Endangered Animal News
http://www.wildheartranch.com/kidsclub/newsletters/kc_newsletter_newest.htm
In this month’s section of endangered animal news you can read about all of our favorite animals at Wild Heart ranch, camels, seahorses, and of course, horses! Read about wild horses that are being offered to all at a lower price of adoption for the month of December, Seahorses for Santa and Camels on the move. And don’t forget to send us your stories on animals you have helped too!
Adoption Fee for Wild Horses Lowered
Camels Alberta Bound
Seahorses, Not Reindeer
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Monday, November 06, 2006
mapping the path to extinction
if you want to get a clear picture of the global truth of endangered animals and extinction - there is a map you can check out
Visit science daily at
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/11/061101151230.htm
excerpt:
Professor Owens adds that this geographical discrepancy in hotspots of endangered species from different groups can be explained by the different factors that threaten mammals, birds and amphibians: "Endangered bird species are often at risk because their habitats are being destroyed. However, different factors entirely may affect mammals such as tigers which are under threat from poachers, and amphibians which are being diminished by diseases brought into their habitat by non-native fish.
"This means that even if a mountainous area has a real problem with endangered amphibians in its creeks and rivers, mammal and bird species in the same area might be flourishing. It's really important not to assume that there are simply a number of hotspots across the globe where everything living there is endangered -- the picture is far more complicated, with mammal, bird and amphibian numbers being threatened by different things, in different locations."
Examples of geographical locations in which the distribution of endangered species is different include:
New Zealand is a hot spot for threatened birds because of the danger posed by introduced rats and cats.
Mammals are highly threatened across eastern Africa due to hunting and the bush meat trade
The tropical, rainforest-clad mountains of northern Australia are home to many declining frog species, although the precise causes of these declines often remain enigmatic.
Visit science daily at
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/11/061101151230.htm
excerpt:
Professor Owens adds that this geographical discrepancy in hotspots of endangered species from different groups can be explained by the different factors that threaten mammals, birds and amphibians: "Endangered bird species are often at risk because their habitats are being destroyed. However, different factors entirely may affect mammals such as tigers which are under threat from poachers, and amphibians which are being diminished by diseases brought into their habitat by non-native fish.
"This means that even if a mountainous area has a real problem with endangered amphibians in its creeks and rivers, mammal and bird species in the same area might be flourishing. It's really important not to assume that there are simply a number of hotspots across the globe where everything living there is endangered -- the picture is far more complicated, with mammal, bird and amphibian numbers being threatened by different things, in different locations."
Examples of geographical locations in which the distribution of endangered species is different include:
New Zealand is a hot spot for threatened birds because of the danger posed by introduced rats and cats.
Mammals are highly threatened across eastern Africa due to hunting and the bush meat trade
The tropical, rainforest-clad mountains of northern Australia are home to many declining frog species, although the precise causes of these declines often remain enigmatic.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Wild Heart Ranch's "I Sea Horses" Brand Promotes Awareness of Seahorse Conservation
Following Fathers Day, Wild Heart Ranch Recognizes "Seahorses," the Hardest Working Fathers of all
Wild Heart Ranch's "I Sea Horses" Brand Promotes Awareness of Seahorse Conservation
Following Father’s Day, Wild Heart Ranch, Inc., creator of the ‘I Sea Horses’ line of children's books and toys recognizes Seahorse Fathers. Wild Heart Ranch promotes eco awareness and conservation in a unique blend of fiction and fact with a series of books and colorful plush light-up toys. From saving wild horses, to endorsing seahorse conservation or educating children and adults about the critically endangered wild Bactrian camel that may hold a possible cure for cancer, Wild Heart entertains, educates and encourages children to make a difference in the animal world.
While many a father in the animal kingdom has nothing to do with their young after they are born, the seahorse father sets the standard for fatherhood in carrying the young. Seahorses are the only male animal in the world that can become pregnant and give birth. Unfortunately Seahorses are becoming an endangered species due to pollution, climate changes, over-fishing and trade for use in exotic medicines. Wild Heart Ranch's ‘I Sea Horses’ line of books and toys features non-profit: Project Seahorse.
Wild Heart Ranch also makes children aware of the importance of conservation through their interactive Kids Club Newsletter and Contest. Wild Heart Ranch’s Contest empowers and encourages children around the world to make a difference in the animal world and help raise awareness to endangered species.
The ‘I Sea Horses’ Product Line: Six colorful mythical plush light up seahorses that blend all the loveable characteristics of horses and seahorses:
The original 'I Sea Horses' line of plush light up seahorses was named one of TDmonthly's Top 10 Most Wanted Girls Plush in 2004. The 'I Sea Horses' line was also awarded the Seal of Excellence 2004 from Creative Child Magazine and Dr. Toy's 100 Best Children's Products of 2004.
'I Sea Horses' have all the features girls are looking for: interactivity, in the form of light-up, twinkling stars when you squeeze their bellies, long combable hair, and a website with news and games about seahorses. http://www.toydirectory.com/monthly/article.asp?id=1029
Sea Horses Children's Picture Book
Written by: Dawn Van Zant
Illustrated by: Callan Van Zant
A magical marine adventure about a herd of wild horses that transforms into seahorses to keep the life of freedom and adventure that is disappearing from the open plains. The story of stars, magic, and wild horses transforming into seahorses, is a story for all ages and will be passed on for generations to come.
Supporting awareness for seahorse conservation and Project Seahorse www.projectseahorse.org
Wild Heart Ranch's "I Sea Horses" Brand Promotes Awareness of Seahorse Conservation
Following Father’s Day, Wild Heart Ranch, Inc., creator of the ‘I Sea Horses’ line of children's books and toys recognizes Seahorse Fathers. Wild Heart Ranch promotes eco awareness and conservation in a unique blend of fiction and fact with a series of books and colorful plush light-up toys. From saving wild horses, to endorsing seahorse conservation or educating children and adults about the critically endangered wild Bactrian camel that may hold a possible cure for cancer, Wild Heart entertains, educates and encourages children to make a difference in the animal world.
While many a father in the animal kingdom has nothing to do with their young after they are born, the seahorse father sets the standard for fatherhood in carrying the young. Seahorses are the only male animal in the world that can become pregnant and give birth. Unfortunately Seahorses are becoming an endangered species due to pollution, climate changes, over-fishing and trade for use in exotic medicines. Wild Heart Ranch's ‘I Sea Horses’ line of books and toys features non-profit: Project Seahorse.
Wild Heart Ranch also makes children aware of the importance of conservation through their interactive Kids Club Newsletter and Contest. Wild Heart Ranch’s Contest empowers and encourages children around the world to make a difference in the animal world and help raise awareness to endangered species.
The ‘I Sea Horses’ Product Line: Six colorful mythical plush light up seahorses that blend all the loveable characteristics of horses and seahorses:
The original 'I Sea Horses' line of plush light up seahorses was named one of TDmonthly's Top 10 Most Wanted Girls Plush in 2004. The 'I Sea Horses' line was also awarded the Seal of Excellence 2004 from Creative Child Magazine and Dr. Toy's 100 Best Children's Products of 2004.
'I Sea Horses' have all the features girls are looking for: interactivity, in the form of light-up, twinkling stars when you squeeze their bellies, long combable hair, and a website with news and games about seahorses. http://www.toydirectory.com/monthly/article.asp?id=1029
Sea Horses Children's Picture Book
Written by: Dawn Van Zant
Illustrated by: Callan Van Zant
A magical marine adventure about a herd of wild horses that transforms into seahorses to keep the life of freedom and adventure that is disappearing from the open plains. The story of stars, magic, and wild horses transforming into seahorses, is a story for all ages and will be passed on for generations to come.
Supporting awareness for seahorse conservation and Project Seahorse www.projectseahorse.org
Monday, June 19, 2006
Save the Chimps - from the lab to a place of love
I recently read about this non- profit at a visit to the dentist while trying to avoid the reality of the dentist - but was confronted with the reality of what we as humans continue to do in the animal world. For all the sadness, pain and loss the chimps experienced at the labs - here is a group trying to save them...
http://www.savethechimps.org/about.asp
Save the Chimps was established in 1997, under the leadership of Carole Noon, Ph.D., STC's Director, in response to the U.S. Air Force's announcement that it was getting out of the chimpanzee research business. At the end of the long giveaway process, most of the chimpanzees, described by the USAF in a Wall Street Journal article as "surplus equipment," were sent to the Coulston Foundation in Alamogordo, NM, a biomedical laboratory with the worst record of any lab in the history of the Animal Welfare Act. Save the Chimps sued the Air Force on behalf of the chimpanzees given to the Coulston Foundation. After a year-long struggle, Save the Chimps gained permanent custody of 21 chimps, survivors and descendants of those captured in Africa in the 1950's and used by the Air Force in the original NASA "chimpanaut" program.
The vision of Save the Chimps was -- and remains -- to create a Sanctuary where rescued chimpanzees can live out their lives without the threat of ever returning to a laboratory. A generous donation by the Arcus Foundation enabled Save the Chimps to purchase 200 acres for a permanent sanctuary in Ft. Pierce, Florida. The Sanctuary environment was carefully designed to nurture and stimulate these sensitive and complex primates by creating a secure and enriching environment, including the construction of a three-acre island on which to safely express natural behaviors without human interference. These former lab chimpanzees now live as a social group, the largest in the U.S., in the largest enclosure in the U.S.
With the Florida Sanctuary a reality for the 21 Air Force chimps, an unexpected event rapidly expanded the scope of Save the Chimps.
Rescuing the Coulston Lab Chimps
In September 2002, the Coulston Foundation, with governmental funding withdrawn due to violations of the Animal Welfare Act, was on the verge of bankruptcy. Frederick Coulston contacted Dr. Noon and offered to sell the laboratory land and buildings to Save the Chimps, and "donate" all its 266 chimpanzees. With the future of the primates in jeopardy, Save the Chimps received an unprecedented grant of $3.7 million from the Arcus Foundation to purchase the New Mexico laboratory. Additional funding from the Animal Rights Foundation of Florida, Doris Day Animal League, Friends of Washoe, In Defense of Animals and New England Anti-Vivisection Society (and others) made this the largest ever single effort on behalf of captive chimpanzees.
Immediately after taking possession of the lab, Dr. Noon and her staff began to modify the stark Alamogordo facility into a healthier and happier environment for the chimpanzees now in their charge, including, for the first time in their lives, fresh food, enlarged cages, enrichment activities, compassionate caregivers and, most importantly, the establishment of social groups. By introducing the chimps to one another and allowing them to form family units, while still in New Mexico awaiting completion of the islands and facilities in Florida, their transition to the Islands in the Sun will be much faster and smoother.
Islands in the Sun: A Permanent Home in Florida
With the acquisition of the Coulston Lab, planning began for the expansion of the Florida facility to accommodate the New Mexico chimps. Construction of 11 additional three-acre islands, each linked to indoor accommodations by a land bridge, is under way. The natural environment gives the chimpanzees a comfortable home in which to socialize and rebuild confidence shattered by countless years spent in small cages.
Construction of 11 islands and adjoining indoor buildings is in progress. As these new homes are completed, the chimpanzees are moving from New Mexico to permanent retirement in sunny Florida. Within the next few years all 266 chimpanzees will move to Florida.
http://www.savethechimps.org/about.asp
Save the Chimps was established in 1997, under the leadership of Carole Noon, Ph.D., STC's Director, in response to the U.S. Air Force's announcement that it was getting out of the chimpanzee research business. At the end of the long giveaway process, most of the chimpanzees, described by the USAF in a Wall Street Journal article as "surplus equipment," were sent to the Coulston Foundation in Alamogordo, NM, a biomedical laboratory with the worst record of any lab in the history of the Animal Welfare Act. Save the Chimps sued the Air Force on behalf of the chimpanzees given to the Coulston Foundation. After a year-long struggle, Save the Chimps gained permanent custody of 21 chimps, survivors and descendants of those captured in Africa in the 1950's and used by the Air Force in the original NASA "chimpanaut" program.
The vision of Save the Chimps was -- and remains -- to create a Sanctuary where rescued chimpanzees can live out their lives without the threat of ever returning to a laboratory. A generous donation by the Arcus Foundation enabled Save the Chimps to purchase 200 acres for a permanent sanctuary in Ft. Pierce, Florida. The Sanctuary environment was carefully designed to nurture and stimulate these sensitive and complex primates by creating a secure and enriching environment, including the construction of a three-acre island on which to safely express natural behaviors without human interference. These former lab chimpanzees now live as a social group, the largest in the U.S., in the largest enclosure in the U.S.
With the Florida Sanctuary a reality for the 21 Air Force chimps, an unexpected event rapidly expanded the scope of Save the Chimps.
Rescuing the Coulston Lab Chimps
In September 2002, the Coulston Foundation, with governmental funding withdrawn due to violations of the Animal Welfare Act, was on the verge of bankruptcy. Frederick Coulston contacted Dr. Noon and offered to sell the laboratory land and buildings to Save the Chimps, and "donate" all its 266 chimpanzees. With the future of the primates in jeopardy, Save the Chimps received an unprecedented grant of $3.7 million from the Arcus Foundation to purchase the New Mexico laboratory. Additional funding from the Animal Rights Foundation of Florida, Doris Day Animal League, Friends of Washoe, In Defense of Animals and New England Anti-Vivisection Society (and others) made this the largest ever single effort on behalf of captive chimpanzees.
Immediately after taking possession of the lab, Dr. Noon and her staff began to modify the stark Alamogordo facility into a healthier and happier environment for the chimpanzees now in their charge, including, for the first time in their lives, fresh food, enlarged cages, enrichment activities, compassionate caregivers and, most importantly, the establishment of social groups. By introducing the chimps to one another and allowing them to form family units, while still in New Mexico awaiting completion of the islands and facilities in Florida, their transition to the Islands in the Sun will be much faster and smoother.
Islands in the Sun: A Permanent Home in Florida
With the acquisition of the Coulston Lab, planning began for the expansion of the Florida facility to accommodate the New Mexico chimps. Construction of 11 additional three-acre islands, each linked to indoor accommodations by a land bridge, is under way. The natural environment gives the chimpanzees a comfortable home in which to socialize and rebuild confidence shattered by countless years spent in small cages.
Construction of 11 islands and adjoining indoor buildings is in progress. As these new homes are completed, the chimpanzees are moving from New Mexico to permanent retirement in sunny Florida. Within the next few years all 266 chimpanzees will move to Florida.
Monday, May 22, 2006
China bans trade of endangered species
China bans import, export of endangered species
(Xinhua)
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2006-05/19/content_595151.htm
China has banned the import and export of endangered species of wild fauna and flora.
The regulation, effective from September 1, is a move by the Chinese government to regulate the trade, protect wild fauna and flora, and comply with the Convention on International Trade on Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
According to the regulation, the import and export of endangered wild animals and plants and their related products for commercial purposes is banned. For special purposes such as scientific research, artificial naturalization and propagation and cultural exchange, the import and export of endangered wildlife must be approved by departments under the state council in charge of the management of wild fauna and flora.
The regulation also forbids exports of unnamed and newly discovered wild animals and plants of great value and their related products.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora is an international agreement. Its aim is precisely to ensure that international trade does not menace the survival of wild animals and plants.
(Xinhua)
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2006-05/19/content_595151.htm
China has banned the import and export of endangered species of wild fauna and flora.
The regulation, effective from September 1, is a move by the Chinese government to regulate the trade, protect wild fauna and flora, and comply with the Convention on International Trade on Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
According to the regulation, the import and export of endangered wild animals and plants and their related products for commercial purposes is banned. For special purposes such as scientific research, artificial naturalization and propagation and cultural exchange, the import and export of endangered wildlife must be approved by departments under the state council in charge of the management of wild fauna and flora.
The regulation also forbids exports of unnamed and newly discovered wild animals and plants of great value and their related products.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora is an international agreement. Its aim is precisely to ensure that international trade does not menace the survival of wild animals and plants.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Smuggling endangered animals in China
Smuggling endangered animals in China
Police in China said that 20 members of a ring smuggling endangered animals had been arrested. Police seized 278 bear paws and 416 dead pangolins ( scaly anteaters).
Animals have been used in alternative medicine in China for a long time . Pangolin meat is believed to offer a cure for asthma.
Other rare and exotic wildlife gets eaten as a delicacy including camel's hump and monkey's brain.
The good news is - China is changing its old ways as reported by the China Wildlife Conservation Association . A recent survey showed that a growing number of Chinese are changing their old traditions of eating and selling exotic wildlife based on new fears of getting diseases such as SARS
Endangered Animals - There is hope !
Police in China said that 20 members of a ring smuggling endangered animals had been arrested. Police seized 278 bear paws and 416 dead pangolins ( scaly anteaters).
Animals have been used in alternative medicine in China for a long time . Pangolin meat is believed to offer a cure for asthma.
Other rare and exotic wildlife gets eaten as a delicacy including camel's hump and monkey's brain.
The good news is - China is changing its old ways as reported by the China Wildlife Conservation Association . A recent survey showed that a growing number of Chinese are changing their old traditions of eating and selling exotic wildlife based on new fears of getting diseases such as SARS
Endangered Animals - There is hope !
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Polar Bears - animals not afraid of humans - but maybe should be
They say polar bears are the only animals with no fear of humans. I suppose in their evolution as a species they did not foresee the future damage man would do to their environment. They are now at danger of disappearing as a victim of global warming. As the sea ice is melting around them they are drowning in a search for food.
Some scientists are predicting that the Arctic Ocean could become ice-free in the summer within the next hundred years.
The question that everyone is trying to answer and are arguing over - is the global warming we are witnessing in the Artic natural and part of the cycle of the earth over history or has human interference created it or escalated it?
If there is a possibility we are doing this to our own planet- we need to take heed as we see the top of the food chain in the Arctic drowning in front of us.
Some scientists are predicting that the Arctic Ocean could become ice-free in the summer within the next hundred years.
The question that everyone is trying to answer and are arguing over - is the global warming we are witnessing in the Artic natural and part of the cycle of the earth over history or has human interference created it or escalated it?
If there is a possibility we are doing this to our own planet- we need to take heed as we see the top of the food chain in the Arctic drowning in front of us.
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Earth Day April 22, 2006
Earth Day April 22, 2006
It’s a day we can all look at what we are doing to planet earth and how we can make a difference. Everything we do that creates pollution on land, air or water impacts other species, not just humans. So, for the animals that cannot speak for themselves-take charge !
Learn more about Earth Day and what communities are doing:
Earth Day Network http://www.earthday.net/
Founded by the organizers of the first Earth Day in 1970, Earth Day Network (EDN) promotes environmental citizenship and year round progressive action worldwide. Earth Day Network is a driving force steering environmental awareness around the world. Through Earth Day Network, activists connect, interact, and impact their communities, and create positive change in local, national, and global policies. EDN's international network reaches over 12,000 organizations in 174 countries, while the domestic program keeps over 3,000 groups and over 100,000 educators coordinating millions of community development and environmental protection activities throughout the year. As a result, Earth Day is the only event celebrated simultaneously around the globe by people of all backgrounds, faiths and nationalities. More than a half billion people participate in our campaigns every year.
It’s a day we can all look at what we are doing to planet earth and how we can make a difference. Everything we do that creates pollution on land, air or water impacts other species, not just humans. So, for the animals that cannot speak for themselves-take charge !
Learn more about Earth Day and what communities are doing:
Earth Day Network http://www.earthday.net/
Founded by the organizers of the first Earth Day in 1970, Earth Day Network (EDN) promotes environmental citizenship and year round progressive action worldwide. Earth Day Network is a driving force steering environmental awareness around the world. Through Earth Day Network, activists connect, interact, and impact their communities, and create positive change in local, national, and global policies. EDN's international network reaches over 12,000 organizations in 174 countries, while the domestic program keeps over 3,000 groups and over 100,000 educators coordinating millions of community development and environmental protection activities throughout the year. As a result, Earth Day is the only event celebrated simultaneously around the globe by people of all backgrounds, faiths and nationalities. More than a half billion people participate in our campaigns every year.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
wild camels and the desert tortoise
What do they have in common? Both are endangered animals. The wild Bactrian camel in the Gobi desert shares several things in common with the desert tortoise found in the US. Both can store water in their special urinary bladders, reabsorbing the water as needed and both are vanishing in numbers. Desert creatures hold a special magic, knowing how to live in sometimes "unlivable" conditions by our standards. In that light- we owe them a fighting chance to live and continue in their worlds.
Prior to the 1950s, desert tortoise populations exceeded several hundred tortoises per square mile, with most populations today having five to 50 individuals per square mile.
When people own or over handle desert tortoises and release them back in the wild they pose a danger to the relatives in the wild, exposing them to new disease.
Programs set up to adopt the desert tortoise include Adopt-a-Tortoise Program in Arizona.
To learn more about the critically endangered wild camels in China visit:
www.wildcamels.com
Prior to the 1950s, desert tortoise populations exceeded several hundred tortoises per square mile, with most populations today having five to 50 individuals per square mile.
When people own or over handle desert tortoises and release them back in the wild they pose a danger to the relatives in the wild, exposing them to new disease.
Programs set up to adopt the desert tortoise include Adopt-a-Tortoise Program in Arizona.
To learn more about the critically endangered wild camels in China visit:
www.wildcamels.com
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Wild Heart Ranch Books in E/The Environmental Magazine
Resources for Eco-Awareness and Action
http://www.emagazine.com/view/?3016
E/The Environmental Magazine, CT - 8 Feb 2006
... Wild Heart Ranch founder and author Dawn Van Zant has integrated wildlife conservation into vividly illustrated children’s tales of action
Greening the Next Generation
Did you ever hear the tale of the wild horses that once fled capture and extinction at the hands of man by descending into the sea and changing form? Wild Heart Ranch Books would like to tell you and your child the story. Wild Heart Ranch founder and author Dawn Van Zant has integrated wildlife conservation into vividly illustrated children’s tales of action, adventure and bravery. Three such stories, I Sea Horses: From Sky To Sea, No More Nightmares: A Dream of Freedom and Bradford and the Journey to the Desert of Lop are presently in bookstores. Van Zant’s tales fictionalize, yet explain in easily understood and endearing terms, the hardship and demise of America’s wild horses. Bradford, a real young boy who suffered from the ravages of Ewing’s Sarcoma, goes on a fictional journey to seek out and save the wild Bactrian camel. Each of Van Zant’s stories ends with an outline of a related on-going conservation project, from Project Seahorse to the Wild Camel Protection Foundation. Available plush animals can also bring the main characters right to your children’s waiting arms. —Shauna Dineen
CONTACT: Wild Heart Ranch, (888) 889-9213,www.wildheartranch.com.
http://www.emagazine.com/view/?3016
E/The Environmental Magazine, CT - 8 Feb 2006
... Wild Heart Ranch founder and author Dawn Van Zant has integrated wildlife conservation into vividly illustrated children’s tales of action
Greening the Next Generation
Did you ever hear the tale of the wild horses that once fled capture and extinction at the hands of man by descending into the sea and changing form? Wild Heart Ranch Books would like to tell you and your child the story. Wild Heart Ranch founder and author Dawn Van Zant has integrated wildlife conservation into vividly illustrated children’s tales of action, adventure and bravery. Three such stories, I Sea Horses: From Sky To Sea, No More Nightmares: A Dream of Freedom and Bradford and the Journey to the Desert of Lop are presently in bookstores. Van Zant’s tales fictionalize, yet explain in easily understood and endearing terms, the hardship and demise of America’s wild horses. Bradford, a real young boy who suffered from the ravages of Ewing’s Sarcoma, goes on a fictional journey to seek out and save the wild Bactrian camel. Each of Van Zant’s stories ends with an outline of a related on-going conservation project, from Project Seahorse to the Wild Camel Protection Foundation. Available plush animals can also bring the main characters right to your children’s waiting arms. —Shauna Dineen
CONTACT: Wild Heart Ranch, (888) 889-9213,www.wildheartranch.com.
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