Many Endangered Animals

Endangered Wild Animals All of us remember visiting the zoo as children and many of us like to take the young ones in our family to a zoo so they can also learn to appreciate wild life and can know more about them. However, it seems that soon, the animals we take for granted, the ones we are so used to seeing, will be extinct as every now and then we come across news that some or the other wild animal is facing the threat of extinction. It makes us wonder whether we have become so immoral that we have gone to the limit of endangering wild life...that we have brought species upon species to the brink of extinction...for money...for superstitions...for greed..and for vanity. There are some endangered wildlife animals that may be facing extinction as you read this which makes it very scary a thought. Some of the animals that truly may be extinct in the next few years are: Ivory-billed woodpecker: This woodpecker that lives in southeastern US and Cuba is almost extinct, in fact it was considered extinct almost eight years ago until there were a handful of sightings that told us that it is still out there...it is still surviving. The reason for this bird’s extinction is habitat loss and it being hunted for its feathers. Amur Leopard: This leopard is very rare to spot and lives under snowy conditions. It is found in the snowy forests of eastern Russia. It could be found in Korea and north China too but it is extinct there now. This species also faces extinction due to habitat loss, road building, poaching, and the climate change that is affecting our globe. Javan Rhinoceros: There are five species of rhinos in the world and this one is the most endangered wildlife species of them. Found on the island of Java, this rhino is endangered because it is hunted for its horn...meant to make medicines. It is a protected species now but the few that are left may not be enough to save them. Greater Bamboo Lemur: All of us have seen Madagascar and all of us love King Julian...he belongs to this species and is another endangered wild animal. Due to loss of habitat (burning forests for agriculture, logging) and illegal hunting, these lemurs are quickly reducing in numbers. Northern Right Whale: The whale...didn’t expect it to e on this list but it is. This is the most endangered of the whale species and is hunted for its famous whale oil. They are also in danger because global warming has reduced the amount of small crustaceans they eat...some of these whales die just because they get stuck in the fishing lines. The list is quite long and many will be shocked to see some of the names there. Our greed to have more and more seems to have left no space or resources for the others that inhabit this planet with us...those who make this planet beautiful...in our want to have more...we have left nothing for the others. 

Rainforest Awareness

In an area roughly five times the size of New York City’s Central Park, researchers have found 458 species of trees, 330 species of birds, and the world’s greatest diversity of moths and butterflies with a staggering 5,000 species at one site (more species than all of North America). Twelve primate species, including the Critically Endangered Yellow-breasted Capuchin, make their home in this amazing Brazilian rainforest. Jaguars, tapirs, and giant anteaters roam the forest floor. All of this could be lost in our generation to deforestation for biofuels and agriculture. The World Land Trust-US is racing against the clock to purchase and protect of 333 acres in the Serra Bonita mountain range. This land will be added to the currently existing Serra Bonita Reserve. WLTUS_AtlanticRainforestJaguar_As part of one of the most threatened ecosystems in the world, the Atlantic rainforests, this project is currently considered as one of the highest priorities for global conservation efforts. Your donation through The Rainforest Site’s Gifts That Give More [tm] can help them reach their goal even faster. GreaterGood.org’s contributions to World Land Trust-US are made possible by the support of donors, shoppers, and clickers at The Rainforest Site. Photo: Courtesy of the World Land Trust. This article comes directly from the Greater Good Network.

Some Happy Endings for Older Dogs

Old Dog Haven in Western Washington is a nonprofit group that uses a large network of people to provide loving and safe homes for abandoned senior dogs. They provide temporary foster care for dogs that are adoptable and have a reasonable life expectancy. They also provide permanent final refuge care for dogs that are too old for adoption, maybe in their last months or years or in fragile health. Their goal is that their last months and years are happy and they die safe and at peace, knowing they are loved. Old Dog Haven is not a shelter. All of the dogs live happily in homes with foster and final refuge families who love and cherish them as valued family members. "All too many dogs of advanced years find themselves terrified and confused at shelters, where their chances fo being adopted are almost zero. Others are desperate for a home because The family is moving and can't take the dog, owners work too long hours; a new baby; the dogs companion is moved to a nursing home or is deceased. The foster homes in the area of Western Washington (some 200) provide foster care, hospice care and temporary foster care for adoptable dogs. They are always in need of additional homes for these dogs. And, vet care is expensive. Their vet expenses are very high as they try to br ing the dogs back to the best possible health. Old Dog Haven is an IRS approved 501 (c)(3) nonprofit charitable organiztion and relies on donations for its income. Please consider sending a donation today. See the website at http://www.olddoghaven.org.

Rare White Rhino Born in US