The Serbian capital of Belgrade held a traditional zombie-themed march Saturday with hundreds filling the streets with colorful costumes. The “zombies” attracted attention with their costumes and make-up. Characters from films such as “Lord of the Rings” and “Silent Hill” were also portrayed. Some of the make-up required six hours of professional work and cosmetics as streets became the scene of a “zombie walk” with colorful costumes. The march is to draw attention to a significant segment of film art that deals with masks, make-up and special effects, according to organizers. The march, held as part of the Serbian Fantasy Film Festival, attracted the attention of children. Proceeds from the march will be used for children receiving cancer treatment.

Botswana is hosting representatives from 33 African elephant range states to discuss the trade in live elephants and develop a unified approach to elephant population management. Environment and Tourism Minister Nnaniki Makwinja emphasized the need for a collective voice, acknowledging the diverse challenges faced by different regions. “While we recognize that solutions are not one-size-fits-all, we urge countries to collaborate before implementing measures that could hinder wildlife conservation efforts,” Makwinja stated at the opening of the four-day meeting. Previous talks in Panama highlighted divisions among African nations regarding elephant management. Southern African countries seek relaxed trade measures, while regions like Eastern and Western Africa advocate for stricter regulations. Conservation scientist Dan Challender noted that while the meeting offers a platform for dialogue, achieving consensus on all issues may be challenging due to varying elephant populations and policies across the continent. Local conservationist Isaac Theophilus expressed hope that delegates opposing elephant trade would engage with communities affected by human-wildlife conflict to gain a better understanding of the issues. Veterinarian Dr. Eric Verreynne pointed out the logistical hurdles of transporting elephants, stressing the complexity and cost involved, especially when relocating family groups. Currently, Africa’s elephant population stands at approximately 415,000, with over half residing in southern Africa.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) delivers mostly grim news about climate change, reporting that greenhouse gas concentrations have reached record levels, contributing to rising temperatures. Their new “United in Science” report issues a “red alert for the planet.” Despite the challenges, there is some hope from emerging technologies. Professor Celeste Saulo, WMO Secretary-General, emphasizes that advances in natural and social sciences, alongside innovation, could transform our approach to climate change, adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable development. Artificial intelligence (AI) is highlighted as a promising tool in this fight. WMO scientific coordinator Lauren Stuart notes that AI and machine learning are revolutionizing weather forecasting, making it cheaper and more accessible for developing countries. The report stresses the importance of strong global governance to ensure that AI benefits everyone. Additionally, advancements in space-based Earth observations offer optimism. Satellite technology enhances our ability to forecast extreme weather and monitor greenhouse gas emissions, critical for meeting Paris Agreement goals. However, the WMO insists that more international collaboration, governance frameworks, and financing are needed to effectively support these space-based efforts. The report also points to the potential of immersive technologies like virtual reality, which can simulate climate-related events and predict environmental changes. Despite these technological advancements, the authors caution that they are insufficient on their own to mitigate climate change’s impacts. officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

UN officials have warned that as the digital landscape evolves, developing regions risk being left behind. While celebrating progress in digital government, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Development, Navid Hanif, noted ongoing disparities between regions. “The development of digital government is on the rise globally, enhancing government services and public engagement,” Hanif stated. However, he emphasized that 1.37 billion people still lack access, remaining on the wrong side of the digital divide. The UN also presented data highlighting the world’s top digital performers, with Denmark leading the pack. Vincenzo Aquaro, Chief of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs Digital Government Branch, pointed out that Germany, Spain, and Saudi Arabia are also among the top 18 countries. The UN is urging increased support for developing nations, particularly in Africa, to help bridge digital inequalities.

South Africa is setting its sights on increasing visitor numbers from China and India with the introduction of a new Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) scheduled to launch in January 2025. The TTOS will invite vetted and approved tour operators from these countries to register with the Department of Home Affairs. This initiative aims to streamline the process and reduce bureaucratic hurdles for tourists, particularly targeting large tour groups and business delegations. In 2023, South Africa welcomed 93,000 Chinese visitors. However, Minister Leon Schreiber noted that the country has been underperforming in attracting tourists from China and India. He attributes this partly to the existing red tape that complicates the visa process. The TTOS is designed to address these issues by providing a dedicated team to expedite visa applications, ensuring a more efficient and reliable process. Currently, Indian tourists represent only 3.9% of South Africa’s international visitors, while Chinese tourists account for just 1.8%. The TTOS is expected to make significant strides in improving these figures, with strong support from South Africa’s hospitality industry. Angela Wu, Director of the Travel Service Department at upGrowth, a South African marketing company, emphasized that a simplified visa process would greatly enhance the attraction of Chinese clients, particularly for business and customized leisure tours. South Africa, one of the top five most-visited countries on the continent, anticipates that a 10% annual increase in tourism could boost the nation’s economic growth by 0.6% and generate thousands of new jobs. The TTOS will also focus on tourists from non-visa exempt countries, as announced by the Department of Home Affairs on September 2.

 A recent study on Friday revealed that nearly 60% of Muslim students in New York have experienced bullying at school by their peers, especially after Israel’s onslaught in the Gaza Strip. The survey “Feeling The Hate In Our Schools” was conducted by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) in New York, and revealed that “58.2% reported being bullied at school by another student because they were Muslim.” “Almost half (44.7%) of students who wear a hijab reported their hijab was tugged, pulled, or offensively touched by another student rarely, sometimes, often, or very often,” the findings said. The survey also revealed that “64% of students have witnessed a Muslim student at school being bullied by another student,” and nearly 65% of students have seen “their school make offensive comments or posts about Islam or Muslims online.” According to the survey, many students (43.6%) did not feel it was necessary to report them, believing it would not make a difference. The survey noted that “74.6% of students said that they did not report to an adult at their school about being bullied by another student for being Muslim.” The CAIR report also included a special note on Palestine, highlighting a surge in “anti-Muslim, anti-Arab, and anti-Palestinian sentiment within the fabric of New York City” when the conflict in Gaza escalated in October 2023. “In 2023 alone, CAIR-NY received 555 requests for legal assistance, with 43% directly linked to Palestinian solidarity, highlighting the urgency of this issue,” it added. It further stated that 32% of students reported school silencing for voicing opinions on Palestine, while 13% faced unwanted attention from staff, 11% from authorities, 10% experienced online harassment or doxing, and 9.5% reported social isolation. The report was based on a survey of 500 Muslim students, 91.7% of whom attend public schools, 4.6% attend charter schools, and 3.8% attend non-Islamic private schools.

For the past 30 years, the Phelophepa train has been a lifeline across South Africa, offering free medical care to those in remote communities. What started as a single three-carriage train has expanded to two 16-carriage trains, serving patients who often struggle with overcrowded or distant local clinics. The train recently arrived in Tembisa, a township east of Johannesburg. Thabang, a local resident, shared his experience: “I’ve been suffering from my eyesight. I heard the train was coming to help people. They see around 150 people a day, and some of us stay overnight because we live far away.” The Phelophepa train provides a crucial service in a country where about 84% of people rely on an overstretched public health system. With only 16% of South Africans covered by health insurance, many face significant barriers to accessing care in a country with over 32% unemployment. In addition to healthcare professionals, the train is staffed by managers, translators, and security personnel. Operated by the Transnet Foundation, the social responsibility branch of Transnet, South Africa’s state-owned railway company, the train began in 1994. Originally focused on eye care, it quickly expanded its services to meet broader health needs. Now serving areas around Pretoria and Johannesburg, the train will spend two weeks in Tembisa. Despite its impact, the train is not a panacea for South Africa’s healthcare challenges. Public health expert Alex van den Heever notes that while there have been increases in the healthcare budget and staffing since 1994, the public health system still faces significant pressures. In Gauteng province, which includes Pretoria and Johannesburg, the health department’s budget has surged from 6 billion rand ($336 million) in 2000 to 65 billion rand ($3.6 billion) today. However, public health expert Alex van den Heever attributes the challenges facing the public sector to the African National Congress, the ruling party since the end of apartheid. For many South Africans who have witnessed the decline in healthcare services firsthand, the arrival of the Phelophepa health train offers a welcome reprieve. Thethiwe Mahlangu, who visited the clinic for an eye exam and pap smear, expressed her gratitude: “This train is truly helpful. I hope it doesn’t end here today. They should come back, even if it’s next year. There are so many of us who are really sick and in need.” Hundreds of residents walked away satisfied with the care they received, underscoring the train’s vital role in addressing health disparities.

 The EU, US, and UK are among the countries that signed the first-ever international legally binding treaty addressing risks of artificial intelligence (AI), the Council of Europe said Thursday. The Council of Europe Framework Convention on artificial intelligence and human rights, democracy, and the rule of law was opened for signature during a conference of Council of Europe ministers of justice in Vilnius, the capital city of Lithuania.
 The treaty is the first-ever international legally binding treaty aimed at ensuring that the use of AI systems is fully consistent with human rights, democracy and the rule of law. In a statement, the Council of Europe said that the Framework Convention was signed by Andorra, Georgia, Iceland, Norway, Moldova, San Marino, the UK as well as Israel, the US and the EU. Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejcinovic Buric said that they must ensure that the rise of AI upholds “our standards, rather than undermining them.” “The Framework Convention is designed to ensure just that. It is a strong and balanced text – the result of the open and inclusive approach by which it was drafted and which ensured that it benefits from multiple and expert perspectives,” she said in the statement.
 Buric noted that the Framework Convention is an open treaty with a potentially global reach, hoping that these will be the first of many signatures and that they will be followed quickly by ratifications so that the treaty can enter into force as soon as possible. The treaty provides a legal framework covering the entire lifecycle of AI systems, promoting AI progress and innovation while managing the risks it may pose to human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

 The Palestinian cause, especially in Gaza, has long attracted global attention, particularly regarding human rights and media coverage. This focus has driven many activists and support groups to Gaza to offer aid and observe the situation firsthand. International solidarity peaked during the Second Intifada, which began in 2000, and continued through events like the Gaza blockade starting in 2006 and the latest assault on October 7. Anadolu has compiled a list of 14 prominent activists who have been killed by Israeli forces over the past 20 years: Aysenur Ezgi Eygi – September 6, 2024: A Turkish-American activist, shot during a protest against Israeli settlements in Beita, West Bank. Her death occurred amid a continuing Israeli offensive on Gaza, which has resulted in nearly 40,900 deaths and over 94,400 injuries since October 7 last year. Rachel Corrie – March 16, 2003: An American activist, killed in Rafah while attempting to block a military bulldozer demolishing homes. Her death led to widespread international solidarity. James Henry Miller – May 2, 2003: A Welsh journalist and activist, killed while filming a BBC documentary in Gaza. Tom Hurndall – January 13, 2004: A British peace activist, shot by an Israeli sniper while shielding a child in Rafah. His story was documented in a biography published in 2007. Mavi Marmara Attack – May 31, 2010: An Israeli naval assault on the Turkish vessel “Mavi Marmara” resulted in 10 deaths and over 56 injuries. The ship was carrying humanitarian aid and activists from 37 countries.

A new University of Leeds study, published in Nature, reveals that the world generates 57 million tonnes of plastic pollution annually. This pollution reaches every corner of the globe, from the deepest oceans to the highest peaks, with over two-thirds originating from the Global South. Using AI to analyze waste management across over 50,000 municipalities, researchers found that much of the pollution comes from areas where waste is poorly managed. Notably, 15% of the global population lacks adequate waste collection services, contributing significantly to plastic pollution in Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Among the worst offenders, Lagos, Nigeria tops the list, followed by New Delhi, Luanda, Karachi, and Cairo. Nigeria is second in the global rankings, with the Democratic Republic of Congo also making the top 10. Dr. Costas Velis, lead researcher, emphasizes that the issue stems from inadequate resources and infrastructure rather than the actions of any particular region. He argues that effective waste collection should be considered a fundamental aspect of sanitation. With global plastic production expected to triple, the UN warns that “our planet is choking in plastic.”

The iconic building, dating back to the 19th century, was completely destroyed by the torrential rains.

Kenya’s Maasai pastoralists, known for their reliance on cattle, are turning to fish farming as a means of survival amidst a devastating drought.

In response to the severe drought, Namibia has begun culling 700 wild animals in its national parks. This drastic measure aims to alleviate food insecurity by providing meat to vulnerable populations and ensuring better water reserves in the parks. The decision, which includes targeting species like hippos, buffaloes, and elephants, has sparked controversy. While the government views it as essential, animal protection groups have protested and launched petitions against the culling. Namibia, which declared a state of emergency last May due to the drought impacting southern Africa, is grappling with acute food shortages affecting approximately 1.4 million people, nearly half of its population.

Charley, the last captive elephant in South Africa, has begun a new chapter in a private game reserve after 40 years in captivity. Dr. Amir Khalil and his team, renowned for their expertise in elephant relocation, undertook the task of moving Charley. Khalil, known for the successful rescue of Kaavan, the “world’s loneliest elephant,” from a Pakistan zoo to a sanctuary in Cambodia in 2020, was well-suited for this challenge. Charley, a four-ton African elephant, had lived alone at a Pretoria zoo for over two decades, following the death of his companion Landa in 2020. The decision was made to move him to a private game reserve about 200 kilometers away, where he might find new companions. The relocation process was intricate. Instead of tranquilizing Charley, which could be harmful, Khalil and his team used a training approach to coax him into a large transport container. Over the course of two years, Charley was gradually introduced to the container using food rewards, such as pumpkins and papaya. Remarkably, he adapted quickly and entered the container in less than two weeks. After an extensive road trip, Charley arrived at the Shambala private game reserve in late August. Initially, he will be kept in a separate area to acclimate to his new environment before potentially joining the reserve’s wild elephant herds. Khalil and his team, including Dr. Marina Ivanova and Dr. Frank Göritz, who also worked on Kaavan’s relocation, praised the Pretoria zoo and South Africa’s environment ministry for their support in this rare and significant reintroduction of a captive elephant to a more natural setting.

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 Sea surface temperatures in the Southwest Pacific have risen three times faster than the global average since 1980 as marine heat waves have roughly doubled in frequency since then, said a report released Tuesday by the UN and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). “State of the Climate in the South-West Pacific 2023,” released at the Pacific Islands Forum in Tonga by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo, was prepared in cooperation with National Meteorological and Hydrological Services, the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and other UN agencies and international partners. It details how the sea level rise in the region is above the global average and also examines the climate factors in 2023, including the recent El Nino event as well as temperature, rainfall and extreme occurrences such as tropical cyclones, droughts and intense heat in the region. “Sea surface temperatures have risen three times faster than the global average since 1980,” the report said, noting “during that time, marine heat waves have approximately doubled in frequency since 1980 and are more intense and are lasting longer.” “Despite accounting for just 0.02 per cent of global emissions – the Pacific islands are uniquely exposed,” it said. “Their average elevation is just one to two meters above sea level; 90 percent of the population lives within 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) of the coast and half the infrastructure is within 500 meters of the sea,” it pointed out. The document further highlighted that “early warning systems facilitate proactive measures such as evacuation plans, resource allocation and infrastructure reinforcement.” “Even though they are a lifeline, they are available in only one third of Small Island Developing States globally,” it added. The El Nino weather phase is characterized by warmer-than-usual sea surface temperatures along the eastern Pacific Ocean coast and above-usual atmospheric pressure that span across the western and central Pacific. An El Nino, which can occur every two to seven years, started in June last year and ended in April. The La Nina phase manifests as the opposite of El Nino, as regions that get hotter during an El Nino cool down during a La Nina, since the surface temperature of the Pacific Ocean stays below minus 0.5C (31.1F) for three months.

Scores of tourists are converging to Kenya’s Maasai Mara national Reserve to witness the annual spectacle of wildebeest migration. Interspersed among the wildebeest were large numbers of zebras and even hippos. The migration over the Mara River culminates when wildibeast jump to cross the crocodile-ridden water. Wildebeests begin to migrate in troops from early July when Tanzania’s northern Serengeti Park gets dry. Water and pasture are available in the neighbouring Maasai Mara Park during the same period.  The yearly event peaks in August before it settles in October when the animals return to Serengeti. Kenya’s rich wildlife resource is one of the key economic pillars of the country. The Masai Mara park located in southern western Kenya along the Great Rift Valley area is a tourist hotspot. It presents plenty of opportunities for the guests to enjoy its lush vegetation, idyllic setting and presence of iconic land mammals like elephants and rhinos.

Marking World Humanitarian Day, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said Monday that aid workers on the frontlines of the world’s conflicts are being killed in unprecedented numbers. With 280 aid workers killed in 33 countries last year, 2023 marked the deadliest year on record for the global humanitarian community, with Gaza exacting a heavy toll. “This outrageously high number represents a 137 percent increase compared to 2022, when 118 aid workers were killed,” said OCHA in a statement. And the agency warned that 2024 may be on track for an even deadlier outcome. “The normalization of violence against aid workers and the lack of accountability are unacceptable, unconscionable, and enormously harmful for aid operations everywhere,” said Joyce Msuya, the acting under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator. “Today, we reiterate our demand that people in power act to end violations against civilians and the impunity with which these heinous attacks are committed.” As of Aug. 7, at least 172 aid workers have been killed, according to the provisional count from the UN Aid Worker Security Database. In 2023, more than half of the fatalities were recorded in the three months of the hostilities in Gaza — October to December — mainly due to airstrikes. Since October last year, more than 280 aid workers – the majority of them staff members of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) – have been killed in Gaza alone. Extreme levels of violence in Sudan and South Sudan have contributed to the tragic death toll, both in 2023 and in 2024, said the UN. In all these conflicts, most of the casualties have been among national staff. Many humanitarian workers also continue to be detained in Yemen. The UN said that on this World Humanitarian Day, aid workers and those supporting their efforts worldwide have organized solidarity events to spotlight the horrifying toll of armed conflicts, including on humanitarian staff. Also, a joint letter from leaders of humanitarian organizations will be sent to the member states of the UN General Assembly, asking the international community to end attacks on civilians, protect all aid workers, and hold perpetrators to account.

Experts warn that the number of fish participating in South Africa’s sardine migration, the largest animal movement in the world by biomass, may decline due to warming sea temperatures driven by the climate crisis. Known as the “KwaZulu-Natal Sardine Run,” this massive, one-way migration spans 1,500 kilometers from temperate regions to the Indian Ocean and involves billions of sardines. According to an article titled “The Mass Migration of Sardines in Southeast Africa: An Ecological Trap,” prepared by academics from various South African universities and research centers, the migration occurs along the Agulhas Current—a swift ocean current also supporting various predatory birds and marine life. This migration is crucial for local economies as it provides significant commercial income. Professor Lorien Pichegru from Nelson Mandela University’s Coastal and Marine Research Institute highlighted that the migration remains mysterious in many aspects. He described the Sardine Run as the largest animal movement in the world by biomass, underscoring its importance for numerous predators, particularly seabirds. Pichegru explained, “Cape gannets, for example, time their breeding cycles to coincide with the sardine run, ensuring that their young hatch during a period of abundant and easily accessible food. Many animals synchronize their life cycles with the sardine run.” He also noted that sardines do not thrive in warm waters and that climate change is adversely affecting them. “Sardines are declining in Africa due to climate change and overfishing pressures. Their 2-3 year lifespan means their survival depends on the successful development of their eggs and larvae, which is directly impacted by sea temperatures. Higher temperatures make it harder for larvae to grow and mature, leading to a potential decline in sardine numbers. This could halt the sardine run in the coming years, affecting many animals, including sharks, and further endangering the already threatened Cape gannet. Fishermen dependent on these fish for their livelihood would also be impacted, disrupting the entire food chain.” Pichegru further pointed out that ongoing oil and gas exploration in the region affects the habitat, with seabed excavation creating significant noise pollution that harms marine life. Concerns about potential oil spills were also raised. “The Agulhas Current, one of the fastest currents globally, could spread the effects of a potential spill over a large area,” Pichegru warned. The 1 Ocean Foundation, established under the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) and supported by UNESCO, is documenting this migration with scientists, artists, and activists through their project “The Great Migration of Life.” Alexis Rosenfeld, an underwater photographer and co-founder of the foundation, stated that their project aims to “make the invisible visible” and emphasize the importance of biodiversity. The project name reflects its significance. Rosenfeld explained that their motivation stemmed from concerns over natural gas and oil exploration off South Africa’s coast. Rather than directly opposing the projects, they chose to illustrate the potential consequences through their film. Rosenfeld said, “We believe in the power of positive narratives. By showcasing the endangered ecosystem and the great migration of life, we aim to highlight its beauty, which is a more impactful approach than direct confrontation.” He also noted that climate change is a significant factor affecting their project. “Climate change has a substantial impact on ocean currents, influencing migrations. While the sardine migration typically happens every year, we observed it less frequently in recent years and now see it restricted. This is a direct result of climate change.” Rosenfeld concluded by emphasizing the migration’s scale: “Sometimes, you can’t see in front of you because the view is filled with animals. You might find yourself surrounded by millions of sardines, dozens of swimming birds, and 20-30 dolphins, making you forget where you are and what you’re doing.”

Google on Tuesday introduced new artificial intelligence (AI) features for Android devices and its new lineup of smartphones and wearable devices. Gemini Live, a mobile conversational tool that lets users have free-flowing conversations with the AI model, will turn mobile devices into a powerful AI assistant, the company said on its blog. “With Gemini deeply integrated into Android, we’re rebuilding the operating system with AI at the core, and redefining what phones can do,” said Android Ecosystem President Sameer Samat. “We’ve completely rebuilt the assistant experience with Gemini so you can speak to it naturally, the way you would with another person. It can understand your intent, follow your train of thought and complete complex tasks,” he added. Gemini Live became available Tuesday to advanced subscribers in English on Android phones, while it will expand to Apple’s iOS operating system and more languages in the coming weeks. Apple, meanwhile, is expected to launch its own AI, Apple Intelligence, on iPhones, iPads and Macs later this year. Google, in addition, unveiled its latest lineup of Pixel smartphones — the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL and Pixel 9 Pro Fold — which come with Gemini’s AI features. The tech firm also introduced its newest smartwatch, the Pixel Watch 3, and Pixel Buds Pro 2 earbuds at a Made by Google event held at the company’s headquarters in Mountain View, California.

 A new study by scientists from Nottingham Trent University (NTU) in England has revealed that horses are more cognitively advanced than previously thought, challenging long-held beliefs about equine intelligence. According to the discovery, these animals possess a surprising level of cognitive ability and are capable of complex problem-solving and strategic thinking. The research, published in the Applied Animal Behaviour Science journal, involved a series of reward-based tasks that demonstrated 20 horses’ ability to think, plan and adapt strategies. Initially, horses were rewarded for touching a card with their nose. But when a light was introduced and treats were only given for touching the card when the light was off, the animals continued to touch the card regardless of the light’s status. The critical turning point came when researchers introduced a penalty for incorrect responses: a 10-second timeout. Surprisingly, the horses rapidly adapted their behavior, touching the card only when the light was off to avoid the penalty. The study’s lead researcher, Louise Evans, observed the surprising response when a penalty was introduced during the tasks. “We were expecting horses’ performance to improve when we introduced the time-out but were surprised by how immediate and significant the improvement was,” Evans said, according to the Independent. She added that this rapid adaptation suggests that the horses understood the rules all along, debunking the notion that they could only respond to immediate stimuli. The Independent added that Carrie Ijichi, a senior lecturer in equine science at NTU, emphasized the significance of the findings. “Horses are not natural geniuses; they are thought of as mediocre. But this study shows they’re not average and are, in fact, more cognitively advanced than we give them credit for,” she said. The research team believes these findings have significant implications for horse welfare and training, suggesting that horses may be capable of understanding and responding to more sophisticated training methods. “This teaches us that we shouldn’t make assumptions about animal intelligence or sentience based on whether they are ‘built’ just like us,” Ijichi added.

Communities around the world observed World Elephant Day on Monday, focusing on raising awareness about protecting elephants from various threats. At the Adventures with Elephants reserve in Bela Bela, South Africa, the annual event featured a herd of rescued elephants grazing and cooling off by the water in the heat. Managing Director Sean Hensman highlighted the significant pressures on elephant habitats, noting, “It’s a day to celebrate elephants and consider their broader conservation needs. Elephants face immense pressure due to shrinking land as human populations surge. Africa’s population is expected to reach 3 to 4 billion by 2050, reducing land available for elephants.” Elephant handler David Mupupu pointed out the drastic decline in African elephant numbers since 1920, from 4 million to just 400,000 today, representing a 90 percent decrease. “We must take care of our elephants,” he emphasized. The World Elephant Day Society reports that both African and Asian elephants are increasingly endangered by poaching and habitat destruction. The organization plans to work with conservation groups to develop effective policies to combat poaching and protect elephant habitats. World Elephant Day, established in 2012, is observed annually on August 12.

Farmers in Kenya are increasingly turning to camels as a drought-resistant alternative to the cattle they have traditionally raised. In rural Kenya, it’s common to see pastoral farmers with their cattle. For communities like the Borana and Samburu in the northern region, cattle are not just livestock but a symbol of social status, vital for cultural rituals, weddings, and providing milk and meat. However, climate change is disrupting this traditional way of life. In Lekiji village, 252 kilometers from the capital, Abdullahi Mohamud, a 65-year-old camel herder and father of 15, lost nearly all his 30 cattle during the 2022 drought. “I had 30 cattle before the drought, but only one survived,” he recounts. Devastated by the loss, Mohamud invested his savings in 20 camels, believing they offer a more reliable option. The 2022 drought, exacerbated by climate change, killed around 2.6 million cattle. Camels, however, are more resilient and better adapted to harsh conditions. “Cattle are hard to rear due to poor pasture, whereas camels thrive on shrubs and can survive in tougher conditions. When the pasture dries up, cattle perish,” Mohamud explains. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reported that the drought caused losses of approximately 2.6 million cattle, with damages estimated at 226 billion Kenya Shillings (about 1.75 billion USD). The growing population has intensified competition for grazing and water resources. A small camel costs around $600 USD, while a cow is about $150 USD. The Kenya Agricultural Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) notes that over 70 percent of Kenya’s land is rangeland. Despite camels comprising only six percent of Kenya’s herbivore population (about 960,000), they provide significant advantages over cattle. The Somali community in Northern Kenya pioneered camel herding, a practice later adopted by other tribes such as the Samburu, Turkana, Pokot, and Maasai. Integrating camels into traditional herding practices helps pastoralists manage the effects of climate change and maintain food security. Nearby, 26-year-old Musalia Piti now tends to his father’s 60 camels after losing 50 cows to drought. The family has invested in camels, which they can sell for cultural ceremonies when needed. Camels require less water and can graze on a wider variety of plants. Their long bodies reduce sun exposure, aiding in heat stress management. The shift from cattle to camels marks a significant adaptation to climate threats and aims to improve long-term climate resilience. This transition also impacts cultural traditions, especially for the Samburu, where cattle symbolize status and are used as dowry in marriages. Elder Lesian Ole Sempere, 59, stresses the importance of cattle in wedding ceremonies, despite the decreasing herd sizes. Raising camels involves a learning curve and may not immediately match the cultural significance of cattle, but the Samburu remain committed to their traditions, adapting to new realities while preserving their cultural identity. Calvince Okoth, a Veterinarian at Mpala Research Centre, highlights that recent droughts have reduced available pastures. Rotational grazing, involving designated paddocks during the dry season, is a viable strategy, though communal land ownership and encroachment complicate management. Climate change is causing unpredictable weather in the Horn of Africa, prompting farmers to explore new agricultural methods, including fish farming. Camels offer a promising alternative that may help preserve traditional pastoralist lifestyles in the 21st century. Whether these communities will fully embrace camels remains to be seen.

 Captive lions taken from their wild habitats in Africa and raised in captivity, are being slaughtered for the pleasure of tourists, particularly from Western countries, with the US a major contributor. Lion Day is celebrated Aug. 10. Thousands of captive lions, who spend their lives entertaining tourists behind steel bars, are kept ready for the day when they will be killed under the guise of hunting events. Wild lions, who have lost the majority of their population and habitats due to human activity in the last century, are struggling to survive in the vanishing savannas of Africa. – Lion population has fallen by 43% since 2001 There were about 200,000 lions in the wild at the beginning of last century, according to estimates by the Oxford University Wildlife Conservation Research Unit. By the end of the last century, the population, which had dwindled to around 33,000 due to hunting and other human factors, had decreased by 43% since 2001. Today, it is estimated that 23,000 lions remain in the wild. Having lost nearly 95% of their historical natural habitats, lions today primarily live in well-protected national parks in Tanzania, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. – Captive lions Research includes only lions living in the wild in global lion population estimates. Captive lions, which are removed from their natural habitats and live in captivity, are excluded from the list. The term captive lions refers to lions born and raised on special farms for commercial purposes. Those lions lack hunting skills and do not adapt to the wild due to their fearlessness of humans. – Lion tourism South Africa, which hosts one of the largest lion populations in the world, has about 3,500. It is also one of the leading countries with the largest captive lion population. According to a 2024 report by the World Animal Protection Society, there are approximately 8,000 captive lions in 366 farms in the country. The captive lion industry, which generates more than $40 million annually for the South African economy, is a significant part of the tourism sector. Lions kept in private nature reserves and farms across the country are displayed to tourists visiting the area for safaris, for a fee. Tourists who visit the facilities, where entrance fees typically range from $10 to $15, can pay an additional fee to pet and take photos with lions separated from their families. One of the most popular activities among tourists is watching captive lions being fed by caretakers. – Lion hunting Captive lions, who spend their lives entertaining tourists behind steel bars and cages, are often killed for sport by tourists from Western countries when they grow old. South Africa, where captive lion hunting is legal with a special permit, is one of the leading centers for lion hunting worldwide. According to a 2022 report by Humane Society International, approximately 4,000 captive lions were hunted by foreigners in South Africa between 2014 and 2018. The report revealed that more than half of the lions were hunted by American tourists, followed by Spaniards, Russians, Danes, Canadians and Germans. According to information obtained by Anadolu reporters from South African tourism agencies, the cost of hunting parties ranges from $4,000 to $60,000 in 2024, depending on the type of hunt and tour. The tours are conducted as safari tours lasting seven to 10 days on farms covering thousands of acres, mostly in the North West and Limpopo provinces. Hunts, where lions are killed with rifles from a safe distance in more confined areas, are referred to as “canned hunts.” Hunters can take photos with the lions they kill and bring the skulls home as trophies.