You Care About Us~

Noah’s Ark Animals
Picture credit: WiNG


What day is it?
It is ” feel good ”  or  “ good news ”  Sunday of course.
My final posting for this year is about a place that I have loved for more than 25 years, it is  the Everglades.
If you have never been there and experienced it, now is the exact right time to go, because this is the lowest point and time for the resident mosquito population.
A recent  email reminded me of why this Ecosystem  is so very vital not only to Florida,  but to the Gulf and the entire South, because  it supports a myriad of wildlife completely dependent on the single most import element on Earth, water.
For the Everglades, keeping it clean, free of toxins and chemicals, but  most of all free-flowing,  is essential.
The National Wildlife Federation has an excellent Blog and today’s good news comes from their most recent issue of Wildlife Promise, and is dedicated primarily to the Everglades.
As those who have been coming here for a bit may recall, my first trip to the Everglades was a memorable one and my first ever encounter with an Alligator~
The result of that unusual meeting was the impetus for a website called  gator-woman, and the two Blogs which followed, all dedicated to the wonderful wildlife of Florida.
But back to the issues at hand about the Everglades.
This story is concerned with the Restore Act which is intended to undo the damage done to the entire Gulf Area from the BP Oil Spill: Restoring the Everglades, Restoring the Gulf

The story goes on to describe the recently completed, elevated portion of the Tamiami Trail, built back in the 1920′s as a connection between Tampa and Miami, but which has since severely choked the Everglades, by holding back the desperately needed water flow.
The further elevation of this vital road will bring new life back to the Everglades.
This particular issue is a critical one for those of us who live in and love Florida and its spectacular array of wild places and wild things.
If a vacation is on your mind right now, I highly recommend the Everglades or any part of Florida, as now is simply the best time of the year to come here, for great weather, no nasty Hurricanes and so much to see and do.
No,  I am not a paid representative of the Florida Visitors Bureau, just one who loves what is here and am desperate to keep it all safe for future generations.
In closing, may I say that starting this Blog was forced on me, I already had one on Google,  as well as  a website and did not feel the necessity for creating another  ” child ”  to care for.
But this person who shares my life has been on WP for two years and nagged me to death to give it a try.
So, in March of this year, I finally relinquished and posted my first Blog.
It has been a magical carpet ride since day one.
And I have all of you to thank for this.
You have come here, supported my often hysterical pleas for involvement on behalf of animals.
Your responses, your support, have completely shocked me.
I was positive that I was alone in my zeal, my passion for protecting animals, but I was so very wrong.
I have posted, you have come and now some ten months later, I feel like all of you are a part of my family, you are definitely a part of my life.
I am grateful for being pushed into this and even more grateful that all of you care and are as indignant as I am, about what is happening to animals globally.
From what is on the news here right now, about the effects of Social Media on Sea World with the over the top backlash from Black Fish, it would seem that we can and have made some positive changes when it comes to protecting animals.
In 2014, I promise to work even harder and be even more involved and hope that you will continue to lend your hearts and minds in support.
While it is true that they have no voice, at least, now we all know that we can speak for them and that people are listening.
God Bless us everyone, but most especially, God Bless all of the animals and keep them safe from harm.
May you all have a wonderful Holiday and see you in 2014.

Bear Bloodshed

A beautiful Florida Black Bear
Picture credit:  FDOT

I have been quiet about this for two weeks, but cannot remain silent any longer.
My blood is boiling and there is nothing that anyone can do to stop this,  it would seem.
About two weeks ago, a local woman was out walking her dogs at night and was ” viciously “ attacked by a Black Bear and there was of course, a huge reaction by the local Press.
As many of you may already know, Black Bears in Florida have a nearly perfect record, when it comes to hurting any humans.
In response to the ” vicious “attack, the FWS immediately set out traps and were obsessed with getting the guilty bear off of the streets.
A few days later,  one was caught and FWS was adamant about one fact, they were going to do DNA tests, to be sure that this was the ” guilty “  Bear.
And they promised that they would not kill it, until they knew for sure.
Then a few days later, another  bear was caught, now they had two Black Bears.
A few days later, long before any DNA tests were ever returned, they were  ” euthanized. “
FWS said that they just had no place to keep these two large Bears!
There were still no results from the DNA tests before this was done.
Then just a few days ago, a mother bear and two cubs was caught in the same area.
They were,  it was announced, being held, but not killed.
Finally a day or two ago, it was announced by FWS that the DNA results had come back and that the mother of these two cubs was the ” vicious “ bear that attacked the woman with her dogs that night.
They said because of the two cubs, she will not be killed until they are old enough to be without her and in the meantime all three were sent to live at Busch Gardens in Tampa.
But the most important fact missing in these latest news stories was this, this was a mother Bear out with her two cubs that night  and she was probably startled by the woman with her dogs.
So, this mamma Bear did what any other mother animal would do, she protected her babies.
This point has NOT been made by any news agency, to my knowledge.
So, the two Bears that were killed, were innocent and the “ guilty "  one  was protecting her babies.
But, why on Earth do any of them have to be killed?
The public reaction after the first two were killed, was a complete landslide in favor of the now two dead bears.
People here are completely outraged about this whole nightmare.
But the sickest part of all, is that where this woman was ” viciously “ attacked by this mother bear,  was very close to a heavily wooded area that is known for having many Bears.
My question is this, why do we allow countless homes to be built right in the middle of Bear and other wilderness areas and then kill them when they react as any normal Human would?
If people want no contact with wildlife, then they should move into the city.
If you choose to live out in the woods as we do, then you should expect to see or encounter wild things.
They were here first and they should be given just a little respect.
We are living in their bedrooms, in their dining rooms, not the other way around and if we don’t like that fact, then we need to get the Hell out of their homes.
We are absolutely the intruders here!

A random news story about this issue was chosen to provide you with some general information:
DNA Test Confirms Wrong Bears Killed After Longwood Woman Attacked

Whales Rule!

        
The critically Endangered North Atlantic Right Whale
Picture credits: NOAA

For entirely too many years,  the most Endangered Whale on our planet,   the North Atlantic Right Whale,  has had to endure endless red tape battles just to survive in their home waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
They have been harassed to “death” by ships of every size and shape, from countless countries, not the least of which are our very  own US Navy.
Now, thankfully at last, the Whales have been given a  reprieve from death,  with this new permanent solution to their life-threatening problem.
As of this past week, there is in place, a permanent  rule or law,  not subject to the whims of the US or any other Government, a set speed limit in the Atlantic Water Ways, where they travel each year, from  the warm tropical  waters of the Caribbean, all the way up  the Atlantic Coast to the northern most reaches of Canada.
And because of this new rule, wherever that they travel from now on, they will be protected from the number one cause of their  deaths, in this century, ship strikes.
All ships over 65 feet must obey these new and permanent speed limits.
The critically Endangered Right Whale,  whose numbers range between 300-500 , was nearly wiped off the face of the Earth by whalers in the last century who gave it its unfortunate name because it was just the “right ” size to kill.
The Right Whales annually make the long trek south  to give birth in the warm Florida and Caribbean waters and for those who are really lucky , they can frequently be quite easily seen from the shore near the tiny Coastal town of Flagler Beach.
Making the trip there to see them as they pass by, between December and  March,  is highly recommended,  as is an overnight stay in this very friendly town, with a plethora of dining choices  and room accommodations.
 
The eagerly and long-awaited ruling and stories are here:
Compliance Guide For Right Whales
Obama Administration Praised For Slowing Down Ships
Ship Speed Limits To Protect Endangered Atlantic  Right Whales Made Permanent

Scout’s Honor

My son proudly carrying the American flag.

Before your,  as promised for every Sunday,   ” Good News “  story,  an apology.
I have been pretty sick all week and not quite fully functional, so my communications with all of you have really suffered.
I truly regret this, as all of you and this Blog mean the world to me.
Reading about what this Museum is doing for those with physical limitations,  or who are physically challenged, while I was so sick this week,  made me truly grateful to be alive and feeling pretty guilty for my indulgence in self-pity.
It also brought back a flood of extremely good memories.
You may be wondering why this week’s  story,  is NOT about a wild animal,  it is instead about a unique place that could be a beacon of light for others to follow.
Reading about it made me smile, when I felt so awful,  I hope it will  do the same for each of you.
There were three connection points in this story to my own life that will explain why I chose it.
As you may know, my education was in Anthropology, point one in the connection here and you may also remember, the story of my son and his heartfelt comments upon seeing a blind child, connection point two.
As a former Nurse, I can honestly say that what this Museum is doing, is such a refreshingly welcome and positive approach to bridging the gap between the two worlds of those with and without, physical limitations, connection point three.
Raising a child with physical limitations was challenging and having facilities and opportunities such as this one, was always a blessing, which was never taken for granted.
We need so many, many more just like them.
When my young son joined the Cub Scouts at his ” special ” school, his small Troop needed a Den Mother, so I volunteered.
This decision began a lifelong friendship and presented an opportunity for personal growth for me and for him as well.
Our little Troop did things others said that we could not or should not do, like taking a field trip to the Van Nuys Airport with our boys and their varying degrees of physical limitations.
I can still remember standing  at the base of the Control Tower with one of the Control operators who looked at me and then at the boys and said, ” you want to do what? “
But, he saw the look  in my eyes and within minutes,  every one of those little Cub Scouts was up and in that Tower.
They had the time of their lives and made memories for a lifetime.
What they learned that day was, that if you want something, regardless of your physical limitations, if you really want it bad enough, nothing can stop you.
This was the lesson that I repeated to my son his entire life, that nothing could ever stop him, if he wanted it bad enough.
And as he grew into a man, I can tell you, nothing ever did.
He has accomplished some pretty unbelievable things in his life, despite what could have been severe restrictions from the confinement of a wheelchair.
This inspiring story about a very special Museum in Pennsylvania, made me remember those years as a Den Mother to some remarkable little boys and a Co-Den Mother, whose son also had physical limitations, and who to this day is still one of my dearest friends.
Please do enjoy the story:    Please Touch

Zirafa

Willow, a one day old baby Giraffe with its mother.
Picture credit: Ralph Daily


I had no intention of writing today, but coming upon this story and the petition that accompanied it, changed that in a heartbeat.
For as long as I can remember, the Giraffe has been the object of my affection and admiration.
There is something so regal, so fragile, so graceful, so endearing about them, how could you not love them.
In my lifetime, I have, with little shame,  amassed a collection of  Giraffes in every form,  all manner of clothing, toys for my children and my dogs of course, stationary, Christmas cards, birthday cakes, Giraffes made of  paper,  wood, copper, bisque, brass, you name it,  if it is a Giraffe anything,  I have it.
In my defense, many of the above were gifts, as my love of this animal was well-known.
But apparently, not everyone loves or cherishes this gentle giant.
What was learned about sadly today, is that there are apparently many places all over Africa right now,  that quite cheerfully advertise  ” Giraffe Trophy Hunting “ for a very hefty price, of course.
My reaction today was/is so over the top because I had no idea that people hunted them.
I can barely speak the words, Trophy Hunting Giraffes.
Please find below, the petition and story for you to reply to,  respond to, and react to, in the manner you see fit~
If you read some of the websites advertising their participation in  this atrocity,  they frequently use words like ethical and impeccable in their  ” Hunting Adventure ”  descriptions.
What!
What on this Earth is ethical about killing a Giraffe with a bow and arrow?

Here are two of the many Hunting sites:
Hunting Giraffe In South Africa
South Africa Giraffe Hunts 

Outrage is really not quite a strong enough word for the depth of my anger at these atrocious acts,  these abominable  behaviors.
There simply are no words.
Please do sign the petition if you are of like thinking.

Thank you as always, for your continuing love of animals~
This is the story:    The Giraffe Hunters
This is the petition:   Stop Trophy Hunting Giraffe

Eye See

A Chimpanzee in Tanzania
Picture credit: Jussi Mononen


A story caught my eye this morning, that has the potential to usher in a new era for animal rights and protection, so it was one that you needed to know about, of course.
In New York, a lawsuit has been filed for a chimpanzee, to give it the same rights as humans.
There are so many sub-plots to this story, that it may be difficult to stay on the right track.
This is not a case about the good guys against the bad guys, in my humble opinion.
Perception, ah there’s that magical word once again, how each of us sees this issue, this one is all about perception.
How will this all end, who can say.
What is extremely important, is that the lawsuit and the case, has those on both sides discussing something that 10 years ago, could probably never have happened, thinking that an animal should have the same rights as humans.
Sanctuaries, like the one that we have here in Florida for Elephants, are again being offered as an alternative to captivity for once wild animals.
This is one option, but there are others, of course.
In this murderous, bloody year for so many animals, this lawsuit just might help swing that sluggish pendulum toward the innocents who are dying, while waiting for anyone to see that their lives are Hell.
Right now, in so many places, animals have zero rights, they are murdered for their body parts, or simply because they have no value, other than what price their corpses may bring.
Globally, Animal Activists are picketing, marching and going to jail, just to bring a little light to an epidemic of cruelty towards beings who, when offered the chance, seem genuinely affectionate to the very ones who have harmed or killed them.
As a perfect example, recently here in Florida, a Manatee got up close and personal with a snorkeler:
Man Cuddles With Snorkeler’s Flipper
Yet, Humans remain the primary root cause of Manatee injuries and deaths every year.
As you may have read on one of my Blog’s, many years ago my children and I were very lucky to share a somewhat similar
experience, before it was outlawed for the safety of the Manatees.
It was an experience that to this day,  can never be forgotten or eclipsed.
Knowing the kindness, the gentleness of these and so many other animals, it therefore seems incomprehensible that we continue to drag our heels to offer animals protection, safety or sanctuary from the evil that Humans repeatedly inflict upon them.
Do I think that this case will go in favor of the Chimpanzees, not very likely.
But, what will hopefully happen now, will be a rush from many sides to file similar suits and help to encourage the non believers to at least consider the idea, that animals are not only valuable and worth protecting, they are truly unique and we are lucky to share this planet with them.

“We, the Human Race, are arrogant in thinking that because we do not understand the language of animals, that what they are saying is not of consequence.
Indeed, the animals are speaking to us and for their sake and ours, we must start listening.”

Taken from my:  Gator Woman Blog

The Chimpanzee Lawsuit Case story is here: Lawsuit Seeks Personhood For Apes

Going Green

                               
A Florida Snail Kite and Wood Stork
Picture Credits: FFWS & Steve Hillebrand FWS

May we all share a prayer on this  ” World Aids Day.”

Although this is meant to be a “Good News” Sunday story, it comes with an itsy, bitsy,  but……
It was just announced that a long time, proposed Wind Farm, will not be built in the Everglades , which has Florida Audubon, Animal Activists and Environmentalists all over the state, deliriously happy, but….
This IS Florida and both Wind and Solar could help so much with our serious power issues here.
In just the past few months,  the only Solar Farm here in Lake County shut down, and was auctioned off before it ever became fully functional, which was a huge disappointment to those of us who live here and were so excited about having it.
I would much prefer Solar or Wind Power any day, than some of the other alternatives that have been offered in our state recently.
But Audubon and their friends, have a lot of muscle and support here and they are,  for very good reason, most concerned about the expected potential for bird fatalities, as they have happened in other states with Wind Farms.
This is a double-edged sword for me personally, coming from California where Solar and Wind Power have been in place for many, many years and have made such a huge difference.
We need to become a greener state, a greener country, a greener world, because our sickening dependency on non-renewable energy is our past, our future should be a long-term relationship with Mother Earth.
Having been a huge bird lover all of my life, I absolutely want no birds harmed by any type of power, Solar or Wind, and the proposed location of this Wind Farm, in the especially fragile ecosystem of the Everglades, where so much Wildlife is already on the brink of disappearing, had many deeply concerned.
Most, if not all, of the Florida Snail Kites, which have been written about repeatedly on my Blog’s, have already been driven out of their Ancestral homes in the Everglades by human interference.
The Wind Farms project most likely would have finished off any remaining ones and several other Endangered Birds there as well, like the stunning Wood Stork.
So, how about a bit of compromising here?
Can’t we all put our heads together and come up with a place where the birds and Wind and Solar Farms can co-exist peacefully and safely with them?
Yes, it is risky, to have them in close proximity, but so is our never-ending dependency on non-renewable energy sources in this country.
We need to begin to think differently and make some serious changes, if we are to have a future on this planet, but we also need to make sure that when our descendants look around them, they see birds everywhere as well.
Going Green must become our mantra~

The fascinating story is written by an Audubon Associate, as it should be:
Good News For Birds As Everglades Wind Farm Is Scrapped

Happy Thanksgivukkah

The bubble light ” menorah ” was an early Christmas gift from my Mom, she knows how much I love them.
When she gave me this a month ago, no one was talking about Thanksgivukkah!  
Yes I know it has 2 too many lights to be a true Menorah~
 

On this rarest of rare  days,  two very traditional holidays are being combined to create something that will not happen again for 70,000 years,
Thanksgiving and the beginning  of  Hanukkah  have  fallen on the same day.
As I write this warm greeting to you from Florida, the  “Sunshine State,”    it is at this very moment, 31 degrees.
But,  coming from  the cold Midwest, this cold,  for Florida, weather makes today feel like so many  childhood memories.
I would like to wish all of you the safest and happiest Holiday today, which ever one you and your family celebrate~
My Mom and Dad will be coming for dinner, so I will be cooking all day, and loving it.
Joining WordPress in March has proven to be one of the most personally rewarding things that I have ever done,
because, it  has permitted me to express my lifelong deep concerns for the animals that I wish to protect from harm.
The sweetest surprise in this amazing adventure or joyous journey, is that there are so many others, like each of you,  who feel just as passionate about this same issue and your overwhelming support has meant the world to me.
So, on this special day when we hold those we love close,   please accept my warm best wishes to you and yours,  where ever in the world you are~
Happy Thanksgivukkah to you all~

Righteous Rescuers

        
All pictures credit:   RVR Facebook page


This story was in our local paper recently and it is being passed along to all of you, because they do so much good:
Volunteers Work To Save Abused Horses
This is a one time call for involvement, or a plea for you to get involved with an organization that works tirelessly for desperately needy animals.
I have seen and known many Rescue groups, but never, ever, one in my life, like this one, please visit their Facebook Page and be ready to fall in love with a group of people who have set the bar so high, they can never be surpassed.
This posting is about an amazing group of people who have a singular purpose in life, they rescue unwanted horses, very unwanted horses.
This rescue group is, in their own words, “ dedicated to saving and rehabilitating horses. “
Their name is RVR Horse Rescue and they are in Riverview, which is near Tampa , Florida.
So, why is this request for help being posted here today, you may ask?
Because like all good animal rescue places, they could use a little bit of help.
They are a 501(c)(3) Award winning, non-profit organization and like so many others,  they are completely dependent on the generosity of the public to survive and keep doing the wonderful work that they do for those “with no voice.”
“ People need to be prosecuted for their crimes against these Horses.”
If you are in the area, or just want to help financially, please either email them, call them, or plan to make a visit to see what wonderful work they are doing, for beautiful horses who were at the end of their road and got a second chance at life.
God Bless them for what they do and you too if you choose to help them~

Here is their beautiful website: RVR Horse Rescue
RVR Horse Rescue Inc.
12611 Hayes Clan Rd
Riverview, FL 33579
Phone: (813) 280-9299

As always, please,learn more about them, and if you like what you see, get involved if you are able!

Take Two

                                  
A Loggerhead Sea Turtle Credit: NOAA                 Silver Springs Florida in 1886


Thank God it is ” Good News”  Sunday.
What a ghastly, awful week of news this has been for animals.
But, there have also been two good happenings in our local animal news, so, with that bright thought in mind, today’s posting  is perhaps, aptly named Take Two.


Take One
A Loggerhead Sea Turtle was released into the waters off shore of Ponce Inlet yesterday after months of recovery and rehabilitation at the Marine Science Center.
His name was Benjamin and he was lucky rescue number 100!
This is one hundred creatures who might not be alive today, were it not for the talents, dedication and kindness of the outstanding group of people at this place.
This is just another example of the work that these amazing caretakers do everyday at the Marine Science Center in Ponce Inlet, Florida.
If you love Sea Life, this is one place you simply must come to visit and learn all about the near miracles that have been and are being performed on, the lucky creatures that they rescue.
You may learn more about these local Heroes here:
Marine Science Center To Release Benjamin
Benjamin The Loggerhead Sea Turtle Is Set Free


Take Two
You may remember a story first written about here in April of this year, about the  beautiful Silver Springs area near Ocala.
It was recently turned over to the state of Florida, after being managed for many years, for an unknown reason, by a company in California.
Now that it has become a National Landmark and Florida has taken over the care of it, it is reported that it will soon be listed as ” threatened.”
This is great news for a truly “unique to Florida,” Ecosystem, that has been allowed to degrade and become completely run down due to lack of care and attention.
The water at Silver Springs has, like so many of the beautiful natural springs areas around the state, over the years become so polluted, with toxins creeping in and making the waters nasty for anything that inhabits it.
Once the National Park Service officially declares it “ threatened, “ there will begin a major clean up, with an immediate call, I am sure, for volunteers to come forward to help.
Feds Will Label Marion County’s Silver Springs As Threatened
If you live near enough, you may consider lending a hand to help bring back to life, one of the most pristine, serenely elegant places in all of Florida.
The new background of this Blog is of a Silver Springs swamp area.
For many years this stunning piece of Florida Natural History was a number one attraction with their famous glass bottom boats.
Now, thanks to some recent positive changes, Silver Springs will be getting a helping hand to bring it back to its original beauty and shine once again.
You may read more about this story here:
Silver Springs Makes Wrong List

Poignant Pigs

A Baby Pig
Picture credit: Balibagus

On our news this morning, came a story that I could not wait to share with all of you.
It could not wait until “ Good News” Sunday, so now, I must find, hopefully, another one for that day!
This story concerns a video of extreme animal abuse, that became a public video and exposed a company and their supplier for the horrific treatment of animals.
Tyson Foods really had no choice, once they had been exposed and the supplier caught in this heinous behavior, but to end their relationship with them.
Personally, I believe that if they had not been caught ”on film,” they more than likely would still be doing business with them.
As the story explained, Tyson Foods has ”dropped” an Oklahoma Supplier for extreme cruelty to the pigs it slaughters.
There is something so insane about that sentence.
Anyway……
The heroes in this story are a group called Mercy For Animals.
Here is a link to their web site, but please be forewarned some places on the site are quite gruesome:
Mercy For Animals
But how on Earth can we stop this horror for animals, if people don’t know what is being done?
Only go to their site, if you can bear seeing animals suffering horribly and avoid the Walmart section.
Here is my point for bringing this to your attention.
If you do still eat meat, do you have any idea what that very process and decision has on millions of animals all over the world?
You must understand that huge companies like Tyson and Walmart have only one thing in mind when they do business and it is MONEY! All that they care about is the bottom line, who will do it the cheapest.
The details are none of their concern, until like now, when they are caught.
Thank God for this group and may I add, that they are very brave, for capturing this on film because otherwise, the very high-priced lawyers for these companies could deny, deny, deny, in court and WIN!
There was another very strongly warned video that came up during my search, but I was afraid to click on it and did not wish to share it with you, what is already here, is probably more than many of you will ever want to see or know.
Although the story explains the reason for Tyson’s decision, which I might add was not enough, it could have, should have been, much more detailed and had so much more about this behavior and how wide-spread it is in the Food Industry!
Every decent, moral, conscionable company within the vital Food Industry, who learns of this kind of behavior, or treatment, should with no hesitation, rid themselves of the demons that now purvey it. One last thought, I have always loved all pigs, and would have them in our yard, if legally allowed~
Here is the story:   Tyson To Drop Oklahoma Hog Supplier After Abuse Video

Dear Deer!

A White Tailed Deer
Picture credit: Clay Heaton

As a dedicated animal protector and especially a Deer lover, you had to know that this story would be here!
The only thing that I find more despicable than those who harm animals, are those who hunt them with bows and most especially with cross bows, as our new neighbors across the street from us do.
The reason for the repugnance in the use of this heinous weapon, is the long-term suffering it causes the victim.
This new weekend visiting idiot, who looks about twenty or so, stands alongside a fence with another person who appears to be an adult, ( and seems to approve of this act) with cars driving by, here on our road leading into a well populated neighborhood.
He has been doing this practicing for several weekends, now that it is deer killing season, and he/they are practicing on a telephone pole, right in front of our house and right next to a busy road.
Cars going by, are within a foot or two of these two, who could  accidentally end them at any moment.
What on Earth is in his/their heads, it cannot be a brain?
These people are new in the RV Park across from us out here in the woods and hopefully they will go back to where they came from, very soon.
And hopefully no one will be killed before they do.
You must know how hard it is to live out here surrounded by these lunatics, who stand on their cars/trucks, shooting into the open fields, with cars driving right along the road that they are parked on.
Coming to live in rural Florida from Los Angeles was expected to be culture shock, but this is ridiculous.
Sometimes it feels like we have left the United States and gone to live in the twilight zone.
Some of the things that happen out here, defy explanation to the rational mind.
During hunting season, whenever we need to go into civilization, no matter which way we choose, there is a sickening sight to be seen, in one direction are those standing on their vehicles shooting into open fields and the other way has a weighing station where there is always a line of hunters, with their kill to be weighed!
Most of these “great white hunters” use dogs and they way that many of them are treated, is next to criminal.
Many of them are wearing radio collars, so that they can be easily found.
But this is not always the case.
Some end up dead on the roads, hit by cars, others sit for hours waiting on the sides of the roads to be picked up by their owners and occasionally,  they wander into our local post office, or up on my mom’s front porch, starving, scared and just wanting to be loved.
My views about deer and if it is ethical or humane to hunt them, are my own, and do not follow the norm of society, I accept that.
I know that I am in an extreme minority here.
I have often looked into their faces, when I am lucky enough to see them and think that there are few creatures on the Earth with more gentle, kinder or sweeter eyes and gazes.
Trying to survive out here among the “duck dynasty type people” is hard, but nothing will drive me out of here.
There is in this beautiful place, as far as can be seen, nothing but pure wild Nature and stunning wildlife and the Hunters are for me, an ugly part of life here, that simply must be dealt with, like it or not.
Thankfully, the deer killing season will be ending soon and those who presently are running amuck up and down the roads here, killing at will, with IQ’s perhaps smaller than my shoe size, must find something else to hurt.
In the meantime, you may find this story as mildly vindicating as I did.
Can you say KARMA?
Oh dear!
Oh Deer, Florida Hunter Faces Firearm Charges

Safe Sanctuary

Majestic African Elephants

Thankfully, today is ”Good News Sunday” and this story, is one that should bring great pride and pleasure to all Floridians who love animals.
One of the most majestic, emotion evoking animals to ever inhabit this Earth, has had to do its best to survive, in spite of the onslaught of evil directed toward it, so with all of the tragedies be falling African Elephants, wouldn’t you cheer to hear a truly inspirational story about them?
Here in Florida we are so fortunate to be the proud possessor of a new, long overdue home, for Elephants to go to live and be free from harm, in a safe, natural, familiar environment.
The only sad part, is that this amazing new facility will not be open to the public.
It will however, allow those who study and care for Elephants elsewhere to, come and observe and learn, but there will be no public interaction with them.
Considering what treatment they have received from Humans, can we really object to this?
The new National Elephant Center or as one story refers to it, “Pachyderm Playground,” is in Fellsmere, Florida and sits on 225 acres of mostly orange groves, which have already been giving immense pleasure to some of its newest residents.
The Sanctuary will be a unique retirement and/or breeding home for African and perhaps Asian Elephants as well and none of them will ever be bought or sold.
New Guests will be arriving from time to time and be accepted into the hopefully, expanding family.
The facility is now and will most likely forever, be completely dependent on donations, you can learn more about  how to help and what they do here: Elephant Sanctuary
An additional story is here:   Sanctuary Offer New Homes To Elephants
This story is also about the Sanctuary,  but please be fore-warned there are included in it,  some very sad statistics: The National Elephant Center

Crime Pays!

A  Nurse Shark in  Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary
Picture credit:  NOAA  Dr. Mathew Gilligan

Sometimes the bad guys do get caught, but really, what good does it do?
Is fining them really going to stop their illicit behavior or shut them down?
This man in California has been dealing with Floridians, to sell poached Sharks on, wait for it, my very favorite online place to look for stolen things, Craigslist!
Remember back in September, after we were robbed at the Drury Hotel, several of the Indianapolis authorities that we talked to, suggested that we go to look for our stolen things there?
How do the people who run this website manage to stay out of jail?
The numbers of criminals who use it now is insane.
You can find everything and anything there, that you really never would want to know about.
And has eBay now also become a just as popular place for dumping the loot of thieves?
Yes, this wildlife criminal was caught and yes it will cost him, but, really home confinement?
Unless they took away his computer, this guy can continue to operate and get rich from his dirty little wildlife poaching business from his laptop!
How on Earth can we ever hope to put a serious dent in wildlife crime, with these kinds of meaningless penalties?
This man, like the one who robbed us in Indiana, will, no thanks to our inept justice system, continue to steal.
The ridiculous story is below, be prepared to lose it, I did!
Oh well, thankfully tomorrow is "Good News"  Sunday.
I will now go and find something to make all of us smile again.

Man Sentenced For Peddling Florida Sharks Online

Failure!

A BLM roundup in Nevada
Kindly permitted: American Wild Horse Preservation

By now you may or may not be, tired of reading about this vile issue here, but it is here again, none the less.
Once again, the courts have ceased for the moment, the despicable practice of horse slaughter in this country.
So, is this a reprieve, hardly!
Those at the forefront of this ” murder for money” business have fought too long and hard to give up.
Despite the total outrage and hostility from every corner of this country and many others, two facilities are on the brink of opening up their shops for business and that business is the killing of horses.
Regardless of which side of the fence you may sit on in this issue, the problem is that we should not be eating wild horses, or any horses, for that matter.
It’s not like our country is in immediate danger of running out of meat for sale, the stores are packed to the ceilings everywhere, with every kind of meat you can imagine.
If you think this is an overstatement, take a look the next time you are in a grocery store, at which department is given the most floor space.
Now, back to the issue.
I read about this latest update yesterday, but had just finished the post for Veteran's Day, so let it go.
Ask me if I slept last night, knowing that this was what I was going to write about today.
Not much!
This ugly issue has been festering in my brain, since the words were first written here months ago.
I simply cannot understand why this is being allowed, nay being pushed down the American throats.
So, why the pressure, the big push, to kill every wild horse?
I have had a theory for months now, who would benefit most from these horses being gone?
Think cows!
If wild, free horses are eating grasses in states all over the country, it could be a threat to huge cattle ranches, right?
What does this say about us as a Nation?
I for one, am ashamed to live in a country, where this is not only allowed, but is being encouraged, with the full support of by the BLM, FDA and the US Government.
The American public is being deceived by so many, it is hard to keep track:
USDA/Forest Service Shuts Down Public Observation at Controversial Wild Horse Roundup
Has everyone conveniently forgotten about this? Wild and Free Roaming Horses Act
What animal will be next, I fear to ask?
If this cruelty cannot be stopped, I for one, will take it very personally and feel like a complete failure.
This Blog exists for one singular purpose, to expose and hopefully cease the pain being inflicted on innocent animals.
If I have completely failed in an issue which is so close to me, why would I wish to continue?
It would seem that I have done little or nothing here to make a difference.
Is there any hope?
Can we  Stop Horse Slaughter?

You may read this most recent story, with all of its mixed messages here:
Federal Appeals Court Temporarily Halts Horse Slaughter

God Bless You Every One

Some gave all.
Members of the 15th Airlift Wing Honor Guard at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii.

On this very important day, Veteran’s Day, may each of us take a moment to say thank you to the bravest Humans to ever walk the Earth, the members of our United States military.
But we should also Honor not just our own military members, but all who serve, all over the world.
There are brave people serving, defending and protecting their individual countries, who do and have sacrificed everything, in the name of honor to their own country.
If on this day, or indeed any day, you meet or pass by a Veteran, won’t you please take just a second of your time, to say to them, " Thank you for your service and Welcome Home? ”
We, those you proudly serve for and do your best to defend, Honor you all on this day.
God Bless America and God Bless you every one.

Priceless Panda’s

A Panda Cub from Wolong, Sichuan, China
Picture credit: Sheila Lau

What day is it? What day is it?
Why of course, it is feel good Sunday!
And the only posting allowed here on this day, has to make you feel good!
This delightful story came on our local news just a few minutes ago and I could not wait to share it with all of you.
It would seem that the world is just exploding in Panda births, in fact the story said that they have actually doubled, with 49 being born in China this year.
For those of you who are familiar with this extremely endangered animal, this is of course, cause for Global jubilation.
Is there a single one among you,  who is not a sap for a Panda face?
They may be the National pride and joy of China, but the rest of the world has fallen in love with them as well and where ever they go, joy and squeals of delight and absolute ” Panda-monium “ do surely follow.
How can you not go weak in the knees when you see their precious, sweet innocent faces?
The majority of Panda’s live in China, with the world’s foremost intensive care and research being carried out there at the  Chengdu Research Base ” Panda capital of the world. “
There are Panda Cams in China, as well as other locations around the world, they are even here in the United States, at the Smithsonian, Memphis, San Diego and Atlanta Zoos.
So to provide you with a huge smile on this laid back day of “ONLY GOOD NEWS,” below are a selection of stories, pictures and videos for you to revel in, do enjoy them and the rest of your Sunday:

Baby Pandas In China
Oh Baby
Panda Cams Return
Giant Pandas Born In 2013
Panda Births Hit Record High
Why Pandas Are Worth Saving