(Source: The Bee Conservancy) The Suckley’s cuckoo bumble bee is a species of bumble bee that is known for its unique behavior of laying eggs in the nests of other bees. This behavior is referred to as parasitism. The cuckoo bumble bee is a social parasite, which means it does not live in its own nest but instead takes over the nest of another bee species and lays its own eggs. This behavior is common among social parasites, but the cuckoo bumble bee is particularly notorious for its ability to manipulate the host bee species to raise its young. The cuckoo bumble bee lays its eggs in the nest of another bee species, typically a species of bumble bee that is similar in size and color to the cuckoo bumble bee. The host bee species is often unaware of the cuckoo bumble bee’s presence and will raise the cuckoo bumble bee’s offspring as if they were their own. The Suckley’s cuckoo bumble bee is native to 15 states across the U.S. and is found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands. The bee is typically found in areas with an abundance of flowers, which provide the necessary food for the bee and its host species. The cuckoo bumble bee is a common sight in these areas, particularly during the spring and summer months when flowers are in bloom. The Department of Fish and Wildlife has listed the Suckley’s cuckoo bumble bee as vulnerable to climate change.

The Need for Protection

The great apes, including chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans, are intelligent, social, and emotional beings. They possess complex cognitive abilities and exhibit empathy, self-awareness, and cultural behaviors. As a result, they are entitled to protection from exploitation and abuse. The entertainment and performance industries have long exploited these animals, subjecting them to inhumane treatment and confinement. The use of great apes in entertainment and performance has been a contentious issue for decades. Many have raised concerns about the welfare of these animals, citing instances of physical and psychological abuse, as well as the risk of disease transmission. The entertainment industry has also been criticized for its lack of transparency and accountability, making it difficult to track the treatment and living conditions of captive great apes.*

The Impact of the Bill

The Bill aims to address the exploitation of great apes in entertainment and performance by prohibiting their captivity and breeding. This legislation would have a significant impact on the industry, forcing it to adapt to new standards and regulations. The Bill would prohibit the use of great apes in circuses, zoos, and other entertainment venues. It would also restrict the breeding of great apes in captivity, ensuring that any breeding programs are conducted for conservation and research purposes only.