Category Archives: Kindness

Kindness, Leadership, Nature

Inspiring Couple

Sebastiao Salgado and Lelia Deluiz

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.

Animals, Kindness, Leadership

FOREST Fires

Noah Berger

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.

Animals, Giraffes, Kindness, Leadership

They Need Us

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.

Animals, Kindness, Leadership, Seals

Happy Seals

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Marine Mammals of Maine

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.

https://mmome.org/

Children, Kindness, Leadership

A Young Woman and Her Video

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.

Thank you.

Animals, Kindness, Leadership, Orangutans

Orangutan Hero

6 Young Orangutans

As many of you know, I recently went to a conference sponsored by The Climate Reality Project.  The conference topics included climate change, communication, social justice, sustainability, and alternative energy solutions.  All areas are of interest to me but I found myself keenly focused on how to create the right conditions to speak with someone, especially when that person has a different mindset and an opposing point of view.  Atmosphere is important, and so is understanding that certain people will be more open to facts than others.  A well-known professor said we need to focus on the positives, rather than telling the other person she or he is wrong.  With that in mind, let me tell you about a hero.

Daniel Stiles is a detective, researcher and well-known author who has traveled across the world to save many animals who are about to become extinct.  He focuses on gorillas, chimps and orangutans, and rescues them from ape traffickers.  Sadly, ape trafficking is part of the illegal wildlife trade, a far-reaching business that is worth billions of dollars.  Unlike rhinoceros horns, tiger furs and elephant ivory, ape smuggling involves live animals –some of whom are only a month old.  Of those animals that are found, and that is usually one out of ten, they are discovered hidden in plastic bags in hand baggage, or beaten so badly and drugged that they need serious rehabilitation.  Gorilla babies cost as much as $250,000 and are in high demand.  Like orangutans, they are prized for their intelligence, sensitivity, empathy, and understanding.

Most recently, Daniel did work in Bangkok, Thailand.  He set up, with Freeland (a nonprofit group which combats human and wildlife trafficking) and Thai police, a sting operation to save some orangutans with the infamous “Tom”, a well-known smuggler.  Luckily, he was able to rescue two tiny baby orangutans that were found in the backseat of a taxi cab.  Sadly, Tom was nowhere to be seen.  I know there are other heroes out there working to improve the plight of animals, and hope you are one of them too.