Iris Vu

#39canimals | Research in Animal Science and Advocacy

[Iris Vu @iris_vvu]

@gabriel51556857 You can check out this policy paper discussing about elephants in circuses: https://t.co/LXABW62ZKH

[Iris Vu @iris_vvu]

#WhatIlearnedin39C Through the peer review practices, I was able to monitor my work with the help of useful feedbacks from my classmates. While reading others’ essays, I had a chance to strengthen both my close reading skills as well as critical thinking skills.

[Iris Vu @iris_vvu]

#WhatIlearnedin39C I figured that “speciesism” is morally wrong because humans should be treating other species as our kindred (Richard Ryder). Other animal species are not below us and we don’t have the rights to freely use them for entertainment, exploitation, or experiments.

[Iris Vu @iris_vvu]

With the knowledge that captivity leads to debilitating mental health problems, the ethics of existing standards regarding elephants’ healthcare system is questioned.

[Iris Vu @iris_vvu]

#WhatIlearnedin39C I have learned that elephants can also experience trauma and chronic stress when being confined in circuses. This is unnatural and harmful to their well-being.

[Iris Vu @iris_vvu]

#WhatIlearnedin39C I have learned that Twitter could be an amazing tool in helping free elephants from the bondages of circuses because of its efficiency in raising awareness around such issues. The spreading of information helps to bring about the flames of advocacy.

[Iris Vu @iris_vvu]

#WhatIlearnedin39C From my research, I learned that elephants showcase their empathic nature by expressing love through the protection of the calves. They indeed share with us a strong sense of family, and evidence can be found when observing their gestures.

[Iris Vu @iris_vvu]

It’s good news that California has made a major step toward ending elephant cruelty by banning the use of bullhooks in the state. https://t.co/HALtjflOfk

[Iris Vu @iris_vvu]

#39canimals According to Ed Stewart, president of the Performing Animal Welfare Society, the bullhook is designed to inflict pain and instill fear in elephants. The use of this archaic and inhumane weapon on a species that is self-aware and emotional is abhorrent.

[Iris Vu @iris_vvu]

#39canimals Aside from signing petitions, adults can educate young children about the abuse of animals in popular shows. If less people buy tickets for entertainment, fewer elephants will be taken away from the wild and they won’t have to live their lives in horror.

[Iris Vu @iris_vvu]

#39canimals Public support is the best way advocates can fight for animal rights. According to the 2015 Gallup poll, 69% of Americans are very or somewhat concerned about the treatment of animals in circuses. This is a great starting point for activists to put an end to cruelty.

[Iris Vu @iris_vvu]

#39canimals Since the scientific studies reveal how elephants are able to feel emotions just like us, life in the circus must be inimical to them because they can easily feel depressed under such domination and confinement.

[Iris Vu @iris_vvu]

#39canimals Wow, it seems spider monkeys are declining at an alarming rate. People need to realize that because of our selfishness, we are pushing endangered species towards extinction.

[Serena Wu @serena_jyou]

#39canimals Both legal and illegal trades are killing the endangered species. For example, the population of spider monkeys in some areas dropped 99.9% according to a study conducted in February 2021.

https://t.co/EMLh2I2B0H

[Iris Vu @iris_vvu]

#39canimals Pushing for stronger penalties can help to combat wildlife crimes. Many people still find ways to undermine the laws because these laws are weakly enforced. Endangered species suffer greatly from these illegal trades and we can help by strengthening law enforcement.

[Serena Wu @serena_jyou]

#39canimals One solution to reduce the illegal trade of endangered species is to increase fines and punishment. People will weigh the cost and benefit of taking this risky action and it may help reduce the number of illegal trades.

[Iris Vu @iris_vvu]

#39canimals The solution you proposed is very effective in conserving bird populations. From what I know, the products that we buy have a great impact on animals and the environment. It’s time to rethink and make wise choices now!

[Iris Vu @iris_vvu]

#39canimals Habitat destruction is an issue that needs to be addressed. Currently it impacts thousands of endangered bird species and affects their populations in a negative way. This problem often goes unnoticed, so raising awareness about it is necessary to stop bird declines.

[Iris Vu @iris_vvu]

#39canimals This is an interesting approach to reduce the conflicts between humans and elephants. Elephants have very sensitive ears so by placing beehives around the property, they will run away due to the bee sounds.

[Iris Vu @iris_vvu]

#39canimals Habitat loss poses a threat to the survival of elephant species. If their populations decline greatly, then we will lose this keystone species that help to maintain balanced ecosystems for others.

[Iris Vu @iris_vvu]

#39canimals Signing petitions is a great way to advocate for animal rights. If you are concerned about animal welfare and want to spread awareness, the WWF offers a chance for you to save lives. Take action now!

[Iris Vu @iris_vvu]

#39canimals Poaching reduces the population of elephants and kill the source of natural beauty. We should support organizations like the WWF to stop the current ivory markets because buying ivory products is socially unacceptable.