March 28, 2008
In this episode:
Elephant Breeding
The recent death of Hansa, the baby elephant at the Woodland Park Zoo, has exposed a breeding debate. Zoos, desperate for new elephants, are breeding animals despite potentially deadly health risks to the elephants. The controversy has sparked a broader argument whether zoos should keep elephants at all. Zoos say they are helping save these animals, and that they are a vital educational attraction for children. But others maintain that the elephants lead miserable lives in captivity. On the next CNX, we take a closer look at the elephant breeding program at Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo. Why one group ranks our zoo as the second worst in the country, how the zoo defends its practices, and how they are quietly continuing their breeding program in the face of outcry by animal rights activists. Pachyderms vs. profit, on the next CNX.
Related Links
Woodland Park Zoo
In Defense of Animals (IDA)
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)
Help Elephants in Zoos
"Free Bamboo Now" -- campaign to free local elephant of Point Defiance Zoo
Seattle PI's
coverage of Hansa's death
Seattle PI's
story on the deadly herpes strain spreading in zoo elephants
Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) Elephant Conservation
International Elephant Foundation
Green Watch: What to Do with Doo
Most dog owners know to pick up their pet's poop when they're on a walk in public. But a lot of people don't deal with the droppings in their own back yard. That's causing a big problem. Rain and runoff are carrying backyard animal business into the local lakes, streams and rivers we swim and fish in. King County Eco-Consumer Tom Watson examines the problem, and shows what dog owners need to do with the doo.
Viewer Feedback: Iraq War Vets
Viewers react to our story about veterans coming home from the war in Iraq suffering from traumatic brain injuries. Plus, results of our exclusive online poll about whether the U.S. should continue the war in Iraq, or end it immediately.
Roundtable
Enrique Cerna is joined by Democratic strategist Cathy Allen and Republican strategist Randy Pepple for a lively discussion of the week's news and events. On tap: Is Maria Cantwell flip-flopping on her support for Hillary? Should the state's Democratic "superdelegates" follow their hearts, or the will of the people? And how did the Sonics get one step closer to saying goodbye to Seattle?
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