Whispers of the Wild Part 1

Explore Our Ceramic Collection Credit: Henner Damke/shutterstock Elizabeth H. I sit, silent and unmoving, my back strained against my rigid desk chair. I stare intently at the wall of vividly colored flyers in the back corner of my journalist office, waiting unsuccessfully for inspiration to strike like a lightning bolt. My mind races, contemplating a puzzling assignment, and I cannot help but let my befuddled expression slip. Earlier that day, my senior editor Mrs. Lindquist had delivered the news that had me glued to my chair. I had been tasked with writing an article on the moral dilemma of inflicting unnecessary pain on the octopus. If your initial reaction is anything like mine was, you might be thinking, “Why the octopus?” As I ponder my assignment, my mind fixates on one thought: As my persistent gazing proves to be entirely in vain, I decide to turn to the wide variety of google images that I am presented with when searching the word “octopus”. My screen is filled with beautifully captured photos of the majestic creatures gliding effortlessly through the vast, blue ocean. They are colored with striking red, orange, and even blue hues that have me utterly captivated. I am met with unexpected feelings of awe and admiration for these incredible invertebrates. These vivid images add to my rapidly forming postulations of an octopus as a sea creature living an independent and untroubled life in its serene, natural habitat; however, as I look further through the images, I start to realize that this is hardly the case. TThhee OOccttooppuuss Stttrrruuunnnggguuupppaaannndddssstttrrruuunnngggooouuuttt "What is so significant about this meager sea creature?" The next set of images I begin to see are more characteristic of my experience with octopuses, depicting the animals behind glass barriers. As a child, I vaguely remember visiting an aquarium, and while the octopus was scarcely the main attraction for me, I do remember being fascinated by these creatures, who to me were completely foreign. I can recall being mesmerized specifically by their tentacles. It must be nice to have suction cups on your arms, I thought; however, something that did not ever cross my mind was the fact that they were in a tank. To my six-year-old mind, this seemed perfectly natural, but after seeing these breathtaking creatures in the wide-open expanse of the sea, suddenly, I realize how cruel it is to coop them up in a clear box, smaller than my bathtub, to be gawked at all day, constantly bombarded by sticky fingers incessantly tapping on the glass. "T'he Octopus" continues on the next page Credit: Volodymyr Ivanenko/Getty Credit: Adobe Stock Credit: Daily Mail

While this revelation gnaws at the back of my mind, I come across an even more horrid sight. Rows and rows of slaughtered octopuses are strung by their long, limp, legs across a thin rope, as if they were damp laundry, hung to dry in the heat of the sun. This image unsettles me to my core. How can humans forcibly remove these awe-inspiring animals from their homes to be captured and slaughtered for our own enjoyment? I begin to grasp the real dilemma of this situation, for what justification can we use to explain the fact that we are taking an astonishing creature away from everything it knows to satisfy our boredom and our cravings? Is it because we consider them less valuable than humans? If so, why? These questions simmer in my brain as I begin my attempt to analyze the facts of this situation, in hopes of enlightening the reader enough to make an informed decision about the morality of this rather complex situation. Upon first consideration, the octopus seems to be little more than a wriggly sea creature that cannot possibly have intelligence to rival that of a human. Right? The octopus, in terms of taxonomy, is an invertebrate of the phylum Mollusca and class Cephalopoda, to which cuttlefish and squid also belong. According to F. C. Nicholson, true octopuses are classified further into the order Octopoda and genus Octopus, within which there are 220 unique species that can be found all over the world, in a range of climates. Octopuses have a centralized nervous system, but they also have a distributed component in each of their eight arms containing 50 million neurons that are responsible for coordinating their movement without utilizing the brain. Their arms meet in a “skirt” of tissue that joins to their human-head-shaped body with its mounted eyes, which scientists have found to be nearly as complex as those of a human. "T'he Octopus" continues on the next page According to Britannica, some octopuses, including the common octopus (O. Vulgaris), have been found to instantaneously change color and texture, a unique characteristic caused by the inflation of pigment-filled skin cells, in response to external stimuli, mimicking predators or hiding in the depths of the sea. Other species, specifically the veined octopus, have been observed excavating coconut shells for portable shelter. For instance, some octopuses have been able to unscrew the lid of a container to reach food inside, or even to recognize the unique characteristics of human individuals. Not only can octopuses learn to perform tasks or identify people, but they can also pick up on human social cues. Octopuses have been found to respond positively to human friendliness and even to respond with indifference to a human who is being impersonal. At this point, you may be thinking to yourself, “Why does all this matter?", as the vast majority of people would agree they have little regard for this seemingly insignificant creature other than fried and on a plate. In fact, according to Jennifer Mishler, people’s taste for octopus has become so widespread that the commercial farming of octopus has increased dramatically in recent years, now totaling over 377,000 tons, and wild populations are suffering. As commercial octopus farming continues to expand, justifications emerge for the practice through claims that octopuses are invertebrates, simple and unfeeling, and that they are ideal candidates for captivity; however, there are numerous studies that give rise to questions about whether this aquaculture treatment is in fact ethically justified or environmentally advantageous. "In actuality, there is much more to an octopus than meets the eye." "Scientists have found that octopuses are extremely curious creatures that also possess incredible problemsolving abilities." Credit: The New York Times Credit: enner0/shuttersock Credit: PETA Credit: Courtesy Seattle Aquarium "T'he Octopus" continued from previous page

Sentience can be described as the capacity for an organism to consciously recognize pain and experience emotions. Moreover, some proponents of octopus farming would point to the octopuses' seeming “fitness” for captivity and its potential benefits to the environment as positive support for octopus farming; however, this argument has its faults as well. Some aquaculture farmers claim that octopuses possess certain factors that make them suitable for commercial production. For example, their easy adaptation to captive conditions, acceptance of low-value nutrition, high reproductive rate, high market price, and short life span all provide support for the idea that octopus farming is an expedient, humane investment. The reality is though, recent studies, enumerated by Jennifer Jacquet, demonstrate that there are numerous problems stemming from octopuses’ captivity and production. For instance, the confinement of octopuses gives rise to problems such as cannibalism, sizeable dependence on live food sources, and premature death of pregnant females, all of which contradict the contention that octopuses are compatible with this captive life, causing one to question whether these justifications were based more on a desire to continue a lucrative practice rather than on scientific certainty. Additionally, one common argument for the farming of invertebrates is that it puts less strain on the environment, as most invertebrates are herbivores and do not require fish meal to survive; however, octopuses, again the exception to their group, are carnivores, meaning they require a substantial amount of live fish in order to successfully grow and reproduce. This puts extreme strain on ocean ecosystems, as many fish are harvested from their natural habitats to provide sustenance for farmed octopuses, and therefore, while this claim can be used to justify the commercial production of other invertebrates, it is insufficient to qualify the production of octopuses. Furthermore, some proponents of octopus farming rely on the claim that the industry is a necessity in many countries, including the United States and abroad, as it is a substantial part of the diets of a large portion of the population. the potential for complex behaviors and feelings, and that consequently, their commercial farming can be classified as a moral practice. The animals’ taxonomy constitutes the fundamental backing of this claim, and as it belongs to the same class as other cephalopod invertebrates, which show no complex behavior, supporters would claim that octopus are no different; however, octopus are, in reality, the exception. Studies have shown that octopuses exhibit behaviors such as spontaneous color changing in response to fear and other emotions, outwitting of predators to evade capture, and recognition of specific human characteristics. Even to the untrained eye, these characteristics impugn the assertion that octopuses are simplistic creatures, and scientifically, they suggest that octopuses have a sophisticated nervous system and complex brain different from those of similar invertebrate species. The nervous system shares more The primary argument for the humanity of octopus treatment in aquaculture farms around the world is that octopuses are invertebrate creatures, lacking similarities with that of a human being and is much more intricate than previously considered. Furthermore, evidence for octopus sentience provides support that they are not entirely unfeeling, as many claim. Research, according to Alix Noel-Guery, has shown that octopuses respond to injuries, possess a central nervous system, and exhibit reactions to anesthetics, which are the determining characteristics used to classify animals into the sentient category. So, octopuses are neither the unfeeling nor rudimentary organisms that supporters of aquaculture claim they are. "The evidence shows that octopuses are veritably elaborate individuals, and consequently, the claim that they are fit for captive farming due to their lack of sentience and complexity is not adequately supported." "T'he Octopus" continues on the next page Credit: Every Animal Project Credit: Christine Haller Credit: South Carolina Aquarium Credit: Judy G. Credit: Species United "T'he Octopus" continued from previous page

In reality, the facts unveil the truth that the main markets for farmed octopus, primarily Japan, South Korea, the US, China, and Australia are all food secure countries, meaning that most people at all times have access to safe, nutritious foods that adequately fulfill their dietary needs. I now ask the reader to consider the implications of these statistics: The vast majority of the human population engaging in the consumption of octopuses does so, not out of necessity, but out of a desire for luxurious food. Thus, the termination of the octopus farming industry, while admittedly an inconvenience and annoyance to some, would not by any means sacrifice the food security of consumers. Comparatively, according to Thomas Oliver, as this 2.7-billion-dollar industry grows, increasingly more large- and small-scale farmers seek to engage in this lucrative business, which has a detrimental effect on wild populations, as octopuses are constantly being harvested from their natural habitats. While sustainable practices have been proposed, such as periodic fishing, in which wild populations are given a chance to replenish, so as not to completely diminish them, these practices are not prominent, as the economic prospects of the industry continue to entice the commercial world. After considering these arguments in support of and against the practice of octopus farming, there are many seemingly valid points backing their commercial production; however, research regarding the octopuses’ sophistication, sentience, and environmental significance causes me to reconsider the most common justifications, in favor of the freedom of the majestic creatures that we are depriving of their independence. While ending the commercial production of octopus entirely would not be a feasible proposition, there are numerous ways in which we can stem the negative consequences of this rapidly growing industry. As previously stated, sustainable practices such as periodic fishing can slow the rapid decline of natural populations, by allowing a period of time in between harvests for the octopuses to renew their numbers. Additionally, as many of the large corporations participating in the octopus farming industry rely on government funding, a more realistic compromise would be to slightly reduce the amount of backing they receive. This decrease in spending might slightly suppress the rapid growth of the industry, in order to slow the production of octopus for human consumption without completely removing them from the menus of those who choose to indulge. In lieu of the controversy around this dilemma, I ask too that the reader put aside any apprehension of exposing the filth of our own selfish interests and truly consider the octopus. Credit: Prindle Institute Credit: Elise Bauer Credit: The News International Credit: Con Poulos Credit: Kim's Cooking Now/ allrecipes "T'he Octopus" continued from previous page

CONSIDER THE WOLVES By Tiffany L It was a regular, lifeless Monday behind the desk at Times Magazine headquarters. I had been rotting in the same rusty, black desk chair and staring at the bulletin board filled with overdue flyers since I received and accepted this job four months ago. That was until senior editor, Ms. Lindquist, tasked me with a writing assignment- I was to write an article questioning if it is ethical to hunt wolves due to fear. I started my research by searching “wolves” on Google. The results were as expected: wolves in a pack, in the snow, and observing in the woods. I was staring at these pictures, trying to come up with how these free roaming, innocent wolves could even be a topic of discussion. That was until I remembered that my sister and I had an odd fear of the wolf in the children’s fairy tale, the Little Red Riding Hood. The wolf is portrayed as someone hateful and looking for conflict. It made me wonder in fear- was I next? Not only does the story provoke fear in children, but also adults. It conveys the idea that wolves are out to hunt all people: innocent and guilty, young and old, tall and short. It brought me back to my first-time camping. I had just turned 11 and it did not take much convincing for me to decide I wanted to spend the night under the star filled sky. As my parents set up the tent, I went to collect sticks for the fireplace. As I was gathering sticks, I looked a couple feet past my shoes and saw a pair of bright yellow eyes. I did not have any worries about getting attacked prior to this encounter, but the thoughts of the fairytales started flooding my mind and I was becoming anxious. WOLVES CONTINUES ON THE NEXT PAGE Photo: Smithsonian Magazine

This thought sparked my curiosity and pushed me to look down the hierarchy of biological classification: wolves belong to the class Mammalia. Following the pyramid, the wolves are in the Canidae family, the Canis genus, and classified as the C. Lupus species. Although wolves are the largest nondomestic dogs, they are still very doglike. Most usually portray wolves as harmful and although they are known to be symbolized as evil, they are also a symbolization for good. Granted that wolves are as tall (standing up) as a grown man, averaging 5-6 feet and 70-155 pounds, they are known to provide a protective spirit. Wolves symbolize loyalty, family, and protection. Although wolves share almost 100 percent of their DNA with dogs, some people are still in favor of hunting wolves, while others believe that it is immoral to do so; this raises the question of how it is wrong to hunt wolves without an adequate reason. In fairytales, wolves are made out to be evil killers. They mimic wolves to attack, hunt, and even go as far as killing humans. With this common knowledge, it makes people more prone to be fearful of them in person. Fear would lead to attacks and the innocent killing of wolves. While those in favor of hunting wolves make justifiable sense, the case against killing wolves is much stronger. Those in favor of killing wolves claim that it is because they want to keep wolves to a limited amount. The main people who agree with the killing of wolves are ranchers and hunters, this is because limiting the number of wolves would benefit them economically. Wolves tend to hunt livestock, so farmers go out of their way to set traps to limit the number of wolves that have access to their farms. Wolves symbolize loyalty, family, and protection. Photo: SpiritualDesk WOLVES CONTINUES ON THE NEXT PAGE Wolf spirit shows that there is always someone with you; you are never alone. When wolves develop an attachment to someone or something, they become overprotective and will provide comfort. I stayed awake all night while my mind kept active and repeating- what if I get attacked? What if the tents get torn apart? God, please keep us safe.

Hunters hunt wolves primarily for their fur coat and for the pure satisfaction of just killing them. However, the killing of wolves reached an all time high when they were places on the endangered species list. Nearly making an animal extinct is far from keeping them at a “manageable amount.” Those in favor of killing also claim that they target the wolves because they threaten their safety, yet, if one was in danger then it should be dealt with immediately rather than setting out to hunt for them. It is ethically wrong to kill any organism without an adequate reason, so the same would apply to wolves. In 2014 Oxford handbook, the writer states that hunters kill and exterminate wolves because humans hated them. However, wolves offer many things that indirectly benefit humans. They keep other animal populations balanced (deer and elk) and improve living conditions for other animals by providing them with habitats. Wolves are undomesticated dogs, in fact, they share 98.8% of their DNAs with dogs. Photo: ESPN Photo: Daily Mail If people can recognize the harm and problem in hurting dogs and other domesticated animals, why would it be okay to kill wolves? In a 2014 study, researchers found and confirmed that wolves wouldn’t attack unless they are provoked. As a matter of fact, wolf encounters are quite low because wolves tend to stay away from large crowds, loud noises, buildings, and roads. Like the same way humans fear wolves, wolves also fear humans. If possible, wolves will try to avoid as much contact with humans as possible, so if there happens to be any attacks, it is likely that it was provoked by humans. WOLVES CONTINUES ON THE NEXT PAGE

A popular reason why wolves are targeted is because of their luxurious fur coat and their need to hunt livestock. However, pure wolf fur items are not essential. People can easily use faux fur as an alternative to wolf fur directly stripped off of dead wolves. Not only will it save consumers money, considering wolf fur items cost up to four thousand dollars, but it will also save hunters some time due to the tedious task of removing the fur from the wolf’s body. Ranchers can put up fences around their livestock to prevent wolves from attacking. The immediate response to wolves should not be killing, there are alternatives that don’t result in wolves being harmed. The innocent killing of wolves is unethical, especially when the reason is rooted from selfish desires such as economic growth. Wolves, like dogs, do not attack unless they are provoked. If it is morally wrong to hunt and kill dogs, why would it be okay to do the same to wolves? Photo: Chris Devonshire Ellis Photo: NBC News (top) & Peakpx (bottom)

CONSIDER THE RHINOCEROS On an early Monday morning filled with rainy skies and dark clouds, I was suddenly awoken by the loud ringtone of my phone. It took me some time to figure out where the distressing noise was coming from, who could possibly be calling me so early in the morning? Not surprisingly, it was my Senior Editor, and beloved boss, Mrs. Lindquist from the magazine company I worked for who was disturbing my rest. Right after I answered, she barked my newest journalism assignment at me. I was to write a piece discussing the ethical dilemma in hunting rhinoceros for their horns to benefit humans. My fondest memory of rhinos was going to the zoo in the fifth grade. It was something that everyone looked forward to and it was almost like we counted down the years from the start of first grade to that iconic trip. When my chance finally came I was thrilled. Seeing all the graceful and magnificent animals in their natural habitats was so memorable, but the most eye-catching animal had to be the large African Rhinoceros. That trip to the zoo was filled with many memories, but the rhinos roaming the grass so large and free is something I wouldn’t forget. The large rhinos grazing the land with their thick gray skin and long beautiful horns were something so special. I am very aware that those horns that give them their beauty are the very thing that puts them in danger. There is obviously some limit to the freedom they have in the zoo, it is in an enclosed exhibit after all. Nonetheless, it seemed like they were taken care of. The board in front of the exhibit showed all the little fun facts about the massive animal in front of it and indicated the type of species that the Houston Zoo had. The board also indicated that the rhino was a threatened species due to hunters wanting their horns. It made fifth grade me think that the zoo people were helpful in trying to protect them from the dangers they might face out in the wild. Not the dangers of predators, but the dangers of people who have no shame in hurting these glorious animals. Already knowing there’s more than one way rhinos are viewed in the world, the curious child at the zoo, and the rich guy who wants new wall pieces, I decided to search the internet for more viewpoints. The first set of images were all very positive. There were pictures of rhinos grazing the grass with other rhinos. They looked joyful and happy in the green fields as they roamed nature with each other. They looked so content in their environments and there was not a human in sight. The whole aura of the images was light, the green was bright green and healthy and the gray skin of the rhinos were glistening in the sun. I was not so happy as I continued to browse the internet. I saw pictures of hunters standing over the non-moving bodies of the rhinos. They held guns pointed at the large animal or had ropes tied around them. The rhinos looked so defeated and the area looked so dry. In a literal sense, there was no water to be seen, but metaphorically, it seemed like the images were dry of souls, from the humans and the rhinos. The images continued into pictures of rhino horns on the walls of wealthy homes. It is scary to think that rhinos are killed just to be hung up in the houses of old rich white men who think they are master interior designers who must display their “trophies”. by Siya P. (WRBC) (Indiapolis Zoo) Continue on Next Page An analysis on the poaching of rhino horns

The Biology of it All The taxonomy of a rhino indicates that they fall into the Mammalia class. To be more specific, their class is Perissodactyla and their family is Rhinocerotidae. The broad category Mammalia is a rather general way to describe rhinos since humans would fall into the same category. Therefore, rhinos fall into a specific unique family as mentioned earlier, Rhinocerotidae. Today, rhinos exist in Africa and Asia, but millions of years ago, they could also be found in Europe. The Asian rhinos are referred to as Rhinoceros unicornis and the African rhinos are called Diceros bicornis. The Asian rhinos only possess one horn and are said to act shy and rarely aggressively. The two-horned rhinos live in Africa and are the second-largest land mammal. However, there is a one-horned species in Africa where the female species is hornless There is a species called Black Rhinos who do tend to be more aggressive, but I doubt any harm is done unprovoked. Yet, poachers continue to hunt these animals for their rather valuable horns. Their horns are made of hardened, compressed, hair-like fibers and sell for extremely high prices. The horn supposedly has medical benefits and as we know, affluent individuals find it as a great wall piece. Due to the value of their horns, rhinos have been overhunted which means they are considered a threatened species. Now, the only way they can live out long lives, is in places that are protected from poachers, thank you Houston Zoo. Poaching...But Not Eggs Poaching is a practice plaguing rhinos due to the value of their horns. Rhinos are considered a keystone species and their absence can destroy the ecosystem. When rhinos are poached for their horns it affects countless other plants and animals. It’s basic biology and functions of ecosystems, when one thing is taken away, the rest will fall with it. So while it may seem like only one little rhino is gone, it will impact the rest of the environment. Rhinos use their horns to access their food. A major part of their diet consists of plants on the ground or low-hanging trees, which they use their horns to access. Killing rhinos disrupts this usually balanced ecosystem because without rhinos eating these plants, there would be an overproduction of them, throwing the entire food chain off. Rhinos also use their horns as a way to protect themselves against their predators out in the wild. When humans poach rhinos and take their horns, they are leaving the animal vulnerable to their predators out in the wild. It is also essential to mention that parts of Africa rely on rhinos to bring in tourists. Rhino tourism in Africa creates jobs and helps people bring in money. As bizarre as it sounds, without rhinos, the economy in these parts of Africa would struggle. So while it may seem like protecting the rhino only protects them, this is not the case. Protecting the rhino means protecting the environment and community it exists in. (African Wildlife Foundation) (National Geographic Kids) (Africa Geographic) Continue on Next Page

"We must join forces everywhere to stop the slaughter of elephants and rhinos. They feel pain, they know suffering. We must stop people from buying ivory." "We have lost the ancient wisdom that considers each decision on how it will affect future generations. We have to get back to thinking in a different way, beyond the easy political wins." -Dr Jane Goodall, Founder of Jane Goodall Institute The Other Side On the other hand, those in favor of poaching rhinos believe that the rhinoceros horn is beneficial in medicine and can lead to better health. Rhino horns are used in traditional Chinese medicine because they are high in keratin and amino acids. They have been known to help conditions such as fever, headache, vomiting, etc. Rhinos are mostly in demand due to the fact that their horns are used for traditional medicine. It’s a part of some Asian cultures and beliefs. It’s a part of some people’s daily life and rituals. However, there is no evidence that rhino horns have medicinal properties. Since so many people believe they have medical benefits, it continues to remain in demand. The use of rhino horns has much to do with Asian culture and traditions, even if there is no biological benefit. The Great Compromise Although rhinos are part of the medicinal culture in Asia, they are still being harmed and endangered to be a part of these practices. A solution to this issue would be the use of alternatives for the rhino horns. Human nail trimmings are actually made of keratin, the property that is so rich in rhino horns and believed to benefit one’s health. There has been a movement of collecting donations of human nail clippings to be processed and sent to certain parts of Asia to be used in their traditional practices to act as a replacement to rhino horns. Another alternative to rhino horns would be tightly packed horse hairs. Rhino horns are made of small fibers of hair, and tightly packing the hairs of a horse produces a very similar structure. This provides a replacement for the real horns used in traditional Chinese medicine, allowing for the practices to continue without harming the rhino or its environment. While there is an argument to be made for poaching rhinos, it’s weak in comparison to the reasons to stop poaching rhinos. When rhinos are poached it impacts too many things to count and if something can be done to stop the disruption, then those actions should be taken. There is a compromise that can be made and Asian cultural practices can continue without sacrificing these extraordinary animals. As important as tradition is, if there is an alternative available that is less harmful, it should be taken advantage of. Even though we don’t see rhinos on a daily basis, they still matter to our world’s ecosystems and economy. If anything, we owe it to those curious, innocent elementary kids to be able to see gorgeous, gray, horned rhinos happy in the wild. The War on Poaching: "Wild" Quotes (Treehugger) (Pinterest)

WRITTEN BY MATTHEW A. EDITED BY LARANA MAGAZINE MATTHEW A. NATURE JOURNAL BRINGING BACK THE PACK I am going to start out with a bit of honesty, wolves are not very relevant to my daily life. They were not even a part of my infantile fascinations with animals when I was merely a wee lad. So, I thought----a quick google search might fix this. But I came out empty handed, or empty pawed I should say. Does this animal, even present moral nuances that I can extrapolate and relate to my suburbanite lifestyle? Wolves have been historically on a downtrend for a while now. However there are certain areas where they continue to prosper and even disturb farmers by hunting their cattle. Is it okay to use lethal measures as protection? A lonely night, my pupils puffed up and red from the hours prior of non-stop screentime, I looked at the bottom right corner, 2 AM. I felt the need to continue nonetheless, I instinctively pressed on YouTube’s icon. A surge of dopamine followed----hmm what does today’s recommendation bar gift me today? VOLUME II Before my eyes flashed a music video from the 90s, a video arguing that everyone should own an AR-15, a video advocating for the personal advice of Mark Rowlands, and finally, the most eye-popping video of them all, a video about a hunter downing 4 wolves in a singular night. I found the shock value of seeing wolves meet their mortality on camera for personal enjoyment outraging, yet intriguing at the same time. There was some sort of compelling force because of the controversial nature of the video that almost coerced me to click on it. The video opened, a viewer discretion prefaced me to warn of the graphic content that would be displayed in the video. Feeling the inflated sense of mental toughness and maturity that comes with the pride of being a teenage boy, I continued with no hesitancy. A man in a dedicated army-green hunting outfit, began to excitedly whisper about the prospects of a local pack of wolves possibly residing within the surrounding serene and thicket woodland forest. He strolled around, making himself no stranger to the woods by parading brown and green face paint, as he held his flashy hunting gun, looking around deviously. It was clear this man had, fatal intentions. Bloodlust. I saw the pack collectively investigating a patch of grass in which he sprayed left predator-call. I felt their impending doom, although they did not feel it themselves. (Continued on next page) (photo courtesy of KnowYourMeme)

One shot rang out, one fell to the floor. A second shot rang out, a second one struggled to stay up. A third shot rang out, a third one spasmed uncontrollably, as if it had lost all sense of motor control, to which it probably did. A fourth shot rang out, it, it confirmed the first kill of the first wolf. A fifth shot rang out, all the remaining of the pack fell to the ground. And with a barrage of whimpers, his goal had been accomplished. The man faced the camera and smiled like he had fallen in love, to which he had, only just with the accomplishment of killing wolves. The most protruding sight, a family of dead wolves. My hand shook before me, a violating feeling. How could this be so openly displayed? Applauded, looked upon as a sight of glamor. It was, appalling. But in some sense, I got the appeal, to see the cycle of nature perpetuated. The brutality is grueling, but euphoric. I could sort of find the allure in a clean kill after that. A gun, is proof of one’s pure mental strength---- strength to take a life without hesitancy. I scrolled down, counting on the comments to certify my initial feelings of disgust--- surely there would be a great moral retribution against this guy right? No such validation was found. Instead the hunter was designated as a “hero”, “skilled-man”, “warrior”, with some even going as far to comment that the world and especially the wilderness needed more men of his trade. It all appeared to me in some sort of unanimous fashion, there was no one even hinting about the pain and struggle the wolves themselves must have felt in the whole ordeal. I felt like there was a piece in the puzzle that I was missing, what made this brutality so okay and admired? I mean wolves themselves are not far off from being our friends. Obviously, we share pride of being mammals. And they share every single biological classification possible with our best friends (a dog is a man’s best friend), their order Carnivora, their family Canidae, their genus Canis, and their species is even the exact same according to Britannica. Why do we treat dogs, essentially the same biological entity, with such stark favoritism as compared to wolves? These animals are typically portrayed in a sinister light, as if there is some vicious nature to their existence. We treat them as the evil cousins of the dog. If you search wolves in Google, you will aisles and aisles of menacing images, traveling in packs, looking for meek prey to surround and tear to pieces. If you were to have absolutely no prior knowledge of the animal, and then were to solely use google to piece together the mysterious canine, you would most likely hold them as a menace, an animal with a savagery akin to a dolphin or lion. Prompting the question, does society inherently poison the well with wolves to unconsciously justify a misguided habit of hunting? At first glance, it seems pretty easy to find the solution if you think about it. Hunting is just another one of the myriads of selfish human evils and it requires that obviously needs to stop and probably will at some point. Killing is plainly bad and there need be no more questions asked. (Continued onto the next page). Wolves have up to 42 teeth. Meaning they are hunting animals, giving them their hostile images in popular media. (photo courtesy of Endlen on Pinterest)

= When is reality ever that facile and unambiguous though? When 60% of Alberta beef farmers have been affected by wolf predation by losing one animal or more to predators according to professor Louchouarn, is the conservation of some “precious” wildlife and prevention of unrequited pain justified? These creatures are not just the innocent victims of human savagery that you can easily make them out to be. Ranchers, breeders, and herders suffer under their dependency on livestock kept for exclusively human agricultural needs. Wolf presence now correlates with an increasing cost for the maintenance of a commercial livestock operation because of their predation says expert Musiani. Several methods are common with ranchers when it comes to combatting wolves, wolf culling (hunting for those uninitiated), electric fencing around livestock, and the removal of wolves from a specific area where livestock production is more sparse and the general terrain is wilder professor Musiani confers . These methods are often financially challenging and only make the economic losses of wolf presence higher than they would usually be, except of course culling. Culling only requires a rifle and the will to take life. Therefore, should we take into consideration the poor temporary sensations of a wolf as it is measly shot by a rifle or should we let farmers, ranchers, and herders rightfully protect what is theirs and continue to provide valuable agricultural product for our society undisturbed? I am sure the answer is fairly clear-cut at this point, although hunting wolves is clearly not the answer to every situation regarding them, even if they are disturbing the performance of a livestock oriented farm, there are definitely situations in which their killing may be far more detrimental to the broader environment, far outweighing the immediate convenience of the local agriculturalists. When wolves were existentially expelled from lands they found native such as Scotland, it was a grave loss to the environment, as they were a keystone species. However their maintenance and reintroduction, could have numerous benefits. Apex predators such as wolves could potentially prevent any specific prey from becoming the most domineering of the ecosystem and competing the other prey out of their habitat expert Gwynn confesses. Therefore, is the answer to the hunting question a careful median between free-range hunting and an absolute ban? Society, as partial and polar as it gets, seems to neglect the hunting question, now in 2023, the year of extreme technological emphasis, and an urban lifestyle that does not immediately face the average person with the gruesome nature of the wild, it seems that the wolf only gets further and further irrelevant as time passes on. I mean, was I really thinking about this canine on a daily basis before the prompt for this article came before me? ---- no, I was not. And perhaps it will remain that way afterwards, but all it proves to me is that the hardened ignorance of nature instilled in me from my modern upbringing will continue to void a just answer to this controversy forever, but it does not have to be that way. I mean, there are still countless ways to relate to this animal thanks to the help of technology too. I can watch videos that cite countless facts that I will only blindly assume to be true on YouTube. I can pour over articles that detail the evolutionary history of the Wolf all without the cost of a dime, and it was perhaps these channels of intriguing knowledge that will push me to consider the wolf. To consider that we as a society should endeavor to treat wolves appropriately, hunt them when it is beneficial to not just humanity, but nature as a whole, and guard their survival when they are on the brink of extinction. (photo courtesy of @RootsOfSteel on Twitter)

THE GREAT DECLINE IN THE OCTOPUS POPULATION I spent my early youth living close to the pier and often went diving in the water. However, I never encountered octopuses until I tried scuba diving for the first time in the sixth grade. To swim around these friendly critters is fascinating. The octopus's capacity to alter its appearance in order to blend in with its environment attracted me. To my amazement, as I cautiously swam toward the octopus, it didn't seem to be terrified of me. In fact, it appeared to be more interested in me and extended its tentacles in my direction. Suctioning onto my swimsuit and clawing its beak into the center of my suit, it rested on my back during my whole trip, these very passive creatures appear to be very friendly. The pixilated views of my scuba diving trip were recorded on my mother's camera, where you can see the whole glorifying wholesome trip of my interaction with the octopuses. by Parth P. Nineteen years later an early morning, streets drenched, clouds covering streams of light, wind howling against the window, “Get your butt up, it’s publication day!” My roommate screeches through the hollow wall, lying in bed thinking to myself so much work to do. Why me, why this topic out of all, why would Mrs. Lindquist – senior editor - assign me this irrelevant topic? I’m given an issue that has no fundamental importance— octopus farming. As I roll out of bed, drained to my bones, I open my laptop, “What’s an Octopus?”, a couple of pictures of Octopuses camouflaged into their habitat pop up, but nothing intriguing. With a little research, I came upon a short clip- “Live Octopus Cutting”- I click on it, and within a minute I slap my laptop screen down in disgust. The gruesome video showed an Octopus being sliced apart with a knife, part by part, as it twitched even after being cut up. The incessant view of the Octopus stuck in my brain left me thinking, do Octopuses even feel pain? (TripAdvisor) (Smithsonian Magazine)

Octopus inspection I reopened my laptop to do a little more research. I see more pictures of red-colored octopuses swimming next to people, generally on pristine reefs, appear as I browse. I stumble across octopuses perched on divers' shoulders as I scroll even farther down; these amiable animals are deserving of nothing but affection. Google's images, however, don't make me forget the reality I witnessed before; these wholesome relationships between people and octopuses aren't as wholesome, and the video I watched earlier is still in the back of my mind. Octopus cultivation is immoral, and I find the thought of people generally hunting these adored animals disgusting. But after exhausting myself with research, I made the decision to lie back in bed. I wake up to my phone vibrating, continuously, I tilt my head up, there I see my phone lighting up in notifications, assuming it’s my senior editor, I think to myself does she dare to invade my personal space, even at home? Yes, the answer is yes, as I slowly clock my head up to check my phone, where I see 8 different message s! IT’S A SATURDAY MORNING, WHAT COULD SHE POSSIBLY WANT? “Come to the office at once" the messages read, is it because I’m getting a promotion, or is it that I’m getting fired, I sped out of my chair, grabbed my bag, and rushed in the car. (Bead The Change) (Citrus Reef)

Taxonomical Analysis As I first entered the facility, I saw in the distance Mrs. Lindquist waiting there in her daunting stance and a demeaning grimace, in which I am able to tell something was simmering within her. “Where have you been, Parth?!” she yells across the hall, "You have a paper to write, and you're not going until you do!" It irks me, but while I wait in solitude, I'm glad I'm not being fired. I hurried to my office, started up my laptop, and closed the blinds. The horrid video of the Octopus being cut alive kept playing on repeat in my brain all throughout my drive to headquarters. Is it ethical, should they get treated like this, I need a more solid base if I’m going to make an argument? Initially, you might think octopuses are these big, oddly formed animals with eight legs. But they’re so much more than that. Based on my research, I learned that there are many distinct kinds of octopuses, each of which is classified differently on the taxonomy chart. There are over 300 different species of octopus. The eightlegged organism is categorized as a member of the mollusk phylum; deriving from insects and other pests, the mollusk phylum encompasses a variety of marine life, including squid and snails. Further categorization of the octopus would result in the Cephalopoda class and Octopod order; the last generalization that could be made about an organism without a particular specie name. Moreover, the size of these organisms varies depending on the species, they can vary from 2 inches long to all the way to 18 feet. Octopuses possess an unusual body type, the head and body of a normal octopus are slightly separated by a sac, and they possess eight contractile arms in addition to eight large, specialized eyes that are very complex. They also have a full nervous system that stretches throughout their body to initiate movement of their legs/tentacles. A pair of rows of fleshy suckers with strong grabbing strengths are located on each arm. Although it is quite challenging to discern an octopus' emotions, scientists have claimed that one may determine an organism's emotions based on the color it uses to blend in with its surroundings. Even though it is one of the smallest octopus' species, the common octopus has the intelligence to alter texture when it encounters a predator to frighten it away, shown to be an effective defense mechanism. (General Electric) GlobalConcerns Animal kingdom issues have been under discussion for a very long time. The parameters governing how humans treat animals have changed as the globe has developed. Since certain laws made across the world are immoral, animal rights activists have arisen to demand the abolition of the unfair treatment of animals. Questions over whether octopus farming is moral have often come up, but no concrete action has been taken in response. Scientists and other activists have repeatedly addressed the concerns as a result of these tensions. While there are some good arguments made by individuals who support the morality of octopus farming, which is a form of aquaculture, the case for animal rights is made more persuasively by those who support the argument made against the restricted freedom of all creatures from human interference.

Prosofoctopus farming The benefits to humans, like improved nutrition and health, outweigh any animal welfare concerns, according to proponents of octopus farming. It also results in fewer open-water fishing methods, which relieves strain on wild fishing. Octopuses are known to include significant amounts of protein, as well as significant amounts of Vitamin B12, Selenium, and Vitamin B6; in addition to these high nutritional items, 106 grams of octopus have far fewer calories than a typical bag of hot fries making healthy and filling for its size. These arguments have some validity since the data supporting them are accurate; they do give a greater number of octopuses, in octopus farms, which ultimately reduces fishing all around the nation. Octopus farming is a business that raises and develops octopuses in an effort to increase output. A market for marine-based food that is readily available to them has been developed via octopus farming. As a result, fishermen can now just purchase octopuses off the market, as it creates less disturbance with aquatic environments and lessens the amount of labor needed, as an outcome of octopus farming. The fact that octopuses are invertebrates, which don't need much sunlight to thrive, adds to their advantages and makes controlling them simpler than some people may believe. Since there is typically little to no sunlight where octopuses reside, less on-the-job training is required because there is less labor required to manage the factories as a whole. As octopus farming makes it easier to obtain high-protein meat than it was in the past, people's diets have increased as a result of the simple availability of octopuses in contemporary culture. However, these arguments ignore the excruciating suffering brought on by octopus farming, as well as the fact that along with all these positive externalities, there are also long-term negative ones. (BBC)

The Destruction ofthe Intelligent Octopus farming is considered unethical due to the appalling circumstances octopuses are kept in and the misery they endure there, according to those who support safeguarding octopuses' natural existence. Octopuses do experience physical pain, but they also experience emotional agony because they have one of the most intricate neural systems of any invertebrate in the whole world. These creatures are extremely intelligent, and scientists frequently conduct experiments with them to understand the range of intelligence octopuses possess; they are known as the brains of the sea. Having such a complex nervous system makes them also have complex thinking capabilities due to their brain. It is dishonorable for our research department to keep such creatures in captivity because of their high praiseworthy intelligence, scientists should make use of these creatures by experimenting more, not using them as a basis of income. Worldwide octopus farms tend to be unaware of the circumstances or feelings octopus experiences while kept in these captivity-related environments. Because of the confined quarters, these octopuses are kept in, they experience unnecessary pain on a very high degree. Octopuses often become hostile when confined in small spaces. They are notorious for eating their own arms when they get frustrated. The negative effects on the ecosystem are infinite, and because of the variety of foods that octopuses consume, they play a significant part in aquatic diets. The absence of octopuses in the water, which results from many of them being dragged away to octopus farms, disturbs other species' diets. The absence of octopus in the waters caused many species to deplete or overproduce. This ultimately damages the food chain and can cause animals to become extinct. (Birch Aquarium)

The marine environment is significantly altered negatively by octopus cultivation given its limited advantages. The unnecessary suffering and anguish inflicted on octopuses, mostly for financial gain, make octopus farming unethical. We may move toward a solution that is fair to all parties if we first outlaw all of the legal octopus farms that have been established across the world and then allow octopuses to wander freely in their preferred habitats. Since octopuses are intelligent animals that are still challenging to hunt, even when octopus hunting is permitted, there will still be a rise in octopuses in wildlife. SolutionsIn TheGreat Depth (ANIMAL PEOPLE FORUM) Despite the many hunting techniques, they won't be as effective as octopus farms, therefore the aquatic diet will gradually be restored as there will be an abundance of octopuses once again in the ecosystem. Even though most animal advocates didn't want this, it is the first step in bringing about change. This is simply one step toward ending the practice of octopus hunting altogether around the world; change does not occur overnight. This is simply one of several actions that must be taken to completely stop such conduct. Overall, though, the case that octopus farming doesn't accomplish anything for the environment remains, and ending it will always be the moral thing to do. (Aquacluture North America-)

By: Nebiy P. My Personal Experience When I received the topic of Orcas, I felt, to sum it up in one word, indifferent. I never educated myself on the animal. There was nothing that interested me in them besides the fact that they are one of the biggest dolphins in the world, in fact, I was so clueless of the animal that didn’t know that orcas and killer whales are the same thing. But then after hearing the term “Killer whale”, I realized—I do know about orcas, I was just familiar with them being described as “killer whales” That night, full of excitement and possibilities, I scurried to my computer in hopes to find more enthralling videos of trainers and their marine animals doing tricks in the water and my initial 15 minutes of research went terrific! This is so cool I can’t wait to have my own killer whale! As I continued this research, I was met with an array of pictures that contained happy, amused, and even in-love orcas. One specific thing I realized was the orcas are often seen in large spaces, completely unrestricted by walls and met with the vast and deep blue ocean. Funny enough, these pictures were where they seemed the most at ease, but that is because, according to scientists at National Geographic, they are genetically built to migrate over great distances and ultimately need more space because of their big size. Assuming this made me come to the realization that maybe SeaWorld is not exactly an ideal environment for these territorial dolphins. That is my dream job, I thought optimistically, I want to work with killer whales and dolphins and be their best friend. I was 8 years old, a point in my life that was characterized by my constant infatuation of chicken tenders and French fries, when I visited SeaWorld, or as I called it “the dolphin place”. Now the dolphin place was fun for many reasons, but the most enticing reason was the shows they would put on with the trained dolphin and orcas. I need to get to the splashzone to get splashed, that was my favorite part of the show, getting wet, the humid and almost sticky feeling never failed to produce post-show jitters. Needless to say, I was soaking when the show ended, but that didn’t matter because I got to see dolphin and killer whales flip, turn, twirl, and speak… all with my own 8-year-old eyes. An orca performs at SeaWorld in San Diego. (Howard Ignatius/Flickr) Turn to the next page A Sea of Problems: Orcas in Captivity

Of course, all good things have to come to an end, and my research of a potential occupation turned into a confused and dismayed search of the captive animals in SeaWorld that fall victim to human pleasure. My jaw dropped; I saw pictures of the cetacean’s teeth getting forcefully extracted and living in horrid conditions just so humans, could watch and be appeased by their tricks of forceful submission. Every twirl I saw, every flip I witnessed, every noise I heard, was not a sound of freedom, it was a cry for help. After this night, I realized the stressful and inhumane conditions these sea mammals are put through just for the money of easily amused kids like me, the stress they endure because of their greed for money is deadly, these deathly side effects are known and recorded in a peer-reviewed animal-biology journal. My stomach was so sick the next day, almost as if I was on the verge of a strong enteralgia episode. My once unwavering love for SeaWorld has now become an inspection of the company’s morals and ethics. As a corporation, they aim to bring the world of sea mammals closer to us humans. Looking from a scientific point of view, orcas, also known as killer whales, belong to the family Delphinidae, which includes all dolphins and some whales. So why does this matter, well, according to Beacham's Guide to the Endangered Species of North America, orcas happen to be the largest member of this family, in other words, one of the largest animals that live within the sea are also commonly held captive… this alone is alarming because there isn't a possible way to build a sustainable artificial environment suitable for one of the largest animals that thrive in the largest habitat. Knowing this, we can conclude that healthy orcas don’t belong in captivity, especially for entertainment, because while some people believe orcas don’t have any intellectual capability, proponents of them having an innate emotional conscience is reason enough to conclude that they shouldn’t be held for ransom. To expand on their previously mentioned emotional conscience, it is proven that orcas have one, and captors who contain and restrict these orcas, are neglecting their, present but unspoken, emotions. There are many ways animals show stress, in particular, orcas are proven to show these signs of stress when held captive through their unprecedented behavior. These never-seenbefore stress-induced behaviors are mentioned in Jess Hardiman’s article in Unilad to manifest in many different ways like aggression and even selfharm. This stress can result from many things, but especially the shift from dwelling in a very large habitat to being in an enclosed space in a matter of days; furthermore, as a result of said emotional distress, orcas have been found to die much earlier than their wild-dwelling counterparts. In fact, their lifespan has been reduced by 30 years (almost half!) as a result of the distress that comes with being held captive. Negligence of mental health is detrimental, not only to humans but to intelligent animals like orcas, and these facts show just how detrimental. Taxnomony My Argument So, the question begs, if they are so intelligent, are these animals aware that they are a victim of a serial oppressive situation and are literally held captive? The answer is… yes. Through the unnatural responses to their environment due to the inorganic situations they are put in, scientists are able to recognize their signals of distress. But aside from being a part of the Dolphin family, according to Britannica, orcas are unique because of their intelligence and their patterns of living with pods. No aquarium, no tank in marine land, however spacious it may be, can begin to duplicate the conditions of the seaJacques-Yves Cousteau Turn to the next page Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

To some, this news is devastating as it implies that there will be no more opportunities to witness one of the most magnificent creatures on Earth. However, there are several potential solutions to address this pressing issue: one particularly substantial way is boarding a carbonneutral ferry or boat of other interested tourists in the ocean and “whale watch”. The tour guides could utilize the already existing tactics for whale watching by leaving specific bait at the surface of the water so that the whales could come up and show themselves at a certain time, this way, people can still admire their beauty and the whales won’t have to live another day of confinement and abuse, and instead create a more harmonious environment, this also would result in a healthier climate as orcas have a crucial role in the ocean when it comes to nutrient cycling and predation control, according to Hal Whitehead and Luke Rendell who wrote the biological science journal, The Cultural Lives of Whales and Dolphins. And as for SeaWorld, this substitution would result in the death of their inhumane company and instead begin the birth of new jobs and local businesses that profit off of humane treatment towards these historically abused animals. Weighing the outcome of this slightly different scenario, this new way to watch these orcas feels much better and less guilt-free, it also instills the values of harmony and mindfulness towards animals in the little kids that would otherwise go to SeaWorld. In conclusion, ignorance and mistreatment have been the attitude cash-grabbing corporations and naive customers display to orcas, and from the evidence provided, it can be concluded that orcas don’t belong in restrictive environments as it is harmful to their well-being. Instead, they should live an abundant and natural life without forceful human intervention but instead distant human adoration. But, until this possibility becomes a reality, it is the job of responsible citizens to become aware of how inhumane treatment looks and to avoid supporting its existence. The Solution Joyful and wild baby orca jumping in its natural habitat (Clink Rivers/Mashable). Speaking of intelligence, some might say orcas have no intelligence or intellectual capabilities, which is the reason why they are ok being held captive. Well, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. orcas are actually recognized as one of the most intelligent mammals on this planet. And to get scientific, their intelligence is due to the overproduced specialized brain cells called spindle neurons which are known to grow parallel with their intelligence and empathy (Allman et al.). Moreover, orcas are so aware that they are one of the few animals that recognize themselves in the mirror (Reiss and Marino). All this goes to show that orcas are, in fact, aware of their surroundings and disproves the claim that they are indifferent or unaware of their cruel captivity. Picture of an abused and neglected orca with health conditions (PETA) End of the article "A Sea of Problems: Orcas in Captivity

The Hunt for Rhinoceros' Horn By Sahar F. As I walk through the bustling halls of Time Magazine's headquarters and make my way to my office, the sound of rustling papers fills the air. It is 7:15 in the morning, and I have no idea what to expect from the day ahead—another article? I drag my sleep-deprived self and put on a brave face to yet face another—boring— day full of unimpactful writing that does the world no better. The smell of coffee immediately pulls me, saving my sanity with its magical properties to fight tiredness like Superman against Darkseid. With my coffee, I walk to my desk and notice I have a new prompt to cover in my next article from the Chief Editor, S. Lindquist. The subject? A peculiar animal—the rhinoceros. An animal I have thought about at most five times in my whole life —I forgot they even existed. I remember being in fifth grade in Mrs. Johnson's class, my English teacher, looking through the books on animals. While browsing through the book, I slowly became interested in rhinoceroses. I read the pages on rhinos with profound interest; I found this unique animal so foreign with its thick grey skin and stumpy legs. Ever since then, I never really researched more about rhinos, and that streak is to end today. So, I decided it was time to Google search “rhinoceros." As I began my search, I was immediately struck by the impressive images of rhinos I came across- the sheer size and strength of these animals were awe-inspiring. The dull grey hue of their skin only adds to the intimidating and fierce exterior they possess. I could not help but feel a sense of admiration for them as I imagined their incredible ability to run at high speeds despite their bulky build. The rhinos in the wild fit my faded image of them just as I remembered from those animal books. E X P L O R E | R H I N O C E R O S IS IT ETHICAL ? CONTINUE ON TO THE NEXT PAGE FOR RHINOCEROS | Baby White Rhinoceros and mother (Ceratotherium simum). Photo: Martin Harvey/Getty Images

E X P L O R E | R H I N O C E R O S RHINOS IN THE WILD IN THE WI LD CONTINUE ON TO THE NEXT PAGE FOR RHINOCEROS | A tranquilised rhino is dehorned by a researcher in Zimbabwe to make the animal less attractive to poachers. Photo: WWF Rhino horns cut off and sold on the market. Photo: Reuters However, as I continued to scroll through the search results, my heart sank as I was confronted with images of rhinos being hunted by poachers. It was deeply upsetting to see such magnificent creatures being senselessly slaughtered for their horns, and I felt a sense of despair at the thought of these animals being driven toward extinction. It never occurred to me that these rhinos would be killed by poachers for medicines, or their horns snipped off for decoration. The images displayed the rhino on its side, bloodied, as the smiling poacher stood proudly holding the detached horns. I could not help but think about how my fifth-grade self would have felt if she saw these horrible pictures; I felt my heart drop at the mere thought of ever exposing such a heart-wrenching scene to a child. By the end of my night-long search, I had the worst headache, and my coworkers were horrified by the bags under my eyes as I emerged from the glow of my laptop screen with a determined look. The experience left me with a renewed sense of urgency to protect endangered species like the rhino and their natural habitats.

RESEARCH RHINOS Most people are familiar with rhinoceroses' appearance. Nonetheless, there is much more to learn about these fascinating animals from a taxonomic standpoint. According to research journal, "Rhinoceros," Eric Dinerstein states that a rhinoceros is a member of the Rhinocerotidae family, which comprises five extant species of large, herbivorous mammals. Their thick skin, large bulk, and distinctive horns on their snouts distinguish them. Dinerstein also states rhinoceroses are endemic to Africa and Asia, where they contribute significantly to the ecosystems in which they dwell. Despite their intimidating size and power, rhinoceroses are vulnerable to poaching and habitat degradation, and all five species are endangered. In another research paper, "Rhinoceroses," Lee Lerner observes that rhinoceroses are classified as part of the class Mammalia, which comprises all mammals, from humans to bats to whales. They have warm blood, hair, or fur, and produce milk to nourish their young. Rhinoceroses, like other mammals, have a centralized brainspine assembly and are extremely intelligent creatures. Similar to lobsters, paying attention to rhinoceroses' taxonomic categorization tells a lot about their place in the animal kingdom. Lerner also notes that rhinoceroses are members of the Mammalia class, which includes all mammals, and the Rhinocerotidae family, which includes five species of big, herbivorous creatures. Due to millions of years of evolution, these organisms have a high level of adaptability. CONTINUE ON TO THE NEXT PAGE FOR RHINOCEROS | Rhinoceroses are distinguished by their thick skin, huge bodies, and prominent horns, which serve a multitude of functions, including defense and mating attraction. They are also exceptionally clever creatures with intricate social habits. Additionally, rhinoceroses are critically endangered due to poaching and habitat destruction. When people think of grey, large mammals are harmed and at risk, many think of elephants. Because of the large scale of the African Ivory trade, many African elephants were illegally poached to the point where they were on the brink of extinction, according to "The Convoluted Nature of the African Ivory Trade: Possible Solutions for Curbing the Destructive Nature of Poaching and Promoting Elephant Conservation," a scholarly paper by Jonah Williams. Photo: iStock.com/EcoPic Photo: Peter Chadwick

POACHING OF RHINOS Like elephants, rhinos are hunted to make medicine and become decorations for human benefit. Based on the article, "Helping a Species Go Extinct: The Sumatran Rhino in Borneo," Alan Rabinowitz claims that rhinos are poached for their horns, which are thought to have medicinal qualities in some cultures, despite the lack of scientific evidence to back this claim. The horns are also prized as beautiful ornaments, and some people utilize them as status symbols or in traditional rites. Unfortunately, the desire for rhino horns has resulted in a major fall in the rhinoceros population, as poachers slaughter these gorgeous creatures in vast numbers. In many countries, a large number of rhinos are killed for their resources. For instance, black rhinos, which numbered 60,000 in 1970, fell to 15,000 by 1980 and only 3,500 remain today, according to “Halting the Rhino’s Demise,” a research journal by Jeffrey Conn. The drastic decline in the black rhino population is due to poaching. Furthermore, rhinos are illegally hunted for their horns, which are highly sought after in some countries for their perceived medicinal properties. In the article, “Wildlife Crime and Degradation in Africa: An Analysis of the Current Crisis and Prospects for a Secure Future,” Kofi Abotsi states that rhinoceros territories have seen poaching increase by as much as 700%. Sharing statistical data brings awareness to how large of a scale rhinos are being hunted on a daily basis. Additionally, rhinoceros are an important part of the ecosystem, and their survival is crucial for maintaining the biodiversity of the region. However, they are illegally hunted in large quantities every day for their resources which might drive them to extinction. Rhinos play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem balance in their habitats. As grazers, they help shape the African landscape by consuming large amounts of vegetation, which helps maintain the balance of various plant species. Rhinos are known to consume over 100 species of plants, many of which are not consumed by other grazers, such as cattle or goats. This means that rhinos play a unique role in the ecosystem by helping to control the distribution of certain plant species and maintaining a diverse range of habitats. Photo: Brent Stirton Photo: Brent Stirton Photo: Lowveld Rhino Project/WWF CONTINUE ON TO THE NEXT PAGE FOR RHINOCEROS | POACHING RHINOS

"Rhino poaching is at a record high" Additionally, rhinos are important in maintaining the balance of predator-prey relationships in the ecosystem. As large herbivores, they provide food for many predators such as lions and hyenas. Without rhinos, the predator population could decline, leading to an imbalance in the ecosystem. Furthermore, the carcasses of dead rhinos provide an important source of food for scavengers like vultures and jackals, which help keep the ecosystem clean by removing animal remains. Rhinos also have important economic and cultural significance for local communities. They are a source of income through tourism, and their presence in parks and reserves helps to generate revenue and create employment opportunities for local people. Moreover, rhinos are considered to be cultural icons and are highly valued in many African cultures, where they play a significant role in traditional beliefs and customs. Thus, rhinos are important for maintaining the balance of the ecosystem and biodiversity in their habitats. They play a vital role in controlling the distribution of certain plant species and provide food for predators and scavengers, which helps maintain the balance of the ecosystem. Therefore, poaching has an immense impact on the ecosystem, almost driving the species of rhinoceros to near extinction. Many rhinos are hunted for their horns; their horns are cut off and sold to illegal trade markets. In the article, "Wildlife Poaching: Africa’s Surging Trafficking Threat,” Bradley Anderson claims that a kilogram of rhino horn cost around $800 in the 1990s, it is now more valuable than gold. Looking at recent years, in 2013, the price of rhino horn was $65,000 per kilogram. It is evident that because the horn fetches a huge sum of money, more illegal killings of rhinos will take place and continue to increase as the years pass. CONTINUE ON TO THE NEXT PAGE FOR RHINOCEROS | POACHING RHINOS - Jamie Joseph Furthermore, poachers realize just how valuable the resources of rhinos are; therefore, they will continue to hunt in larger quantities. If no actions are taken to put a stop to all of the illegal poachings, many subspecies of rhinoceros will go extinct. For instance, Anderson also states that poaching has led to the near extinction of some subspecies, including the disappearance of rhinos in Mozambique in 2012. If the numbers continue to rise, it will pose a severe threat to conservation and biodiversity in general. Because of the lack of action from authorities, the trafficking network that sells rhino horns continues to operate with minimal fear of consequences. Proponents of killing and selling the resources of rhinos argue that these arguments have some merit because many people- especially locals- depend on the natural resources within the rhino habitat for food, fuel, and income. The people in these territories hunt rhinos for their resources and use them to make money. In addition, the trade of rhino horns fuels organized crime, which can lead to increased violence and instability in affected regions. It is essential to find sustainable alternatives that support local communities while also preserving the natural resources and wildlife that are critical for maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. Moreover, based on the animal research organization, "African Wildlife Foundation," the major demand for rhino horn is in Asia, where it is used in ornamental cravings and traditional medicine. Some believe that since hunting rhinos is for human benefit, it is ethically acceptable. However, these arguments fail to recognize how inhumane it is to cut off the horns of an animal just so humans can make decorations with it or treat an illness. Photo: SAVING THE SURVIVORS

It is crucial to recognize the importance of preserving the biodiversity of our planet and the impact that the loss of species can have on the ecosystem. The illegal poaching of rhinos not only threatens their survival but also affects the delicate balance of the African landscape. Therefore, it is necessary to take action to stop this illegal activity and ensure that rhinos can continue to play their vital role in the ecosystem. Governments must work together to implement stricter laws and regulations to prevent the illegal trafficking and selling of rhino horns. It is also essential to raise awareness and educate people about the ethical concerns surrounding the poaching of rhinos and the importance of protecting these majestic animals for future generations. PRESERVATION Photo: KNOWSLEY SAFARI PRESERVATION FINAL PAGE RHINOCEROS |

ORCAS FOR ENTERTAINMENT by Ai shah H. Telephones ringing, the smell of freshly printed paper lingering in the air, and keyboards clacking welcome me upon my arrival at Time Magazine’s headquarters. It’s another slow, dreadful Monday morning, and I know only one thing can get me through the day—coffee. I set my belongings down at my workspace, exchanging polite smiles with those around me. Just another long day of editing and staring at a bright screen with weary eyes. Just then, Chief Editor Mrs. Lindquist makes her way to my desk. A stack of papers crowded with black words written in ink and fastened by a paper clip appears in her hand. Her cheerful expression gives me skepticism. Oh, what now. She hands me my assignment, expecting me to report “great things” and walks away. The sound of her heels faintly disappears, and I look down at the paper. Orcas. She wants me to write about orcas. A puzzled look dominates my face as I begin brainstorming. Now, where to begin? I open my laptop and search “orcas,” a simple yet effective start. The images that first appeared were no different than what I had expected. I scrolled for quite some time, looking at the way these animals lived in their natural habitat. They were in groups consisting of orcas of different sizes with their shiny black and white bodies glistening in the summer sun. How beautiful. In deep waters, the orcas are closely huddled together with each whale swimming near the others. These orcas seem to mimic each other and live in unison. They emerge out of the water at the same time with their dorsal fin pointed perfectly like blades along the surface. As I continue my search, the images become less appealing. N O M A D I C | 2 4 Photo courtesy of Veg News Orcas continued on the next page Photo courtesy of The Associated Press

"These conditions not only remove the killer whale’s behavioral instincts but also cause significant tissue damage in the dorsal fin that causes it to collapse." Near the bottom of the search page lays gruesome and concerning images. There are images of orcas on stretchers, surrounded by people with frightened faces. Other images show orcas in bright blue tanks with their dorsal fins flopped over. The same ones are shown with bloody gashes and wounds on their skin. News headlines appear on some images indicating the orca’s attacks and the place of the scene— SeaWorld. Suddenly, my weary eyes became intrigued and alert. I spent the next hour searching for similar instances of orcas and their experiences at SeaWorld. How have we been so blind? I now understood my assignment. I made another hot cup of coffee knowing this would take a while, but I knew my time would be worth it. It had to be. I remembered the images of what a healthy orca looked like in the ocean as opposed to the images I found myself looking at now. If these delicate creatures were being harmed while in captivity, why do these parks still exist? Are people choosing to ignore the effects of confinement on orcas? These questions plagued my mind, and I began to question society’s intentions and morals. My mind, previously boggled by the ridicule of the assignment, was now clear and I knew what I had to do. Orcas, while seemingly simple black and white whales, are categorized as a much more complex species. Down the taxonomical tree, humans and orcas share the characteristics of being in the Kingdom Animalia, Phylum Chordata, and Class Mammalia; however, this is where these two species part ways. According to Britannica, orcas are commonly referred to as killer whales. Orcas are classified as being in the Order Cetacea and are the largest members of the dolphin family, Delphinidae. These cetaceans are mammals that can be longer than 30 feet and weigh more than 11 tons, depending on the gender of the whale. Like the lion, killer whales have many sharp teeth. These creatures have around 40 to 50 large conical teeth to tear through the skins of their desired prey, which is typically based on their location. Photo courtesy of Xplore Our Planet The Taxonomy of Orcas Orcas continued on the next page "If you have evolved to move great distances to look for food and mates then you are adapted to that type of movement..." -Naomi Rose, marine mammal scientist

Killer whales live in small groups called pods— similar to the behavior of dolphins and seals— consisting of a number fewer than 40. Formerly known as grampuses, killer whales differentiate into two distinct pods and do not interbreed: resident and transient. Those in resident pods enjoy prey such as fish, specifically salmon, and those in transient pods use their killer instincts to lure and devour other cetaceans and seals. From the GALE books Whale and Whales and Dolphins, typical ways of capturing their meals include tipping seals into the water or coming onto shore to prey on sea lions. Often, killer whales will use the technique of echolocation to satisfy their carnivorous appetites. The reflected sounds help orcas catch their prey and help them communicate with members of their pod. These aquatic animals, who have no natural predators, live up to the reputation of being the wolves of the sea; they can travel up to 30 miles per hour and consume around 550 pounds of food every day. According to Whale and Dolphin Conservation USA, as of March of 2023, at least 54 killer whales are in captivity, 25 of which were captured in the wild. The practice of keeping these large, active mammals confined in tanks is highly controversial. Some people argue that it is unethical to place orcas in captivity due to the adverse effects on their well-being. Others argue that there is a greater good that comes from confinement and is the basis for research purposes. People that see placing orcas in captivity as moral argue that it is more beneficial and advantageous than the supposed damage. For one, orcas in captivity contribute to a field of study that enhances the public’s knowledge of these animals. Research Director Dr. Michael Weiss from The Center for Whale Research explains that studying orcas in captivity can provide a modern census of the orca community that can be used to assess the endangered population. This practice allows people to see these animals up close and inspires them towards conservation efforts and preservation. These arguments have some merit because the experience of seeing an animal up close builds an emotional connection and bond; however, author Jane Warley points out that proponents fail to recognize that the search for orca research and data while in confinement is limited because the captive environment is artificial, and orcas behave differently depending on their location. The environment an orca is placed in has different effects and if the environment used to conduct studies is not natural, the results concluded do not have much relevance. Orcas are also placed in captivity to provide various forms of entertainment for the public eye. By putting on strategic performances showcasing the orca’s talents, SeaWorld attracts audiences all over the US, generating lots of revenue. A MacroTrends analysis found that SeaWorld’s gross annual profit in 2022 was $860 million. Catherine Green found that in the San Diego location alone, SeaWorld paid $14 million in rent to the city, making up a large proportion of the city’s economy. If SeaWorld was to completely shut down, more cities would lose large amounts of money and the economy may go down significantly. However, this does not excuse the harsh realities of the treatment of orcas in these facilities. Photo courtesy of Renaud de Stephanis/CIRCE Conservación Information and Research Photo courtesy of The Christian Science Monitor The Controversy at Hand Advantages of Orca Captivity Orcas continued on the next page

A stronger case on the controversy of placing orcas under restrictions proves that the negatives outweigh the desire for research studies and mild forms of entertainment. Advocates against this practice detail that orcas can develop detrimental adversities due to confinement, which can lead to their death. In an article against keeping orcas in captivity, author Jane Warley points out that the unnatural habitat of these orcas causes them to develop unhealthy habits. In captivity, orcas are fed dead fish, have a lack of space, and spend too much time close to the surface. These conditions not only remove the killer whale’s behavioral instincts but also cause significant tissue damage in the dorsal fin that causes it to collapse. Naomi Rose, a marine mammal scientist, dictates that orcas swim 40 miles a day on average and dive between 100 to 500 feet in their natural environment. If these orcas cannot get their daily exercise and movement in, they may become obese, which will cause more health-related problems. Oftentimes, orcas are mentally abused. In a SeaWorld case analysis, author Oyejobidb Damilola states that orcas trained at SeaWorld for performances are deprived of food for obedience. Considering the abundance of food orcas consume on average in the wild, they are barely fed a fraction of the number in captivity, which can lead to aggression. Orcas in confinement convey levels of frustration that are enough to kill people. Tilikum, one of the SeaWorld orcas, is known for doing just that. Author Katie Javanaud pointed out that Tilikum was involved in several attacks on SeaWorld employees because he was being mistreated and exhibited his species’ instincts in her journal on the future of SeaWorld. Due to his extremely high levels of frustration, he killed his trainer, Dawn Brancheau. For a place that claims to be a rescue organization with the “highest standards of care,” SeaWorld does not live up to these words and reversely, limits conservation efforts. In another way, orcas are mammals that live in pods and when they are placed in captivity, they are separated from their family. As an act of aggression and boredom, orcas will bite the metal bars of tanks. This unnecessary infliction of stress on killer whales will cause them to break areas of their teeth, which leaves them more susceptible to diseases such as pneumonia. Ultimately, these infections and alterations on the orca’s body will cause them to die early—a common occurrence for orcas placed in captivity tanks. In this way, efforts to help an endangered species by conducting research are actually aiding in the declining population. Although, there is one solution that benefits both sides of the controversy. Photo courtesy of Daily Record Photo courtesy of The Dodo Disadvantages of Orca Captivity Orcas continued on the next page Orca trying to drown trainer.

Sea pens, netted areas of the oceans, can be utilized as a way to settle the controversy on keeping orcas captive. Sea pens serve a function similar to that of a sanctuary and rescue center. These pens are larger than traditional aquatic tanks and allow the orca to continue to live in a familiar environment and possess the same instincts and behaviors. The sea pens can also be personalized to allow visitation from the public without forcing the orcas to put on a show. This compromise still allows researchers to conduct studies and gives the general public a way to witness the behaviors of a killer whale. The difference is that this environment is not made up of concrete and glass walls and doesn’t force orcas to train rigorously with trainers to entertain a selfish audience. Placing orcas in captivity has many effects that are both beneficial and harmful. However, the debate against captivity establishes a stronger case. Profits may decrease, but the overall conservation efforts will allow this endangered species to thrive in a way that doesn’t jeopardize their existence. If society isn’t careful with the way they treat and try to help animals, more animals will become endangered and eventually populations may completely die off. Settling the conflict Photo courtesy of Save Dolphins "The difference is that this environment is not made up of concreate and glass walls and doesn't force orcas to train rigorously with trainers to entertain a selfish audience." Photo courtesy of Tory Kallman/Shutterstock Sea pens being utilized to study orca behavior.

THE Consider w o l f disappointed, but despite my reservations I strove to still produce an essay that was high quality. My prior knowledge of wolves was limited, just the mean ancestors to dogs, So I was unsure if I would find many “ethical dilemmas” regarding this animal. I feel like a lot of people see wolves like dogs, referring to the people who have never encountered a wolf, like something cute that you can play with. In reality wolves are not like domesticated dogs. Personally, if I came face to face with a wolf, I would be terrified. Unlike the dog, in which they are related, the wolf is an apex predator that can and will kill you if threatened. I was surprised at how much I did not know about wolves and how complex this issue really was. Wolves were threatened due to their behavior as an apex predator and their desire for space. (Consider the wolf continues on the next page) 2023 T he Wolf, I am not going to lie. I am not fond of wolves. They are a fascinating species with their complex social and familial hierarchies and howls to communicate over long distances. But they are romanticized in pop culture, which makes them overrated to me. When I opened by email this morning detailing an assignment to draft an article, I was T h i n n i n g t h e p a c k By:KaitlinM. creativecommons image creativecommons image

I While, in theory, the public feels sympathy for them and want to help them, if one had snuck into our subdivision and killed our dog, many people would want that animal put down. For safety, right? Upon searching images of wolves, I saw what I expected to. Wolves in their natural habitat roaming around with the occasional glamorized wallpaper of a wolf howling at the moon. They truly were majestic creatures that looked menacing. I am almost scared for the photographer that took some of the images as the wolves look ready to attack. There were a few shocking images of wolves eating a carcass of something they had recently killed, but what really stuck out to me were the descriptions and article names under the pictures of the wolves. Some mentioned the decrease in the wolf population and others discussed the killing of wolves, the one that stuck out to me was an article from a local paper in Washington that discussed four wolves that had been poisoned by a local environmental group. It was sad to me that these 2023 creatures would be killed when they had done nothing wrong by people who had taken matters into their own hands.A couple of years ago I had the opportunity to visit Yellowstone National Park and Grand Tetons National Park. Nearby where we were staying there was a wolf sanctuary. In it there were a bunch of beautiful white wolves trapped in a pen because they were endangered. Pretty but trapped. I thought they were cute, so I bought a stuffed animal and named it Luna. My emotional connections to animals as a child were through stuffed animals. My favorite animal was and is a frog because of the stuffed frog I was given as a baby. This wolf stuffed animal was no different and I took her everywhere, at least until my childhood ADHD saw the next new stuffed animal that would become my favorite. Wolves are taxonomized in the class Mammalia and the order carnivora. Makes sense as they are mammals who eat meat. They are of the family Canidae which includes all dog-like carnivores. Their genus and species is Canis lupus. Canis means dog and includes other dog-like animals like coyotes and golden jackals; Lupus is Latin for wolf. Wolves are the ancestors to modern dogs. It is a common belief that wolves can be domesticated by humans, but biologist Raymond Coppinger disagrees and believes this theory to be false. He works with and tries to tame wolves. He notes that taming wolves is possible, but only partially successful. (Consider the wolf continues on the next page) while in theory, the public feels sympathy for them, if one had snuck into a subdivision and killed a dog many people would want that animal put down. creativecommons image

C O N S I D E R T H E W O L F At the end of the day, they still are apex predators and if you get in the way of their food or their mate, they will not hesitate to kill you. Wolves are not creatures that can be fully domesticated even with maximum effort. Instead of being domesticated by humans, Coppinger believes that wolves likely domesticated themselves to get food from them. The wolf used to be a creature that was admired. The Native Americans revered and admired the wolf for their cunning and survival instincts. They admired their ability to hunt effectively and sought to mimic them in some cases. Even early American settlements believed the same thing about wolves. As urbanization has spread, however, the views on the wolf have changed. They are no longer an animal to be admired, but one to fear and drive off. We do not want wolves in our subdivisions or anywhere near our kids. The ethical dilemma about whether or not we should hunt wolves is not something easily solved, but it can be justified in some instances. If the wolves are putting human lives, pets and livestock in danger, then that is a justifiable reason for hunting them. (Consider the wolf continues on the next page) 2023 creativecommons image

The wolf is the close ancestor of the modern dog, but they are different in domestication and habits. While dogs are beloved and can be tamed, wolves are threatened with hostility if they ever get close to human settlements or if they harm a farmer's welfare by killing livestock. Despite this, wolf hunting is only legal in some states where their large population causes problems for the human settlements there. I mentioned earlier the wolves in Yellowstone. Before scientists had an understanding of ecology and the balance of predators and prey in the food web of an ecosystem, wolves were considered dangerous and hunted in the Yellowstone area due to the danger they posed to the natural wildlife in those regions. After Yellowstone was established as a national park the hunting stopped. Killing of wolvesharms theirpopulationandpotentially theecosystems they livein. However, it is justifiedtohunt wolves whentheyget tooclosetohumansettlementsandendangerhumanlivesandtheir livelihood. Thebasicsofecologyarethatanecosystemisbalanced witheachlayerofpredators keepingtheir prey incheck.Thehuntingof wolveshas removedthemas thehighestpredator inmostof these ecosystems wherenow populationsofanimals likedeerhaverunrampant.Additionally,accordingto theNationalParkService, wolvesusedtoroamoveralmostallofNorthAmericaandnow theyonly really inhabit Canada. (Consider thewolfcontinuesbelow) Huntingisharmful totheecosystemviatherisingpopulationsofdeer,but thedeerarealsobeing huntedas well tokeeptheirpopulationincheckandoverall, itdoesnot seemliketheremovalof wolves hasbeenimportant totheseecosystems.AccordingtotheNationalParkService, thegray wolf isbeing reintroducedtosomeareasaway fromhumansettlement, tohelptheseecosystems . Formostpeople wolvesarenotaproblemthat they willeverhavetodeal withintheir lives sincethe wolfpopulation primarily lives inareas likeMontanaandWyoming, statesnear the US-Canadaborder.Nowadays, wolf attacksarenot thatcommonduetotheoverhuntingthathasbeengoingonfor thelastcentury.They stillposeadanger totheareasbutoverall, their impact ismostlyonthelivestock inthis region.Wolves killaround100sheepand120headsofcattleevery year. Livestockareaneconomicinvestmentby thesefarmersandthe wolvesposeathreat totheseinvestments, sofarmers tendtokill wolves to protect them. (Consider theWolfcontinuesonthenextpage) 2023 "Thehunting of wolveshas removed themas the highest predator in their ecosystems" creativecommons image

C O N S I D E R T H E W O L F Overall, the main argument for killing wolves in addition to economic reasons is the danger they pose to people living in areas near them. The wolf, unlike the dog, is an apex predator that, even when “tamed, ” is still dangerous. Scientists, in a PBS article, discussed how even the tamed wolves will kill their masters if that person gets in the way of their food. It is because of these primal instincts that wolves, when near a suburban area, pose a great threat to the children and pets there. Suburbia is expanding and it has been since the 1960s, but with the wolf population also rising they are expanding their territory as well, the two are starting to conflict. There is no mother who would not agree to kill a wolf in defense of their child. The solution to this ethical dilemma is moderation. Killing the wolves only needs to be a last resort when they encroach on human lives and attempts to relocate the wolf fail. Additionally in areas like Yellowstone wolves live peacefully and avoid humans which allows their population to grow and spread without being a danger to human life. The policy towards wolves should be to leave them alone and only kill them if they pose a threat to human life. This way their population can stop being endangered in the US and the ecosystems they live in can once again be in balance. 2023 creativecommons image

M A Y 2 0 2 3 B Y : A L E X A M . "No man or beast should die by such means.” ― Sarah Micklem, Firethorn IsHuntingElephants aNecessaryPractice? P O A C H I N G , S P E C I E S I S M , A N D I T S E F F E C T S O N E L E P H A N T S N A T U R E & C O N S E R V A T I O N

“NATURE’S GREAT MASTERPIECE, AN ELEPHANT – THE ONLY HARMLESS GREAT THING.” – JOHN DONNE. Exposing the Truth Tick. Tick. Tick. I eye the clock above my cubicle and mourn the hours I spent staring blankly at the empty Word document on my computer screen. My eyes are sleepy, my brain is irritated and my butt is sore from sitting in this uncomfortable chair all day. Leave it to Mrs. Lindquist, my Senior Chief editor, to give me a big writing assignment the week—no, not even week, days—before a much needed holiday break. “I want an article about the everyday struggle of high school teachers in our modern society on my desk by Monday, Alexa. And don’t forget to use syntax… and diction!” Running my hands through my poorly combed hair, I let out a groan. I should quit this silly job. I really, really should. I just can’t stand this place anymore. I sigh and rub my tired eyes as I pull open a new tab, typing the first thing that comes to my mind to distract myself. “Cute baby animals”, I type into the search bar. Immediately my eyes are blessed with an array of adorable images. A baby panda eating bamboo, a tiny kitten, a huddle of fluffy ducklings—the therapeutic pictures were enough to make me want to melt! I laughed to myself as I scrolled past a picture of a baby hedgehog with its tongue out. Suddenly, something caught my eye. My, how adorable! It’s a baby elephant! Clicking on the image of the small wrinkly creature huddled underneath what I presumed to be its mother, I quickly fell into a rabbit-hole of pictures of the silly animals. I never realized how goofy-looking baby elephants were! They all looked so happy and exci- -ted, their curiosity for the world shone in their beady little eyes. I couldn’t help but smile a bit as I continued scrolling. Suddenly though, my stomach dropped as another image caught my mind. My smile twists into a frown as I click on an image of a dead baby elephant in the middle of a field. A heartbroken gasp escapes from my mouth as my eyes move down to another picture, one of an adult elephant being tied up and beaten with a long stick. I descended into a darker hole of images and articles with knit brows; articles namely to do with the decline in elephant populations and the increase in poaching and elephant hunting. I couldn’t believe the disturbing statistics I was reading concerning elephant cruelty. This is unbelievable! I had heard about elephant poaching and the ivory trade before, but I had no idea just how bad it was until this moment! Why aren’t more people talking about this? Has this really all been happening right under our noses without us knowing? The questions raced angrily in my head like a hornet’s nest; I was furious. C O N T . O N N E X T P A G E A L E X A M .

It was then that I decided that Mrs. Lindquist's eye-gouging assignment could wait. Who cares if I get fired, people need to know about this! With a new-found energy and a sudden burst of motivation, I pull open a new tab and push up my glasses before cracking my fingers and beginning my long, one-man research expedition. If I’m going to write an article about the mistreatment of these poor giant creatures, I’m going to need to learn as much information about them as I can. The things I learned from my research journey fascinated me. To start, elephants are the largest living land-based animals to roam the earth. They are characterized by their long trunk, columnar legs, ivory tusks, and large head with wide flat ears. That much is rather obvious, I think. They belong in the suborder Elephantoidea, which is a part of the Proboscidea order. There are two common species of elephants, those being Loxodonta africana and Elephas maximus, but recently scientists are speculating the existence of a third species, known as Loxodonta cyclotis, a type of African forest elephant. The colossal gray mammals can weigh up to 4 tons, and live somewhere between 60 and 80 years, although many believe that they can live for even longer. Can you imagine getting outlived by an elephant? Extraordinary. The thing that astounded me the most about these mystical animals, however, was their enormous ivory tusks. When it comes to African elephants, both males and females have tusks. When it comes to Asian elephants, however, only some males have tusks. Tusks are incisor teeth, connecting to an elephant’s jaw and sticking out even when their mouths are closed. While the sizes of elephant tusks have reduced significantly since years past, the average African elephant is said to have tusks as long as 10 feet, weighing up to 200 pounds each. It’s a shame that such magnificent creatures are hunted for these mere 10 feet. The belief that man’s concerns should override those of animals, also known as speciesism, has been a common topic of discussion between animal rights activists in recent years. Should animals be given the same basic rights as humans? Peter Singer, in his 1974 book Animal Liberation, sure thinks so. In his book he describes speciesism as “immoral and unjust”, which I find to be 100% true. But is there more to this dilemma? Let’s explore a bit. Let us consider the dilemma of elephants, for which I am writing this essay. A prime example of speciesism, elephants are well known for their endangerment due to poaching and trophy hunting. Elephants have almost entirely made up the ivory trade for hundreds upon thousands of years, getting their tusks painfully removed to be sold as ornaments, jewelry, and artifacts. When tusks are pulled out from elephants, nerve endings are exposed and can easily become infected, leading to death. All to be turned into beautifully carved home décor for the wealthy. C O N T . O N N E X T P A G E

thought to exist before. By selling his versions of tusks to buyers on the black market and other organizations within the ivory trade business, poachers are now being run out of business, resulting in less elephant killings. Additionally, Vollrath believes these artificial tusks could be used biomedically to treat things like bone and tooth repair, as well as replace the 19th century practice of using ivory from elephant tusks in hip replacements for the elderly. If more projects like these were to come about, more and more endangered animals could finally live freely and peacefully, all while humanity still reaps the same benefits. Now, I’m not saying the slaughter of elephants will stop entirely. Trophy hunting for ego will still very much exist, and nothing is ever a hundred percent guaranteed in complex issues like speciesism and animal rights. But it is a start, which is what matters. The more light that sheds on situations like these the more opportunities there are to talk about it and come to a solid compromise. Speciesism cannot be eradicated—after all, you can’t kill an idea—but it will at least not cause animals as much pain and discomfort as it has done in previous and present times. Elephants and Bees Project Recently, elephant tusks have also been used medically, providing remedy for hair loss and a variety of illnesses in Asia and Africa. I ask you this, reader: Is the life of a man, or even of many, worth the sacrifice of slaughtering an innocent animal? Some might argue that elephants, like most animals, are incapable of feeling emotion—or, at least not like we do. However, it’s been scientifically proven that elephants do in fact feel a wide variety of emotions like joy and grief, as well as deeper emotions like empathy. It does seem a little, if not more, unethical to kill an emotionally sentient animal for nothing more than human benefit. But at the same time, healing hundreds of ill patients could most definitely be seen as a justifiable excuse for such homicides. According to most people, at least. So what can be done? If society enforces more laws against elephant hunting, it’s not going to affect the poachers who were already doing it illegally in the first place, and many sick people that benefit from ivory medicine will die. Is there a way to detusk elephants safely in a way that won’t affect them physically or mentally for the rest of their lives? Unlikely. However, thanks to the everevolving technological and scientific advances of our modern age, new solutions are slowly making their way to the surface of this dilemma. At the University of Oxford, for example, a biologist by the name of Fritz Vollrath has devoted himself to bioengineering lab-grown ivory tusks using elephant DNA, something never to have been ISS Africa “WE MUST JOIN FORCES EVERYWHERE TO STOP THE SLAUGHTER OF ELEPHANTS... THEY FEEL PAIN, THEY KNOW SUFFERING. WE MUST STOP PEOPLE FROM BUYING IVORY." –DR JANE GOODALL

Orca in a Fishbowl Mariana M. I walked into the office with a cup of coffee and purse in hand; the smell of hazelnut surfaced through the office. I set my things down on my desk, and slid open my drawer and placed a stack of papers onto it, and began highlighting and editing documents as I did every day. Mrs. Lindquist walks in with her tall cup of coffee and slaps down a report about SeaWorld and the scandal about the orcas held in captivity "There has been lots of investigations into the orcas" I looked at her, surprised, as I took a sip of my coffee. "Seaworld...really, I loved that place as a kid although I never went" I felt sick to my stomach. My own mind had been boggled by everything that I had imagined as a kid about SeaWorld. It felt like a lie seeing those animals be treated like that. No animal should ever face this; I loved Sea World as a kid. It was my dream to go there and experience all the animals, especially the orcas. I would see on TV the commercials and how they had the great 1Shamu, the lovable Corky, and other orcas who would love to come to see you at sea world. But was it true? Could a safe place make for orcas really be truly abusing them? She Shook her head and agreed. I thanked her and began brainstorming and searching for images of Orcas or others known as the killer whale. These images showed an orca jumping out of the water in its pods and swimming with its young in the great blue sea. These images fascinated me and showed how big an animal can truly be; their big bodies covered in black and white, their powerful dorsal fin standing straight up, cutting through the water and living freely in the great blue sea, but as I got deport into the images I saw what made my heart drop orcas with missing teeth scratches on their beautiful skin and under each picture was a caption of what sea world had done to these beautiful animals. by lisad 1724 from getty images from Pexels continue to next page

The orca, other known as the killer whale, is in the same species as the Dolphins. (Britannica) The killer whale in the wild is seen as a big animal with white patches on its underbelly and big fins with a powerful tail that propels them through the deep blue sea. The orca, or in Latin Orcinus orca, which translates to belonging to orcas, are powerful animal weighing up to 8,000-16,000 pounds (about 7257.47 kg) and living up to 60-90 years old with an enormous length reaching up to 35 feet. Orcas mainly stick to a diet based on other mammals making them the hunters of the sea, traveling in packs; although they have the killer in their name, this is for their form of hunting.Orcas are very social animals and rather travel in pods, sometimes having 50 members, and become very protective of each other and especially the babies .Their intelligent minds help them communicate using whistle noises in different sets and times to convey their message to the rest of their pod; their use of communication and teamwork makes the animals great hunters and apex predators in the water. An animal so intelligent does really make you think about why Seaworld would ever take advantage of a distinguished animal. As I was investigating the killer whale, I began to delegate if whether what we as humans were doing was correct or even moral. These animals were beginning to get hurt in the process, and we were ignoring the truth. from getty images from getty images continue to next page

Seaworld was always seen as this amazing place where you could go and learn about diverse types of animals and make investigations so our children of the future could live in peace with these animals. Movies were even made about the amazing orcas and what they have taught us. SeaWorld on website promotes this by "providing experiences that matter and inspiring guests to protect animals and the wild wonders of our world" The organization promotes sanitary for these animals housing many orcas, and still promote the viewing of orcas. We as humans are buying into an experience and do not think about the consequences for the animals, and it has become truly devastating that we as humans would force an Orca into mental and physical torture just for 30$. These big Orcas are corralled and taken away from their mother at an incredibly early age just for the sole purpose of human entertainment. As stated by Besty Reid, "Men with a long stick and guns corralled a group of resident killer whales spatting mothers from their calves; at least a dozen whales died during the capture, and more than 50 were kept for captive display". Orca hunters are only there for the babies; they would kill the adults filling their bodies with rocks so they would sink to the bottom and take the babies into entertainment parks across the world. The documentary Blackfish highlights this, and a retired orca hunter once said, "I couldn't handle it. Just like kidnapping a little kid away from its mother". These orcas are later put into concrete tanks that are incredibly small for an orca that is supposed to be traveling 1,200 miles (about 1931.21 km) and is known for crossing oceans but are now put in a fishbowl where Orcas are underfed and enter a state of depression and anxiety ; Christopher Porter former Seaworld employee "That's where the food deprivation would come in... probably what led to what I think is psychosis". Stripped from the normal animal behavior, just for a happy family to smile and say they saw the amazing orcas at Seaworld. Korta, a special killer whale known for his sweet personality and witty attitude, killed himself in his tank by smashing his head into his concrete tank, causing a brain aneurysm killing him instantly. His death truly showed that these whales were suffering and needed to be rescued Korta's body was disposed to form, and though not confirmed, many witnesses viewed his body as being dumped in a landfill. Korta was only 15. He was only a child suppressed in a tiny tank that eventually took over his mind and became the cause of his death. fwww.seaworldofhurt.com fwww.huffingtonpost.com www.pinterest.ca continue to next page

Not only are the lives of the Orcas in danger but their trainers as well. Many trainers have experienced Orcas biting their legs and dragging them to the bottom of the tank. One important case was Dawn Brancheau. While working with the Orca Tilikum, Ms. Brancheau was brutally murdered by her frustrated whale. These animals turn to violence to show their true feelings, and many notice these powerful animals are not something to mess with. The Organization of Safety and Health Association sued Seaworld after one of the best trainers of SeaWorld was murdered by one of the whales, and during the trial, many said that "footage shows a killer whale repeatedly striking and thrashing the trainer.... the autopsy reports...death by drowning and traumatic injuries". Dawn has not been the only trainer to die from the orca while instructing an Orca. Many entertainment parks overall have experienced at least one traumatic event where their trainers felt they were going to die because, their orca lashed out and tried to kill them. Some have experienced broken legs, loss of arms, and near-death experiences just because the animals have decided to react, and turn to their predatorial instincts to protect themselves, which means the life of a human is put on the line, and as we can see with Dawn the animals are more then likely to harm and kill. radaronline.com www.heraldsun.com. www.dailymail.co.uk fwww.cbsnews.com continue to next page

Orcas could travel the thousands of miles they normally would and become once again the strong, beautiful animal we see on the animal plant with their pod jumping in and out of the water with their dorsal fins straight and facing high, cutting through the water becoming once again the apex predator they are meant to be. Trainers would not have to fear orcas and live peacefully, knowing that they are safe, living a healthy life, and not facing the jaws of a predator. The release of orcas would cause a huge domino effect; many entertainment parks would lose their main attractions losing money. The release of the Orcas would be very impactful for many people and animals. Seaworld would lose workers and audience, but it would protect the eye of innocent children from seeing orcas slam their heads into tanks and orcas killing each other and save them from seeing an innocent trainer die due to the abuse of an animal. One resolution that I propose is the release of Killer whales across all entertainment parks. No longer would these animals be under mental and physical strain, but the safety of the trainer would be reestablished. In conclusion, it is immoral to keep orcas in captivity just for humans to have an Orca splash water in their face and see the trainers dance with the orca. The life of an animal should not be put at risk, forced to kill themselves and their fellow orcas, and kept in tiny tanks facing extreme amounts of depression, anxiety, and early death. Nor should a trainer be forced to care for an animal that is extremely dangerous and could snap its bones in a split second. Humans would never force another to do this, so why should innocent animals be stripped of their mother? So a company can gain 30$ and sell stuffed orca plushies. Orcas should live in peace in the sea with their pod left to experience life the way they should be along, aside from each other bonded for life. Not facing the containment of a concrete prison. by Getty images By Getty images by Lagmar Design

THE TWO SIDES OF HUNTING ELEPHANTS By Vy N. W H Y M U S T T H I S P R A C T I C E B E M A I N T A I E D ? My Senior Editor - Ms. Lindquist - thinks this is the best course of action if I am to have any hope of keeping my job and becoming an established author, though I strongly disagree. While the rest of my coworkers were assigned investigative topics, relevant to society-inspiring readers and sparking a change- I was assigned to write about hunting elephants. How did I fall this low? As I think back to when I began writing for Time, feelings of joy and excitement bubbled up and I remembered why I loved the job and would fight to keep it. From a young age, the American education system has enforced the practical skill of being able to research and write about a given topic. Writing and researching was one of my favorite subjects and throughout my early education I lived for writing projects. I remember in the third grade I was assigned to write a book about an animal of choice. Fascinated by dumbo in the colorful pages read to me as a child, I chose to write about Elephants. As it was so long ago there wasn’t much that remained in my memory, but I remembered they have a great one. E L E P H A N T S C O N T I N U E N E X T P A G E "I would have the ability to share the naked truth of how they are treated." he subtle scent of stale coffee drifts through the air as I slowly walk towards my desk at Time Magazine. My writing career is drowning and in a last-ditch effort to stay afloat and keep my job, I've been assigned to write about the unnecessary hunting of elephants- writing Tthis would be unnecessary pain. For now, I’d have to research them once more. All I know about elephants is that they live in Africa, star in Disney movies and are hunted for their ivory tusks. Okay, I’ll bite. I search elephants and images of big gray animals flood the screen. Entranced by these images I scroll slowly, looking at pictures of silly cartoons, loving families, and strong solo elephants. Photo: Hunt in Africa Photo: National Geographic Photo: Brittanica