To the Point
Is Animal Liberation Going Mainstream?
Americans are becoming aware that animals have intelligence, personalities and rich emotional lives. Accusations of mistreating killer whales and elephants have Sea World and Ringling Brothers changing their business plans. What about captive wild animals at zoos and aquariums?
By Warren Olney • • 51m ListenAmericans are becoming aware that animals have intelligence, personalities and rich emotional lives. Accusations of mistreating killer whales and elephants have Sea World and Ringling Brothers changing their business plans. What about captive wild animals at zoos and aquariums?
Also, a string of xenophobic attacks hit South Africa. On today's Talking Point, can Alaska's water ease California's drought?
Photo: Amy n Rob
In this episode
3 storiesXenophobic Attacks Hit South Africa
South Africa has been a haven of tolerance for refugees from violence in other parts of the continent. But this week, there have been bloody attacks on foreigners in Durban and other cities. David Smith, Africa correspondent for the Guardian newspaper, joins us from Johannesburg.
Read the story7 minAmericans' Evolving Attitude toward Animals in Captivity
Scientists now believe that all mammals and birds — even the octopus — are conscious beings, capable of thinking, feeling emotion and suffering. That's creating a sea change in attitudes toward the use of wild animals for popular entertainment.
Read the story34 minBulk Water May Be Headed to Parched California
During a West Coast drought some years ago, Alaska's former Governor, the late Wally Hickel, was ridiculed for proposing what was dubbed "a garden hose to California." Now California is drier than ever and likely to remain so — which could mean a market for Alaska's water after all.
Read the story9 min
