eddie Taylor, Tucson Rodeo's veterinarian. In Defense of Animals and SPEAK planned another protest on the final day of the Tucson Rodeo, scheduled for Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., according to a news release. The organizations also rallied nearly 16,500 supporters, urging community leaders, including the Tucson City Council and Mayor Regina Romero, to ban the use of electric shock devices at the rodeo. "Contrary to claims by the Tucson Rodeo that electric prods are only used sparingly on 'problem animals,' ongoing video monitoring of the events clearly documents the consistent and arbitrary use of shock devices on the horses and bulls as they're released from the chutes,' wrote Gary Vella, president of SPEAK. Reach reporter Rey Covarrubias Jr. at rcovarrubias@ Follow him on X, Threads and Bluesky @ReyCJrAZ. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Animal-rights advocates protest alleged abuse at Tucson Rodeo
