Upon the release of Netflix’s Tiger King, Gabriela Cowperthwaite, director of Blackfish, started getting asked a lot of questions from her friends and media outlets. “Why didn’t Tiger King help big cats?” — Gabriela’s fans wanted her reaction. Joined by a panel of experts, Gabriela will explore the issue of big cat ownership—and the industry that exploits them for profit.
Panelists include Animal Legal Defense Fund Staff Attorney Daniel Waltz, Humane Society of the United States Senior Strategist for Captive Wildlife Lisa Wathne, Animal Welfare Institute Senior Policy Advisor Kate Dylewsky, Born Free Head of Animal Welfare & Captivity Chris Draper, and Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge Vice President Scott Smith.
This webinar was prerecorded. Watch now!
Resources
- “Why I made Blackfish” by Gabriela Cowperthwaite
- Support the Big Cat Public Safety Act!
- H.R. 1380 – Big Cat Public Safety Act
- “The Private Zoos on Netflix’s Tiger King Exist Because of These U.S. Exotic Pet Ownership Laws” (People Magazine Article)
- Learn more about Chris Draper, Head of Animal Welfare & Captivity, Born Free (PDF)
- Learn more about Kate Dylewsky, Senior Policy Advisor, Animal Welfare Institute (PDF)
- Learn more about Scott Smith, Vice President, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (PDF)
- Learn more about Lisa Wathne, Senior Strategist, Captive Wildlife, The Humane Society of the United States (PDF)
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Daniel Waltz
Senior Staff Attorney
United States: Urge Your Members of Congress to Co-Sponsor the Big Cat Public Safety Act
Ask your members of Congress to prohibit the private ownership of big cats.
Related
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Wisconsin Roadside Zoo Owner and Manager Banned from Possessing and Working with Animals
The court’s decision ensures Special Memories Zoo is permanently closed following Animal Legal Defense Fund lawsuitJanuary 15, 2021 Press Release -
Era of Exploiting Tigers Onstage Ends with Siegfried Fischbacher’s Passing
For decades, Fischbacher, with his business partner Roy Horn, ran an infamous Las Vegas show that forced white tigers and lions to perform tricks in front of large audiences.January 14, 2021 Press Release -
Bill Banning Private Possession of Big Cats Reintroduced in House of Representatives
Representatives Mike Quigley (D-IL) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) reintroduced the Big Cat Public Safety Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. The House of Representatives voted 272 to 114 to pass the same bill in December.January 11, 2021 Press Release
