SeaWorld trainer Barbie is out of a job. Mattel has decided they will no longer produce the SeaWorld trainer Barbie range. Growing public awareness that a tank is no place to keep an orca has seen a drop in SeaWorld's popularity and this news would suggest that Barbie has decided she too no longer wants to be associated with SeaWorld cruelty. You go Babs.

Sadly however, this means Barbie is out of a job! So I've taken it upon myself to come up with some opportunities for Barbie to consider where she can make a positive difference for animals :)

Marine biologist Barbie

Because working with FREE whales is heaps cooler.

Animal shelter-hand Barbie

Local shelters are always in need of an extra hand. And the countless cats and dogs that find themselves there are always in need of a little extra love.

Vegan cupcake chef Barbie

Delicious and cruelty-free. Foster kitty sous chef optional ;)

Minister for Animal Welfare Barbie

A professional voice for animals topped with stylish business bob.

Animal sanctuary volunteer Barbie

Probs wouldn't wear that dress to pick up elephant poo but that's Barbie I suppose.

Wherever Barbie's future takes her, I hope she finds happiness in a career that doesn't involve exploiting animals. If any of Barbie's animal-friendly jobs appealed to you, perhaps a career in animal protection is up your alley :) You might like to check out EthicalJobs.com to discover the range of opportunities available. (We post job opportunities here at Animals Australia on there too.) Alternatively, volunteering is always a good way to get started in animal protection so try seekvolunteer or get in touch with animal groups or shelters in your area.

P.S. Want to know more about why SeaWorld is no place for a marine animal? Click here.

These 5 mothers all want the same thing this Mother's Day:

Cows are well known for the strong bonds formed between mother and calf.

One study found that the strong bond between mother and calf was formed in as little as five minutes.

In a natural setting, cows will drink from their mother for several months, up to a year.

Mother cows have been reported to bellow and call out for their calves if they're separated.

But she won't get to.

To produce milk for humans, a dairy cow must keep giving birth to calves, usually every year. Her calves are normally taken away in the first 24 hours of their life, so that the milk she is producing to feed her newborn can be bottled for human consumption.

There are more than 1 million cows in the Australian dairy industry today -- every single one is a mother. If they could have one thing this Mother's Day, I can guess what it would be ...

As long as the demand for dairy milk continues, mother cows and calves will continue to suffer as a result. The most powerful thing you can do to help dairy cows is to make the switch to dairy-free milk. Do something nice for the mother of another this Sunday 10 May and try a dairy-free alternative. There are so many delicious dairy-free options these days it's never been easier.

If you're ready to help mother cows (and their calves) every day and ditch dairy for good, sign the pledge today.

P.S. Wondering what happens to the male calves after they're taken from their mothers? This video, filmed in Victoria, shows the sad fate for unwanted calves, called "bobby calves". Warning: some graphic footage.