African Elephant Reunited With Her Sisters After More Than a Decade Apart

Essential New Research from Texas A&M

New research has surfaced detailing the vital role of older animals in maintaining species populations and ecosystems. The Department of Ecology and Conservation at Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences conducted the study, which explores how older animals impart survival knowledge and stabilize their ecosystems.

Older animals often serve as leaders to younger generations. For instance, whales, birds, and elephants embark on their migrations led by an elder of the group. By positioning themselves as leaders, these elders can teach others in the group, who will grow to become leaders themselves. Older leadership in animal groups contributes to what the study calls “longevity conservation,” where species survive longer and stabilize themselves due to the knowledge passed down to them. Find out more about the research here.

Cruelty-Free Product Testing Curriculum Produces More Reliable Results than Animal Testing

The Animal-Free Safety Assessment Collaboration (AFSA) has released a new curriculum that guides scientists through a master course on cruelty-free product testing. The curriculum seeks to create a just world where animals are not tested, but consumers can rely on cruelty-free testing results. Over 1,200 people have signed up for the course across 70 countries worldwide.

The course walks participants through animal-free testing procedures and uses advanced, modern testing strategies, including data integration and risk assessment. Additionally, the curriculum teaches scientists how to retrieve results boasting higher validity and reliability than those procured through animal testing.

African Elephant Reunited With Her Sisters After Over a Decade

An African Elephant named Madhubala was finally reunited with her sisters after 15 years. Madhubala experienced poor conditions in captivity at Karachi Zoo in Pakistan. After the death of her other sister, Noor Jehan, at Karachi Zoo, Madhubala experienced severe depressive symptoms. Her unhappiness led the organization FOUR PAWS to petition that she move to be with the rest of her family.

She was moved to Karachi Safari Park, where she finally saw her sisters, Malika and Sonia, after over a decade. Madhubala’s new habitat allows her more freedom, space, and connection than her previous conditions. Madhubala’s relocation marks an important accomplishment for Pakistan, which sincerely wants to improve its animal welfare.