Top 10 Wins for Animals Rights and Conservation in 2023!

Agriculture is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. To assist UK consumers in finding environmentally and ethically sound food options, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals launched its inaugural Farming Awards in March.

Concentrating on ethical, animal-free farming, the awards highlighted producers for their sustainable practices and products. These ranged from a seaweed farm in Scotland to a beef farmer who had relocated all of his cows to a sanctuary.

2. A New Camera From a Dutch Company Started Catching Poachers

In national parks throughout Africa, catching poachers in the act was often nearly impossible. This is where the Dutch tech company, Hack the Planet, played a role with their brand-new camera in March.

3. US Provided Funding to Help Wildlife Crossing

In April, the US Department of Transportation allocated funds for the implementation of wildlife crossings on high-traffic roads. To address this concern, Indigenous groups, along with state and local governments, will now have access to $350 million (€320) in funding.

Research indicates that over 350 million vertebrate animals fall victim to traffic-related incidents in the United States annually. Simultaneously, federal officials report approximately 200 human fatalities each year resulting from collisions between wildlife and vehicles.

4. Green Turtle Served as Hope for Conservation

For three centuries, human habitation on Reunion Island, located near Mauritius, led to the disappearance of baby turtles from its beaches until 2004.

However, persistent efforts in Conservation have successfully transformed this French overseas department into a welcoming environment for the globally endangered species.

Emma, a 30-year-old turtle weighing 150kg, is one of the two reproductive turtles on Reunion. In May, she successfully laid her sixth set of eggs.

5. Extinct Lion Spotted in Chad’s Sena Oura National Park

In April, in Chad’s Sena Oura National Park, a lion was observed for the first time in nearly two decades.

Previously, researchers had thought that these animals were no longer present in the region near Chad’s border with Cameroon.

This recent sighting, the first since 2004, suggests a potential resurgence in the population of big cats in the area.

6. Panama Gave Legal Rights to Sea Turtles

In May, Panama enacted legislation that would ensure that sea turtles have the right to exist and move freely in a thriving environment.

According to Callie Veelenturf, the founder of a group dedicated to safeguarding leatherback turtles and a proponent of the law, it “empowers any Panamanian citizen to advocate for sea turtles and legally protect their rights.”

This legal framework enables individuals to hold governments, corporations, and members of the public accountable for any infringements on the rights of sea turtles.

7. UN Adopted Treaty to Protect Marine Life

Until recently, a mere 1% of the extensive oceanic regions worldwide enjoyed protection.

However, a groundbreaking development occurred in June as UN members adopted the inaugural treaty designed to protect biodiversity in areas beyond national boundaries, commonly referred to as the high seas.

The UN’s leader lauded this historic agreement, emphasizing that it provides the ocean with “a fighting chance.”

8. Iceland’s Summer Whaling Season was Suspended

In the interest of animal welfare, Iceland temporarily halted whaling in June until the conclusion of August. Iceland’s Food Minister, Svandis Svavarsdottir, has suggested the possibility of implementing a complete ban in the future.

Svavarsdottir stated, “If the government and [hunting] licensees are unable to ensure compliance with the welfare standards outlined in Iceland’s Animal Welfare Act, this practice may not have a future.”

9. 2,000 White Rhinos Were Part of a Rewilding Project

An NGO based in South Africa acquired the largest captive rhino breeding operation globally in July. The organization’s objective is to reintroduce these rhinos into the wild across Africa.

African Parks took action following an unsuccessful online auction of breeder John Hume’s 2,000 rhinos, which received no bids. Over the next decade, the Conservation organization aims to transfer these animals to protected areas throughout the continent, contributing to the preservation of the species.

10. Holograms Replaced Live Animals at German Circus

In 1991, the Roncalli Circus in Germany ceased the inclusion of lions and elephants in its performances, citing concerns for animal welfare. Taking a step further in 2018, the circus eliminated live animals from its program. Starting in September, in their place, holograms now take center stage.