Actress HAYDEN PANETTIERE creates a “Human Whale” on the National Mall

October 26, 2008:  TV’s “Heroes” star Hayden Panettiere joined forces with Animal Welfare Institute and The Whaleman Foundation to form a human whale on the National Mall.

Tampa Restaurant Says No to Cruel Shark Finning

August 25, 2008:  After receiving AWI's letter urging them to discontinue sales of shark fin soup, the owners of the Ivory Mandarin Bistro in Tampa, Florida decided to remove the item from their menu.

July 9, 2008:  The House of Representatives unanimously voted in favor of the Shark Conservation Act of 2008, a bill which imposes a ban on shark finning.  Soon after, Senator Kerry introduced the Senate version of the bill in the Senate.                                                          

Bush Administration Supports Plan to Kill Humpbacks

June 26, 2008:  The United States broke ranks with the conservation-minded member nations of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) and voted in favor of a proposal by Denmark for a quota of humpback whales.

Shocking New Documentary of Dolphin Slaughter In Japan

June 19, 2008:  The Save Japan Dolphins Coalition, of which AWI is a member, joins the Oceanic Preservation Society (OPS) in releasing a shocking new video of the cruel slaughter of dolphins by Japanese whalers.

House of Representatives Pass Resolution in Support of Whales

June 18, 2008:  The House of Representatives passed H. Con. Res. 350 by unanimous consent in light of the annual International Whaling Commission (IWC) meeting to be held in Chile this month.

Congress Strips US Shark Finning Ban of Loopholes

June 11, 2008:  The US House Committee on Natural Resources voted in favor of H.R. 5741, the Shark Conservation Act of 2008 which gives sharks much needed protection by closing loopholes in the US shark finning ban.

Senator John Kerry Receives “Profiles in Compassion” Award for Supporting Animal Welfare

June 10, 2008:  The Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) has announced Senator John Kerry (D-MA) as the latest recipient of its “Profiles in Compassion” award, recognizing his strong commitment to protecting animals and their habitats.

Congressional Leaders Encourage US to Step up for Whales Again

June 4, 2008:  Congressional leaders in the House of Representative and the Senate introduced resolutions calling on the Bush Administration to stand up for whales at this month’s annual International Whaling Commission (IWC) meeting in Chile.

Hawaiian Judge Rules Navy Sonar Harmful to Whales, Issues Injunction

March 3, 2008: As part of a suit filed in May 2007 by AWI and other conservation groups, an injunction was issued by a Hawaii federal district judge over the U.S. Navy’s use of active sonar that he recognized as harmful to whales. Judge David A. Ezra stated that the evidence presented was both “compelling” and “convincing.”

Heroes’ Hayden Panettiere to Cheer for Whales in the Nation’s Capital

January 24, 2008: Actress Hayden Panettiere, who plays cheerleader Claire Bennet on NBC’s hit series Heroes, lead a rally against a resumption of commercial whaling in Washington, D.C. to kick off a whirlwind trip to the nation's Captial. 

Action Alert (February 5, 2008): Oppose Plans to Kill California Sea Lions