Animal Defenders International
@animaldefenders.bsky.social
290 followers 20 following 1K posts
Active worldwide to end animal suffering. Investigations have led to prosecutions and changed laws. Education, raising awareness. Work with governments on dangerous, large-scale seizures of captive wild animals. www.ad-international.org
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animaldefenders.bsky.social
A SENIOR ENJOYING RETIREMENT. 11 years ago an angry mob surrounded ADI as we seized Simba and brother Rey from a circus in Ayacucho, Peru before a 19-hour journey over the Andes mountains through rain, sleet and snow before reaching ADI TRU near Lima prior to a flight home to the ADIWS South Africa.
animaldefenders.bsky.social
DEFEAT FOR BULLS IN SPAIN’S CONGRESS. The initiative to remove bullfighting’s legal protection as ‘cultural heritage’ was defeated 169–57, with 118 abstentions. A huge disappointment after hundreds of thousands demanded debate. The abstentions show a way forward—don’t give up!
animaldefenders.bsky.social
GOLIATH SUNNING ON HIS TRAMPOLINE. Arriving at the ADIWS in late May following their rescue from a circus in France, Goliath and his companion Coralie have settled right in. Spring is upon us, bringing warmer days. We think Goliath’s face tells us he's enjoying the sunshine!
animaldefenders.bsky.social
FUR IS NO LONGER IN VOGUE. The iconic fashion magazine won’t feature new animal fur in editorial content or advertising anymore, according to updated guidelines from parent company Condé Nast – the guidelines also apply to The New Yorker, GQ, and Vanity Fair. Thank you Condé Nast.👏
#NoToFur #ADI
animaldefenders.bsky.social
Big blow to clean energy: USDA ends support for wind & solar on farmland – despite data showing they impact <0.05% of ag land & often coexist with crops. The UN calls renewables vital for cutting emissions & building a livable future. The shift isn’t optional – it’s essential.
animaldefenders.bsky.social
DONKEY DELIGHT
When ADI Wildlife Sanctuary in South Africa took in six donkeys from an abandoned holiday lodge, we didn’t know two were pregnant! Months later, babies Nugget and Eyeore arrived. Now a family of eight (plus a springbok!), they roam freely—just as donkeys should.
#RescueAnimals #ADIWS
animaldefenders.bsky.social
Protect England’s badgers this National Badger Day! Over 230,000 have been killed in culls over the past decade, despite no proven link and decline of bovine TB. Urge the UK government to end the badger culls without further delay: act.ad-international.org/page/136192/...
animaldefenders.bsky.social
REY C, THE ICE LOLLY KING👑Once trapped in a circus cage in Peru, Rey Cusco was rescued 11 yrs ago & now roams 6 acres at ADIWS, SA. To beat the heat, our lions & tigers get frozen blood-water lollies—great for enrichment, hydration & a tasty treat! #StopCircusSuffering
animaldefenders.bsky.social
In the UK: Urge Prime Minister Keir Starmer to bring in a ban on hunting trophy imports: bit.ly/4aRokgJ
In the US: Urge your lawmakers to back the ProTECT Act to prohibit taking and importing endangered or threatened species into the US as a trophy: bit.ly/contactUSleg...
animaldefenders.bsky.social
The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment in South Africa will not approve trophy hunting quotas for black rhinos, elephants or leopards until court ruling on quota setting. Stop the hunters - support measures to ban hunting trophy imports.
#BanTrophyHunting #ProtectWildlife
animaldefenders.bsky.social
Earlier this year, it was time to say goodbye to our much-loved ADIWS sweethearts, Tarzan and Tanya one after the other. Tarzan and Tanya feature in our 2026 ADI Animal Rescue calendar. Order yours now and help support ADI and the care of our rescued lions and tigers💛 Link below
animaldefenders.bsky.social
World Animal Day is a global day of awareness to help animals and take action to protect them in captivity and the wild. On this day, we can all do one thing to make a change. Keep informed to help animals.
www.ad-international.org/emailsignup/
animaldefenders.bsky.social
Colorado State University has halted an animal experiment that was expected to cost 17,766 animals their lives. Urge CSU to end ALL animal experiments👇
Contact Cass Moseley | Vice President of Research
📨 [email protected]
📞 970-491-0340
#EndAnimalTesting
animaldefenders.bsky.social
👻Halloween Treat – $15 / £10 – a fangtastic treat and contribution towards a lion or tiger’s care.
👻‘Golden’ Treat – $68 / £50 – a spooktacular treat + 1 full day of care for a resident.
👻‘One-For-All’ Halloween Treat– $250 / £186 – an eeriesistible treat + care contribution for every lion + tiger
animaldefenders.bsky.social
👻 BOO! HALLOWEEN IS COMING. Do you think our ADI Wildlife Sanctuary big cat residents, rescued from circuses and the illegal wildlife pet trade, deserve a treat? Sponsor a Halloween treat below! 🎃⬇
animaldefenders.bsky.social
URGENT: Spain’s Congress debates the Popular Legislative Initiative to end bullfighting on Oct 7. Supporters: attend 3–5pm (debate) & 6–9pm (vote). Please register here 👉 www.congreso.es/en/cem/tribu... Let’s end this cruelty, not culture.
animaldefenders.bsky.social
Fur farming has been illegal in the UK since 2000 but import and sale of fur continues. Please ask your MP to support the Fur (Import and Sale) Bill to end this brutal trade act.ad-international.org/page/178059/...
animaldefenders.bsky.social
90+ billion animals suffer on factory farms worldwide each year. Confined in small spaces, babies torn from mothers, subjected to painful procedures, terrifying deaths. Do your part to end farmed animal suffering. Choose compassion. Choose plant-based foods. #WorldFarmAnimalsDay
animaldefenders.bsky.social
KESARI THE GENTLE GIANT arrived at ADIWS in 2019 after he was unable to join a family group at Pretoria Zoo and was living alone. Hesitant to leave his crate and explore his new home, after 2 years in isolation, hearing other lions and stepping onto grass was a big step for him.
animaldefenders.bsky.social
We're saddened to hear of the passing of primatologist and United Nations Messenger of Peace, Jane Goodall PhD, DBE, aged 91, in Los Angeles yesterday. A pioneering primatologist, conservationist & voice for animals, she changed how we see other species. www.ad-international.org/conservation...
animaldefenders.bsky.social
👉Urge Texas Ren to remove animal attractions before the festival begins:
✉️ [email protected]
📱 (281) 356-2178
Pat Coveney, GM: [email protected]

📢If you are interested in hosting outreach events outside either festival, please contact us at [email protected]
animaldefenders.bsky.social
👉 Urge the Minnesota Renaissance Festival to end elephant use and return in 2026 as a fully animal-free festival.
✉️ [email protected]
📱 952-445-7361
Stephanie Whipps, Marketing & Events Director: 952-698-9622 | [email protected]
animaldefenders.bsky.social
The MN Ren Fest just wrapped up & now the animals head to the TX Ren Fest; Oct 11–Nov 30 with rides and a petting zoo. Cramped trailers, endless rides—this is cruelty, not fun. Speak up for them.
#NoFunForElephants #crueltynotentertainment