Freedom of Species

Our guest is world renowned conservationist Saengduean 'Lek' Chailert who is recognised for her unwavering commitment to the welfare and conservation of Asian elephants. Lek's work spans more than three decades and her tireless efforts have earned her many accolades, including the esteemed Legion of Honor award. Lek has been instrumental in improving the lives of hundreds of elephants in Asia through the work of the Save Elephant Foundation, which aims to educate elephant owners and promote compassion and respect towards these majestic creatures. In 2003 established Elephant Nature Park in the picturesque Chiang Mai region of Northern Thailand as a permanent home for injured, neglected and elderly elephants. https://www.elephantnaturepark.org/   She continues to raise awareness about the plight of both captive and wild Asian elephants and initiates projects dedicated to improving their well-being throughout Asia. Despite the challenges posed by a male-dominated industry steeped in tradition, Lek remains committed to advancing the welfare of elephants and spends her days at Elephant Nature Park, caring for the rescued herds of elephants and other animals who have found sanctuary there. Lek has an upcoming tour of Australia and New Zealand with her captivating focumentary film "Elephant Mother", and Lek will be present at all the screenings, engaging with audiences during post-screening question and answer sessions. Session details are in the comments. "Elephant Mother" is a captivating documentary that highlights Lek's tireless efforts in championing the welfare and conservation of elephants. The film offers a unique perspective into the deep emotional bonds between elephants and the people striving to free them, shedding light on the need for conservation and protection of these majestic creatures. Film screenings of Elephant Mother start in Perth on August 27, 2023 and move across the country before heading to New Zealand.  Full screening details for can be found here: Australia - www.tinyurl.com/Elephant-Mother New Zealand – www.tinyurl.com/Elephant-Mother-NZ We discussed the documentary Love and Bananas, a film by Ashley Bell who teams up with Lek and goes on a daring mission across Thailand to rescue Noi Na, a 70-year old partially blind trekking elephant and bring her to freedom. http://loveandbananas.com/ Music we played: Colors of the Wind by Vanessa Williams.       "You don't need a bull hook to control an elephant. You can guide an elephant with love... And bananas"                   - Lek Chailert, Founder of Save Elephant Foundation  If you would like to contact the FoS team with any feedback on our shows, please email us at freedomofspecies@gmail.com Thank you for listening and supporting our show and keeping animal advocacy on the airwaves.

We are joined by Dr Jed Goodfellow, Co-Founder and Director, Policy and Government Relations at the Australian Alliance for Animals.The Alliance for Animals is a national charity leading a strategic alliance of Australia's key animal protection organisations and operating as a conduit between community support for change for animals and government.  Jed has over 20 years experience in animal welfare law, policy and advocacy, having previously worked in senior policy, prosecutorial, and enforcement roles with the RSPCA. Jed has represented animals in courtrooms, parliamentary inquiries, standard setting forums, and regularly in the media. He has played an integral role in the campaigns to end live exports and the use of battery cages. Jed developed Maquarie University's Animal Law unt in 2012 and has taught the course annually for the past 10 years. In 2015, Jed was awarded a PhD in animal welfare regulation.  The Australian Alliance for Animals is a national charity leading a strategic alliance of Australia's key animal protection organisations with a combined supporter base of over 2 million people. Core members include Animals Australia, Human Society International Australia, World Protection Australia, Compassion in world Farming, FOUR PAWS Australia, and Voiceless, the animal protection institute. The organisation's purpose is to lead and unite the Australian animal protection community in securing systemic change for animals. Website: www.allianceforanimals.org.au Jed discusses The Animal Welfare Survey which found that 9 in 10 Australians agree that animal welfare should be protected by the government through legislation, and that an independent and impartial authority should have the final say on animal welfare policy decisions. Read more about the survey here: https://www.allianceforanimals.org.au/ourwork/media-release-australias-animal-welfare-system-not-fit-for-purpose-national-survey-reveals More information on the AAfA campaigns can be found here: https://www.allianceforanimals.org.au/alliance-campaigns Donations can be made to the AAfA here: https://www.allianceforanimals.org.au/donate Music Played: Marvin Gaye 'I Heard It Through The Grapevine' - https://open.spotify.com/album/36VMWZPLjg9rucvMxdA2Pz Bill Withers 'Use Me' - https://billwithers.com/discography/albums/still-bill/ Stevie Wonder 'Master Blaster (Jammin')' - https://music.apple.com/us/album/hotter-than-july/1472145324 Thank you for listening to Freedom of Species. Please send any feedback to us at freedomofspecies@gmail.com

The Orca Revolution: Why are orcas attacking boats off the Iberian Peninsula? Come with us on a journey of discovery as we delve into the unprecedented phenomena of orcas attacking ships off the Iberian Coast and speculate just what in the ocean is happening!  What are their motives? Is there a ring leader? What do scientists think? What do YOU think? Music: Counting Backwards https://countingbackwards.bandcamp.com/ Ice https://countingbackwards.bandcamp.com/track/ice The End of History https://countingbackwards.bandcamp.com/track/the-end-of-history Blame it on the Sun https://countingbackwards.bandcamp.com/track/blame-it-on-the-sun Link to general article: https://www.livescience.com/animals/orcas/orcas-have-sunk-3-boats-in-europe-and-appear-to-be-teaching-others-to-do-the-same-but-why?fbclid=IwAR2hRiLsD0yQM1PiY9WtXI-3g6uJM0WmRuGZShwOx1Gto91VGC22pQY7TKU Article on Dr Michelle Fournet and her research on humpback whale calls and how they changed during the pandemic: https://www.unh.edu/unhtoday/2022/06/listening-marine-life?fbclid=IwAR2gvCyMy6SOgVsoSiws7uBM0EQHH4q8sm-eJQDfGa0mKfCUmmdQvuNYdpY Link showing the heavy traffic in the Straight of Gibraltar and the Iberian Coast: http://www.shiptraffic.net/2016/04/Gibraltar-strait-ship-traffic.html?fbclid=IwAR2BnEisuHacrNpciK0g1dZAvpQjQfpMkIUHEoS-0Lio70rpJYwojXShPdk Article showing global shipping traffic decreases during the pandemic: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-22423-6?fbclid=IwAR0_CcfzFz10EJbcTR9_5EHX5J4YsNcjQQ7XiEJtpPtffpKwdhCm6TqNHfA Article outlining first attack in Northern waters NOT Iberian Peninsula:https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jun/21/orca-rams-yacht-off-shetland-first-such-incident-northern-waters?fbclid=IwAR2ydPyHCtTk5n_9ka-V9Wc9Fwqsk2DOLDue7GKfO1QdGP_F6fW4SkRenvM

Lottie and Nick discuss post-veganism, which focuses on bringing about change for animals in other ways beyond individual consumption choices. This concept was discussed on a recent episode of Total Liberation podcast: https://totalliberationpodcast.com/96-post-veganism-beyond-the-diet-w-ash/  Additional links: Global Animal Slaughter Statistics & Charts: 2022 Update from Faunalytics: https://faunalytics.org/global-animal-slaughter-statistics-charts-2022-update/ Plant-based universities campaign: https://www.plantbaseduniversities.org/ Position of the American Dietetic Association: vegetarian diets: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19562864/  Previous Freedom of Species shows that are relevant to this discussion:  Beyond Individual Change in Animal Advocacy with Corey Wrenn: https://www.3cr.org.au/freedomofspecies/episode-202008301300/beyond-individual-change-animal-advocacy-corey-wrenn Should Animals Thank Farmers For Their Existence? https://www.3cr.org.au/freedomofspecies/episode/should-animals-thank-farmers-their-existence  Music: Animal liberation by Los Fastidios: https://www.losfastidios.net/ Under the Sea by Daveed Diggs and the Little Mermaid cast: https://open.spotify.com/track/7Cux0Rc1hY5Pt5T28apnzv?si=f3e6db93679e43c3 Me Time by Stic: https://rbgfitclub.com/pages/music Rumi by Serj Tankian: https://open.spotify.com/track/2Ln2UZdxiSyj6o1NLg6SHD?si=6db96a1229eb4d8a  Thanks so much to everyone who helped us meet and beat our Radiothon target! We appreciate your support in helping to keep our show and 3CR Community Radio going another year!

We speak to Del and Lucas from Sea Shepherd Melbourne about their involvement with the organisation and its current and future activities. Del Jordan has been an onshore volunteer with Sea Shepherd since 2013. She has been the Coordinator of the Melbourne Chapter since 2016, a role she is most proud of. She loves being part of an organisation that is so effective, passionate and so focused on our oceans and marine life that inhabit it. She is extremely of the work the Melbourne Chapter have done over the years, at times supporting 3 ships as well as being one of the main centres of fundraising and outreach to keep our ships out on the ocean doing direct action. Del has been proudly vegan since 2016. When she’s not devoting herself to marine conservation, she works full time as a primary school teacher and loves teaching her students about the ocean and of course about Sea Shepherd. One thing she imparts with every kid she teaches is you are never too young to make a difference to the world around you.Lucas has been an onshore volunteer with Sea Shepherd since 2014. As a volunteer he is happy to help out anywhere be it a beach clean, bakesale or vegan market but is most passionate about speaking to members of the public about the issues that plague our oceans and how they can aid the cause. He has been vegan since 2015. Outside of Sea Shepherd Lucas works full time as a Software Engineer and Digital Consultant. He is passionate about using technology to create experiences and applications that are inclusive and accessible. Topics discussed include: Why they became involved. What the links between sea shepherd and veganism are.Some of the things they've done in their time with Sea Shepherd. What the organisations is up to in Australia and globally at the moment. How the pandemic impacted Sea Shepherd's work.What Del and Lucas think the future of Sea Shepherd will look like.And how people can get involved if they are interested. Recommended documentaries:  Defend Conserve Protect https://www.defendconserveprotectmovie.com Whale WarsThe Cove https://www.opsociety.org/our-work/films/the-cove/ Chasing the ThunderSeaspiracy https://www.seaspiracy.orgBlackfish https://www.blackfishmovie.comSea of Shadows https://films.nationalgeographic.com/sea-of-shadowsThe Return To Antarctica: Whales Under Siege https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7v7kPNsMAsExposed: The Shocking Truth about Antarctic Krill Fishing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7inUvTBy34Inspiring Ocean Conservation Films to Watch Right Now: https://www.seashepherd.org.au/latest-news/sea-shepherd-films/ Links:Get Involved: https://www.seashepherd.org.au/get-involved-2023/ Music played:Bullet with Butterfly Wings by Smashing Pumpkins If You Love Someone by The VeronicasThe Seed by Aurora Freedom of Species' Spotify playlist can be found here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3TJQujKYjGFoFP6LhBbaTS  If you have any feedback on our show, please get in touch via email: freedomofspecies@gmail.com

Jamie Woodhouse questions the logic of “the logic of the larder” – the view that it is better to bring animals into the world to kill them eg in animal agriculture, rather than those animals not being brought into existence at all. The show also features a discussion on the practical implications of rejecting this logic of the larder position, in terms of implications for animal advocacy.  Jamie is attempting to popularise the concept of Sentientism – a worldview based on evidence, reason and compassion for all sentient beings. Find out more about Sentientism at: https://sentientism.info/ You can also follow Jamie on Twitter @JamieWoodhouse  Additional links: Nick’s article on puppy slaughter in Australia:  https://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=14142&page=0 Elwood’s Organic Dog Meat: https://www.elwooddogmeat.com/ Elwood’s Organic Dog Meat advertisement: https://twitter.com/ElwoodDogMeat/status/1559209557825531904 2020 survey by Sentience Institute, which found that among the 1,113 participants from the US, 44.8% were in favour of banning slaughterhouses: https://www.sentienceinstitute.org/aft-survey-2020 You can hear a previous Freedom of Species show which also challenged the notion of “humane killing” – Paul-Mikhail Catapang Podosky – Moving Beyond Killing Animals “Humanely”: https://www.3cr.org.au/freedomofspecies/episode-201908251300/paul-mikhail-catapang-podosky-%E2%80%93-moving-beyond-killing-animals-  Music: Animal liberation by Los Fastidios: https://www.losfastidios.net/ Humane Meat (The Flensing of Sandor Katz) by Propagandhi: https://propagandhi.com/music/supporting-caste Refujesus by the Decline: https://thedeclinemusic.bandcamp.com/album/im-not-gonna-lie-to-you All your bases by Sole: https://sole.bandcamp.com/album/let-them-eat-sand  Freedom of Species has recently reached our Radiothon target of $1,200 for the continued running of the 3CR community radio station. Thanks so much to everyone who donated to our Radiothon campaign – we appreciate the support!

What is shelter medicine? How can we significantly decrease the number of animals heading to our pounds? How do we address the problem of access to medical care for companion animals of families and individuals who cannot readily afford such necessary services? These questions and more are answered in our interview with Dr Ann Enright, a veterinarian and shelter medicine advocate who is passionate about making a difference for abandoned and unwanted animals, and addressing inequality issues when it comes to medical care for companion animals.  Dr Ann Enright can be contacted about shelter medicine initiatives in Melbourne via email at aenright7@gmail.com The community cat program report mentioned in the show can be found here:https://petwelfare.org.au/community-cat-program-news-2/  Community Clinics around Melbourne: Australian Animal Protection Society - Keysborough Meow & Friends Community Vet Clinic – Cranbourne Second Chance Animal Rescue (SCAR) – Campbellfield Westside Community Desexing (WCD) – Sunshine Other Australian organisations supporting pet desexing: Australian Pet Welfare Foundation – Qld Animal Welfare League of Queensland – (AWLQ) Getting to Zero (G2Z) RSPCA  International Organisations for those interested: www.humanesociety.org www.icatcare.org www.vet.cornell.edu  (U Cornell) www.sheltermedicine.com  (UC Davis) www.sheltermedicine.vetmed.ufl.edu (U Florida) www.uwsheltermedicine.com (U Wisconsin) http://www.millioncatchallenge.org  Music: We weren't born to follow - Bon Jovi https://www.qobuz.com/us-en/album/the-circle-bon-jovi/0060252724560 Little Willy - Sweet https://music.apple.com/gb/album/action-the-ultimate-story/1040962962 Cool for Cats - UK Squeeze  https://www.qobuz.com/us-en/album/cool-for-cats-squeeze/0060252708201 Photo of Dr Ann Enright courtesy of Meg

Join us as we raise money for 3CR's annual radiothon and entertain listeners with our tricky trivia questions.  Music Played: Parry Gripp 'I Like Vegetables' - https://www.parrygripp.com/music/parry-gripp-mega-party-2008-2012/ Sweet Goose 'Burn It To The Ground' - https://sweetgoose.bandcamp.com/track/burn-it-to-the-ground  Photo by 2Photo Pots on Unsplash

Adam, Claire & Caroline discuss the book Motivational Methods for Vegan Advocacy; A Clinical Psychology Perspective by Dr Casey T. Taft, Professor of Psychiatry at Boston University and co-owner of Vegan Publishers. Casey's book centres on applying principles of and methods from the field of psychology to understand how to advocate for long-term behavioural change and promote veganism in the context of social justice. Link to Casey Taft's book on Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15044674.Casey_T_Taft Claire mentioned the book Pollution is Colonialism by Max Liboiron https://www.dukeupress.edu/pollution-is-colonialism The report mentioned was produced by Vancouver Humane Society called Helping people and animals together; a trauma-informed, culturally safe approach towards assisting placed-at-risk people with addressing animal neglect (2021). https://vancouverhumanesociety.bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Helping-people-and-animals-together-VHS.pdf Also the Media Indigena episode; When rez dogs become settlers' pet projects (ep 251) https://mediaindigena.libsyn.com/when-rez-dogs-become-settlers-pet-projects-mi-251 Music played: Diet for a new America by Most Precious Blood https://www.qobuz.com/au-en/album/merciless-most-precious-blood/a9sjdzrg7veqc Working for the government by The Halluci Nation featuring Buffy Sainte-Marie https://www.qobuz.com/au-en/album/working-for-the-government-the-halluci-nation/3614593289307 A shout out to our listeners, thank you so much for your ongoing support. Freedom of Species has been going since 2011 and produces weekly animal rights advocacy discussions and interviews. Please share any feedback with us via email at freedomofspecies@gmail.com It's Radiothon time at 3CR and we need your help to keep radical, community radio on the airwaves. 3CR is radio made by the community for the community. If you'd like to support Freeedom of Species, please donate here: https://www.givenow.com.au/cr/freedomofspecies?fbclid=IwAR0ci16PT0tXmIKm0_oGRthsw2hcoHESB8XVcbvAjs1-LE5hyO779H-vUE8 Thank you.

Katie, Lottie and Nick discuss what they are fighting FOR – what they see as our ideal relationship with other animals. More specifically, the conversation covers: our current relationships with non-human animals, swimming with free-living sea lions, animal rights versus animal welfare, various uses of animals including for companionship and for people with disabilities, and the practical implications of taking on an animal rights perspective.  Throughout the month of June we are raising money to keep our show and 3CR Community Radio going for another year! We have already had a number of donations and we’re nearly 1/3 of the way to our target – thanks so much to those who have already donated! We appreciate any donations, big or small, and you can donate to this campaign here: https://www.givenow.com.au/cr/freedomofspecies  Also a reminder about our Radiothon show coming up on Sunday June the 18th, 1-2pm. This show will feature many of our Freedom of Species hosts, and will be packed with animal and animal rights themed trivia. Listen live via 3cr.org.au and you can play along by texting in your answers to the questions on 0488 809 855. Click ‘going’ on the event page so you can be reminded about the show! https://www.facebook.com/events/599170282216698/  Music and comedy featured: Animal liberation by Los Fastidios: https://www.losfastidios.net/ I want a dog by Weezer: https://weezer.lnk.to/music Stand-up comedy from Romesh Ranganathan – The Cynic (Netflix). Not while I’m around by Edward Sanders and Helena Bonham Carter, from the Sweeney Todd soundtrack: https://open.spotify.com/track/3xvYLzcnpr2wOIWCkToTST?si=1e43588e51db440a The Best Freestylers in the World by Aunty Donna, ft Montaigne and Boilermakers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unoYF9DJaOE