Clydesdales at a St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Boston
Picture credit: Paul Keleher
This weekend is, just in case you have been living under a rock, Super Bowl Sunday.
So what always accompanies this annual excuse to be a couch potato and junk food junkie?
The Super Bowl Ads, of course, which I prefer most years over the actual game.
Americans are fanatical football fans to say the very least and this is the football game of the year.
Sponsors wait all year-long for the chance to sell you their products and will pay astronomical prices to prove that theirs is the best.
So, with that in mind, let the Games and the Ads begin and bring on those Captivating Clydesdales.
My feelings about the game shall remain a well guarded secret, not wishing to offend the other side~
Please find listed below just a few of some current and past animal Super Bowl Ads.
These are the ones that made me laugh, cry or other…..
Hope that you enjoy them and the game and that your team wins.
Omaha~
Puppy Love
Clydesdale Foal
Lamb Streaker
A Clydesdale Tribute
Hungry Bear Chobani
Clydesdale Team
Dog Strikes Back
A Hero’s Welcome
Cooper
RSPCA Australia
A Long-finned pilot whale spyhopping
Picture credit: Barney Moss
Each day as I watch our local news, I keep hoping that this will all end, but each day, it only gets worse.
We are becoming painfully aware here in Florida of the ongoing deaths of our precious ocean mammals.
Now with these new announcements this morning of even more Pilot Whales being stranded, dying and washing ashore, the gloom hangs over the state like a dark, heavy blanket.
When the dolphins, manatees and pelicans were found dead in the Indian River Lagoon, it was blamed on many factors, but many here felt pretty convinced that it was most likely caused by chemical run off and toxins in the water.
So, now that Pilot Whales are being found dead and dying, or missing from their family pods, what is to blame is being asked.
The whales that have been found are nearly emaciated, not a very good sign.
It seems likely that there is a great deal more to this tragic mystery that is being seen at present.
As the majority of them are on the Gulf Coast, it would be easy to blame this on the BP oil spill years ago.
Much to the dismay of local wildlife officials, the BP mess has had lingering disastrous effects on all of our wildlife and the food that they need to survive.
The fact that these Pilot Whales seem to be seriously underweight, leads us to draw the conclusion that their food sources are either dead or dying, or simply toxic and worth little to keep them healthy or well nourished.
One thing is obvious, when our wonderful sea life is dying all around us, with few clues as to why, we must look inward.
What are we doing to their homes and their food sources?
So much to think about, but very few answers.
We are a species that by nature, can be quite greedy and self-absorbed, and the animals around us are paying for this gluttony with their lives.
Wake up people, what we do on this planet matters.
It matters to everything that lives, animal and plant alike.
We are their keepers, and we had better start doing a better job of keeping them.
You may learn more here:
Scientists asks public to help find missing whales off Florida coast
Stranded Pilot Whales Die in Florida Everglades
Dangerous Waters
Video of Pilot Whales Stranded in Everglades National Park
2010-2014 Cetacean Unusual Mortality Event in Northern Gulf of Mexico
The Paul Kroegel Memorial in Sebastian, Florida
Picture credit: Ebyabe
Like many of you, I am sure, my Ancestors came to America from so many places.
One of them was my Grandfather who was from Prussia, a place that no longer exists and is now called Germany.
At home, he primarily spoke in German to me as a child and attempted to teach it to me.
Regretfully, I was not a very good student and only managed to learn a few words before he passed away.
But, the one thing that he did leave with me, that resonates in much of what I attempt even today, was his strong, proud work ethic.
With this thought in mind, today while reading my mail, I came across a story about a man who sadly, I had never heard of, perhaps because I did not grow up here in Florida, but in Indiana and California.
The man I speak of is Paul Kroegel, who came to Florida from Germany as a child in 1881 and left his mark on it and the world of wild life forever.
Recently there was a Festival in Sebastian, where he had lived, to celebrate the 150th anniversary of his birth.
I wish I could have known him, much like my grandfather, Kroegel was diligent, hardworking and so dedicated to what he believed in.
He loved animals, especially birds, and did his best to protect them from marauding, murdering bullies.
Paul was quite passionate about the local Brown Pelicans who were being slaughtered for their feathers and was determined to stop it.
Mr. Kroegel was a primary impetus for the beginnings of our National Wildlife Refuge System and it was his vision of how wildlife should be treated, that initiated the overall system that we have in place today.
In 1903, President Teddy Roosevelt made Kroegel’s dream a reality, by ordering Pelican Island to become the first National Wildlife Refuge.
Kroegel became the first park Warden and was paid $1 a month for his duties.
Many years later, following a devastating Hurricane, the Pelicans temporarily abandoned the Island, and Kroegel was to have another first, a mandatory Government retirement.
He died in Sebastian in 1948.
This man fought nearly all of his life in the defense of helpless animals, proving once again, that one person can make a difference.
Kroegel, like my grandfather, led his life in an exemplary manner, giving me the will to continue fighting for animals in trouble, even on those days when I am not sure if anyone is really out there?
These are some places where you may learn more about this remarkable man:
American Conservation Hero – Paul Kroegel
German Immigrant Honored for Role in U.S. Wildlife Protection
Paul Kroegel – First Refuge Employee
Kroegel and Pelican Island
Paul Kroegel and the Story of Pelican Island
Paul Kroegel and America’s First Wildlife Refuge
Evan’s proposed Merit Badge for the BSA to protect Endangered Animals
Picture credit: Evan Nelsen
In my mail this morning came a delightful surprise, a petition created by a very young man with a passion for animals.
He is Evan Nelsen from Minnesota and he is petitioning the Boy Scouts of America, to create a new Merit Badge for the protection of Endangered, Threatened , on the verge of Extinction Animals.
Out of the mouths of babes!
As many of you who read this Blog on a regular basis may already know, my young son was also a Cub Scout and I joined a wonderful woman for several years, being a Den Mother to a small Troop of physically challenged young men in California.
Seeing this young Scout’s Petition Request for the BSA today, brought back many joyful memories and knowing that Scouting is still going strong and in the hands of young ones like this, gives me hope that as long as people like him still exist, the animals will have a chance.
Evan, I see a very bright future for you, not only in the Boy Scouts, but as a future leader, not only in America, but hopefully the World.
I seem to remember that the original intention of Scouting was to help influence, guide and encourage young boys and men, to become the next leaders of our Country.
We need so many more like you Evan, to be a beacon of light and lead the way towards a brighter and better future for all animals.
Thank you so much for your concern, your passion, your love of animals and thank you also to your parents, who surely did an excellent job in raising you, to become the kind of person that you are.
Here is the link to Evan’s Merit Badge Petition, please do read it, share it and sign it, if you agree with his thinking:
Boy Scout Merit Badge Petition
Archbishop Desmond Tutu at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, February 1, 2009
Picture credit: Remy Steinegger
“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor”
After the unshakeable darkness of the Rhino post yesterday, this morning a saved story on my desktop has to come to rescue me from the mire.
These terrible stories take a huge personal toll on me and writing them often takes days to recover from.
So, it is a relief to be writing a feel good story, even if it is not Sunday, it is necessary.
This is about a man for whom I have the highest regard, who speaks up when others remain silent on not so safe issues for such an esteemed member of the Clergy.
Desmond Tutu’s support of gay rights and other main stream issues, have likely sealed his fate and any possibility of him ever being considered for Pope, which I am sure bothers him little.
Is it any wonder that Tutu is such a cherished man, like Gandhi, Mandela and the Dalai Lama, he practices what he preaches.
These men share a common bond, along with their Nobel Peace Prizes, (Gandhi was never given this Honor which seems unconscionable) they are/were devoted to peace and kindness.
Like the others, Archbishop Desmond Tutu lives what he believes in, kindness and compassion for all, his public stances on important social issues has given them a stage for the world to draw and learn from.
Now, it seems that he has turned his usual warm glow into written comments, speaking up for our world’s animals for the first time.
His supportive and inspiring words were written as a forward for the new book: Global Guide to Animal Protection.
I am overjoyed with his comments and believe his words to be as usual, well thought out and wise.
Tutu’s words will bring a whole new audience to a critical Global Issue, the treatment of animals.
Prior to this recent work by Tutu, the last ones so high on my most respected and admired list to lend their powerful support to the plight of our world’s animals, were Gandhi and the Dalai Lama.
Bravo Mr. Tutu, you have no idea how much your words mean to those who like you, wish to see the lives of all animals made safer, better, longer.
The torch has been passed.
A few places to learn more about this:
Archbishop Desmond Tutu Calls for Justice for Animals
Desmond Tutu backs ‘justice for animals’ cause
Press Release: We Must Fight Injustice to Animals
A soon to become extinct and most rare, Black Rhino mother and baby. Picture credit: Yathin S Krishnappa
**I am completely guilty of being too angry and too quick to write, after re-reading this story, it was learned that they are having an auction for this disgusting murder, BUT it will be carried out in Africa, not in the US, however, this will matter little to the dead Rhino!**
**I have just finished editing this story and have now hopefully removed all erroneous remarks to keep it accurate.**
Earlier this morning, while watching GMA, this banner text ran across the bottom of screen:
Dallas Hunting Club to award license today in controversial auction to kill critically endangered Black Rhino.
Can I tell you how fast I hit the stop button and went to find this story?
My stomach was sick, my heart racing, Oh God, please tell me this is not true.
But, alas, it was/is most wickedly so.
Of course it is to be expected, that there will be those in total opposition and those who wish to see this come to fruition.
The FBI is currently investigating ” Death Threats.”
Lines are now being drawn in the hot, dry Texas dust.
In the past many times, these despicable ” Ranch Hunts ” have made the news, the victims always being tracked and murdered by probable bored with ” run of the mill killing, ” hunters who pay quite dearly for the pleasure of killing on private ranches in Texas.
I am personally well familiar with certain kinds of ” Texas mentality ” after having had the misfortune of living there for 3 long and sad years.
It was a most unpleasant experience I wish to never repeat, that culminated with my Banks refusal to allow me to cash a check when my then husband was stationed in Korea.
I was told by a woman teller at my Bank, that a woman could not cash a check, this was in the early sixties and I never forgot it.
Anyway back to the current Texas madness…
These private ranches somehow acquire countless wildlife and subject them to Sport/Trophy murder for the insane pleasure of idiots who feel the need to hunt down and kill a wild animal.
I suppose the idea that it is quite rare makes them even more deliriously happy.
They claim that this death will matter little because the Rhino is an old male, who can no longer reproduce.
Wow, just imagine if this line of thinking were to run rampant in the world!
If I am sounding even more hostile or irrational today than usual, it may be due to my current elevated blood pressure just from thinking about this insidious situation.
Yes, these Hunting Ranches are on private property, that much may be true, but are there no International Laws that are being broken here, where individuals in one country can hold a raffle of a sort, or auction, to kill an extremely Endangered animal in another?
America, what have we become?
As if the vicious and brutal assaults, continuing even still today on these beautiful animals, as well as elephants, for their body parts, were not already enough of a horror, now Americans in this Country are going to permit, carry out an auction give away for the privilege of to murdering a Rhino in Namibia!
The words of Gandhi keep running through my head, ” A Nation shall be judged by the way it treats its animals.”
Does that thought also apply to running and supporting something as evil as this to be carried out in another country?
Shame on us, shame on Namibia.
Ultimately though, the key irritant in this entire mess for me, is their repeated use of the word Safari.
Murdering innocent animals is not a Safari, it is a slaughter.
These kinds of guilty pleasures that must continuously be fed and appeased, remind me of certain Biblical times, right before it was all taken down.
I simply cannot wrap my mind around the ability of some to find joy, happiness or any other positive feeling from killing an animal that may quite soon become extinct.
This abominable behavior is all surreal, it is insanity.
May God help the innocent animals, may God forgive the guilty who murder them~
On the remote possibility that you may wish to learn more, here are the brutal facts of this story:
FBI Looks Into Threats Ahead of Rhino Hunt Auction
2 Sides Lock Horns as Dallas Hunt Club nears Action of Permit to kill Black Rhino
Dallas Hunt Club Receives Death Threats
Dallas Safari Club Calls in FBI after Death Threats over Rhino-Hunt Auction
Picture credit: U.S. Department of Energy Genome Programs
Being basically claustrophobic, this story quickly caught my eye.
This problem may only be in Florida for right now, but trust me, it will be coming to a state near you, eventually.
Our fragile Wildlife is being shoved, pushed and run out of town by a burgeoning population explosion here and our Ecosystems have been pushed to the brink of collapse.
This painful problem is growing exponentially with each new snow bird and retiree, who decides not to go back from whence they came, but to stay on in Paradise and put down new roots in the Sunshine State.
At this very moment, Florida is about to overtake New York as the second most populous state in America, not a thing for which we should be particularly proud, in my opinion.
Quite the contrary, this is terrifying news for wildlife defenders and protectors because we know what the translation of that about to be statistic means, animals are going to die.
With every trip that we make to one of the Coasts or down to the Keys, we are shocked by just how many new houses, Hotels, Restaurants and other towering buildings have popped up, since the last one.
To say that it is getting crowded here, is a massive understatement.
All of these new residents are using up Florida’s water, and countless natural resources to the point of near depletion.
For years, Florida’s Ecosystems have taken some serious hits, but they simply cannot bend or yield much more.
Over crowding and overpopulation of any place, especially here where so many animals are already on either an Endangered or Threatened List and hanging on by a thread, leads to a myriad of evil for wild animals, their Habitats and our Environment.
The Animals, Environment and Ecosystems, are all negatively impacted by too many, taking too much.
Many are thrilled by what will come here with the invading hordes, like more representation in Washington and endless blank checks, for those who wish to entice us for more and more buildable land and the like.
What they fail to comprehend is, what it will do to the already exhausted Ecosystems, wild things and plants that presently call Florida home.
Do we really need or want more people to move here?
No we do not, if we wish to sustain the unique natural beauty that Florida presently is.
What we really need here in Florida, is a Population Cap or Master Plan, that restricts overgrowth.
There was one in the town in California that I came here from.
Can we put a cap on an entire state?
If not, why not?
And if we just sit back and do nothing to stop this runaway train, we must all be prepared to watch as one by one, our beautiful wild things here die from lack of sustainable living space.
Humans don’t do well when they are crowded, why don’t we understand that animals are exactly the same.
Even lab rats turn on each other when they are overcrowded.
My fear is that these particular growing pains are going to prove fatal for Florida’s Wild everything.
You may wish to read more about this Issue here:
Florida’s Population Growth Comes At Steep Cost To Wildlife
10 Species Our Population Explosion Will Likely Kill Off
The Human Population Explosion
Human Overpopulation
ARKive – Images of Life on Earth
Picture credit: Animal World
As the world celebrates a New Year, my thoughts are as usual, focused on animals.
Recently there has been a lot of reflection and or controversy about the ESA, the Endangered Species Act turning 40 and whether or not it is, gasp, still necessary.
Merely writing these words sent shivers down my spine.
Since it was first signed into law by President Nixon in 1973, the ESA has seen many successes, as well as a few failures, but the numbers alone, are not the most critical factor, when it comes to the value or worth of this Act/Law.
The single most important reason for its need, is above all, to provide a buffer zone between humans and their world and the animals and plants/flora, that would face certain peril, or indeed even extinction, if it ceased to exist.
The success stories of the ESA are by now quite familiar: the Bald Eagle, Grizzly Bear, Peregrine Falcon, Gray Wolf, California Condor and a wide array of birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles.
Their track record of success at 99% is most impressive.
The point is, the ESA has made a difference when little else could have.
Now, with the suggestion by some, that the ESA needs an overhaul, if the protection of those on the brink of extinction were left up to as has been suggested, to individual states, where do you suppose their priorities would lie?
In Florida to date, we have seen little evidence that Governor Scott would protect wildlife or wild land, at the risk of offending a potential donor, as he is currently running for re-election and that means not biting the hands of those who write those big campaign checks.
The Governor is, I am sure, being pressured by great hordes of developers to sell them extremely valuable land and let the concrete pouring begin.
I am not against development, but am very much opposed to allowing it to be done in wildlife sensitive areas where many animals right now are already in daily conflicts with humans and dying for merely trying to survive.
Human and wildlife encounters are becoming daily news here in Florida, with the recent tragic Black Bear stories, the ongoing Panthers human/conflicts, Brown Pelicans once again being maimed by those who do not wish to share their fish bounty, wild creatures all over our state being caught and sold out of the country to the highest bidders, it goes on and on.
When the safety and protection of threatened animals is left to those with personal goals, or ulterior motives, animals will always lose.
So, the first priority for me in this brand new year, is to assure that the Endangered Species Act remains the single greatest safety net in this country for those with no voice.
As this new year begins, how many of us are truly aware of that delicate web that holds the lives of so many animals and plants together?
If the ESA is allowed to be altered, as is being proposed right now and the power to control it is turned over to individual states, what will they do?
Will their first thoughts be of the welfare of those now barely hanging on, or will they be pressured or enticed into building new malls, shopping centers, casinos and condos, and the animals can all be damned?
Please keep this in mind and respond, if like me, you don’t believe that the lives of animals should be controlled by those who may not have their best interests in mind.
It is after all, their world, their future~
Some powerful sources of information about this vital issue:
Endangered Species Act Is As Important As Ever
Keep Endangered Species Act Strong
Grizzlies An Issue As Endangered Species Act Turns 40
The Endangered Species Act Turns 40
At 40, US Endangered Species Act Faces Attacks
The Endangered Species Act Celebrates Forty Years Of Wildlife Protection (VIDEO)
Defending The Endangered Species Act
40 Species For 40 Years Of The Endangered Species Act
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
