HKU Scientists reveal new methods to combat illegal wildlife trade.

Scientists at The University of Hong Kong (“HKU”) Conservation Forensics Laboratory have combined their knowledge and expertise to develop methods and tools that will hopefully be employed in stopping illegal wildlife crime in Hong Kong.

Kim McCoy10 July 2020Wildlife trade, Illegal wildlife, Birds, Napoleon Wrasse, Shark, Isotope, Stable Isotope Analysis, BiosecurityComment

Indian State of Nagaland bans dog meat.

The Indian state of Nagaland has banned the import, trading and sale of dog meat.

Kim McCoy6 July 2020Dogs, Dog Meat, NagalandComment

Coconuts goods picked by monkeys no longer in supermarkets.

A number of supermarkets have removed some coconut water and oil from their shelves after it emerged the products were made with fruit picked by monkeys

Kim McCoy6 July 2020Coconut, Monkey, Macaque, SupermarketComment

[Series] The Cost of Wildlife Tourism - The Future

The Cost of Wildlife Series has featured some of the more popular and problematic wildlife entertainment ventures in and around Asia. We hope that this series will have revealed the truth behind some of these venues, and the cruelty some animals are forced to endure in the name of entertainment. We consider what should be done to prevent the further abuse of animals and challenge all tourists to become part of the solution to end exploitative animal establishments. We hope that with knowledge and awareness comes a responsibility to ensure that only ethical wildlife attractions are endorsed and supported in the future.

BlogKim McCoy30 June 2020Cost of Wildlife Tourism, Wildlife tourism, Ethical tourismComment

[Series] The Cost of Wildlife Tourism - Dolphins

In Part 5 of our series into The Cost of Wildlife Tourism, we scrutinise the growing trend of dolphin tourism and dolphinariums in Asia, and learn about how these intelligent mammals are captured, trained, and exploited. We learn that in captivity, dolphins develop a range of mental and physical illnesses which unfortunately lead to a much shorter life-span than those living in the wild. Finally, we consider whether one of Hong Kong’s most prized tourist attraction, Ocean Park, may be partly responsible for fuelling the lucrative trade of supply and sale of cetaceans.

Courtesy of Jaime Lam

BlogKim McCoy29 June 2020Cost of Wildlife Tourism, Dolphin, Tourism, Wildlife tourismComment

[Series] The Cost of Wildlife Tourism - Asian Elephants

In Part 4 of our series into The Cost of Wildlife Tourism, we learn about how tourist demand for a personal encounter with the Asian Elephant, world’s largest land-based mammal, has led to permanent physical deformities and severe injuries of these animals. We also expose the different forms of corporal punishment or “phajaan” each elephant has to suffer through in order to be sufficiently tamed for wildlife tourism.

BlogKim McCoy24 June 2020Cost of Wildlife Tourism, Elephant, Asian Elephant, Phaajan, TourismComment

Ontario passes law to cover up animal abuse on farms.

Ontario has passed Bill 156 which will have the effect of further concealing animal cruelty at farms and slaughterhouses, and interfere with lawful protests.

Kim McCoy19 June 2020Ag-gag law, Farms, Slaughterhouses, ConstitutionalityComment

Scotland introduces enhanced protection for animals and wildlife

The Scottish Parliament has voted in favour of the Animal and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) (Scotland) Bill which will bring in more stringent and protective animal welfare laws.

Kim McCoy19 June 2020Mountain hares, Seals, Finn's LawComment

[Series] The Cost of Wildlife Tourism - Asian Palm Civets

In Part 3 of our series into The Cost of Wildlife Tourism, we explore how the tourist demand for the world’s most expensive coffee, kopi luwak has led to an increase in the capture and abuse of the Asian Palm Civet. We also reveal the impoverished life these animals have to endure so that civet coffee plantations are able to attract big spending consumers.

BlogKim McCoy17 June 2020Wildlife tourism, Cost of Wildlife Tourism, Kopi Luwak, Coffee, Palm CivetComment

[Series] The Cost of Wildlife Tourism - Primates

In Part 2 of our series into The Cost of Wildlife Tourism, we investigate how different species of primates have been forced into the gruelling coconut farming industry and others subjected to a lifetime of slavery for entertainment purposes. We also learn the sad story of Bua Noi, known as the last gorilla in Thailand, who has spent the past 28 years in a small private zoo in Bangkok.

Courtesy of Amelia Wang

Kim McCoy12 June 2020Cost of Wildlife Tourism, Wildlife tourism, Primate, Monkey, Orangutan, MacaqueComment

Pangolin scales removed from Chinese medicine list.

Pangolin scales have been removed for the first time from an official 2020 listing of ingredients approved for use in traditional Chinese medicine.

Kim McCoy10 June 2020Pangolin, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Pangolin ScalesComment

[Series] The Cost of Wildlife Tourism - Tigers

In Part 1 of our series into The Cost of Wildlife Tourism, we look into the sad truth behind Tiger entertainment venues, which have been cast into the viral spotlight by the recent release of "Tiger King" on Netflix. We discover the pain and suffering endured by these animals for the sake of a tourist souvenir, and learn more about the steps social media platforms are taking to helping reduce their exploitation.

BlogKim McCoy5 June 2020Wildlife tourism, Tiger, Cost of Wildlife Tourism

[Series] The Cost of Wildlife Tourism

In June, HKALPO aims to introduce a series of short articles that highlight the truth behind some of the more common wildlife attractions that one may encounter in and around Asia.

Kim McCoy3 June 2020Tourism, Wildlife tourism, Animal cruelty

Dog meat sale illegal in China

China’s new National Catalogue of Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resources was announced this morning, with dogs not included on the list.

Kim McCoy30 May 2020Yulin Dog Meat Festival, Dogs, Cats, LivestockComment

Zoo's animals held to have legal rights

The Islamabad High Court in Pakistan held “without any hesitation” that the animals in Marghazar Zoo had legal rights and specifically ordered the release of an Asian elephant named Kaavan to a suitable sanctuary within 30 days.

Kim McCoy23 May 2020Elephant, Zoo, Legal rightsComment

Biggest shark fin seizure in Hong Kong history.

Hong Kong Customs have made their largest ever shark fin seizure, uncovering 26 tonnes taken from 38,500 sharks estimated to be worth HKD$8.6 million.

Kim McCoy7 May 2020Shark, Shark Fin, Conservation, EnvironmentComment

Pangolins: Illegal wildlife trade victims and possible COVID-19 intermediary hosts.

Find out more about pangolins, the world’s most trafficked animal, their possible link with COVID-19 and the role that Hong Kong plays in tackling illegal wildlife crime.