Invictus in Orlando

Archery at the Invictus Games,  September 12, 2014  London
Picture credit: Petty Officer 2nd Class Mark Logico,  US Navy
 

There was a joyful announcement on our local News station here this morning that needs to be shared with all of you.
This year’s Invictus Games will be here in Orlando from May 8-12,  at the ESPN Disney Worldwide Complex.
This will hopefully allow those of you who may be farther away, a chance to make plans to attend.
The first one was organized/begun by Prince Harry in London in 2014,  with over 300 competitors from 13 Countries.
Now we here in Central Florida have the extreme pleasure and take great pride in hosting the second one in Orlando in May.
All the details are below.
My interest in these games is three fold:  my son is a paraplegic and he participated in many different kinds of sports in a wheel chair,  which was at once, exciting and terrifying as his mother, but I adjusted quickly, after seeing how much it meant to him.
Watching my son crash onto the floor head first in a basketball game, was really hard for me, thank God,  he has a hard head.  Must be his Genes!
Basketball would be only one of many sports he played, many of the same ones listed for these games, all were when he was much younger and thankfully, he survived!
My second reason is due to my lifelong, family related, support of Military Veterans, especially those who have been wounded while serving.
And by the way, not all wounds are visible.
As a treatment Nurse in a California Rehab Center, I had 4 years to learn and understand this fact quite well.
For any one not familiar with this exciting event, it is a multi-sport competition and celebration for wounded veterans from around the world.
This year more than 15 Countries and over 500 athletes have been invited and will be represented here in Orlando.
This year’s various sports will include: track and field, wheel chair basketball, archery, wheel chair tennis, indoor rowing, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair rugby and a Triathlon.
If you have the time and/or the funds, I truly hope that you can come here to Orlando in May, to witness, to experience, this glorious celebration and event.
What better way to say thank you to these men and women, not only for their service, but also for their great sacrifices to their Countries.
God Bless them all.
They are some of the bravest people you and I will ever know and perhaps meet.
My third reason, is the movie Invictus, which is one of my all time favorite’s, with Morgan Freeman, Matt Damon and a story about Nelson Mandela, what is not to love!
Did I mention that Prince Harry will be here?
 
 
Places to learn more:

The Invictus Games in Orlando

Invictus Games – Wikipedia

ESPN Disney Wide World of Sports Complex

Schedule set for Invictus Games at Walt Disney World

Prince Harry to attend Invictus Games in Orlando as 100-day countdown begins

The Invictus Games Foundation


 

Hiding the Hunters

A beautiful 300 pound Florida Black Bear hit and killed near our home here in the Ocala Forest.
Picture credit: USFS Carrie Sekerak
 
So much for transparency from the King of backroom deals and hidden agendas, or the Governor of what is now known as the sad state of Florida for all wild animals.
Here is the who and what of this deed yesterday:  The Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee  backed a measure (SB 1364)
Florida’s Governor Scott, who was apparently, although the proof of this has now somehow disappeared,  outed last fall for buying a Bear Hunting Permit, before the murderous rampage began,  surely must have had his hands all over this bill that was just passed yesterday, that will now keep the names of any/all Black Bear Hunters who buy a permit to kill them, out of sight, out of mind!
Just finding information about this was VERY difficult, although the story was on our local ABC NEWS Station in Orlando, this morning. It was not on their web site, nor any other local one here.
I finally found the story in the Gainesville Sun and on Fox 13 in Tampa Bay.
It was no accident that last Fall that the names of 103 persons, who were kept off of Florida’s public bear hunt licensee list included:  police, judges and public officials.
Now the Governor wants to up the stakes, by hiding everybody’s names.
It was no surprise that the Hunt last fall brought Bear lovers and Animals Activists out of the woodworks, and some idiots even emailed and/or called people on the Permit List.
Two of those well known on the List included, musician Ted Nugent and newly appointed by Scott, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission member and Rancher, Liesa Priddy, who voted to approve the new hunts.
Yes, those protestors were stupid and did nothing to help the already volatile situation.
Of course, the outcry from hunters and gun owners went all the way to Tallahassee into Scott’s loving, attentive ears.
Oh my we can’t have the public knowing who is going to be doing any Bear killing, why those people could be dangerous, a gun owner might be hurt, or worse.
Now armed with these tasty facts, the Governor and his Mounties say, no more to transparency in Tallahassee, like we have ever had any anyway.
No more public records for gun owners or Bear Hunters in Florida.
Don’t worry, those of you who want to kill Bears again in the fall, if the Hunt is repeated, and I guarantee you it will be, because it was a huge money maker for Scott and Florida, with over 3,778  permits sold at $100 or $300 each,  for a grand total of $376,900, your name will be kept secret.
Remember that just a short time ago, this same group of intellectuals in Tallahassee passed a silencer bill that now allows Hunters on any road in Florida to sit on, or in, their trucks and fire at will, into the woods, using riles now legally armed with silencers.
Sadly, their poor innocent victims will never know that they are about to die.
Heads up Snow Birds, Visitors, or families, while walking in any Woods in Florida!
This Governor  has become notorious for the secrets he keeps, so it was not much of a stretch for him to encourage his puppets in Tallahassee, to Hide the Hunters.
 

Places to learn more:

Senators pursue public-records exemption to shield to hunters

Senators target records about hunters

Anti-hunting Protesters Obtain List of Florida Bear Hunters’ Emails

103 names kept off Florida’s public bear hunt licensee list

Florida bear hunt foes use hunting license list to email individuals

Gov. Rick Scott: CANCEL the Florida Bear Trophy-Hunt

 

 

A River Otter Rescue

River otters,  (not the ones in the story):  Lontra Canadensis
Picture credit: Dmitry Azovtsev
 
This morning there was a sweet story on our local TV news about three tiny river otter babies who were rescued recently and right now are fighting for their lives.
It was disappointing that after spending  most of the day calling and searching, not one picture of a baby otter was available, or a person to approve their picture being used.
But, thankfully, they are in the stories below for you to enjoy.
The wee ones are being tenderly tended to and nursed by kindly volunteers at the Florida Wildlife Hospital/Rehab and Sanctuary in Palm Shores Florida, which is located between Melbourne and Cocoa Beach on the Atlantic Coast.
Please make sure to look at their Wish list to see exactly what they want and need,  to allow them to continue doing their good work.
This non profit organization is very dependent on volunteers and donations from the public, to continue their work with injured and abandoned wildlife here in Central Florida.
Seeing these tiny babies today, brought back happy memories of the many seen in Monterey Bay years ago.
The otters ongoing frolicking delighted the visitors to the waters all around the Monterey Bay Aquarium who would stand and watch them play for hours.
The river otter is a small to medium sized fur bearing mammal found widely across the Country, usually near food and water sources of their liking, and they usually live in Dens near their chosen food and water sources.
The most common food of choice will be fish or amphibians, yet they can also be omnivores eating a wide variety of available foods.
Attention to water quality in America has helped the river otter stay out of trouble, it is fairly adaptable to many types of water, from rivers and ponds, to lakes and coastal fresh water estuaries.
In the early discovery years of this country and the encroaching civilization that accompanied it,  this sleek beautiful animal had been mercilessly hunted by trappers for their fur, nearly to complete decimation, but at this time, for many reasons, their numbers are a bit more stable.
Their greatest threat today, is their habitat and/or ecological destruction, basically the things that bothers us, bothers them as well.
After learning more about these beautiful, delightful creatures, perhaps, like me, you will believe that they were indeed quite lucky to be rescued as they were.
 
Places to learn more:
Three baby otters rescued in Palm Shores
River otters are playful inhabitants of Florida’s watersheds
Wildlife officials rescue otter pups found at Titusville construction site
Three baby otters rescued
Wildlife officials rescue otter pups found at Florida construction site
Florida Wildlife Hospital

Creeping Indigo

Creeping Indigo
Picture credit: Habitat for Horses

If this name means nothing to you, and you own horses, be thankful.
You are lucky!
This is the name of a local weed that is quite toxic and has been killing horses and other grazing animals all over Florida for years.
First the story was on our local News and then later  I saw it again on Twitter in a story written by Dinah Voyles Pulver of the Daytona Beach News Journal.
After reading and hearing about these deadly incidences, I was concerned enough to immediately call our Vet for either a confirmation,  or at the very least an educated opinion on the issue.
Then I spent the rest of the day gathering other reference stories for today’s Blog post.
This has been to say the least, an unsettling 24 hours.
My fear, of course, was that consuming the weed might be fatal for dogs as well, as it looked like plants we have on our property.
The plant was brought to Florida in 1925, by the University of Florida for a series of experiments, but after an animal died, the work stopped.
Sadly, even though they ditched the project, apparently the plant lived on and thrived and spread in different directions around the state.
Not only horses, are affected, but cows, sheep, goats, rabbits, chickens and other animals that have eaten it and died.
Pigs it is said, seem to avoid it.
Giving me once again, fodder for my confirmed opinion that pigs are exceptionally intelligent.
It may also kill local deer who eat it.



Creeping Indigo
Picture credit: WESH TV


This toxic weed, owners of deceased animals say, is something like catnip or candy, to the victim.
They seem to be unable to stop eating it, even when the can barely walk anymore.
This is heartbreaking for all involved.
But, what really bothers me the most, is that this plant should never have been brought here to begin with.
Like so many other dangerous Global disasters, in the past, it just all got out of control.
Two things can help you to identify this weed in your own yard or pasture, after a night of cold weather,  the weed will likely have tiny salmon/orangish colored flowers on it and most telling, the plant can have a massive tap root.
This huge root is what makes the plant so very difficult to get rid of.
The plant also has long runners which enable it to hide or disappear in a field of grass.
Here is what disturbs me and many others including those who have lost their animals. There is no known treatment, or cure for this and a nearly complete lack of support by UF, who brought it here in the first place.
Recently they have started a program for educating the public, but it has been allowed to become so wide spread, control is not likely, ever, across the state.
Please do take the time to learn more about this very toxic weed if you have animals that graze, it may save their lives.
Please educate yourself and Google Creeping Indigo.

Places to learn more:
Creeping Indigo Toxicity
Deadly weed kills Ruskin Horse
Habitat for Horses
Deadly weed dooms horses
Creeping Indigo

No Limits!

Alvin Garcia Flores from Nebraska getting a very personal delivery
Picture credit: UCF Today
 

As the mother of a physically challenged son, you have to know how special sharing this story with you is for me.
Until you have walked, or rode/wheeled,  in their lives, it would be nearly impossible to understand just how hard their lives can be at times and how gifts like this can make a huge, if not life changing difference to them.
So let me begin by saying God Bless these students at UCF and Limbitless Solutions, for the joy that they bring and give to all.
It has been a busy two or so years for the creative crew at this local University, the University of Central Florida here in Orlando.
Always giving us a reason to be proud, this week’s newest recipient was another child born missing a limb, specifically an arm, and was presented by the group, a creation that would make like any child  and I’m sure many adults as well, completely over joyed.
The child was nine year old, Alvin Garcia Flores from Nebraska, who  was the exited and delighted recipient of a new bionic arm,  personally delivered by none other than ” Darth Vader. ”
Over the past few years locals have watched in awe and admiration, and sometimes even overwhelmed with the level of work that these students at UCF  do for those with physical challenges using 3D printing technology.
Recently this Christmas,  the group gave new bionic arms to 12 very grateful children.
But, the presentation that generated the most excitement had to be the one that brought Robert Downey, Jr.  to  meet with 7 yr old Alex Pring to present him with his ” Iron Man “ bionic arm in Atlanta in 2014.
This meeting was part of the Collective Project which was arranged/supported by Microsoft, which brings students and technology together to ” change the world.”
Oh,  did I mention that there is no cost to the children or their families for this unbelievable gift of mobility?
The group is a 501 c non profit and gladly accepts  any and all donations to support their work, please  take a look a their web site or Twitter page for more on how you can get involved and lend a  ” hand.”
This genius team at UCF,  is lead by Executive Director and founder, Albert Manero who says: ” Let’s show students that engineering is a tool to help change the world. “
” We engineer hope! “
Yes, for these awesome students, there simply are no limits!
 
Places to learn more:
Darth Vader Helps Fulfill Child’s Dream – Delivers Bionic Arm to 9-Year-Old
Boy gets prosthetic ‘Stormtrooper’ arm from non-profit group
Limbitless Solutions
The Collective Project
Robert Downey Jr. and Alex meet
Robert Downey Jr. presents child with his own ‘Iron Man’ robotic arm
12 great kids get robotic arms for Christmas
The Clearwater Aquarium and Anni

Packing Up the Pachyderms~

A Circus elephant in 1930, a life spent in silent suffering and servitude!

It has been painful not being here, but the reasons were clearly out of my control.
2014 was a difficult year for me, but my issues were nothing compared to Breanna’s.
As of right this moment, we are both mended and well.
So, with a clear head, heart and body, today begins a new year and an eagerly awaited return to writing about the animals I care so deeply for on our Planet.
A story on our local news last night, was the best news I have heard about any animals in over a year, so I knew I would be writing this morning.
As with the ongoing clashes against Sea World and the toxic bread additives at Sub Way, once again, you, the dedicated Global Bloggers and Tweeters, have not only influenced, but absolutely crushed a source of wrong and helped to make it right.
Let this latest success be an inspiration for all those who care and want to make changes, be your positive reward for continuing to push on, even when it appears to be either a lost cause, or a battle that simply cannot be won against powerful businesses who harm or kill animals.
This time the Ringling Bros. Circus is claiming, or should we say shouting, “Uncle” at those who have relentlessly pursued them over their mistreatment, or down right cruelty to Elephants for years.
And as of last night, they have publicly announced that they will be retiring all of their Elephants this May, or a year and half earlier than planned, it is  hard to believe they admitted this, but said it was a direct result of the endless petitions, blogging and just plain hostile media blitzes against them, that “encouraged” them do this now.
The Circus Community has had Elephants in their shows since at least 1882, but the recent intense and ongoing  global outcry for them to be removed has, much like the movie Black Fish, been a huge causal factor in their decision to retire all of their Elephants to the Center for Elephant Conservation, near Tampa in Central Florida, which is NOT open to the public.
This Center has not been completely trouble-free and has had watch dog groups like the Humane Society and other always looking over their shoulders for any abuse or other.
This  retirement home for Elephants is fairly near us and we would like to take a trip soon, to see just how they are truly being treated and cared for there, only, of course, if this is permitted.
Hopefully, a report and/or pictures might also accompany the trip.
The millions who have worked so hard for so long to see this come to fruition, can at last know that these magnificent creatures will finally be allowed, after so many years of ill-treatment and suffering at the hands of humans, live in peace and safety in their well-earned retirement here in Central Florida.
Time to pack up the Pachyderms~

Places to learn more:
AP News Break: Ringling circus elephants to retire in May
Circus elephants to retire at secluded Florida preserve
Public Announcement from Ringling Brothers
Ringling Brothers Center for Elephant Conservation
Center for Elephant Conservation

They Are My Reason

Breanna, Walkingfox and their PT Cruiser



Yes it has been a long time.
The reason is simple, I am not well…
I was sitting here this morning feeling a bit sorry for myself because tomorrow I will have a second blast to get a quite large kidney stone blasted out of a very run down body from over six weeks of endless pain.
For those of you who are mothers, it is like being in labor 24/7 and NOT giving birth!
The procedure is called, Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy.
This same procedure last month failed to break the stone up, so a re-do was scheduled.
This morning, while only thinking of my selfish self, a beautiful story came on our local news.
Can I say that my selfish thoughts all disappeared in an instant and were replaced with overwhelming sorrow for this precious innocent child.
This child who lost her entire family in an arson fire and who was herself quite badly burned over 75% of her body, was shown on the news today, asking for ONE simple thing for Christmas.
She wants to receive a Card from you.

Here is her address and if you have a moment, please do consider sending her a card?
Stories about her are below as usual~

Safyre
P.O. Box 6126
Schenectady, NY 12306
USA

And by the way she has already received cards and gifts from all over the world.
Regardless of your religion or attitude towards the Holidays and all that goes with them, this is a child who through no fault of her own, has lost all that she loved.
Her father saved her life by covering her body with his.
And even though her father and siblings all died in the fire, she survived and her simple request reminds me, perhaps you as well, that this season is meant to be about others, is it not?
Please cross your fingers for my procedure tomorrow, because if I am lucky the second time will do it and the bugger will be blown away!
I wish you all a Happy Christmas filled with joy and everything that is dear to you.
Everything that I need and love are here with me right now.
Yes, Walkingfox and Breanna are my reason~

Places to learn more:
Orphaned Burn Victim
Christmas Comes Early
Christmas Cards for Sayfre

Will Steverson Stay Or Go?

Silver Springs, Nature’s Underwater Fairyland
Picture credit: Florida State Memory Archives


The controversial, Scott nominated, head of the Florida DEP, Jon Steverson, is like a “bird on a wire” at the moment.
He has previously failed to be confirmed for this appointment by the Governor and if he is rejected, or fails to be confirmed the next vote, it is over.
So why the controversy you may ask.
Good question, am happy to point out the many reasons he should NOT be confirmed.
This man wants to help the Parks here in Florida become more profitable.
Remember the story here about  Payne’s Prairie  not long ago?
And Silver Springs, the location for the old Tarzan movies, is still trying to survive the Canadian Cattle Billionaire who is presently draining their breathtaking beauty dry everyday to provide water for his cows.
The Parks making a profit idea, is not of, or in itself,  a bad one, it’s the  way that Jon Steverson seeks to do so, that  is most certainly objectionable  to the millions here, many who love this state and treasure our beautiful Parks.
There are 174 stunning, natural and gorgeous Parks here in Florida and all of them could be at risk, if this man and those who back and support him, are allowed to continue their planned path.
And, these Parks, are all for be evaluated right now, for potential future hunting, logging, cattle grazing and other ways to make money are all on the table.
If he stays, I guarantee you that he and Scott and Company will implement all of these disastrous plans and our Florida Parks will not only suffer the consequences, but there may be Human tragedies as well.
Please do not forget that this group recently passed the gun silencer law.
Hunting in State Parks filled with families,  is a disaster waiting to happen.
This group also allowed Bears to be slaughtered and Attorney General Pam Bondi is now under attack for filing a lawsuit to allow air polluters to continue unabated here.
Who can forget her picture on the News releasing a rehabilitated Bald Eagle yesterday.
She in my opinion, is the LAST person who should have been holding that Bald Eagle!
It should have been ANYONE from Audubon, the group who did the rehabilitating.
This Governor and those who follow and work with him, have one agenda: money and how to make it here.
They will all share in the profits and the state and all that is beautiful in it, will be the losers.
Remember Scott came here from Illinois, he is NOT a Floridian, he has little or no concern for all that makes this place Paradise, only what makes money.
And it seems his choice for the head of the EPA is in perfect step with him on this.
Scott’s arms are long, so I am sure that all of the right people have been advised that he wants Steverson to stay put to carry out the plans.
Quick note to the Governor:
How many visitors do you think come to Florida to see cattle eating, or Hunters killing Wildlife?
Just asking, because last time I checked, tourism was our number ONE economic driver!
In conclusion, regardless of objections, guess we all know whether Steverson will stay or go!

Places to learn more:
Florida State Parks
Silver Springs State Park
Ney C. Landrum, Fran P. Mainella and Mike Bullock: Florida state parks at risk
DEP Would Further Exploit Our Resources
DEP timber-harvest contract took odd twists before it fell apart
Amid protests, Florida environmental protection chief Jon Steverson gets Senate backing
DEP Secretary Jon Steverson should be easily confirmed by Senate Enviro Committee
Senate Committee Moves Steverson Closer to Confirmation
New DEP Secretary Gets Mixed Reaction From Environmentalists

Breanna's Favorite Day!

Breanna’s Halloween Adventures!


Today this house is filled with joyful anticipation by our Airedale Breanna.
She has waited patiently all year for this day.
Last year because of all my cancer surgeries and countless trips to Gainesville, we all missed this much-beloved day/night.
But not tonight, not this year!
We have all the decorations up, thanks very kindly to Walkingfox.
The big Treat Bucket is full of little Bat and Pumpkin pretzels and ready for Breanna and I to hand out tonight to all who show up at our door.
Yes, many more embarrassing pictures will be taken once again.
We don’t get as many Ghost, Goblins, AKA little children as those who live in the city, but it does not matter, there are more than enough to thoroughly thrill this dog, who gets more joy out of this Holiday Event, than most children do.
We all hope that your day/night is filled with joy and happiness and that your treats will hopefully, outnumber your little goblins or visitors~
It is very scary when you run out of treats before the Ghouls, I mean kiddies, are gone.
You can be sure that for the special little girl in this house, who is the very center of our Universe and who has had a very tough year, tonight will be absolutely magical~
Happy Halloween to all of you from us:
Donna, Walkingfox and Breanna~
Oops forgot Ishi. She says DITTO!

It Is Over!

A beautiful Black Bear Cub. Will we ever see another one?
Picture credit: Unknown


Score Scott and Company ONE, Florida Black Bears  Zero!
I had to compose myself before writing this, it took some time.
Yesterday in Tallahassee, Judge Reynolds, who I am reasonably sure was appointed by Scott, said that the FWCC had every right and indeed, every responsibility to order the impending death of likely every Black Bear in the state of Florida.
They went on adnaseum about their countless reasons, including the laughable point that the Bears were moving away from their food sources.
That is truly a joke, as the state has been selling the most desired and necessary food of the Black Bear, the Saw Palmetto Berry for big profits, for years now!
This of course, led to the Bear looking for an alternative food, which in turn led to state-wide conflicts.
In all of this drama, the Bears have been the innocents, people are the guilty parties.
Over 2,000 Hunting permits have already been sold, so what on Earth would have happened to all of that money, if this had been overturned?
Hmmmmm……
They tried to make us believe that they can stop these Trophy Hunters at 320.
Please do recall the posting written recently about these same Hunters on the side of our County Road here near Paisley, laying on the roofs and in the beds of their trucks, as they fire into the woods using rifles armed with silencers.
If they cannot control these lunatics now, how on Earth do they think that they can stop them at 320 dead Bears?
It will not happen.
By the end of the first day of the Hunt, I am confident that every Black Bear in this state, including mothers and babies, will all be dead.
I am done. I give up. I cannot take any more.
Unless this nightmare is reversed, overturned, or stopped, I will have nothing to ever say about these beautiful, beloved creatures again.
But one last thought to leave you with and this has been percolating for a bit now.
What if those of us who are 100% opposed to this heinous Hunt, go to every designated part of Florida on that first day and stand in the way of these maniacs getting their trophies?
I am not encouraging anyone to break the law, but I for one, am willing to go into the woods on that day and stand up for what I believe in.
As for you Nick Wiley, I hope that you sleep well at night, I do not.
You lied to me that day 3 years ago, when you said that they would never be hunted.
I have written, called and done everything that I can do,  to stop this.
But Scott holds all of the Aces, his power is frightening.
These Bears should not be allowed to be murdered, the numbers opposed to this Hunt, outnumber those who want it.
One can only imagine how much money, how many deals and promises have been made and secured.
I am sickened that I must try, or what will happen that day, but regardless of the outcome of my futile efforts, for the besieged, beleaguered Black Bear, I fear, it is over.
 
Places to learn more:
Judge won’t halt Florida bear hunt
Judge refuses to stop Florida black bear hunt
Judge hearing argument against Florida bear hunt
Judge refuses to stop Florida black bear hunt
9 Investigates state, environmentalists at odds over bears and berries
 

Can We Trust You?

Forest elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis) in the Mbeli River, Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park, Congo.
Picture credit: Thomas Breuer  


If you have been here long, you know that over the past 3 years on WP, I have been bitterly disappointed, frequently deceived and flat-out lied to, by those who are in place to protect Global Wildlife.
So, on Friday when our President and the President of China met and came to an agreement to stop Ivory Trafficking, I was not in the least impressed, or encouraged.
As a matter of fact, I was thoroughly disgusted that on the same day the Pope was here spreading joy and love to all, our Country was preparing to wine and dine one of the world’s most prolific Human abusers at the White House.
As for the agreement to stop Global Ivory Trafficking, there is absolutely no way that this plan/idea/agreement, can work or succeed, without the full and complete, cooperation and involvement of Africa.
Do I personally trust either, or any of them to firmly support and/or uphold this?
Do I believe that these leaders have had a change of heart and become concerned, empathetic or compassionate about Animal or Wildlife welfare?
Only if in some way, they can find a potential financial gain in it for them.
Neither the US, nor China has in the recent past shown much interest in, or overwhelming concern for any Global Wildlife that are currently suffering or are threatened.
This is, in my opinion, merely political pandering to public perception and making points with which ever group they may need something from at the moment.
As for Africa’s support, or even interest in this new agreement, consider this:
What did anyone, including Africa, do to the Monster from Minnesota, who murdered Cecil the Lion, in cold blood?
Absolutely nothing.
To only add to my depression over this situation, sadly and quite embarrassingly, Florida is reported to have quite a few individuals who buy and sell ivory, for example, this person is right here in Central Florida and quite proudly advertises his wares on the internet for all to see:  Elephant Ivory
So, here’s the question for those of you who have tremendous power and have spoken the words that could stop the imminent extinction of animals who have the misfortune of having Ivory horns:
Can we trust you?
 
Places to learn more:
US and China Agree to Halt Ivory Trade
US and China Agree to Ivory Ban
China and US agree on ivory ban in bid to end illegal trade globally
China must act, but Africa needs to take the lead to stop ivory trade
FACT SHEET: President Xi Jinping’s State Visit to the United States

So Long Sonar!

This awesome picture of a Pacific Blue whale is courtesy of NOAA fisheries!



The United States Navy has made me a fan once again, with this latest move to save the lives of so many of our threatened and endangered Ocean wildlife.
Over the past few years in this very Blog, I have written ad nauseam about this disturbing issue and for so very long, it looked bleak and as if it would never happen, but it has!
Our planet’s Whales and Dolphins simply cannot and will not survive, if they cannot hear each other, and in the past, Navy activity in their Global Habitats has done just that, it has repeatedly interfered and done so, quite loudly.
Marine mammals need to have the waters that surrounds them quite silent, so that they can talk, or communicate with each other.
The constant noises made by our very active US Navy, has caused the whales and dolphins, to try to live within the confines of a world in great turmoil, which in turn, has often resulted in countless, unnecessary deaths for these threatened animals.
But, now after so many years of bitter court battles from both sides, and with many thanks to Earthjustice, NRDC and other concerned Environmental groups, an agreement has finally been reached and the US Navy will set aside areas of the Pacific Ocean, that will allow marine life once again, to safely do what they do best, survive and thrive!
And they will be doing this in nearly complete silence, well as silent as it can be because, who knows what else is going on down there?
So for now at least, we can all breathe a sigh of relief and say thank you to our Navy for allowing these beautiful creatures to live safely and  hear each other again.
Good by, good riddance and so long Sonar!

Places to learn more:

Navy Sonar Settlement Brings Historic Win for Whales
Navy proves its love for whales and dolphins, curbing sonar use
U.S. Navy will limit sonar, blasting near whales, dolphins in Pacific
How does navy blasting affect marine mammals?
U.S. navy sonar blamed for whales’ odd behavior

This King has left the building!

A juvenile King Cobra
Picture credit:  Biomedicinal
 


After living in so many places before coming to Florida in 2004, it was only a matter a time before this would happen.
And it did.
Within a few months of moving here, there it was one day, curled up on the black mat at our back door, waiting for me.
As it turned out, it was harmless, to humans, at least, it was just a Black Racer, which is a very common non poisonous Florida Snake.
Did that make me any less terrified.
Absolutely not!
But, after a few years, it has all become nearly routine and the fear gets a little less with each random encounter.
That is, until now.
A few days ago in Orlando, a man who apparently has quite a few poisonous creatures living in his house, lost one of them.
It just ran away.
But he did not, as required, report it immediately!
And after seeing the living conditions at this place, I do not blame the snake.
The escape of this snake, has been shown ad nauseum on all of our local channels.
These animals are housed in cages so small, they can barely turn around, let alone get any exercise.
My thinking is, that the snake left to find a better home!
But here is the scariest part, at least for those poor souls who live in close proximity to this man, this was not just any ordinary snake.
This was an 8 foot long King Cobra, whose venom they are saying, can take down an elephant or 200 humans.
Yes, 200!
This man, who has a state license to keep these poisonous animals, has a history of “oops” accidents and negligent behavior concerning his charges.
So, you may ask, why does Florida Fish and Wildlife still allow him to have them?
That is the question being asked by his neighbors, who have started a petition and already have 200 signatures.
A previous King Cobra got loose from this man and it turned up in a neighbor’s garage, who killed it.
This is a very sad situation for the animals ;who have no say in any of it.
The man is a “reality star” the news claims and makes his living with these caged animals.
But, each time I see him on the news, he is putting a snake into a garbage can.
He does not look like someone who is terribly fond of them, just someone who has found a way to profit from them.
In India this snake is protected.
Schools on this man’s block have kept the children inside all week and moved those in the bungalows, into the main building for safety concerns for the children.
FWC says it is likely the snake, who they and the man, both say is shy, will avoid humans, but how long can you keep these children inside?
This is not fair to them, or the animals that this man is keeping.
It is at the very least, a sad, ugly situation.
The last news story I watched this morning, gave a link to a web site, where you can see just who and where poisonous animals are being kept in Florida.
If even one child here is killed by a poisonous animal who is being kept for profit or other, there will be “hell to pay.”
Even one death is one too many.
Now, this is only my opinion but, private individuals have no business, no right, to keep poisonous animals in their homes, considering the tremendous risks that could result from an errant escape, such as this one.
It is beyond time to stop this, before a tragedy occurs.
So, those of you out there in Florida who think this is a good way to make a living, I say:
You need to find another way to earn your living, one that does not put animals/wildlife or your neighbors and their children in jeopardy.
Please, go get a real job because this “King has left the building.”

Places to learn more:
King cobra – Wikipedia
King cobra that escaped from Orlando home remains missing
Escaped king cobra on the loose in Orlando
Find venomous snake permit holders near you
Dead snakes used to lure king cobra that escaped Orlando home

 

Exquisite Everglades

The Everglades National Park
Photo credit: USGS/SOFIA


One of the most revered and treasured Ecosystems in the entire state of Florida, perhaps even the United States, the Everglades National Park, has just handed down some tough restrictions for the first time in more than 30 years.
This is a long, hard-fought, much overdue win for a beleaguered Ecosystem, that has in the past, had to fight off big money, big business and big politics just to stay alive.
But, no more!
Finally those who run the Park have said enough!
The Everglades National Park and I do now speak from personal experience, is without a doubt, Florida’s most beautiful and most unique little corner of the Earth.
May I offer you one tiny bit of advice, before you venture down for your first trip?
Many years ago, on our first vacation here, we took our first trip to the Everglades while visiting my parents in Miami, in the NOT EVER recommended month of August.
Only an idiot, or a tourist from L.A., would ever do this, everyone who lives here knows better.
August is the heighth of Mosquito Season in South Florida and when they descend upon you in the Glades, they are like a black veil that drops over you, if you are foolish enough to go there in that month.
As for these new restrictions for the Florida Bay Area of the Everglades, they have become necessary because for entirely too many years, all manner of human abuse have rendered this fragile place nearly crippled with what many believed to be irreparable damage.
But the tide may be turning in the Glade’s favor and I only wish that Marjory was here today to witness this change of mind and heart for her beloved Everglades, she died in 1998 at the age of 108.
Marjory Stoneman Douglas fought so hard nearly all of her adult life, to save the Glades and today I would like to believe that she is smiling.
These new restrictions may do what she could not during her lifetime, they may finally and forever, preserve and protect the Exquisite Everglades.


Places to learn more:
Everglades National Park
Marjory Stoneman Douglas: Defender of the Everglades
Florida Boating Restrictions in Everglades Park
Everglades National Park GMP/East Everglades Wilderness Study
Everglades Park to restrict boating in Florida Bay
Protecting Everglades National Park ends way of life for Gladesmen
The Everglades

Changing Alaska

Denali, the Great One!
Picture credit: Nic McPhee from Morris, MN, USA


President Obama will be in Alaska today for an Arctic Global Climate Summit.
He is the first US President to visit the Arctic while still in office.
His primary objective is likely to shore up support for climate change programs.
But another more important reason is about a majestic mountain called McKinley.
Today it will officially become Denali and for many Alaskans, it is about time.
You see, the locals have already been calling it Denali since the 1970’s.
The bitter battle over this name change has been going on for many years, those who live in Ohio where President McKinley, for whom the mountain was originally named is from, do not want it changed, but the Alaskan Natives do and today, they will get their way!
Denali is the highest peak in the United States at just over 20,000 feet.
This name change is very personal for the thousands of Indigenous, or Native Alaskans, as it is their name for the mountain in their Native tongue and it means ” the Great One. “
A separate, but equally important ongoing issue here, is that many of the Indigenous or Native Alaskans in this area, are being forced out of their homes on Kivalina Island, due to recent climate change, namely glacial melting and rising seas.
These Native Alaskans have been desperately trying to save not only the land that they live on, but their Ancestral way of life as well.
Over the years, they have been severely impacted by the Global Warming that has decimated their hunting and fishing abilities.
It has also affected many wildlife species that have either completely disappeared, or been reduced beyond recovery and the situation is alarming to all.
Their culture is just about all that they have left right now and they are determined to protect it.
Global Warming, accompanied by the resultant glacial melting and rising seas, have caused them much pain and grief and given them much to fear for the future.
These people are not at all happy about the way that their Alaska is changing.


Places to learn more:
Denali – Wikipedia
Obama renames nation’s highest mountain
Sinking into the Sea
Global Warming
Impacts of global warming in Alaska
Meeting the Global Threat of Climate Change
Arctic Peoples and Ecosystems
Climate Impacts in Alaska  

Paynes Prairies’ Pain~

The Paynes Prairie Ecopassage
Picture credit: Ebyabe



This week was our trip up to Gainesville for my latest Skin cancer check up.
It was, as always, a great journey as it goes through the most beautiful part of Central Florida.
My check up went well, no more new melanomas, only two minor things and I was sent off until end of November.
Yeah~

But, while we were up there a story came on the news that made both of us furious.
It was about plans to bring more cattle to a place that many Floridians and visitors alike, consider to be the closest thing we have here to Heaven, it is the Paynes Prairie Preserve, a wild ecopassage just before you get to Gainesville on 441.
We have been through it hundreds of times over the past ten years, and it has always been the highlight of our trip.
It is just after you pass Micanopy, on either side of the road, for as far as the eye can see, glorious wildflowers, wild birds and all manner of other wild things, who know full well that they live in paradise.
There are always bald eagles, scissor-tailed kites and a wide assortment of gorgeous wading birds in the area.
It is literally a feast for the eyes.

So, as you can imagine, when this story came on the news, it made both of us sick.
Our Governor, you know the one who was just given an environmental award by one of his pals, has without asking, decided that cattle will be allowed to graze and live in this paradise for wild things.
Those who were interviewed in the story were locals who have started a petition, not that it will stop Scott and company, to try to prevent this insanity.
It is quite insulting to those of us who love the pristine wild areas like Paynes Prairie, that this man and his cattle pals intend to turn Florida into a swampy version of Texas.

Is the reason that Scott is now pushing cows into every corner of the state because his wealthy cow friends are already writing very big checks for his next campaign?
Everyone knows that when his time as Governor is done, he will move on to the next empty seat here.
You will find the Petition below, please sign it and share it, if you agree~
Please consider that if we can stop this, we can prevent Paynes Prairies’ pain in the future.

Places to learn more:
Petition opposes agricultural expansion for Paynes Prairie
The Petition:  Paynes Prairie in danger
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
Government in the Shadows vs. Paynes Prairie
Paynes Prairie: Home
Paynes Prairie provides valuable services to society
Protect Paynes Prairie – Facebook page

 

Never Forget Cecil!

Cecil the lion at Hwange National Park in 2010.
Picture credit: Joe Sutherland/Wikipedia


Yesterday the Dental office of Walter Palmer, the killer of Cecil the African Lion, re-opened.
The staff  announced that they are now open and serving their patients and that the Dr. is not on the premises.
Not only is Palmer a murderer, he is a coward.
But, what worries those of us who are outraged by Palmer’s vicious deed, is that when the office re-opened yesterday, there was only ONE person there with a sign to object!
I for one, do not want any of you, or anyone else on this Planet, to forget what this Monster has done.
Complacency is infectious and spreads like wildfire.
Already, many of the web pages/blog pages about this have been taken down, they just disappeared.
If we forget, if we just go on as if nothing has happened, Cecil will have died in vain and there will be many, many others to follow.
We must not forget what this Dentist Walter Palmer, has done and we must continue now and forever, to keep up the pressure on him and all others involved in this, including our own Government who must respond to the hundreds of thousands who have signed the petition to have him extradited.
We must hold firm until Palmer either changes, quite unlikely, or better yet, moves to another Planet, which would be absolutely wonderful.
This man must be charged with a crime and sent back to Africa to stand trail for it.
If he is not, all is lost.
Trophy Hunting here and all over the World, will continue unabated.
But, the biggest tragedy of all, is that those who do it, will have no reason to stop.
Once they see that nothing will happen to them, these Poachers will feel as if they are untouchable and it will get worse.
Please, for his sake, and for all of those innocents who continue to be savagely hunted and killed, only to become a Trophy on a Wall, please never forget Cecil.
 
Places to learn more:
Cecil the lion’s killer ‘captured’: Walter Palmer pictured for the first time since Zimbabwe hunt
Office of dentist who killed Cecil the lion reopens without him
Office of Minnesota dentist who shot Zimbabwe lion reopens without him
Dentist who killed Cecil the lion reopens office