Life in Prison for Killer Whales: Gabriela Cowperthwaite, Director of Blackfish, on the Tragedy of Marine Parks
Gabriela Cowperthwaite was a regular “mother who took her kids to Seaworld”... then Tilikum the orca killed trainer Dawn Brancheau, and Cowperthwaite set out to understand why. The result is the documentary film Blackfish. Hear all about the film that has got people talking about captivity, made Seaworld nervous, and maybe even influenced the plot...
A Chill in the Niagara Air: Marineland Lawsuits Target Activists, Whistleblowers
Ontario is shivering through some frosty weather right now, but this show is about a different kind of “chilling effect”: massive lawsuits launched against activists.
Operation Crush Captivity!: Dylan Powell of Marineland Animal Defense
We were joined very briefly last week by grassroots, DIY activist and co-founder of The Vegan Police, Dylan Powell. Dylan discussed the news that Seaworld has won a lawsuit against Marineland over the custody and care of Ikaika, an 8 year old Orka. Dylan is back today to tell us more about the Marineland Animal Defense (MAD), whose stated goals...
Fear of the Animal Planet: The Hidden History of Animal Resistance
This week we speak with historian, researcher and writer, Jason Hribal, whose new book, “Fear of the Animal Planet: The Hidden History of Animal Resistance” continues his work of studying history from below, with specific focus on incidents of animal resistance. In this episode, Hribal explains how he became interested in studying the history of...
What Holds Back The Elephant: Julie Woodyer Discusses the Ongoing Case Of Lucy
The ongoing case of Lucy the elephant is perhaps one of the most well-known animal advocacy campaigns in Canada. Confined at the Edmonton Valley Zoo for over 30 years, Lucy’s story is a tragic case of neglect and abuse, as the normally far-ranging and very social elephant continues to be kept alone, in an inappropriate...
Animals Asia Foundation: Sanctuary and the Struggle to End Bear Bile Farming
Jill Robinson, founder and CEO of Animals Asia Foundation, joins us from Chengdu, China. Tune in to hear Robinson describe her work with Chinese and Vietnamese animal activists to provide sanctuary for moon bears (Asiatic black bears), and their efforts to stop bear bile farming. Robinson provides detailed first-hand accounts of bear rescues, painting vivid...
Different Ways of Knowing: Birding, Aquariums, and the End of Suffering? Part II
Traci Warkentin and Gavan Watson join us in studio again for Part II of “Different Ways of Knowing: Birding, Aquariums, and the End of Suffering?” In this conversation, Traci and Gavan describe the work of some of their influences, including environmental philosophers Neil Evernden, Val Plumwood, Donna Haraway, David Quammen, among others. They also provide a...
Different Ways of Knowing: Birding, Aquariums, and the End of Suffering?
Between peering into binoculars and keeping meticulous checklists, for some outside the activity, bird watching may seem perplexing. Why do people enjoy it, and what does the practice reveal about human-animal relationships? Or, consider aquariums, with their carefully choreographed performances and animal-touching activities. What ideas about animals and conservation are encouraged through such institutions, and...
Captivity, a Captain, & Some Sage Advice
As the weather warms, many people emerge from hibernation in search of summer fun, including trips to the zoo. But what are animals’ experiences of captivity? Tomorrow we’ll hear from Rob Laidlaw (Zoocheck) about the physical and psychological effects of confined living. Then Pat Tohill (WSPA) will shed light on the dismal state of Ontario’s...
Marine Mammal Captivity, the Seal Hunt, & Foie Gras
We’ll be discussing 3 of the past week’s top news stories concerning the animal rights movement starting with how West Edmonton Mall reneged on their pledge to replace Howard the dolphin with human performers following years of protest and Howard’s recent relocation. The Mall has now imported 3 sea lions from Scotland to be their...
Film, A Peaceable Kingdom. Plus, Marineland sues nonprofit for $250,000
Interviews with Dan Wilson of Niagara Action for Animals (NAfA) and the folks who brought us the powerful documentary, Peaceable Kingdom: Director, Jenny Stein; Producer, James LaVeck; and former rancher turned animal advocate, Harold Brown who is featured in the film. The non-profit organization, NAfA, is being sued by Marineland, who is seeking $250,000 (CDN) in damages...
Randy Malamud, author of Reading Zoos: Representations of Animals and Captivity
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