Template:CC 2023/Week 31

Week 31

	In the first half of 2023, South Africa saw a decrease in rhino killings, with 231 rhinos killed, marking an 11% drop compared to 2022. The KwaZulu-Natal province was particularly affected, with 143 rhinos killed, ten more than the previous year. The overall rhino population in the world-famous park has significantly declined from 10,000 in 2008 to 2,800 in 2021.
	Iberian wolves Declared Extinct in Andalucía, Spain The Andalucian government's environment department has officially declared wolves (Canis lupus signatus) extinct in the region after years of decline. Despite being a protected species, there has been no evidence of wolves in Andalucía since 2013, and no reproductive group since 2003.
	The Asia for Animals Coalition’ Social Media Animal Cruelty Coalition (SMACC) has written a letter to Mark Zuckerberg, urging him to take comprehensive action to prevent and remove animal cruelty content from Facebook and other platforms operated by Meta. The focus of concern is on content depicting primate torture and abuse, particularly videos of macaque monkeys being subjected to extreme and sadistic acts of violence.
	A dead Bryde's whale was found off the waters of Hong Kong with a new wound, likely the same animal that was spotted two weeks earlier. This discovery has raised concerns about the lack of protective measures and the presence of sightseers around the carcass. The whale's body was taken for examination, and a fresh wound on its fin was observed at Sai Kung's High Island Reservoir. Marine expert Compass Chan emphasizes the need for people to seriously reflect on how to coexist with different animal species. The incident occurred on July 31, 2023.
	After the summer performance season at Circus World in Baraboo, the elephants, which have been a part of the circus since 1888, will no longer return. They will retire at the Endangered Ark Foundation in Oklahoma due to factors such as concerns about the ethics of animal performances and a commitment to endangered animal conservation. Animal performances will continue with various animals. List of captive elephants
	The dog meat industry in South Korea is facing increasing pressure to be banned. While dog meat consumption has been a longstanding tradition on the Korean Peninsula, there is a rising awareness of animal rights and concerns about the country's international reputation. The anti-dog meat campaign received significant support when the first lady expressed her backing for a ban, and two lawmakers submitted bills to outlaw the trade.