Published 08/14/09
By Will Travers, Chief Executive Officer

The news that Michael Vick has been rehabilitated into the sports world is certainly controversial. But the question on the mind of all those who care about animals is: Has he truly seen the light and put his previous — and terrible — behavior behind him? Will he now be the animals’ champion instead of nemesis? Only time will tell.

And, as far as Born Free USA is concerned, could it be that his epiphany might trigger others who use and abuse animals to mend their ways too? Like the thousands of people who think it’s OK to keep exotic animals as “pets.” Will the tiger, lion, and primate owners see the light? Again, we’ll have to wait and see. Meanwhile Born Free USA will continue to deal with the fallout of this largely unregulated and totally unacceptable practice. Our Primate Sanctuary in Texas currently cares for more than 500 monkeys, including many former “pets” who totally rely on Born Free USA for their future care and well-being.

The Michael Vick story has been headline news for months and looks set to run and run. Sadly the spotlight rarely focuses on the animals for that long. After all, they are the innocent victims in all this.

Blogging off,

Will

Published 08/13/09
By Diana Oliver, Development Associate

Original blog

Published 07/08/09
By Diana Oliver, Development Associate

Partying for the animals

Published 05/04/09
By Diana Oliver, Development Associate

Born Free USA Monkey Business parties are now underway. At last we have the opportunity to invite our supporters to party for the animals!

Our grassroots friends of all ages can now host a myriad of events to raise money for the Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary. From hosting a Bunco night, to having a garage sale, to asking for donations in lieu of presents for an anniversary or birthday, or even selecting a portion of one business day sales, there is no limit to the possibilities of being a host. Anyone can do it as well. One could be college student, a small business owner, a stay-at-home mom, or even a construction worker. Raising money for the Sanctuary helps significantly with the daily food, treats, vet care, and maintenance of daily operations. Just one week of food and treats costs $2,000 for the primates.

Hosting a party is also a great way to have fun with friends while simultaneously feeling good about helping these special individuals live out the remainder of their lives in peace. Party hosts have the potential to raise awareness about the inhumane use of monkeys as “pets,” in research facilities, or in roadside zoos, and to raise funds for the care of 500+ rescued individuals. The fun part is picking out what kind of party to host. Managing the party is easy too with all the tools available at one’s fingertips at www.party2win.com/bornfreeusa.

My husband and I hosted a party at our house in Folsom for our birthdays in April. And since we didn’t want any more vases, picture frames, or other joint type presents, we asked our family and friends to donate in lieu of presents to our favorite charity. We had about 30 people over, a DJ, a bartender, and it gave us the perfect excuse to keep in touch with all our friends too. We saw people we hadn’t seen in a while. Some of our friends from southern California came up for the occasion and we made new friends by posting it up on Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter.

I want to publicly thank Ms. Christine Bowers for hosting a garage sale to be held at her home in Rockford, IL. Ms. Bowers and her family will be combining their salable items to raise funds for the care of Joey and his friends at the Sanctuary. I'd also like to thank Ms. Laurie & Paislee Trees-Flores for their house party in which they raised $500 for the Sanctuary! Way to go! Kudos to Ms. Gwenndela Glitter and Ms. Mary Owens for hosting their very own parties as well!

Now I'd like to invite you to join us and create your very own event. Just know you are not only building karma points by hosting but also helping the 500+ monkeys in need of your generosity and that of your friends.

For the monkeys,

Diana

You Can End the "Pet" Primate Trade

Just moments ago the United States House of Representatives passed the Captive Primate Safety Act (H.R. 80) by an overwhelming vote of 323-95. This legislation, championed by Born Free USA, prohibits the import, export, and interstate commerce in nonhuman primates if they are going to be kept as "pets."

The swift House action comes in the wake of the Travis the chimpanzee tragedy in Connecticut, where a pet chimpanzee attacked a 55-year-old woman and was shot by police as a result. Now, you can help us ensure swift action in the US Senate so the bill becomes the law of the land this year.

Please take one minute to send a letter to your United States Senators urging them to pass the Captive Primate Safety Act right away.

Other Ways to Help Animals

Adopt a Primate

The Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary, located in Dilley, Texas, offers more than 500 nonhuman primates — many of whom were rescued from abusive situations in laboratories, roadside zoos, and private possession — a second chance for a more natural life.

You can give sanctuary residents the gift of a brighter tomorrow by "adopting" one of them today. For just $1 a week, you can make a difference in a primate's life. Your donation helps us provide food, care, and rehabilitation to these individuals.

To learn more, click here.

Historic Trial to Save Elephants Begins Tomorrow!
Are You an Elephant Defender?

Please let me extend my heartfelt thanks to all of you who have donated to our Elephant Defense Fund. Your generous contribution has made possible our historic lawsuit against Ringling Bros. Circus for mistreatment of endangered Asian elephants.

At long last we have been able to publicly expose the truth about Ringling’s inhumane treatment of elephants in violation of the Endangered Species Act. What happens behind the big top is absolutely horrifying!

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Born Free USA’s Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Nicole Paquette, will be attending the trial as a witness and also to report the news as it happens, to you. Nicole will be dispatching blogs from the trial, so be sure to sign up for the Born Free USA blogroll. She’ll also be Twittering the details as they emerge so to stay on top of all the news, make sure you’re signed up to follow us on Twitter!

The trial is set to begin tomorrow. As I write this I am heading off to Washington, DC to attend the courtroom proceedings. I will also be called on behalf of Born Free USA united with Animal Protection Institute (Born Free USA) as a witness in this landmark case.

But I need your help now more than ever.

As this case begins, you better believe that Ringling Bros. will stop at nothing during the course of the trial to defeat our compassionate efforts. Our legal costs are skyrocketing, especially these last few months as we prepare for trial, but we cannot let money keep us from winning this legal campaign for the elephants. Ringling Bros. is well-financed — Born Free USA united with Animal Protection Institute needs you!

Your generous donation today to our Elephant Defense Fund will ensure that Born Free USA has the ability to continue this fight — and others — on behalf of elephants used and exploited in circuses, traveling shows, and other captive situations.

Born Free USA is absolutely determined to expose Ringling’s animal abuse. They use sharp and barbaric bullhooks on innocent elephants. They chain these poor animals for hours and hours at a time — even more than a day straight!

Surely you agree that elephants — that all animals in circuses — deserve better than the treatment they currently receive!

You can find out more about our efforts, and the wealth of evidence we have amassed to support our claims, by visiting our newly updated Ringling lawsuit webpage.

And you can work side by side with us to change their fate through your contribution to our Elephant Defense Fund right now.

Not surprisingly, Ringling Bros. attempts to thwart us every step along the way, both in this lawsuit and in cities around the country. But Born Free USA will not back down. We will work with steadfast determination through this trial and every one that may follow — to protect elephants, and all animals currently sentenced to the inherently cruel fate of life in the circus. And we will help every city across the country that wants to keep cruel circuses with elephants out of their city limits.

I will be dispatching blogs from the trial, so be sure to sign up for the Born Free USA blogroll. I’ll also be Twittering the details as they emerge so to stay on top of all the news, make sure you’re signed up to follow us on Twitter!

So be sure you stay informed on all the details of the trial so you won't miss the latest breaking news!

Please help us win this fight by contributing what you can. The elephants are counting on all of us.

With warm regards,

Nicole G. Paquette, Esq.
Senior Vice President & General Counsel

(Just click on one of the donation links above to contribute online through our secure system, or call 1-800-348-7387 x215 to donate by phone.)

Oppose the Sales Tax on Veterinary Services

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California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is proposing to extend the state sales tax to veterinary services to bring in new state revenue. According to some estimates, the tax could raise the cost of vet care by about 9 percent. This tax could have very serious consequences for animals and for their human companions.....

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Your voice can help make a difference. Please call the Governor and then email your legislators. For telephone information, more details, and to send email, click here.....

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Born Free USA united with API Platinum Plus VISA Card

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Earn points and get the rewards you want — cash, travel, merchandise, and gift certificates — now with easy online redemption, too! Only the WorldPoints® card gives you the freedom to choose so much, so easily — and with no annual fee. Carry the only card that helps support our programs and initiatives at no additional cost to you. Simply click here to apply online today.....

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For each new signup, Born Free USA united with API receives up to $70 and .55% of all retail purchase transactions. Apply Online Now....

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Become a Member of Born Free USA united with API

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By joining Born Free USA united with API as a Member, you are joining tens of thousands of compassionate individuals across the country who are committed to making a difference on behalf of animals in need.....

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Your Membership gift supports our vital efforts to protect animals through such tools as legislation, litigation, advocacy, and public education. Our Members are our partners in action, and together, we can make a difference for animals.....

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Click here to learn more about the benefits available to you, and become a member of Born Free USA united with API today.

50 in 50 — Could You Do It?

Imagine running 50 marathons ... in 50 states ... as a testament to your dedication to animal welfare and endangered species conservation: 1,310 feet-pounding miles — or roughly the distance between Washington, DC and Dallas, TX!

That is exactly what Cindy Haug-West has offered to do for Born Free USA. As part of this grand undertaking, Cindy is running to raise funds for — and awareness about — the campaigns and issues on which Born Free USA works each day with our own determination. Read her guest blog about how she was inspired to run for the animals and Born Free USA.

Cindy’s next scheduled event is the Maui Oceanfront Marathon January 25, 2009. Your support is needed today!

Learn more here. Together, we can do a world of good for animals.

Great Deals for a Great Cause

Take part in our "Fly Free" online auction featuring fabulous bird- and flight-inspired items.

Auction items range from exotic vacation getaways to donated items guaranteed to delight and surprise.

Now is your chance not only to get all the great items you want, but to do it knowing you are helping support our organization and mission. Born Free USA’s National Bird Day campaign aims to raise public awareness of the plight of birds in captivity and in the wild. Through this campaign and others, Born Free USA works to and to improve the lives of birds living in captivity and preserve their rightful place in the wild.

Great deals for a great cause. Hurry! Auction ends January 19.