A Rubber Duck
Picture credit: Alexander Klink
With this posting today, I may lose some of you, c’est la vie.
I just got a new Petition in my email and felt compelled to pass it along.
Here is the Petition: Remove violence promoting products in your store
It is addressed to Petco, a store where I do not shop as often as I used to, because they do not carry the food that we have chosen for Breanna, which is Wellness Core Ocean.
I have asked for it repeatedly and they continue to say that they do not carry it.
The products that are in question in this petition are, now comes the hard part, promoting ” Duck Dynasty.”
Yes, that Duck Dynasty!
I have just signed the petition and agree with the thinking in it.
Sorry for those of you who are fans of theirs, but please do read the petition and then make up your own minds.
As for me, I do not watch their show because of their treatment of animals and their comments on gays and other groups.
The show, the cast and the premise of it all, is in direct conflict with everything that I believe in and is just not for me.
It would be absolutely unbearable to have Duck Dynasty products in my face, when shopping for Breanna’s food at any store.
I agree, as the petition states, that having these products for sale in the stores, is in conflict with the image that Petco has worked so hard to achieve.
I may be alone on this, but I’m OK with that~
Image: Public Domain
As an impressive list of Global Heads of State assemble in London to discuss the horror inflicted on wildlife worldwide, our own country has just announced its own set of new rules to play by in dealing with this, or our National Strategy for Combating Wildlife Trafficking.
What is remarkable is that it is being staged in London where just days ago, the trio of England’s youngest Royals had just returned from a delightful hunting adventure.
Are the rest of us expected to say , “Oh, it’s ok, they are just carrying on an Ancient Royal Ritual?”
I think not.
These three quite privileged young people knew that what they were doing would offend many in the world and would most likely become front page news right before this important gathering in London.
They most certainly had to be aware of the controversy that they would be unleashing.
Doesn’t this all smack of elitist snobbery?
My affection for these three was irretrievably diminished by the sight of them holding up their kills in their hands, I was both disgusted and sickened.
Being wealthy or a Royal from any Country, should not excuse Sport or Trophy hunting, period.
So, while for the moment, I am pleased to learn of this announcement by our Government, what about the rest of the world?
Something that I found odd about getting today’s email from WWF, was that a week or so ago, I had received another email from a DC political group asking me to choose what I considered the most important issue that the President might speak about during his Annual State of the Union Address.
You know what my response was of course, ” Global Animal Abuse.”
It may “ take a village to raise a child, ” but it will take Global Unification to stop the slaughtering of wildlife in every corner of this planet.
It must start young, we need to as parents, teach our children that animals are not here for our pleasure, or, God forbid for us to mangle, murder, or maim, but to be cared for and respected as another species like ourselves.
While this announcement from Washington is welcome, it is by no means the entire solution to the problem.
It is merely a good place to begin.
Wildlife Trafficking is only one small aspect of Global Animal Abuse, you see humans have found countless other ways to torture, abuse and murder them.
And we must address all of them, not just one.
This must become a Global Issue of Humanity, to be exposed, explained, learned and adhered to by all Nations all over the world.
Animals are just as an important species as we are, we simply do not speak their language, so do not know how to talk to them.
This quote was written for my initial effort at Blogging in 2011, but it is just as relevant today I believe:
“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.”
The stories are here to learn more:
US Announces Ambitious Strategy to Tackle Wildlife Crime
The National Strategy on Wildlife Trafficking
The Wildlife Fact Sheet
A Nurse Shark
Picture credit: Joseph Thomas
With every story written, I read your words, I feel your pain, it is my pain as well.
Like me, you suffer through every terrible bit of news about who and what is being done daily, to innocent animals all over the world, and as one of you remarked on yesterday’s story, you also ” feel hopeless ” sometimes, about all of this, wondering if anything that we do truly matters or makes a difference.
Well, not today, because today is ”feel good Sunday ” and by God I have brought you a feel good story, finally!
If you have been coming here for a bit, you may recall a story written not so long ago, about the despicable act of Shark finning in many countries all over the world.
It sent many of you/us over the top in furious tirades.
Since then, there have been several states and countries who have banned this disgusting practice and things were looking up, then NOAA dropped the hammer on all of it and another wave of fury began.
After all of the Petitions, emails, phone calls and just plain ugly responses (over 24,000 of them) to NOAA’s interference and may I just say, negative and confusing attitude about this terrible Issue, our US Government has finally relented and we, the people, can claim one small victory for at least one of the wild things that we share this planet with.
Although this is a great victory for the sharks, 5 states still remain in question and pressure must continue to be put on them to join this humane and critical step towards saving sharks.
Yes, we can and do make a difference~
The story is below, please do read it and feel good, this is one for them.
We can all take a little credit, because we care and we fight back against all odds to protect ” those with no voice. “
NOAA backs down
The beautiful Florida Panther
Picture credit: SFWMD
A California water Company was just given permission by the St. John’s Water board to double their daily take of our water this week, even though we are in the third year, of a four-year drought, here in Lake County and Central Florida.
In the three recent drought years, our water levels have been nearly a foot short of normal.
Florida’s aquifers are at alarming levels and being drained all over the state, God help us if these droughts do continue, for we shall not be able drink the sand.
As our lakes continue to dry up, wildlife is continuously coming into residential neighborhoods hunting for food and water, which frequently results in their deaths.
It is terrifying to think of what will happen after this bottling company begins taking twice as much water from our aquifers than they already do and they are assured that they will be able to do so for the next 20 years.
This same Water Board, is the one who tells us that we can only water our lawns once a week during the dry season!
Did I mention sinkholes?
Guess where many of them are happening in Florida?
That is correct, near the water bottling companies.
Now we have learned that Southwest Florida is about to become the next Texas, as multiple oil companies are about to be given a green light to drill for oil in the last Habitat in the state for the Critically Endangered Florida Panther.
Florida, in my humble opinion, has now become much like other environmentally unfriendly states and is being controlled by special interest money groups with very deep pockets, who care nothing for the people, places, or animals here.
In Florida, as elsewhere, the bottom line is now, “ show them the money.”
What is unbelievable, or is it, that this newest assault on wildlife, the Panther in particular, appears to come with the blessing of the Florida DEP.
How can this be?
The very definition of their name is Environmental Protection, right?
How does allowing companies, yes that is plural, to drill for oil in lands so precious to this much beleaguered animal, protect our environment?
Oil drilling in Collier County will be the Panther’s death warrant.
Of course there is great opposition to this from many sides, those who want to protect the Panther, and those who just want to stop the raping of the few remaining pristine Florida wild lands.
This is an area that will quickly fall apart if this is allowed to go forward.
Do I believe that it will be stopped , absolutely not, too much money is at stake here, with out-of-state drilling companies salivating and chomping at the bit to get in and get to drilling.
They have already raped and drilled their own states dry, so Florida is virgin land.
So, you ask, what do these two Issues have in common?
They are both highly unpopular with the people, but are getting pushed through because of you guessed it, money, kick backs, what ever name you wish to call it.
It is all the same to those of us who live here, we no longer appear to have any say in these things, because the control has been taken away from us.
When it comes to politics, and getting things approved here, the wealth is pretty equally spread around, checks get written, money always wins.
In my life I have rarely seen so much greed, corruption and dishonesty and it reaches into every corner, every level of the state, from the top to the bottom.
Very few even bother to try to hide their dishonest, deceitful deeds.
They seem to feel, believe, that nothing will happen to them and they are right.
Corruption in politics in Florida, as with many other states I am sure, is rampant and examples of it are in our news daily.
Florida is up for sale to the highest bidder, animals, water and all living things be damned, just get out of their way and don’t interfere.
Why did we allow this to happen, why are we and the Panther powerless?
You may learn more about both Issues here:
Interest growing in Collier County oil
St. Johns foolishly approves more water withdrawals from Niagara bottling
Niagara Bottling gets OK to pump
Oil Companies Are Planning to Drill in Florida Panther Habitat
Concern over possibility of drilling in SW Fla.
Oyster Sloop, Cos Cob
Painting credit: Frederick Childe Hassam
The sun is out here in our part of the Sunshine State for the first time this week, the rain has finally stopped, although we desperately needed it, but nearly a week of not seeing sunlight, got to be a bit overwhelming.
And with this bright sun this morning, finally a chance to bring you some upbeat, cheerful, positive in any shape or form, good news about Florida’s animals.
This morning on our local news was a story that the possible savior for the highly polluted, severely contaminated, Indian River Lagoon could be for all of the local residents to hang oyster traps at their the Indian River homes.
If you have been following this Blog for a bit, you may have read one of more of the postings already done on this subject, as the pollution of the Indian River and the effects on the wildlife that call it home, has been a thorn in my side since the inception of this Blog last March.
So hearing the story this morning about a new idea, a new thought in cleaning it up, was very exciting, and it is a natural non chemical solution.
The Award Winning project by the Brevard Zoo has encouraged all the home owners who live on the Lagoon to get involved in this and help the River recover by putting out Oyster traps out on their docks.
It seems that Oysters collect tremendous amounts of pollutants from the water that they live in. (having lived in LA for 30 years, this was not a subject very familiar to me)
It does seem sad that the very good deed the oysters are doing by removing the putrid remains of human neglect, is ingested into their own bodies.
But, I have been told by my resident Connecticut Yankee, who is quite familiar with all of this, that it does not hurt them and that, he says, they thrive on it.
All I can say is YUK!
It is wonderful that the Zoo in the area where this is all taking place, is leading the way into the potential renewal of one of the most formerly pristine bodies of water in Central Florida.
The number of wildlife species that are totally dependent on the cleanliness and health of this body of water is staggering.
The numbers that have already died or are now severely suffering is like wise, dolphins, brown pelicans and manatees to name but a few.
A huge Thank you to the Brevard Zoo for implementing this visionary project and God Bless these Masticating Mollusks~
If you live on the River, or just want to get involved, these are just a few of the places to learn more about the Project:
This is absolutely the finest piece of work that I have ever read about this subject:
Troubled Water: Indian River Lagoon
More about the Oyster Projects:
The Oyster Restoration Project
Blue Life Florida
Water Projects
Oyster Reef Restoration
The stunning Monarch Butterfly on its life-giving Milkweed.
Picture credit: Tiago J. G. Fernandes
When our time on this planet is over, how do you think that our generation of humans or our species will be remembered?
If the rapid rate of death for so many Threatened and Endangered Species is any indicator, we will most likely be thought of in much the same light as the gladiators of ancient Rome.
The present state of existence for the beautiful Monarch butterfly is in a free fall and the major cause of it, is not a shock to those who love animals.
The multitude of heinous acts committed by Monsanto and the ever increasing devastation of living things on our planet is a direct result of their herbicides and pesticides.
This toxic soup is being force-fed to innocent animals, plants and humans, without prejudice, as Monsanto is an equal opportunity chemical assassin.
The continuous overuse of their number one selling product, Roundup, is the prime culprit in the decimation of North American milkweed and it has nearly wiped the plant off of the planet.
You see, Milkweed is mother’s milk for the Monarch and without it, their numbers have declined just this year alone, by 44%.
Their annual winter travels from all over North America south to Mexico, are legendary: Migration and Overwintering
In the past their numbers were staggering, at between “60 million and 1 billion butterflies arriving in the area any given year,” now they are but a pale reflection of their former glory and their prospects for the future grow dimmer each day.
In the end, or ultimately, it is not only the Monarch that are being decimated, it is people, animals and plants all over the world and Monsanto knows exactly what they are doing.
The question remains, what are we going to do?
The only American company with more money and power than Monsanto is Wal-Mart.
So, does it come as any surprise, that between them these two pretty much run this country?
Our Politicians know who writes their campaign checks and refuse to stand up to either of them.
Here is the Petition and if you agree with its thinking, please do sign it and pass it on:
Monsanto: Stop the use of your Monarch-killing herbicide
Places to learn more about this story:
Monarch Population Hits Lowest Point in More Than 20 Years
Monarch Butterflies drop, migration may disappear
New Report Shows Monsanto A Major Culprit in Record Decline of Monarch Butterflies
Butterflies are on the Decline and Monsanto’s GMO Crops are a Major Reason Why
The Missing Monarchs
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
