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Animal Rights Activists Stage “March of Silence” in Grand Central Station

February 17, 2020 by Leave a Comment


The News

On Valentine’s Day, dozens of animal rights activists in New York City staged a silent demonstration in the center of Grand Central Station. Displaying posters with messages of peace, love and nonviolence, activists captured the attention of thousands of commuters and tourists during the afternoon rush hour.

According to the March of Silence, the organization behind the silent demonstrations, participants promote “human rights, animal liberation and environmental conservation.” while silently demonstrating “in solidarity with all who suffer from violence.” The organization’s goal is to “generate peace in the world by bringing awareness to the exploitation of all beings, as well as environmental devastation.”  The March of Silence has 19 chapters in five countries, including the United States, France, Mexico, Switzerland and Columbia.

Animal Rights Activists Stage “March of Silence” in Grand Central Station, NYC

“Veganism is not about being angry,” said Kiirstin Marilyn, an organizer with the NYC chapter of the March of Silence. “It really is a love-based movement, so we thought it would be a great thing to come out here on Valentine’s Day.”

Animal Rights activists in New York City participate in a Valentine’s Day March of Silence in solidarity with the human and non-human victims of violence


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The 2018 Animal Liberation March in San Francisco

June 9, 2018 by Leave a Comment


The News

An estimated 1,200 animal rights activists took to the streets of San Francisco to participate in a dramatic march for animal liberation. Organizers made planned stops at Sephora, Uggs and Burger King to draw attention to the cruelty of animals in the cosmetics, clothing and food industries.  They also staged a mass die-in to draw attention to the plight of elephants and other animals exploited in the entertainment industry. TheirTurn spoke to  onlookers along the parade route to get their reactions:

Organized by the global animal rights network Direct Action Everywhere (DxE), the march was one of several high profile actions staged during the organization’s one-week Animal Liberation Conference, which was held in the nearby city of Berkeley. After the march, DxE staged a rally in Union Square featuring renowned activists James Aspey; Natasha from That Vegan Couple and Wayne Hsiung, co-founder of Direct Action Everywhere.

2018 Animal Liberation March hosted by the animal liberation network, Direct Action Everywhere (DxE)

The march was organized by the global animal rights network Direct Action Everywhere (DxE) and was one of several high profile actions staged during the organization’s one-week Animal Liberation Conference, which was held in the nearby city of Berkeley.


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Miami Seaquarium is a “Crime Scene”

January 19, 2015 by Leave a Comment


The News

During an impassioned speech at the Miracle March for Lolita, the largest protest in history for a captive whale, Jane Velez-Mitchell of JaneUnchained.com called the Miami Seaquarium a “crime scene” to the thunderous applause of over a thousand people from around the world who descended upon Key Biscayne, Florida, to demand her freedom.

In an effort to discredit the March participants and continue making millions off Lolita’s back, Seaquarium spokesperson Robert Rose misled reporters, stating unequivocally that Lolita will die if released from her tank into the ocean. He made no mention of the fact that she would first be rehabilitated in a coastal sanctuary near her pod and would only be released if she is deemed capable of surviving. The seaside pen would provide her with space to swim, dive and be near or with other orcas, all of which have been denied to her for the past 44 years. It would also bring an end to her exploitation — being held captive and forced to perform tricks in exchange for food.

Seaquarium-Lolita

Among the many highlights of the Miracle March for Lolita was a ceremony during supermodel Joanna Krupa symbolically released Lolita from a tank created by a human chain.

Supermodel Joanna Krupa wipes away tears after participating in ceremony for Lolita

Supermodel Joanna Krupa wipes away tears after participating in ceremony for Lolita

Events around the world were held in solidarity.

Lolita Protest in Seattle (photo: Jeff Widmer)

Lolita Protest in Seattle (photo: Jeff Widmer)

Orca conservation and animal rights groups will continue to fight for Lolita’s release. Jared Goodman, PETA’s Director of Animal Law, says that, by the end of January, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will decide whether or not to designate Lolita a member of an endangered group of whales. That decision could determine her fate.

The miracle March for Lolita was the brainchild of Robin Jewell, an activist from Michigan with a hole in her heart and a vision for Lolita. On a shoe string budget, Ms Jewell produced the entire event — securing the permits, managing promotion and publicity, liaising with law enforcement, recruiting speakers for the rally and coordinating the parade route, food and entertainment. The flawless execution of the event was one of many miracles of the Miracle March for Lolita.

Photo: Christina Estrada

Miracle March for Lolita in Miami, FL (Photo: Christina Estrada)

Your Turn

Please sign Robin Jewell’s Change.org petition to free Lolita and ensure talk to your friends about why they should boycott aquariums, zoos, circuses and other forms of entertainment where animals are held captive.


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