Blogs & News

Find out more about our on-site operations, read up on animal-related topics and receive regular updates from our FOUR PAWS experts.

        Tiger Rafik laying in shade at LIONSROCK

        FOUR PAWS, For News

        A weekly source of animal news stories from around the web.

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        Tiger Messi laying in the tall grasses at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary

        Before and After: Rescue Transformations

        Before and after transformations of animals rescued from the entertainment industry and captive exploitation.

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        Set for the animation of the 'Be Their Voice' video

        Behind the Scenes of 'Be Their Voice'

        Creating an animation to help save millions of lambs

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        A group of young lambs

        Broken Promises, Broken System

        Why 140 million lambs have suffered while the Wool Industry stalls

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        Aerial view of hurricaine swirling over the gulf coast of USer

        Stay Safe During Storm Surge

        What is storm surge and how can you prepare?

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        Close up of brown cow's eye

        Climate Week 2024

        During Climate Week, remember that animal agriculture is a big part of the problem, and a big part of the solution too.

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        Brown Bear Sylvia eating dandelions in a field

        Chef Priyanka Helps Protect Bears

        Chef Priyanka Naik meets the "Dream Team" at BEAR SANCTUARY Muritz and spreads awareness for bears in need.

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        Brown and black dog with sad looking eyes lays on the floor

        FOUR PAWS Statement on Turkish Parliament’s Decision to Kill Thousands of Stray Dogs

        FOUR PAWS condemns the Turkish Parliament’s decision to kill Thousands of Stray Dogs, and calls on Turkish President Erdoğan to not ratify the law

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        Lion Manuschka leaving her transport crate at her new sanctuary home

        FOUR PAWS Rescues Circus Lioness in Germany

        FOUR PAWS Rescues Circus Lion in Germany and advocates for a ban of wild animals in circuses worldwide.

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        Lambs standing in a field

        Introducing the Term ‘Live Lamb Cutting’ to Replace Mulesing

        The term "live lamb cutting" wll replace mulesing to describe a painful and archaic procedure inflicted on millions of lambs.

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        Dog and cat meat trade investigation in Vietnam

        Highway to Hell

        FOUR PAWS investigates the illegal dog and cat meat trade through Vietnam.

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        Orange and white cat sitting on pad in front of bookshelf

        FOUR PAWS USA Pets

        Meet the pets of FOUR PAWS USA!

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        Borwn bear with enrichment shaped like red tulips

        Self-Care Like a Bear

        Our rescued bears can be an inspiration for your own self-care routine.

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        Bear laying in grass, looking at camera.

        The Emerging Science of Consciousness

        The movement to recognize animal consciousness is growing and has important implications for animal welfare.

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        Animal Welfare Posters lined up against wall at State House in MA

        Animal Lobby Day

        Animal Lobby Day in Boston offers a chance for citizens to meet with their state elected officials to advocate for animal welfare.

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        Surrogate mother Aoliya interacting with Tegar

        Mother's Day

        On Mother's Day, we celebrate all kinds of moms--both human and animal!

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        Michal napping amonst flowering trees at Muritz

        March Napness 2024

        Our annual sleepiest bear competition is back! March Napness is the bracket style challenge to guess which rescued bear will hibernate the longest.

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        Cat at a free vaccination drive in Hoi An, VietnamCat at a free vaccination drive in Hoi An, Vietnam

        FOUR PAWS in Hoi An, Vietnam

        FOUR PAWS is working towards a dog and cat meat-free city in Hai An, Vietnam.

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        Brown bear Dushi lays on the forest floor near a tree

        Awake or Just Taking a Break?

        There is a period of time when bears awake from hibernation, so how do we decide when a bear is officially awake in our March Napness Competition?

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        Two shelter staff members with rescued dog

        Caring for Dogs Rescued from the Dog Meat Trade

        https://www.fourpawsusa.org/campaigns-topics/campaigns/end-the-dog-and-cat-meat-trade

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        Fox on a fur farm in Poland

        Interview with SLAY Director Rebecca Cappelli

        In this interview, SLAY documentary director Rebecca Capelli talks about animal cruelty in fashion, her documentary and what gives her hope for the future

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        FOUR PAWS staff at climate rally holding sign that reads, "No climate protection without animal protection"

        Progress at COP28: The Connection Between Animal Welfare and Climate

        The climate talks that took place at COP28 represents the first time sustainable animal agriculture was addressed in climate action plans.

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        Artist Sonny Sundancer paints a tiger mural

        Art for Endangered Species

        In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the ESA50 coalition created a series of murals around the US.

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        Geese in the snow

        Achieving Animal Welfare in Fashion in 2023

        With 2023 soon wrapping up, we are proud to showcase many highlights and wins for animal welfare in fashion over the last year.

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        FOUR PAWS Staff with Artist Sophy Tuttle

        2023 Highlights & Achievements at FOUR PAWS USA

        Take a look back at some of FOUR PAWS USA's top highlights for 2023.

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        Rescued lion in Sudan

        2023 Rescues & Accomplishments

        A look back at our top rescues and accomplishments for animals in 2023.

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        Painting of Lion Mario amonst a bright lue and organge background

        Creating Art for Big Cats

        Boston-based artist Sophy Tuttle paints a portrait of lion Mario from LIONSROCK to raise awareness for big cats.

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        Lulu from TIERART

        10 Gift Ideas to #WearItKind this Holiday Season

        10 gift ideas for animal-friendly, cruelty-free, and sustainable fashion this holiday season.

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        A flock of sheep in South Africa

        Big Names in Fashion Rated for Their Impact on Animals

        International animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS has released the third edition of its Animal Welfare in Fashion report.

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        A white and brown dog behind rusty metal bars

        South Korea Announces Ban on the Consumption of Dog Meat

        Nick Weston · 11/28/2023

        In a historic move, South Korea is paving the way for other countries to follow suit

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        Minks in a cage at a fur farm

        #FurFreeEurope: Activities and Achievements of 2022

        Find out what has been accomplished since the launch of the ECI

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        Fungi sprouting from the ground

        Fashion Forward: Next generation Materials are Both Animal Friendly and Sustainable

        Next Generation Materials are Both Animal Friendly and Sustainable

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        Rescued lions Samson and Tom at LIONSROCK

        The Endangered Species Act

        Once a touchstone of bipartisan support, the Endangered Species Act is now under attack.

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        Tiger Fangio at Al Ma'wa

        Celebrating the Endangered Species Act on its 50th Anniversary

        We are a member of a coalition that is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act

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        Bile bear in a cage

        History of the Bile Bear Trade in Vietnam

        Getting all remaining bile bears to safety and shutting down farms across Vietnam

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        Artist Sonny Sundancer paints tiger mural in NYC

        Creating Art for Animal Advocacy

        FOUR PAWS partners with artist Sonny Sundancer to paint a tiger mural in New York City

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        Tiger in circus in Germany

        Advocating for Circus Animals in Massachusetts

        FOUR PAWS is working to end circus crueltyby advocating for a ban of Elephants, Big Cats, Primates, Giraffes, And Bears In Traveling Exhibits in MA.

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        Taming Fashion: An Urgent Call to Reduce Animal Use in Fashion Sustainability Report Cover | 2023

        FOUR PAWS Launches ‘Taming Fashion’ Report

        A two-part report series that reveals the broad environmental and animal welfare costs of utilising animals for fashion

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        Cattle inside a barn

        Into the Ashes

        Every single year, millions of animals worldwide burn to death in barn fires.

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        Wildfire Smoke: How to Protect your Pet

        Wildfire Smoke: How to Protect your Pet

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        Down, leather, wool, fur – the suffering is immense and animal welfare largely goes unchecked

        Animal Use in Fashion and Little Oversight of Welfare

        A whopping five billion animals are used for fashion every year. Many customers remain unaware of the suffering inflicted on animals in this industry.

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        Coalition success in urging the department store Dillard's to go fur free!

        As a global community, we can create a kinder world for all and that includes animals.  

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        A cat being cared for by a veterinarian

        Protecting Animals Means Protecting Our Vets Too

        Our veterinarians are facing a mental health crisis. Help spread awareness and reduce the stigma around mental health issues.

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        Veterinarian Dr Frank Göritz in Khan Younis Zoo in the Gaza Strip

        World Veterinary Day

        Celebrate the world class vets at the helm of our emergency rescue missions.

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        Stray dog in Moldova

        Hope for Moldova's Stray Dogs

        Artist Sophie Gamand joined the FOUR PAWS team on a Stray Animal Care programme in Moldova.

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        FOUR PAWS earthquake relief in Syria

        Seven Hours in Syria to Deliver Aid for Animals

        Fabian Chaundy · 3/14/2023

        FOUR PAWS travels to Syria to deliver 20 tonnes of farm animal feed and 3.6 tonnes of dog and cat food to the city of Jindires. Read more.

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        Release at LIONSROCK

        Women Fighting for Animals Around the Globe

        Meet the FOUR PAWS female animal guardians

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        Child holding baby goat at small farm in Türkiye

        Saving Lives and Livelihoods in Rural Türkiye

        Fabian Chaundy · 3/9/2023

        The FOUR PAWS Rapid Response Mission in Türkiye delivers feed and aid to animals affected by the earthquakes. Blog by Fabian Chaundy.

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        Rescuers holding puppies trapped by earthquake debris

        Rescuing Animals Trapped by Earthquakes

        Jackson Zee · 3/6/2023

        It's a race against time

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        Australian Merino sheep

        Progress in Australia: Economic study shows switching to non-mulesed sheep is a success

        New survey of 97 wool producers shows proven success of the non-mulesed system

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        Australian Merino sheep

        Progress in Australia: Economic study shows switching to non-mulesed sheep is a success

        New survey of 97 wool producers shows proven success of the non-mulesed system

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        Bear sleeping at BEAR SANCTUARY Muritz

        March Napness

        Inspired by March Madness, a contest to see which bear will be the champion of sleep.

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        Amelia and Meimo play in the snow at Arosa

        Love is in the Air

        To celebrate Valentine’s Day, we wanted to share some of our favorite animal romances!

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        Dog Helga

        Helga's Story

        Always remembered – FOUR PAWS dog Helga was rescued from the illegal puppy trade 

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        Dog meat trade survivors Jack, Lucky, and Novel

        We Flew Nine Dogs Home for the Holidays

        On Giving Tuesday 2022, we raised money to fly 9 survivors of the dog and cat meat trade from Cambodia to the United States to find their forever homes

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        Cat Kisa is sitting under a car

        The Story of Cat Kisa

        Support even in the most difficult times – Project Kishka

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        Train Tigers arriving at LIONSROCK

        2022 Rescues & Milestones

        Let's take a look back at the biggest rescues & milestones of 2022. From bears to big cats to elephants to dogs and cats; we fight for animals, worldwide.

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        Animal caregiver and dog Jackson cuddling

        So much more than a job

        Sary Dit · 12/20/2022

        Early one morning in 2021, dog caretaker Sary woke up to a call from a colleague. A minivan carrying 61 dogs headed for slaughter in had been intercepted.

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        White and grey fox laying in the snow

        Making Fashion Kinder in 2022 and Beyond

        The holidays are just around the corner. Enjoy our animal-friendly gifting tips and some key events that brought more compassion in the fashion industry.

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        Tigress Jade at LIONSROCK

        What does the future look like for big cats after CoP19?

        Key decisions from the global wildlife trade summit

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        Tiger Cara at TIEARART

        A Big Win For Big Cats

        The passage of the Big Cat Public Safety Act is a big win for big cats. It will prohibit the keeping of lions, tigers, and other big cats in the US.

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        FOUR PAWS staff at climate action

        COP27: The Good, the Bad, the Ugly, & the Underwhelming

        AT COP27, world leaders came together to discuss solutions to climate change.

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        Lion Simba

        The Next Pandemic Is Coming

        Can anything be done at CITES CoP19 to help prevent the next pandemic?

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        Gummy Candy

        What's Hiding in Your Halloween Candy?

        A guide to animal-free candy for Halloween.

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        Tom Cat Pino from Arbesbach

        In Appreciation of Spooky Animals

        Black cats, bats, and spiders—spooky animals are less terrifying (and more helpful) than you might think.

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        Kitten held by woman

        How Help For Stray Animals Kept Hope Alive

        Manuela Rowlings · 10/21/2022

        FOUR PAWS Stray Animal Care Ukraine: The life of a stray animal is a tough one. Strays are vulnerable to hunger, illness, injuries, and mistreatment.

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        Rescued lamb at farm sanctuary

        Animal-Friendly Fashion Collection at Where Pigs Fly Farm Sanctuary

        Global and local fashion brands showcased at a special Wear it Kind photoshoot

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        Rescued lamb at farm sanctuary

        Animal-Friendly Fashion Collection at Where Pigs Fly Farm Sanctuary

        Global and local fashion brands showcased at a special Wear it Kind photoshoot

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        Bears Emma and Erich swimming at BEAR SANCTUARY Arbesbach

        #BehindTheScenes at BEAR SANCTUARY Arbesbach

        Animal caretaker and administration supporter, Gerlinde Mairhofer gives us an exclusive look behind the scenes at the sanctuary! ​​​​​​​

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        FOUR PAWS and The Dodo

        Watch the whole collection! 

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        Caged tiger lying in concrete room

        Big Cat Trade: The Thin Line Between Legal and Illegal Trade

        Blog by Ruxandra Cracea, Wildlife Trade Campaigner, FOUR PAWS

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        Tiger and lions

        CITES CoP19: The conference deciding the future of big cats

        A blog post by Vanessa Amoroso, Head of Wild Animals in Trade at FOUR PAWS

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        Tiger Bela

        Reading Between the Stripes

        Myth-busting facts about tigers

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        Puma Tikam at TIERART

        #BehindTheScenes at TIERART Wild Animal Sanctuary

        Chief Animal Caretaker Tim Zeller gives us a look behind the scenes at our German wild animal sanctuary

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        Tigress Varvara at TIERART

        #BehindTheScenes at TIERART Wild Animal Sanctuary

        Chief Animal Caretaker for Big Cats, Christopher Nunheim, gives us an exclusive look behind the scenes at the wild animal sanctuary in Germany

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        Cat "Tiger" rescued from DCMT

        Fight For Cats: Rescued from the Cat Meat Trade, These Felines are Looking for their Forever Homes in the US

        Rescued from the cat meat trade in Vietnam, meet the cats who took their freedom flights to the US.

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        Bear Dushi at BEAR SANCTUARY Müritz

        #BehindTheScenes at BEAR SANCTUARY Müritz

        Animal Caretaker Bianca Wöhlke gives us a look behind the scenes at the German bear sanctuary

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        Stella McCartney bag, Paris Fashion Week 2020

        Animal Welfare in Fashion Report Names the Best and Worst Brands in 2021

        FOUR PAWS reports good progress on animal welfare in fashion, but there is still a long way to go

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        A horse being whipped in Petra park

        Working Horses of Petra Get Much Needed Care After COVID-19 Lockdown

        Our team arrive in Jordan to provide medical attention 

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        Two lambs

        Five cool facts about sheep

        How much do we really know about sheep and their lives?

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        Sheep with lambs in a barn

        Farm Highlight: The future is non-mulesed

        How an Australian wool producing family successfully ended the painful practice of mulesing

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        Sheep with lambs in a barn

        Farm Highlight: The future is non-mulesed

        How an Australian wool producing family successfully ended the painful practice of mulesing

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        Chickens on broiler farm

        Humans, Animals & the Health of the earth

        Developing the international pandemic instrument

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        Three raccoon dogs in a cage

        "A Kill from Kitz"

        FOUR PAWS reveals the truth behind Sportalm's fur greenwashing.

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        AAI Dog Busia

        FOUR PAWS Ukraine Receives Award for Animal Assisted Interventions Project

        Ian Petinov and the AAI Ukraine Team · 1/18/2022

        Recognising the positive contribution made to animal and human welfare in Vinnytsia

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        Vincent & Roman at FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary

        #BehindTheScenes at FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary

        In this interview the animal caretaker Erin Timmer gives us an exclusive look behind the scenes!

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        Lion at FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary

        #BehindTheScenes at FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary

        Curator Juno van Zon gives us an exclusive look behind the scenes at the sanctuary! ​​​​​​​

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        Mink

        From Rooftops to Retailers

        FOUR PAWS, one of the world’s largest animal welfare organizations, began because of fur

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        Philanthropy and Charitable Giving

        What is philanthropy and how can it help animals

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        Cara at TIERART Wild Animal Sanctuary

        #BehindTheScenes at TIERART Wild Animal Sanctuary

        Site Manager, Florian Eiserlo, gives us an exclusive look behind the scenes at the German wild animal sanctuary.

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        Beirut Bear

        The Beirut Bears: The Odyssey of Homer and Ulysses

        The Beirut Bears were rescued from a zoo within Lebanon. After many obstacles, the bears were finally transported to The Wild Animal Sanctuary in the US.

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        20 Dogs Who Took Their Freedom Flights to the US Have Found Forever Homes

        All the dogs who took their freedom flights to the US have found their forever homes

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        20 Dogs Who Took Their Freedom Flights to the US Have Found Forever Homes

        All the dogs who took their freedom flights to the US have found their forever homes

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        Bear at BEAR SANCTUARY Müritz

        #BehindTheScenes at BEAR SANCTUARY Mueritz

        Animal Caretaker Sabine Steinmeier gives us an exclusive look behind the scenes at the sanctuary! ​​​​​​​

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        Dr. Amir Khalil with Kaavan

        Lonely No More: Kaavan the elephant becomes a star

        Kaavan, Cher and Dr. Amir Khalil star in Smithsonian Documentary on the ground-breaking rescue

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        Stray animal care of dogs in Thailand

        Dogs of the Jungle

        Dr Katherine Polak · 3/23/2021

        Our stray animal care team set on a mission to help stop the suffering of Thailand's rural dog populations

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        The Secret Life of Sleeping Bears

        What can we learn from bears that hibernate?

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        The Penjaga and Pengasuh - The Orangutan Guardians

        Penjaga and Pengasuh – The Orangutan Guardians

        Dr Signe Preuschoft and the Forest School Team · 3/1/2021

        Meet the "foster mothers" who are caring for the orphans of the Bornean rainforest

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        Supporter Spotlight: Marla Bradley

        Meet The Remarkable Woman Who Has Helped Create Global Impact

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        Smush Saving the World: A Famous Cat Saving Her Own

        FOUR PAWS partners with influencer to #FightForCats and end the cat meat trade in Southeast Asia

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        Afien and lion Bobby

        Taking Care of Traumatized Big Cats

        Afien Groenhof-Westra · 11/27/2020

        Afien Groenhof-Westra is animal caretaker at FELIDA Big Cat Centre

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        Erin Liewes and tiger Rhadja

        A Day in the Life of an Animal Caretaker

        Erin Timmer · 11/20/2020

        Erin Liewes is animal caretaker at FELIDA Big Cat Centre

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        Rescue mission Gaza 2019

        On the Frontline during Rescue Missions

        Juno van Zon · 11/16/2020

        Juno van Zon is committed to animals in conflict areas

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        Tigress Dehli

        The Establishment of a Special Care Sanctuary

        Simone Schuls · 11/7/2020

        Simone Schuls is the manager of FELIDA Big Cat Centre

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        Tomi

        Tiger Mirza rescues the life of Tiger Tomi

        It was a matter of life and death and the odds were 50/50 for the 18-year-old tiger Tomi, who was rescued by tiger Mirza

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        Animal Charity

        Hands Off Approach is Best for Animal Welfare

        Animal lover shares her experience with cub petting in South Africa

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        Bear used for traditional medicine

        Steps we can all take to Travel Kind

        Travel Kind while away and at home

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        Lions in circus

        Animal-Friendly Travel Is Easier Than You Think

        We are calling on the public to be responsible travelers and Travel Kind – for the future of humankind, the planet and for animals.

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        Dog Meat Trade Indonesia

        Dog Meat Trade Indonesia

        Dr Katherine Polak · 8/24/2020

        In Indonesia every year millions of dogs and cats are stolen from their families, crammed into cages and transported to slaughterhouses and markets.

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        Three Australian sheep

        Producers say non-mulesing improves sheep welfare in Australia

        New economic report highlights financial and sheep welfare success of wool producers who have ended mulesing

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        Big Cats from War Zones

        In recent years, FOUR PAWS had several successful missions in rescuing big cats from war-torn countries such as Iraq, Gaza and Syria

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        Hurricane Season in a time of COVID

        Jackson Zee · 5/29/2020

        A potentially strong hurricane season in the midst of a pandemic

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        Bears James and Freddie playing

        The Police Check That Changed A Bears Life

        Emily Lloyd · 5/6/2020

        When a routine police stopped a taxi in Vietnam - they were shocked with what was laying on the back seat.

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        Slaughterhouse owner with dogs in cage

        Austrian Journalist Accompanies Operation in Dog Slaughterhouse

        Denise Zöhrer looks where others turn away

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        A Journey Across the World to Escape the Dog Meat Trade

        6 Lucky Survivors Rescued, Find New Life in the U.S.

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        A Cruel Journey

        This is a true story: Our investigators recount the terrifying journey animals experience in the dog and cat meat trade

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        Where the wild horses live

        The Romanian horses were once at serious risk.

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        Dogs in cages

        51 dogs rescued from the dog meat trade in Vietnam

        Asia Canine Protection Alliance helps provide medical care for confiscated dogs 

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        Beware of Ticks!

        Caution helps to protect dogs and cats

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        Ground Zero of the Cambodian Dog Meat Trade

        A moments decision between life or death: Neary and Sopol get a second chance! 

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        Woman

        Style and Compassion

        Animal protection the new ethical fashion frontier

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        Woman wearing fur trim coat

        Think Fur is Green? Think Again!

        Why fur is not the eco-friendly choice

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        Prioritizing Pet Safety During Extreme Heat

        Rising Global Temperatures in 2019 Affect Humans and Their Beloved Pets

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        Rescued cat

        Why We Are Celebrating International Disaster Risk Reduction Day

        Jackson Zee · 10/10/2018

        As the director of the Disaster Relief unit, I know that animals are important to all communities affected by any kind of disaster.

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        No Land in sight

        The American East Coast was hit hard by hurricane Florence, forcing thousands to leave their homes and their animals behind - we packed our bags to go and look out for them.

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        Last Day on Lombok

        Looking back on our 15 day mission in Indonesia

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        Lombok's lost paradise

        Lombok's lost paradise

        Jackson Zee · 8/16/2018

        Our dangerous mission to the Indonesian islands struck by earthquakes that left hundreds of animals in urgent need

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        No more excuses, eBay

        No more excuses, eBay

        Joanna Randall · 8/3/2018

        eBay is making unconvincing excuses why they do not believe in seller identity verification while illegal puppy trade is still happening on their platform.

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        30 Years of FOUR PAWS

        In 1988, Heli Dungler in Austria founded the internationally active animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS.

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        What would life be without water?

        Cape Town is bracing itself for Day Zero

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