Urge elected politicians and government agencies
to support policies—such as ivory bans and other restrictions on wildlife
trade—that protect animals. Your voice
matters!
Visit a national wildlife refuge, park, or other
open space and learn about the endangered species and other animals that live
there. Stay informed and support policies that keep these areas wild and
protect native species.
The Endangered Species Act has proven to be an
effective safety net for imperiled species—extinction has been prevented for
more than 98 percent of the animals under its care. Urge your elected officials
to preserve the important safeguards in the Act.
One of the easiest and most effective ways to
help wildlife is to preserve the environment in which the animals live.
Participate in or hold your own local trash
clean-up to help protect the habitats of endangered species and other wildlife.
Reduce, reuse, and recycle!
Save energy. Driving less, using energy efficient
vehicles and appliances, and simply turning off the lights when you leave a
room reduce energy use. Many power plants rely on coal and other fossil fuels
that damage animal habitats when they are extracted and pollute the environment
and contribute to climate change when they are burned.
Plant native flowers, trees, and bushes in your
backyard. This gives local wild animals food, shelter, and a place to raise
families. Avoid chemical pesticides and fertilizers.
If you see an animal at the park, on a nature
trail, or near a water source, let them be and do not remove them from their
environment. These animals survive best in their own habitat. Take a picture
instead.
Be An Educated Consumer and Think before you buy. Learn more about consumer choices that are
better for animals and the environment.
I thought it would be time for some good news, something inspiring and hopeful. I recently read about a Brazilian man and his wife who planted over 4 million trees to replant 1,502 acres of forest! It was so good to hear about someone doing beneficial for the planet, instead of destroying it. It took Sebastiao Salgado, Lelia Deluiz, and more than 24 workers about twenty years to do so and the results have been amazing. An area which was barren is now flourishing with 172 species of birds, 33 species of mammals, 293 species of plants, 15 reptile species and 15 reptile species. And there are now 8 natural springs which had previously dried up, hydrating a drought prone area. When humans work with Mother Nature, creation and rejuvenation spring eternal.
As forest fires spread across the state of California I cringe because so many people in the United States do not understand climate change and do not seem to care about its consequences. California is the bread basket of the country, we rely on it for our fruits and vegetables, wine, movies and so many other things. What will we do without them? More importantly, how will we help all of the people who are losing their homes and livelihoods? How will we help all of the wild animals that are losing their homes? I am deeply grieved and saddened by the current situation. And I am tired of lairs, cheats, and those who abuse their offices because of their own greed and ignorance. Climate change is real. It is not going away. We lose dozens of animal species every day. And we are losing people too.
I urge you to plant trees, to go meatless, to use refillable water bottles, to donate money to a conservation organization. I urge you to make a difference. If we don’t change now there will be no future and nothing left to save.
More than ever, animals need us. In honor of them, I share a beautiful photo here. It was taken by Premal Patel in Namibia. May all of us remember to help protect the natural world. It is precious and worth conserving. Please do your part and help make a positive difference.
I sometimes feature a nonprofit organization which is doing important work to save some of the precious wildlife on our planet. So, today, I am sharing some news from Marine Mammals of Maine. As you know, I love seals. I am happy to report the group has admitted 48 animals into its facility. Some seals needed critical care and others had been stranded because their mother could not care for them.
Here are two highlights – the organization responded to 100 stranded marine mammals in southern and mid Maine and it admitted 48 seals into its triage facility, including gray, harp and harbor seals. In the past, it admitted an average of 40 seals over the entire year.
I am very happy to know many people are working to make a positive difference for these precious animals and I applaud them for their efforts. Please consider making a donation of your money or time to your favorite animal shelter or animal welfare organization. I also include a link below for Marine Mammals of Maine. Thank you.
Whether we know it or not, we all affect one another and are responsible for one another. Yet we often close our eyes and go about our own daily business. In this time, and in this world, we must realize we are responsible for the well-being of a complete stranger and of the smallest animal. Once we recognize how inter-connected we are only will this world become a better place.
Take a moment and ask yourself, ‘How can I make a difference? When you have your answer, go out and do it.
Please watch and share this heartfelt video from a young ballerina.
