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We're at COP28 to Save the Whale, Save the World.

We’re at COP28 to save the whale, save the world

Ed Goodall Ed is WDC's head of intergovernmental engagement. He meets with world leaders to...
Gray whales from drone.

We’re taking steps to uncover the mysteries of whales

Vicki James Vicki is WDC's protected areas coordinator, she helps to create safe ocean spaces...
We must protect our non-human allies. Image: Tom Brakefield, aurore murguet, johan63

We’re urging governments to protect all of our climate heroes – CITES

Katie Hunter Katie supports WDC's engagement in intergovernmental conversations and is working to end captivity...
The Natütama Foundation are dedicated to protecting endangered river dolphins. Image: Natutama

Guardians of the Amazon: protecting the endangered river dolphins

Ali Wood Ali is WDC's education projects coordinator. She is the editor of Splash! and KIDZONE,...
Amazon river dolphins. Image: Fernando Trujillo/Fundacion Omacha

Amazon tragedy as endangered river dolphins die in hot water

Ali Wood Ali is WDC's education projects coordinator. She is the editor of Splash! and KIDZONE,...
Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin © Mike Bossley/WDC

WDC in Japan – Part 3: Restoring freedom to dolphins in South Korea

Katrin Matthes Katrin is WDC's communications and campaigns officer for policy & communication in Germany...
Wintery scene in Iceland

Seeking sanctuary – Iceland’s complex relationship with whales

Hayley Flanagan Hayley is WDC's engagement officer, specialising in creating brilliant content for our website...
Whaling ship Hvalur 8 arrives at the whaling station with two fin whales

A summer of hope and heartbreak for whales in Icelandic waters

Luke McMillan Luke is WDC's Head of hunting and captivity. Now that the 2023 whaling season...

China giving with one hand whilst taking with the other?

Yesterday, China broke the news that it was finally to recognise and address animal welfare within its national legislation. Wildlife in China is currently protected by “The Protection of Wildlife Law” introduced back in 1988. However, the welfare of the individual animal isn’t recognised. This is a crucial omission as authorities are hampered by the current law and its restrictions. As it stands, the law is actually far from protective as there are no regulations to punish those who hurt or abuse wildlife. Given that the bill also only covers wildlife “in the wild”, those held in captive facilities are not protected by existing legislation and there are no standard regulations covering living or breeding conditions of captive wildlife – something this amendment will be looking to address. WDC hopes that this step will help address many of the issues affecting the import and keeping of whales, dolphins and porpoises currently in captivity in China.

An in-country source told WDC “This is wonderful news that will improve both conservation and welfare efforts for China’s wildlife. I admire China’s continued strengthening of wildlife policy and look forward to seeing the success of this bill.”

This is a big step for China and one that should be applauded however before the world could catch up, half way around the world another story broke, this one detailing the barbaric capture of dozens of baby elephants in Zimbabwe, destined for parks and zoos in China. As they are seen to give with one hand, they take so painfully with the other. The circumstances surrounding the capture of these young elephants remains unknown but their fate does not. Already being transported overland to Mozambique, they will be loaded onto a sea container where they will slowly make their way to their new homes, thousands of miles away from their families. Although the fault for the capture must lie at Zimbabwe’s door, the demand came from China, where the legislation to consider and enact animal welfare provisions is even more important than ever. 

Clearly there is a long way to go on the animal welfare road in China but … as the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu said “the journey of a thousand miles starts begins with a single step”. Let’s just hope it’s a sprint to the finish line!