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As we were putting together the stories for this newsletter, I started realizing that IFAW may be different things to different people.
To some, we're the rescuers - the group that rushes aid to help animals in peril, like the Ecuador earthquake's animal survivors in the story below. To others, we're the providers - making sure companion animals like "Spirit" receive the care they desperately need.
I'm sure some people think of us as the protectors - working to make sure that laws are in place to protect animals, and that there are people trained to enforce those laws. And of course, we could be called the caregivers - rescuing and caring for abandoned animals until they can be released to the wild again.
So which are we? Truly, we're all of them.
And as the stories below show, your support means we can do so much rescuing, providing for, protecting, and caring for animals around the world. Thank you so much for helping us do everything we do for the animals.
Sheep With Prosthetic Leg Will Inspire You to See Animals Differently. When Felix the sheep was one-month-old, his back leg was injured in a presumed predator attack. Rather than seeking help for the little lamb and working to make him better, the farmer who owned Felix threw him in a pen and slotted him to become meat later that day. Thankfully, a compassionate farm employee took pity on the baby and rescued the animal.
Felix was then taken to Woodstock Farm Sanctuary (WFS), where he could receive all the care he needed. At the sanctuary, the whole world changed for Felix. Instead of being treated like another commodity amongst many, he was viewed as an individual and given special care and attention. Co-founders Jenny and Doug Brown nursed Felix back to health in their own home until he was ready to join the rest of the herd. As if that wasn’t enough, they went out of their way to take Felix to a specialist in Virginia in order to provide him a prosthetic leg so he could thrive even more so.
Almost a decade later, Felix is living it up at the sanctuary, able to run and graze like all the other sheep..
Despite the horrendous experience he might have known in the first month of life, Felix remains a friendly and gentle soul. He is incredibly comfortable around people and sanctuary visitors often have trouble getting him to sit still for photos as he’s more content running around and asking for ear scratches.
It is truly incredible to see how Felix has progressed since he arrived at the sanctuary, especially considering that if it wasn’t for his injury, he likely would never have been saved. In the animal agriculture industry, sheep are viewed as mindless commodities that are either exploited for their wool or killed for their meat. These animals are extremely empathetic and have amazing memories, scientists have discovered that sheep can remember over 100 faces and recall their friends after years apart.
Seeing how far the Browns and WFS staff have gone to take care of Felix gives us hope that we can all learn to see animals not as somethings but someones. All animals deserve to be treated with love and respects. Don’t you think the world would be a much kinder place if we could view all animals this way?
To learn more about WFS and the work they do, check out their website here. Image source: Woodstock Farm Sanctuary/Facebook.
Cow Saved From Short Life as a Veal Calf Shares an Epic Kiss With His Caregiver. If you’ve never been in close proximity to a cow, it’s likely that you have a skewed perception of their personalities. On dairy and meat farms these animals appear bored or worse, fearful. However, the truth is cows are much more than just a milk-producing machine or a vessel for meat. They are actually extremely intelligent, curious, and are able to solve critical problems. They make long-lasting friendships with their cow peers and they grieve when these friends pass away or when their babies are taken away from them. When treated with compassion, these animals are capable of forming truly amazing personas!
Take Safran, a cow rescued from the dairy industry, for instance. Now residing at Farm Sanctuary, Safran is described as a fearless, curious, lovable, and incredibly goofy little fella. However, Safran didn’t always have such a playful personality. Even though the young cow only had to spend one day on a dairy farm, considering how brutishly treated the animals at these places are, every hour on a dairy farm is a painful feat of its own. After birth, Safran was immediately taken away from his mother, as all male calves are, and was moved to a holding pen where he would wait uncomfortably until getting shipped off to the meat industry. Luckily for Safran, founder of Farm Sanctuary, Gene Baur stepped in and saved the young calf before he even made it onto the loading truck.
Safran has had some health problems over the years from not getting adequate nutrition from his mother, but now he is doing better than ever! His current caregiver is Daniel, who understands that farm animals possess far more emotional depth than they are given credit for.
How does he know? Well just look at this epic kiss they shared and you’ll get an idea!
While the dairy industry would like us to believe that animals like cows are non-feeling beings that don’t mind being subjected to terrible conditions, a photo like the one above is undeniable evidence that this is clearly not the case. Male calves, and all animals, in general, deserve to be raised by their mothers, given the proper nutrition they were supposed to receive, and most importantly be treated with love and respect.
While there are many hands still at work trying to make this a reality, at havens like Farm Sanctuary, you can see tiny slices of what life would be like if this were the norm. One day we hope everyone can be as perceptive to animals as the caregivers there are. Until then, we will appreciate from afar the kindness they give to these animals who genuinely deserve it. Image Source: Farm Sanctuary/Facebook.
Dramatic Seal Rescue on Monomoy Island.
Awesome NFL Player Walks Into Shelter and Requests to Adopt Dog That No One Else Wants. Thousands of people make the wonderful decision to add a companion animal to their lives each year. For some that means visiting a local pet shop and for a number of sweet individuals, it means taking a trip to their local animal shelter.
While pet shops keep a rotation of pups that are young, virtually problem-less, and pristine looking, animal shelters are home to dogs that have had a bit of a harder time in life. Whether they’ve been abused, happen to be a negatively stereotyped breed, or are of old age, there are many shelter dogs that don’t get adopted for years.
These are the exact dogs Ronnie Stanley, superstar offensive tackle from the Ravens, had in mind when he visited BARCS Animal Shelter. Accompanied by his girlfriend, the famous football player arrived at the shelter and made a request that shelter workers don’t hear all too often, he wanted a dog that had been at the shelter for a long time and was considered “not-so-adoptable.”
BARCS workers were elated as there are plenty of dogs under their care that fit that description! After showing Stanley some possible candidates, he settled on Winter, a dog who has found herself in several less-than-ideal situations over the years. She was first discovered on a vacant property on a hot summer day, dehydrated and extremely scared. When BARCS took her in, they noticed her low hanging belly, a common result from over-breeding. This condition caused her to be overlooked by most people who came to the shelter to adopt.
Thankfully, Stanley wasn’t fazed by Winter’s condition at all. He signed the papers and took the sweet pup home that very same day.
Ronnie Stanley and Winter are a prime example of the wonderful things that can happen when people look past silly aesthetic preferences, look beyond a pup’s unsavory past, and open their hearts wide enough to provide these animals with a life outside of a shelter. While it may seem like the case in immaculately-kept pet shops, not all dogs are perfect, and dogs who need homes aren’t always puppies. Considering there are currently 70 million stray animals in the U.S. alone, the impact people can make by adopting and not shopping for pets has never been bigger. We could all learn something from Stanley’s compassionate choice to adopt Winter. She may not look like it on paper, but she’s a perfect pup in our eyes! Image Source: BARCS Animal Shelter/Facebook
Freedom for Hoover the tiger after life spent in circus cage.
The remarkable story of Hoover the tiger, saved by Animal Defenders International from a circus in Peru, where secretly filmed video shows him being trained with whips and sticks and living in small cage, and now living in natural woodland with his own pool, at Big Cat Rescue in Florida. Find out more and how you can help animals like Hoover: http://bit.ly/1QhNQJd
Adorable Sun Bear Cub Gets Rescued From Life as an Illegal Pet by Group of Motorcylists. Becoming fascinated with wild animals is not uncommon. After all, who wouldn’t be absolutely taken aback by a majestic elephant, a stoic lion, or a beautiful bear? As incredible as these creatures are, and as much as we would like to be able to interact with them closely and frequently, these animals belong in the wild where they can grow along with others of their kind and truly live life as nature intended. Unfortunately, there are some people who are so infatuated with the idea of having a wild animal as a pet, that they seek out ways to do so, sometimes without truly taking a moment to think about what having a wild animal as a pet would entail.
Sadly, despite knowing what is in the best interest for these animals, there are ways that people are able to get their hands on exotic creatures, and that would be the illegal wildlife trade. At least, that’s how a man in Laos was able to acquire Missy, a darling sun bear cub. Thankfully, some caring motorcyclists found out about the cub’s situation and convinced the man to hand over the little bear.
The motorcyclists immediately escorted the cub to Laos Wildlife Rescue Centre, where a veterinary team conducted a thorough inspection to make sure the sun bear was in good health – she was!
Now Missy is finally learning what it is to be a bear, and what life is like out in nature.
The staff at the center take her out for daily walks around the enclosure and let her go to town on the trees and work on her strength and climbing ability.
Unfortunately, due to Laos Rescue Centre’s high volume of bears currently at the facility, Missy doesn’t have her very own enclosure to roam around in yet.
Obviously, this is not the ideal situation. The sanctuary knows the sooner Missy can start climbing structures, relax in a pool, and simply explore, the more enriching her life will be.
We hope a solution to this problem comes soon, this little bundle of cuteness deserves it!
Missy is just one of the many animal victims of the illegal wildlife trade, an industry that unfortunately is growing in Laos. These animals are bought for human consumption, domestication, or for bear bile farming. While this is still a growing problem, there are definitely things you can do to help. To start, educate yourself on the illegal wildlife trade and raise awareness (start by sharing this article!) If you want to help Laos provide more amenities for Missy and other bears that will inevitably be rescued, click here to view their campaign and possibly donate! All Images Source: Laos Wildlife Rescue Center/Facebook
Once Used for Surgical Practice, This Inspirational Rescued Pig Proves Nothing Can Break Her Spirit. Early one warm May morning in 2006, six piglets enthusiastically greeted their first sunrise at Farm Sanctuary, embracing the day with a reckless joy that has followed every sunrise since. They’d been purchased by a university, each from a different litter, and all between two and four months of age. At the university, Stacey and her friends were used as “teaching tools” to be operated on by students in “practice surgeries.” They all underwent hernia operations, and all bore fresh surgical wounds on their abdomens as proof. After they’d served their purpose to the university, the plan was for them to go to auction, and eventually, slaughter. But the actions of one student changed the course of their lives and led them instead to safety. This student spoke up when it was time to send them to auction, asking that their lives be spared. Thanks to her action, Stacey and her friends were saved. The piglets’ destination at our Northern California Shelter was a far cry from anything they’d experienced so far. At Farm Sanctuary, they found themselves surrounded by green grass, clean straw to burrow in, fresh water, delicious food, and all the love and attention they could ever want from the caregivers. No wonder they met their first dawn at the sanctuary with such joy!
From a Number to a Name
They’d previously been known only as 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, and 60, but at the sanctuary, they would forever be known as Stacey, Joan Van Ark, Charlotte, Simon, Cesak, and Johnny.
Stacey and her friends embraced Farm Sanctuary life, and their days were filled with mud puddles, belly rubs, and large pastures to explore.
More than ten years later, Stacey continues to love every moment at sanctuary. She will always bear a scar from her earlier life, but if she thinks at all of her distant past, she doesn’t let on. She is one of the sweetest pigs on the farm, and always up for a belly or bottom rub. She loudly greets staff members each morning, vocalizing her content (and her eagerness to be fed).
Stacey Gets Some Love and Pets From Farm Sanctuary President and Co-Founder Gene Barr
Over the years, Stacey established herself as the matriarch of the pigs — or as we like to call her, the barn mom. She is the first one to put others in their place if they step out of line, but also the first one to snuggle up to the other pigs. She seems to especially enjoy being close to new arrivals — often taking them under her wing and giving them guidance and extra love.
Stacey and Reggie
She is never far from Reggie or Lola — often snuggling with them during nap times or rooting around in the pastures with them. It is clear that Reggie and Lola feel safe and protected when Stacey is around. During health checks, Reggie will often try to avoid being looked at by wedging himself between Stacey and the barn wall. He never goes to any other pig to try to dodge his health check — only Stacey.
Stacey is a Mother Figure to Young Lola, and They are Rarely Apart.
Stacey has also become a mother figure to newer arrival Lola. These girls are almost always close to each other, and when it comes to nap time they hardly ever sleep apart. Even when it is too hot out for close snuggling, often they will sleep close enough to one another that they will have a hoof or two touching.
Stacey and Lola are Almost Always Touching One Another When Sleeping — Even If It’s Just Touching Toes
Knowing what Stacey went through as a piglet gives us extra motivation to do everything we can to make each day amazing for her. One of her favorite parts of the day — especially during the summertime — is rolling around in one of the wallows we have made for the pigs. She has so much fun covering herself in the mud (which also helps to cool her off). Pigs are not able to sweat, so in the hot summers at our Northern California Shelter, they will often roll in the mud, then head into our cooled barns to beat the heat.
We’re thankful every day that Stacey’s path led her not to slaughter, but to Farm Sanctuary, where she’s been able to embrace her role as barn mom and is seen for the very special individual she is.
Did you know that pigs like Stacey recognize their names and will come when you call them? Learn more in our 14 fast pig facts! Like Stacey, every farm animal is someone, not something. With your support, we can continue to promote compassionate vegan living through rescue, education, and advocacy efforts. A compassionate world begins with you!
Shy Shelter Dog FLIPS OUT After Realizing He's Been Adopted.
Subscribe my new channel for animal lover (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbSw...)
Much has been written about the impact adoption can have on the life of an unloved shelter pet — but words pale in comparison to seeing that unbridled joy first hand.
Up until recently, a sweet but shy dog named Benny had no idea what the future had in store for him, or how close he came to seeing his cut short. As a resident of the Carson Animal Care Center, a high-kill shelter in Gardena, California, all he could do was sit and wait for someone to come along and save him, which he did week after week with no success. But then that all changed.
Earlier this month, Benny was finally adopted by a loving family. His reaction upon realizing that happy fact? Priceless..
More Info:www.facebook.com/savingcarsonshelterdogs
Injured Pit Bull Abandoned in Ditch by Cruel Humans Gets Rescued and Learns to Love! Dogfighting is a cruel blood sport that unfortunately happens in back roads and dark alleyways, all over the world. Between the dogs used for fighting, bait, and breeding purposes, this industry claims the lives of millions of animals every year. Maggie the dog was almost one of those lives lost. Thankfully, she was rescued when the South African rescue group Community Led Animal Welfare, or CLAW, received a call about an injured Pit Bull who had been lying in a ditch for days.
Poor Maggie had lost one of her legs. It had been ripped off just below the shoulder and the injury was teeming with maggots and flies. Upon closer examination, they also discovered that not only was she riddled with bite marks, both new and old, but her teeth had also been shattered on one side. In addition, her jaw was broken, leaving her with a crooked smile.
One of the sad truths about dogfighting is that when the fighters are done with the dogs for whatever reason, they often abandon them or leave them to die of their injuries. At first, the people at CLAW thought that Maggie’s injuries were too grievous to try to save her, but when she wagged her tail, they knew that their efforts were not in vain.
With limited resources of their own, CLAW reached out to the good folks at the International Federation for Animal Welfare, or IFAW, for help. Together, they were able to treat her injuries, perform surgery on her leg and get sweet Maggie back on the road to wellness. Her tail never stopped wagging the whole time.
Like most dogs used in dog fighting, Maggie proved to be sweet and docile towards humans and very eager to please.
Dog fighters often exploit these traits when training the dogs. In her new peaceful environment, her personality was able to shine as she recovered from her injuries.
Soon, she was adjusting to life on three legs and enjoying the attention of the dedicated staff that was helping her.
Before long, Maggie had become quite the expert cuddler, something she was probably denied during her former life as a fighting dog.
Several adopters stepped forward to offer this sweet girl a loving home. It looks like everything is coming up roses for this abused pup who was left to die in a ditch. Her tail is likely to keep on wagging for years and years to come.
If you would like to learn more about the Community Led Animal Welfare group or the International Federation for Animal Welfare, you may visit their websites. All image source: IFAW/Flickr
Fantastic Rescue Team Helps Lost Sloth Return to the Wild – in Style! Sloths are some of the most loveable animals around. They are known for their slow moving pace, their precious smiles, and have been the center of many amazing memes. With this in mind, it’s no wonder that countless people proclaim they NEED a baby sloth in their lives and attempt to keep them as pets. On the surface, what could be better than constantly getting to look at a precious sloth face?
Well, unfortunately, as is the case when we try to make any other wild animal a pet, things are rarely as precious as they seem. Sloths have very sharp claws and will attack when they feel threatened. They are not domestic animals, so they do not cuddle or enjoy interacting with humans the same way a dog or cat does.
Not to mention, sloths are becoming more and more endangered in their wild habitat. As the sloth’s territory is being rapidly encroached upon due to deforestation and urban development, these animals are becoming more prone to injury and being captured for the exotic pet trade and consequently, disappearing from their natural habitat. Thankfully, there are many organizations working to rescue and rehabilitate sloths who have fallen prey to humans. Santuário Ecológico Rancho dos Gnomos is one such organization.
Recently, the rescue team at this sanctuary came across a lost sloth who had crawled out of the deep, protective woods. After giving him a full examination, they determined he was not injured and could return to the wild.
This is a photo they captured of this slow-moving fellow returning to his rightful home – in style!
While that smile might be irresistible, it is up to all of us to spread the word that sloths – and all other wild animals – should never be pets. These animals exist to play a very specific and important role in their ecosystem, and when we remove them from this for our own entertainment, it will always lead to a negative impact.
Share this article and encourage others to appreciate sloths from afar. No animal should have to suffer for the sake of our entertainment!
To learn more about Santuário Ecológico Rancho dos Gnomos, click here. Image source: Santuário Ecológico Rancho dos Gnomos/Facebook
Little Fox Trapped in a Plastic Water Bottle Gets Rescued Thanks to Kind People. There is no denying the fact that plastic can make our lives incredibly easy. From plastic plates and cups that we can just throw away when we’re done using them, to bags to hold our stuff and so much more, this material allows us to carry on our busy lives and just toss away whatever it is we needed once we are done using it. Super simple for us, but unfortunately, for the world’s animal species, this isn’t the case.
This story from The Fox Project, a wildlife rescue and release organization based in the UK, shows just how our love for convenience can impact animals around us.
Tizer the fox was discovered with the remains of a plastic water bottle wrapped around his stomach.
The bottle severely restricted the little fox’s breathing and gave him some nasty wounds on his side.
Thanks to the expert caretakers at The Fox Project, Tizer was freed from his constraints in no time.
On their website, The Fox Project writes, “Tizer is a reminder to all of us of the dangers of litter, although we wonder if this specially cut circle of plastic had been used as a plant protector. Sometimes ‘life hacks’ can cause harm too!”
We certainly hope that Tizer will be able to return to the wild where he belongs once his wounds are assessed and taken care of. We can all help protect wildlife like this tiny fox by firstly reducing the amount of plastic we use and throw away and secondly, always disposing of plastic responsibly when we do use it. As his example shows, you never know when your trash could end up after you toss it!
To learn more about how you can reduce your plastic use, check out One Green Planet’s #CrushPlastic campaign.
Remember, if you ever come across a wild animal in need of help, it is always best to contact a professional before stepping here. Here is a list of a few that might help. All image source: The Fox Project/Facebook
Meet the Kind Man Who is Working Tirelessly to Create a Refuge for Brazil’s Street Dogs. A long way from the viral videos of shelter dogs used to collect tennis balls at the Brazil open, or mixed breed puppies surreptitiously placed in urban pet stores, are individuals working tirelessly and quietly to provide care for the vira latas (mixed breed dogs that live on the streets) of Brazil. One such person, Sergio Daflon Monnerat, works to fill a void left by local and national policy that favors sporadic extermination.
A dog pen at Cantinho da Ritinha, a dog-rescue organization created and run by Sergio Daflon Monnerat in rural Brazil.
The Complicated Relationship With Street Dogs
There is a story told in the town of Cordeiro, Brazil, about a particular vira lata dog — a completely black dog with a single, vivid, white spot on his tail. The dog was well-known in the town and frequented especially a nearby shop. The shop owner noticed that the dog seemed to always be chasing the white spot on his tail and became convinced that the dog was chasing it because he didn’t recognize it as part of his own body. In order to help the dog, the shop owner decided to paint over the spot on the dog’s tail — black to match the rest of him.
Like the vira lata in the story, Cordeiro’s relationship with stray dogs is undergoing an identity crisis. While dogs as pets are popular (and becoming more so) in Brazil, and there is a lot of goodwill towards dogs and domestic animals as well as towards environmental causes and habitat preservation for wild animals, dogs, left to breed unchecked, roam the streets of many cities and towns uncared for.
In Cordeiro, a town tucked into the mountains of the state of Rio de Janeiro and known for hosting the annual state fair (exposição agropecuária), is long accustomed to the dogs living on its streets — they are a part of life. Some dogs have names and collars, quasi-owned either by a neighborhood or by an individual. Others are outcast, living in the forest and the park, taking advantage of cooler spaces and rummaging through trash under the cover of darkness.
If one walks through the streets at night, one sees makeshift beds and old ice-cream containers filled with fresh water and dog food. Still, despite the relationship that the city has with its dogs, they are not vaccinated or spayed/neutered and are subject to suffering from disease or injury from cars and people. Dining on the patio of a local restaurant runs the risk of being befriended by a vira lata looking for food and, it seems, attention.
Stepping in Where Social Policy Fails
Despite the evidence of goodwill, the only official policy to address the situation of vira latas that Cordeiro and neighboring cities have is to euthanize them. And without a culture of pet guardianship that encourages the spaying and neutering of pet dogs and street dogs alike, many unwanted litters create new generations of vira latas.
However, public outcry against the cruelty of euthanization means that it rarely happens unless there is a complaint against a particular dog. But the affection and care for the vira latas is, mostly, sentimental and tends to stop there. Dogs are not euthanized, but neither are they cared for. Their intense reliance on humans means both that the street dogs are especially vulnerable to suffering. Most dogs just don’t do very well living on their own on the streets.
Filling the gap in the areas around Cordeiro is Sergio Daflon Monnerat, who has set up a non-profit for the rescue and care of animals taken off the streets. Cantinho da Ritinha (which translates roughly to “Little Rita’s Place” for the good-natured characters in residence) is located on a rural farm, down several dirt roads. Benefactors have allowed Monnerat to use the farm space, and he built the pens and shelters that house the dogs from raw materials — hauling tree trunks up the mountains on his back.
Sergio Daflon Monnerat, on the farm in rural Brazil where he keeps several rescued vira-lata dogs.
Monnerat has always loved animals, having taken in several off the streets as pets over the years before beginning Cantinho da Ritinha. He says that the joy and gratitude of the dogs that he takes in is tangible. Once, he took in a dog he found that seemed to be starving to death — the skin was loose and the bones were visible. The dog almost certainly would have died without him and Monnerat secured her care that involved removal of parts of her intestine. Today the dog is thriving. Monnerat’s organization, despite its lack of abundant resources, cares for dogs that are old and young, sick and well, and rejects no comers.
Monnerat with Ana, a dog rescued when dying of an intestinal disease and that had part of her intestine removed, is healthy today.
The luckiest of Cordeiro’s dogs wind up on the farm that Monnerat uses to shelter the dogs. A sprawling property, Monnerat has fenced in areas for dogs, while some of them roam the property. He has worked with local veterinarians and pharmaceutical companies, to get free or discounted services and vaccinations for the dogs, and feeds them with money from raffles and other fund-raising initiatives on top of what he adds from his own modest earnings.
A dog that lives at Cantinho da Ritinha. She cannot walk and is blind, so Monnerat must physically lift her to eat.
He would like to do more, but “there isn’t a lot of love” for them here, says Monnerat, in reference to the lack of long-term and sustained options for the animals.
Abandoned puppies found on the roadside are greeted by one of the long-time Cantinho da Ritinha residents. Monnerat thinks that, although there are puppies who need adoption, there are lots of adult dogs who make excellent adoption candidates.
The Beginnings of a Movement
In Brazil, there is the beginnings of a grassroots movement to save the vira latas. In no small part and across the country, individuals — who often don’t have time to create pet adoption networks or to solicit outside support — are working tirelessly and independently, doing much of the heavy lifting to prevent cruelty to animals. Using their own time, money, and sweat, they have organized ad hoc animal shelters that take in dogs found on the streets, feed them, vaccinate them, and give them a safe space to live that is free from the dangers of starvation, cars, the elements, and, sometimes, cruel humans.
But because adoption of shelter dogs has not yet caught on in Brazil, as it has in countries like the United States, many of these dogs will remain at shelters for the rest of their lives. This means that new space in shelters is hard to come by, and the efforts of these determined individuals becomes difficult to sustain over time. Nevertheless, the need is pressing, and the hard work continues. For Monnerat and others, who labor every day to move the cause forward, this is a life’s work.
To support Cantinha da Ritinha’s mission, you can donate on their fundrazr page. Currently, they are working to build a mobile clinic that offers spay/neutering services for a free or reduced costs to Cordeiro and surrounding areas. All image source: Lisa Lucille Owens
Touching Photo Reveals the Incredible Efforts People Will Make to Help a Rhino in Need. Rhinos are truly incredible creatures. They are one of the largest herbivores on the planet, with a vital role to play in regulating their native ecosystems. Apex predators like wolves and big cats are normally associated with the term “keystone species,” as they help keep populations of smaller herbivores down to a sustainable number, without being subject to predation themselves, thereby allowing vegetation to thrive. However, due to their enormous size, rhinos are not subject to predation either. Scientists believe that, just as the removal of wolves and other keystone predators can have a devastating impact on other animals and plants in their habitats, the disappearance of rhinos could create the same effect.
Rhinos are “master architects” within their habitats, helping to shape and maintain the environment surrounding them. White rhinos, for example, create special “grazing patches” that allow other animals to thrive in the low-brush conditions of the African savannah. Paleoecologist Jacquelyn Gill has explained, “In many grassland and savanna systems, grazers increase biodiversity, by selectively eating certain kinds of plants over others. There is a lot of research that suggests that (grazers are) really important for maintaining diversity, as well as the coexistence of trees and grasses, by creating a shifting patch mosaic on the landscape.”
Tragically, however, the vital function these animals serve is under severe threat. Rhinos are being driven to extinction due to an erroneous belief that their horns (composed of keratin, the same protein that makes up human hair and nails) contain medicinal properties. On average, three rhinos are killed for their horns every day. The Javan rhinoceros was declared extinct in 2011, while the Western Black rhinoceros suffered the same fate in 2013. The Sumatran and Black Rhino subspecies are currently categorized as “critically endangered” by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Nola – one of only four Northern White Rhinos in the world – passed away last November, and given the fact that none of the remaining three are able to reproduce naturally, the outlook for this subspecies is also looking extremely bleak.
While much of the news surrounding rhinos can be depressing, there are many people out there who care deeply about these animals, and will do whatever is necessary to protect them. A photograph published by The Guardian shows a group of veterinarians in South Africa applying bandages to a de-horned rhino, who was left to die after being poached on a ranch near Bela Bela, north of Johannesburg.
The tenderness of the people in this picture, who are fighting to nurse this injured rhino back to health, cannot fail to touch the heart of any animal lover.
The park rangers, wildlife reserve workers, and veterinarians who constantly battle the scourge of poaching are true heroes. Many of them lose their own lives in the struggle to protect rhinos and other endangered animals. The most important things we can do to help them are to raise awareness about the illegal wildlife trade and take a stand against this brutal industry.
So, How Can You Help Protect Rhinos?
You can take a stand against the disappearance of our planet’s rhinos by getting involved with World Rhino Day (set to occur on September 22) or the Global March for Elephants and Rhinos, which will take place in a number of cities around the world on September 24. Supporting the work of these conservation organizations is another great way to help ensure this species’ survival.
To some, we're the rescuers - the group that rushes aid to help animals in peril, like the Ecuador earthquake's animal survivors in the story below. To others, we're the providers - making sure companion animals like "Spirit" receive the care they desperately need.
I'm sure some people think of us as the protectors - working to make sure that laws are in place to protect animals, and that there are people trained to enforce those laws. And of course, we could be called the caregivers - rescuing and caring for abandoned animals until they can be released to the wild again.
So which are we? Truly, we're all of them.
And as the stories below show, your support means we can do so much rescuing, providing for, protecting, and caring for animals around the world. Thank you so much for helping us do everything we do for the animals.
Sheep With Prosthetic Leg Will Inspire You to See Animals Differently. When Felix the sheep was one-month-old, his back leg was injured in a presumed predator attack. Rather than seeking help for the little lamb and working to make him better, the farmer who owned Felix threw him in a pen and slotted him to become meat later that day. Thankfully, a compassionate farm employee took pity on the baby and rescued the animal.
Felix was then taken to Woodstock Farm Sanctuary (WFS), where he could receive all the care he needed. At the sanctuary, the whole world changed for Felix. Instead of being treated like another commodity amongst many, he was viewed as an individual and given special care and attention. Co-founders Jenny and Doug Brown nursed Felix back to health in their own home until he was ready to join the rest of the herd. As if that wasn’t enough, they went out of their way to take Felix to a specialist in Virginia in order to provide him a prosthetic leg so he could thrive even more so.
Almost a decade later, Felix is living it up at the sanctuary, able to run and graze like all the other sheep..
It is truly incredible to see how Felix has progressed since he arrived at the sanctuary, especially considering that if it wasn’t for his injury, he likely would never have been saved. In the animal agriculture industry, sheep are viewed as mindless commodities that are either exploited for their wool or killed for their meat. These animals are extremely empathetic and have amazing memories, scientists have discovered that sheep can remember over 100 faces and recall their friends after years apart.
Seeing how far the Browns and WFS staff have gone to take care of Felix gives us hope that we can all learn to see animals not as somethings but someones. All animals deserve to be treated with love and respects. Don’t you think the world would be a much kinder place if we could view all animals this way?
To learn more about WFS and the work they do, check out their website here. Image source: Woodstock Farm Sanctuary/Facebook.
Cow Saved From Short Life as a Veal Calf Shares an Epic Kiss With His Caregiver. If you’ve never been in close proximity to a cow, it’s likely that you have a skewed perception of their personalities. On dairy and meat farms these animals appear bored or worse, fearful. However, the truth is cows are much more than just a milk-producing machine or a vessel for meat. They are actually extremely intelligent, curious, and are able to solve critical problems. They make long-lasting friendships with their cow peers and they grieve when these friends pass away or when their babies are taken away from them. When treated with compassion, these animals are capable of forming truly amazing personas!
Take Safran, a cow rescued from the dairy industry, for instance. Now residing at Farm Sanctuary, Safran is described as a fearless, curious, lovable, and incredibly goofy little fella. However, Safran didn’t always have such a playful personality. Even though the young cow only had to spend one day on a dairy farm, considering how brutishly treated the animals at these places are, every hour on a dairy farm is a painful feat of its own. After birth, Safran was immediately taken away from his mother, as all male calves are, and was moved to a holding pen where he would wait uncomfortably until getting shipped off to the meat industry. Luckily for Safran, founder of Farm Sanctuary, Gene Baur stepped in and saved the young calf before he even made it onto the loading truck.
Safran has had some health problems over the years from not getting adequate nutrition from his mother, but now he is doing better than ever! His current caregiver is Daniel, who understands that farm animals possess far more emotional depth than they are given credit for.
How does he know? Well just look at this epic kiss they shared and you’ll get an idea!
While there are many hands still at work trying to make this a reality, at havens like Farm Sanctuary, you can see tiny slices of what life would be like if this were the norm. One day we hope everyone can be as perceptive to animals as the caregivers there are. Until then, we will appreciate from afar the kindness they give to these animals who genuinely deserve it. Image Source: Farm Sanctuary/Facebook.
Dramatic Seal Rescue on Monomoy Island.
While pet shops keep a rotation of pups that are young, virtually problem-less, and pristine looking, animal shelters are home to dogs that have had a bit of a harder time in life. Whether they’ve been abused, happen to be a negatively stereotyped breed, or are of old age, there are many shelter dogs that don’t get adopted for years.
These are the exact dogs Ronnie Stanley, superstar offensive tackle from the Ravens, had in mind when he visited BARCS Animal Shelter. Accompanied by his girlfriend, the famous football player arrived at the shelter and made a request that shelter workers don’t hear all too often, he wanted a dog that had been at the shelter for a long time and was considered “not-so-adoptable.”
BARCS workers were elated as there are plenty of dogs under their care that fit that description! After showing Stanley some possible candidates, he settled on Winter, a dog who has found herself in several less-than-ideal situations over the years. She was first discovered on a vacant property on a hot summer day, dehydrated and extremely scared. When BARCS took her in, they noticed her low hanging belly, a common result from over-breeding. This condition caused her to be overlooked by most people who came to the shelter to adopt.
Thankfully, Stanley wasn’t fazed by Winter’s condition at all. He signed the papers and took the sweet pup home that very same day.
Freedom for Hoover the tiger after life spent in circus cage.
Adorable Sun Bear Cub Gets Rescued From Life as an Illegal Pet by Group of Motorcylists. Becoming fascinated with wild animals is not uncommon. After all, who wouldn’t be absolutely taken aback by a majestic elephant, a stoic lion, or a beautiful bear? As incredible as these creatures are, and as much as we would like to be able to interact with them closely and frequently, these animals belong in the wild where they can grow along with others of their kind and truly live life as nature intended. Unfortunately, there are some people who are so infatuated with the idea of having a wild animal as a pet, that they seek out ways to do so, sometimes without truly taking a moment to think about what having a wild animal as a pet would entail.
Sadly, despite knowing what is in the best interest for these animals, there are ways that people are able to get their hands on exotic creatures, and that would be the illegal wildlife trade. At least, that’s how a man in Laos was able to acquire Missy, a darling sun bear cub. Thankfully, some caring motorcyclists found out about the cub’s situation and convinced the man to hand over the little bear.
The motorcyclists immediately escorted the cub to Laos Wildlife Rescue Centre, where a veterinary team conducted a thorough inspection to make sure the sun bear was in good health – she was!
From a Number to a Name
They’d previously been known only as 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, and 60, but at the sanctuary, they would forever be known as Stacey, Joan Van Ark, Charlotte, Simon, Cesak, and Johnny.
Stacey and her friends embraced Farm Sanctuary life, and their days were filled with mud puddles, belly rubs, and large pastures to explore.
More than ten years later, Stacey continues to love every moment at sanctuary. She will always bear a scar from her earlier life, but if she thinks at all of her distant past, she doesn’t let on. She is one of the sweetest pigs on the farm, and always up for a belly or bottom rub. She loudly greets staff members each morning, vocalizing her content (and her eagerness to be fed).
Stacey Gets Some Love and Pets From Farm Sanctuary President and Co-Founder Gene Barr
Over the years, Stacey established herself as the matriarch of the pigs — or as we like to call her, the barn mom. She is the first one to put others in their place if they step out of line, but also the first one to snuggle up to the other pigs. She seems to especially enjoy being close to new arrivals — often taking them under her wing and giving them guidance and extra love.
Stacey and Reggie
Stacey is a Mother Figure to Young Lola, and They are Rarely Apart.
Knowing what Stacey went through as a piglet gives us extra motivation to do everything we can to make each day amazing for her. One of her favorite parts of the day — especially during the summertime — is rolling around in one of the wallows we have made for the pigs. She has so much fun covering herself in the mud (which also helps to cool her off). Pigs are not able to sweat, so in the hot summers at our Northern California Shelter, they will often roll in the mud, then head into our cooled barns to beat the heat.
Did you know that pigs like Stacey recognize their names and will come when you call them? Learn more in our 14 fast pig facts! Like Stacey, every farm animal is someone, not something. With your support, we can continue to promote compassionate vegan living through rescue, education, and advocacy efforts. A compassionate world begins with you!
Shy Shelter Dog FLIPS OUT After Realizing He's Been Adopted.
Much has been written about the impact adoption can have on the life of an unloved shelter pet — but words pale in comparison to seeing that unbridled joy first hand.
Up until recently, a sweet but shy dog named Benny had no idea what the future had in store for him, or how close he came to seeing his cut short. As a resident of the Carson Animal Care Center, a high-kill shelter in Gardena, California, all he could do was sit and wait for someone to come along and save him, which he did week after week with no success. But then that all changed.
Earlier this month, Benny was finally adopted by a loving family. His reaction upon realizing that happy fact? Priceless..
More Info:www.facebook.com/savingcarsonshelterdogs
Injured Pit Bull Abandoned in Ditch by Cruel Humans Gets Rescued and Learns to Love! Dogfighting is a cruel blood sport that unfortunately happens in back roads and dark alleyways, all over the world. Between the dogs used for fighting, bait, and breeding purposes, this industry claims the lives of millions of animals every year. Maggie the dog was almost one of those lives lost. Thankfully, she was rescued when the South African rescue group Community Led Animal Welfare, or CLAW, received a call about an injured Pit Bull who had been lying in a ditch for days.
Poor Maggie had lost one of her legs. It had been ripped off just below the shoulder and the injury was teeming with maggots and flies. Upon closer examination, they also discovered that not only was she riddled with bite marks, both new and old, but her teeth had also been shattered on one side. In addition, her jaw was broken, leaving her with a crooked smile.
One of the sad truths about dogfighting is that when the fighters are done with the dogs for whatever reason, they often abandon them or leave them to die of their injuries. At first, the people at CLAW thought that Maggie’s injuries were too grievous to try to save her, but when she wagged her tail, they knew that their efforts were not in vain.
With limited resources of their own, CLAW reached out to the good folks at the International Federation for Animal Welfare, or IFAW, for help. Together, they were able to treat her injuries, perform surgery on her leg and get sweet Maggie back on the road to wellness. Her tail never stopped wagging the whole time.
Like most dogs used in dog fighting, Maggie proved to be sweet and docile towards humans and very eager to please.
Fantastic Rescue Team Helps Lost Sloth Return to the Wild – in Style! Sloths are some of the most loveable animals around. They are known for their slow moving pace, their precious smiles, and have been the center of many amazing memes. With this in mind, it’s no wonder that countless people proclaim they NEED a baby sloth in their lives and attempt to keep them as pets. On the surface, what could be better than constantly getting to look at a precious sloth face?
Well, unfortunately, as is the case when we try to make any other wild animal a pet, things are rarely as precious as they seem. Sloths have very sharp claws and will attack when they feel threatened. They are not domestic animals, so they do not cuddle or enjoy interacting with humans the same way a dog or cat does.
Not to mention, sloths are becoming more and more endangered in their wild habitat. As the sloth’s territory is being rapidly encroached upon due to deforestation and urban development, these animals are becoming more prone to injury and being captured for the exotic pet trade and consequently, disappearing from their natural habitat. Thankfully, there are many organizations working to rescue and rehabilitate sloths who have fallen prey to humans. Santuário Ecológico Rancho dos Gnomos is one such organization.
Recently, the rescue team at this sanctuary came across a lost sloth who had crawled out of the deep, protective woods. After giving him a full examination, they determined he was not injured and could return to the wild.
This is a photo they captured of this slow-moving fellow returning to his rightful home – in style!
Share this article and encourage others to appreciate sloths from afar. No animal should have to suffer for the sake of our entertainment!
To learn more about Santuário Ecológico Rancho dos Gnomos, click here. Image source: Santuário Ecológico Rancho dos Gnomos/Facebook
Little Fox Trapped in a Plastic Water Bottle Gets Rescued Thanks to Kind People. There is no denying the fact that plastic can make our lives incredibly easy. From plastic plates and cups that we can just throw away when we’re done using them, to bags to hold our stuff and so much more, this material allows us to carry on our busy lives and just toss away whatever it is we needed once we are done using it. Super simple for us, but unfortunately, for the world’s animal species, this isn’t the case.
This story from The Fox Project, a wildlife rescue and release organization based in the UK, shows just how our love for convenience can impact animals around us.
Tizer the fox was discovered with the remains of a plastic water bottle wrapped around his stomach.
To learn more about how you can reduce your plastic use, check out One Green Planet’s #CrushPlastic campaign.
Remember, if you ever come across a wild animal in need of help, it is always best to contact a professional before stepping here. Here is a list of a few that might help. All image source: The Fox Project/Facebook
Meet the Kind Man Who is Working Tirelessly to Create a Refuge for Brazil’s Street Dogs. A long way from the viral videos of shelter dogs used to collect tennis balls at the Brazil open, or mixed breed puppies surreptitiously placed in urban pet stores, are individuals working tirelessly and quietly to provide care for the vira latas (mixed breed dogs that live on the streets) of Brazil. One such person, Sergio Daflon Monnerat, works to fill a void left by local and national policy that favors sporadic extermination.
The Complicated Relationship With Street Dogs
There is a story told in the town of Cordeiro, Brazil, about a particular vira lata dog — a completely black dog with a single, vivid, white spot on his tail. The dog was well-known in the town and frequented especially a nearby shop. The shop owner noticed that the dog seemed to always be chasing the white spot on his tail and became convinced that the dog was chasing it because he didn’t recognize it as part of his own body. In order to help the dog, the shop owner decided to paint over the spot on the dog’s tail — black to match the rest of him.
Like the vira lata in the story, Cordeiro’s relationship with stray dogs is undergoing an identity crisis. While dogs as pets are popular (and becoming more so) in Brazil, and there is a lot of goodwill towards dogs and domestic animals as well as towards environmental causes and habitat preservation for wild animals, dogs, left to breed unchecked, roam the streets of many cities and towns uncared for.
In Cordeiro, a town tucked into the mountains of the state of Rio de Janeiro and known for hosting the annual state fair (exposição agropecuária), is long accustomed to the dogs living on its streets — they are a part of life. Some dogs have names and collars, quasi-owned either by a neighborhood or by an individual. Others are outcast, living in the forest and the park, taking advantage of cooler spaces and rummaging through trash under the cover of darkness.
If one walks through the streets at night, one sees makeshift beds and old ice-cream containers filled with fresh water and dog food. Still, despite the relationship that the city has with its dogs, they are not vaccinated or spayed/neutered and are subject to suffering from disease or injury from cars and people. Dining on the patio of a local restaurant runs the risk of being befriended by a vira lata looking for food and, it seems, attention.
Stepping in Where Social Policy Fails
Despite the evidence of goodwill, the only official policy to address the situation of vira latas that Cordeiro and neighboring cities have is to euthanize them. And without a culture of pet guardianship that encourages the spaying and neutering of pet dogs and street dogs alike, many unwanted litters create new generations of vira latas.
However, public outcry against the cruelty of euthanization means that it rarely happens unless there is a complaint against a particular dog. But the affection and care for the vira latas is, mostly, sentimental and tends to stop there. Dogs are not euthanized, but neither are they cared for. Their intense reliance on humans means both that the street dogs are especially vulnerable to suffering. Most dogs just don’t do very well living on their own on the streets.
Filling the gap in the areas around Cordeiro is Sergio Daflon Monnerat, who has set up a non-profit for the rescue and care of animals taken off the streets. Cantinho da Ritinha (which translates roughly to “Little Rita’s Place” for the good-natured characters in residence) is located on a rural farm, down several dirt roads. Benefactors have allowed Monnerat to use the farm space, and he built the pens and shelters that house the dogs from raw materials — hauling tree trunks up the mountains on his back.
Monnerat has always loved animals, having taken in several off the streets as pets over the years before beginning Cantinho da Ritinha. He says that the joy and gratitude of the dogs that he takes in is tangible. Once, he took in a dog he found that seemed to be starving to death — the skin was loose and the bones were visible. The dog almost certainly would have died without him and Monnerat secured her care that involved removal of parts of her intestine. Today the dog is thriving. Monnerat’s organization, despite its lack of abundant resources, cares for dogs that are old and young, sick and well, and rejects no comers.
The luckiest of Cordeiro’s dogs wind up on the farm that Monnerat uses to shelter the dogs. A sprawling property, Monnerat has fenced in areas for dogs, while some of them roam the property. He has worked with local veterinarians and pharmaceutical companies, to get free or discounted services and vaccinations for the dogs, and feeds them with money from raffles and other fund-raising initiatives on top of what he adds from his own modest earnings.
He would like to do more, but “there isn’t a lot of love” for them here, says Monnerat, in reference to the lack of long-term and sustained options for the animals.
The Beginnings of a Movement
In Brazil, there is the beginnings of a grassroots movement to save the vira latas. In no small part and across the country, individuals — who often don’t have time to create pet adoption networks or to solicit outside support — are working tirelessly and independently, doing much of the heavy lifting to prevent cruelty to animals. Using their own time, money, and sweat, they have organized ad hoc animal shelters that take in dogs found on the streets, feed them, vaccinate them, and give them a safe space to live that is free from the dangers of starvation, cars, the elements, and, sometimes, cruel humans.
But because adoption of shelter dogs has not yet caught on in Brazil, as it has in countries like the United States, many of these dogs will remain at shelters for the rest of their lives. This means that new space in shelters is hard to come by, and the efforts of these determined individuals becomes difficult to sustain over time. Nevertheless, the need is pressing, and the hard work continues. For Monnerat and others, who labor every day to move the cause forward, this is a life’s work.
To support Cantinha da Ritinha’s mission, you can donate on their fundrazr page. Currently, they are working to build a mobile clinic that offers spay/neutering services for a free or reduced costs to Cordeiro and surrounding areas. All image source: Lisa Lucille Owens
Touching Photo Reveals the Incredible Efforts People Will Make to Help a Rhino in Need. Rhinos are truly incredible creatures. They are one of the largest herbivores on the planet, with a vital role to play in regulating their native ecosystems. Apex predators like wolves and big cats are normally associated with the term “keystone species,” as they help keep populations of smaller herbivores down to a sustainable number, without being subject to predation themselves, thereby allowing vegetation to thrive. However, due to their enormous size, rhinos are not subject to predation either. Scientists believe that, just as the removal of wolves and other keystone predators can have a devastating impact on other animals and plants in their habitats, the disappearance of rhinos could create the same effect.
Rhinos are “master architects” within their habitats, helping to shape and maintain the environment surrounding them. White rhinos, for example, create special “grazing patches” that allow other animals to thrive in the low-brush conditions of the African savannah. Paleoecologist Jacquelyn Gill has explained, “In many grassland and savanna systems, grazers increase biodiversity, by selectively eating certain kinds of plants over others. There is a lot of research that suggests that (grazers are) really important for maintaining diversity, as well as the coexistence of trees and grasses, by creating a shifting patch mosaic on the landscape.”
Tragically, however, the vital function these animals serve is under severe threat. Rhinos are being driven to extinction due to an erroneous belief that their horns (composed of keratin, the same protein that makes up human hair and nails) contain medicinal properties. On average, three rhinos are killed for their horns every day. The Javan rhinoceros was declared extinct in 2011, while the Western Black rhinoceros suffered the same fate in 2013. The Sumatran and Black Rhino subspecies are currently categorized as “critically endangered” by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Nola – one of only four Northern White Rhinos in the world – passed away last November, and given the fact that none of the remaining three are able to reproduce naturally, the outlook for this subspecies is also looking extremely bleak.
While much of the news surrounding rhinos can be depressing, there are many people out there who care deeply about these animals, and will do whatever is necessary to protect them. A photograph published by The Guardian shows a group of veterinarians in South Africa applying bandages to a de-horned rhino, who was left to die after being poached on a ranch near Bela Bela, north of Johannesburg.
The tenderness of the people in this picture, who are fighting to nurse this injured rhino back to health, cannot fail to touch the heart of any animal lover.
So, How Can You Help Protect Rhinos?
You can take a stand against the disappearance of our planet’s rhinos by getting involved with World Rhino Day (set to occur on September 22) or the Global March for Elephants and Rhinos, which will take place in a number of cities around the world on September 24. Supporting the work of these conservation organizations is another great way to help ensure this species’ survival.
- World Wildlife Fund
- Save the Rhino International
- Save the Rhino Trust – Namibia
- The Rhino Orphanage – South Africa
- The International Anti-Poaching Foundation
- Photo of Wildlife Reserve Worker Weeping Next to Poached Rhino Shows the Impact of Our Greed
- The Important Lesson We Can Learn From Gertjie, the Orphaned Rhino Who Will Help Save This Species
- What Can we Learn From Africa’s Last Three Northern White Rhinos?
- Last Hope for Sudan: The Great Lengths Rangers are Going to Protect World’s Last Northern White Rhino
- Is Dehorning Rhinos to Protect Them From Poachers Really a Good Idea?
Loving Pit Bull Adopts a 2 Day Old Orphan Kitten Found on the Road. When animal rescuers came across a black and white Pit Bull on the side of the road, they could have never prepared themselves for the scene they were about to witness. The Pit Bull was nursing a two-day-old kitten as if it were her own!
Although dogs and cats are traditionally considered “enemies,” silly things like a difference in species can’t get in the way of a mother’s love.
The Pit Bull, who has been named “Pittie,” absolutely adores the kitten, “Kitty,” and has taken her on as her sole charge.
The pair is now living at the Mercy Animal Clinic in Garland, Texas. Pittie has done a great job nursing Kitty, but her milk is starting to dry up, so Kitty is being weaned with formula.
Every night, Kitty goes home with one of the vets, Dr. Hamlin, for bottle feedings. When Kitty is gone, Pitty waits anxiously for her return.
While Pittie no longer nurses Kitty, she still performs the necessary “clean up” duties. After all, she can’t have her little kitten walking around looking like a mess!
Kitty is growing bigger and stronger every day, thanks to the care of the vet team and, of course, Pittie. The Mercy Animal Clinic team hopes to adopt Pittie and Kitty into the same home and they have a potential family lined up.
Good luck finding a forever home, Pittie and Kitty!
To follow Pittie and Kitty’s journey, like the Mercy Animal Clinic Facebook page, here. All image source: Mercy Animal Clinic/Facebook
Although dogs and cats are traditionally considered “enemies,” silly things like a difference in species can’t get in the way of a mother’s love.
The Pit Bull, who has been named “Pittie,” absolutely adores the kitten, “Kitty,” and has taken her on as her sole charge.
The pair is now living at the Mercy Animal Clinic in Garland, Texas. Pittie has done a great job nursing Kitty, but her milk is starting to dry up, so Kitty is being weaned with formula.
To follow Pittie and Kitty’s journey, like the Mercy Animal Clinic Facebook page, here. All image source: Mercy Animal Clinic/Facebook
Rescued kitten loves Pomeranian dog
After being abandoned by his mother, Pancho the kitten was found alone and with his eyes closed. He was taken in by this caring family, who fed and nursed him to the healthy kitten he is today! While living in his new home, the fearless kitten became attached to Jinxy, an adorable Pomeranian dog. The pair couldn't be any cuter!
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| A leader leads by example, not by force. ~Sun Tzu | ||
We're almost there... just 17 lbs. to go!
Favorites include dried mango, papaya, prunes, and of course, banana chips. Often used inside enrichment devices to promote activity and problem-solving, these foods never fail to get the chimps excited. Thank you to everyone who has participated in our Wishlist Challenge. Your support is enriching the lives of our beloved residents. Order through our Amazon Wishlist and items will ship directly to us. |
Install Support for Taiwan's No-Kill
Policy to Truly Help Animals
Without promoting spay and neuter, and adoption, a no-kill policy won't work. Animal advocates around the world rejoiced when Taiwan announced its upcoming no-kill policy, but sadly it indirectly led to a death-sentence for shelter director Jian Zhicheng and could spell increased suffering for thousands of dogs.
Xinwu Animal Protection and Education Centre is typical of so many of Taiwan’s shelters that are running at full capacity and groaning under the strain. Shelters are obliged to take in all surrendered animals, even when they have no room.
But things could get much worse.
Taiwan's no-kill policy comes into force in February 2017 and concern is growing for the dogs who have been surrendered to already overburdened shelters. In Taiwan’s overcrowded shelters in the 1980s and 1990s, some dogs reportedly starved or even cannibalized each other..
Like all conscientious animal advocates, 31 year old shelter director Jian strove to rehabilitate, rehome and promote adoption. She appeared on national TV to describe her shelter’s struggles, and the emotional toll of killing hundreds of dogs dumped at her door. Instead of the support she sought, Jian came under fire herself.
The public pressure, broken system and emotional stress of killing unwanted animals were too much. Last month, Jian used euthanasia drugs to take her own life.
Public support for the concept of no-kill is not enough. Spay and neuter programs, and "adopt: don't shop" public education programs must be in place to reduce the number of animals dumped at shelters, and adequate funding is needed to shelter and care for the animals who are surrendered, and to provide resources to prevent compassion fatigue for the workers who look after them. Click here to take action.
Orphaned Bushmeat Victim SAVED by IDA Africa
Recently, In Defense of Animals - Africa was contacted about a juvenile gorilla who was all alone and eating from village farms. Cameroon officials called on our help to capture the young male, and fearing that the gorilla's family had been killed by poachers, a team from IDA-Africa's Sanaga-Yong Chimpanzee Rescue was dispatched on a four hour drive to meet officials and investigate.
The team soon realized that the sweet five-year-old gorilla was not only seeking food, he was also looking for company. It is highly likely that he was captured as a baby by poachers, raised among humans and dumped, or "set free," near the forest when he became unmanageable. However, this lonely little boy didn't know how to fend for himself in the forest and would have been killed had his visits to the farms continued. The team had no choice but to capture and transport the gorilla back to our chimpanzee rescue center. A few days later we transferred him to Ape Action Africa’s Mefou Sanctuary, where their gorilla experts named him Parry. Click here to read more.
Stray Dog Hops in Austin Animal Service Officers Car - Won't Leave Without Treat.
WA2S Films was invited to ride along with Austin Animal Services as Officers provided outreach to the community following recent flooding in Austin, Texas.
Outreach is one of the prime components supporting America's largest "No Kill" city.
| Entangled Olive ridley turtle cut free from debris and released |
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ACT: Sign Our Petition to Rescue Primates from AbroadPlease sign this petition, urging U.S. senators and representatives to pass the Sanctuary Regulatory Fairness Act (H.R. 3294/S. 1898)! Currently, only zoos, universities, and research facilities can import primates into the U.S.—but, simply due to an oversight, sanctuaries cannot. This bill would fix this omission, allowing certified U.S. sanctuaries (like the Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary in Texas or Mindy's Memory in Oklahoma) to rescue needy primates from overseas. Help us give abused primates from around the world the opportunity to receive humane, lifetime care here in the U.S.! |
Dog Abandoned In Neck-High Flood Waters Just Found The BEST Forever Family!
Update:
Archer, the dog found tethered and up to her neck in flood waters, has been adopted–by rescuer Sheriff Troy E. Nehls! We loved him for helping rescue this beautiful girl, and even more so when he promised to “visit” the dog’s former owners once they return. Now, he’s done something even more amazing by adopting Archer into his family!
“I am happy to say the only water this girl will be in now is the swimming pool in my backyard! We picked her up today from the Houston Humane Society. Welcome to the family!” Sherriff Nehls posted on Facebook.
Don’t you just love happy endings? :)
Original Story:
This year, Texas has been pummeled by flood waters. And unfortunately when some humans seek higher ground, they leave their pets behind to fend for themselves.
This week in Fort Bent County, a group consisting of volunteers Richard Allen and Jeff Shimek, Sheriff Troy E. Nehls, reporter Phil Archer and photographer Jeovany Luna ventured into the floods to help. They took an airboat around the area, searching for people who were stranded by the rapidly rising waters.
That’s when they came across an unsettling sight: A white and golden dog, tied to a rope as the floodwaters rose around her. Only her head was visible, and she could barely keep it above water. Thankfully, the crew reached her just in time.
Once safe in the boat, the exhausted pup seemed to immediately relax:
Watch the life-saving rescue here.
“This is infuriating. These residents will get a visit from me when they return,” wrote Sheriff Nehls on his Facebook page. (Three cheers for the sherriff!)
He also shared this photo of another precious life that they saved:
“Yet another dog found hanging on for dear life. Sickening,” he captioned the photo.
“On a return trip, Nehls, Allen and Shimek found five more dogs abandoned in the floodwaters and brought them out,” reported Archer in his Click2Houston news story.
Now with a new lease on life, the pup is being cared for by the Houston Humane Society. She’s been named Archer after rescuer and reporter Phil Archer, who shared her story. She got all cleaned up and is spending a few days relaxing.
“The Humane Society has received many inquiries about adopting her. Rest assured, she’ll have a NEW happy home,” the sheriff commented on Facebook.
Keep in mind that there are dozens of other animals who have been saved from the floods who need forever homes, waiting at area shelters.
A special thank you to the amazing heroes who saved this sweet girl’s life, and many others. Because of you, Archer has a second chance to find the loving forever home that she deserves.
I will never forget the first time I laid eyes on Gansito. Barely living when she arrived at our shelter, she was one of the worst cases of neglect I have ever seen.
Gansito’s frail body was covered in weeping sores, her eyes so badly infected she could hardly see.
Suffering from dermatitis and a shocking case of mange, she was also battling severe anaemia.
Gansito had been abandoned by her owner and simply left to die.
Please join the Emergency Response Team to save dogs like Gansito from such unbearable suffering..
Gansito on arrival
Without YOU, dogs like Gansito have nobody to help them. To save dogs like Gansito and provide them with the care they urgently need, please join the Emergency Response Team today!
That Gansito is not only alive today, but unrecognisable as the pitiful dog I met just a few months ago, is all because of compassionate animal lovers like you. It is almost impossible to put into words how much has been achieved for this once-broken spirit.
Update:
Archer, the dog found tethered and up to her neck in flood waters, has been adopted–by rescuer Sheriff Troy E. Nehls! We loved him for helping rescue this beautiful girl, and even more so when he promised to “visit” the dog’s former owners once they return. Now, he’s done something even more amazing by adopting Archer into his family!
“I am happy to say the only water this girl will be in now is the swimming pool in my backyard! We picked her up today from the Houston Humane Society. Welcome to the family!” Sherriff Nehls posted on Facebook.
Original Story:
This year, Texas has been pummeled by flood waters. And unfortunately when some humans seek higher ground, they leave their pets behind to fend for themselves.
This week in Fort Bent County, a group consisting of volunteers Richard Allen and Jeff Shimek, Sheriff Troy E. Nehls, reporter Phil Archer and photographer Jeovany Luna ventured into the floods to help. They took an airboat around the area, searching for people who were stranded by the rapidly rising waters.
That’s when they came across an unsettling sight: A white and golden dog, tied to a rope as the floodwaters rose around her. Only her head was visible, and she could barely keep it above water. Thankfully, the crew reached her just in time.
Once safe in the boat, the exhausted pup seemed to immediately relax:
Watch the life-saving rescue here.
He also shared this photo of another precious life that they saved:
“On a return trip, Nehls, Allen and Shimek found five more dogs abandoned in the floodwaters and brought them out,” reported Archer in his Click2Houston news story.
Now with a new lease on life, the pup is being cared for by the Houston Humane Society. She’s been named Archer after rescuer and reporter Phil Archer, who shared her story. She got all cleaned up and is spending a few days relaxing.
Keep in mind that there are dozens of other animals who have been saved from the floods who need forever homes, waiting at area shelters.
A special thank you to the amazing heroes who saved this sweet girl’s life, and many others. Because of you, Archer has a second chance to find the loving forever home that she deserves.
Gansito’s frail body was covered in weeping sores, her eyes so badly infected she could hardly see.
Suffering from dermatitis and a shocking case of mange, she was also battling severe anaemia.
Gansito had been abandoned by her owner and simply left to die.
Please join the Emergency Response Team to save dogs like Gansito from such unbearable suffering..
Without YOU, dogs like Gansito have nobody to help them. To save dogs like Gansito and provide them with the care they urgently need, please join the Emergency Response Team today!
That Gansito is not only alive today, but unrecognisable as the pitiful dog I met just a few months ago, is all because of compassionate animal lovers like you. It is almost impossible to put into words how much has been achieved for this once-broken spirit.
By joining the Emergency Response Team, you will have a direct impact on the lives of animals that are suffering as you read this. They are sick, they are injured, they are alone and afraid. You have the power to change this. Will you please take action now?
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11 year old dog who lived on the streets all his life.
The Soi Dog Foundation is a not for profit organisation that relies on donations to help Thailand's dogs & cats that have been abused or neglected. As a supporter you will be giving these animals a 2nd chance at life. There are many ways you can help either by donating to our "Magic 1000' club that helps feed dogs rescued from the illegal dog meat trade to "Sponsoring one of the rescued shelter dogs, or one of many other options. Please take a moment to visit our Face Book page at https://www.facebook.com/SoiDogPageIn... & our website at http://www.soidog.org
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This Man Rescued a Homeless Puppy. Watch His Life Change for the Better! A mother dog and her four puppies were found in a suburban backyard. Abandoned, the new little family was cold, hungry and in desperate need of a home. Thankfully, the kind man who found them, Bored Panda community member Talpitoo, took it upon himself to help the adorable family.
Talpitoo quickly found a home for the mother, and three of the puppies were adopted by excited, happy families. The fourth puppy, however, had already won over his heart. So, he decided to keep her and named her Vackor.
Talpitoo decided to document her growth and the amazing adventures they would go on together in his blog, La Petite Vackor. Showing her growth from a tiny puppy to today, the blog takes you through her daily activities, naps, walks, baths and all. Welcoming a dog into your life is certainly an adventure and Vackor’s dad has captured just how beautiful and touching this experience can be.
Vackor and her family were found cold and hungry, abandoned in a backyard.
It didn’t take long to find loving homes for the mother and siblings …
… but Vackor was going to stay. Her home was with her rescuer now!
She saw her siblings off with their new, happy families.
She was the last dog in the house.
It didn’t take long for Vackor to make this house her home.
She quickly became an amazing companion for her new family.
Full of puppy energy and love, it was clear this little dog was a perfect fit.
She grew up happily working alongside her new mom and dad.
Keeping their laps (and hearts) warm. She was a very cuddly puppy!
Vackor was growing quickly!
She was soon joining her family on adventures out on the town, enjoying the best views from her bicycle basket.
The beautiful pictures that her dad takes shows just how loved this little rescue dog is.
But how could you not love that incredibly adorable face?
Car rides and travels would quickly become a common activity for this family.
The bike basket is a perfect way to see how much Vakor has grown!
As she got older, the adventures became more epic …
… and the pictures, more beautiful!
It also became obvious it was time for a bigger basket!
Life with a dog is so much better than life without.
And Vackor’s dad proves that through his wonderful photos.
Oh, and they did get a bigger basket.
Because, after all, Vackor is an integral member of their family now.
And she couldn’t be happier to have been rescued by such amazing people.
All image source: La Petite Vackor/Tumblr
Rescued Circus Lion Feels Grass and Dirt for the First Time in 13 Years!
Will the lion spent the last 13 years of his life in a Brazillian circus. Although wild animal circus bans do exist on a local level in Brazil, sadly many animals continue to be abused and exploited in these cruel attractions. Will was one of these animals and the impact of living in a cramped, fetid cage took a major toll on his well-being.
Thankfully, after over a decade of suffering, Will was rescued by Rancho do Gnomos. This amazing organization is a safe haven for domestic, wild and exotic animals who have been abused or neglected. Most of the animals in the sanctuary’s care come from captivity backgrounds, so the staff was more than prepared to help Will adjust to his new found freedom.
In this video, Will steps onto the grass for the first time in years! Seeming to understand that he will never have to suffer in a small cage again, Will makes himself right at home. It’s a shame it took him 13 years of suffering to reach this point, but we are so pleased to see him finally taste freedom!
Benguela Dolphin released back into the ocean.
Find a Home for Archie the Cat.
Archie is available for adoption via our Adoption Center. If you are interested in adopting please call our Adoptions department in New York City at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4120.
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Another Life Saved by IDA! When we received a call about a tiny puppy caught in a roadside culvert, the rescue team at In Defense of Animals' Hope Animal Sanctuary sprang into action. It did not matter that it was late at night or that it was many miles away. When the call came, it was answered. Today, that tiny puppy, whom we have named Kit, is well on her way to recovery and will soon begin her journey into the loving arms of a new forever home.
It is only with the dedication and support of our steadfast donors that we are able to make rescues like Kit and countless others like hers a reality. It is your generous donations that fund our critical and lifesaving work. We could not do it without you. Abuse and neglect have no regard for time or season, and so by necessity Hope Animal Sanctuary operates on a continuous basis: day after day, month after month. The rescue staff at Hope Animal Sanctuary work tirelessly so that suffering animals may find peace and kindness, love and hope. Your support makes our rescue efforts possible and means that animals like Kit get a second chance at life.If you have not already done so, please consider making a generous contribution today so that In Defense of Animals' Hope Animal Sanctuary can continue to do what it does 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
