Back to the Blue

Tom and Misha (picture from Born Free website)

Tom and Misha are two dolphins that recently made it back to the wild, after spending six years in a small and filthy swimming pool in a Turkish resort. Both dolphins were born in the wild, and have been in captivity as part of a dolphin swim for tourists.

After almost two years of planning and rehabilitation, the two dolphins were released back into the ocean. The dolphins are being tracked and appear to be adapting well to life in the wild  They are hunting and have travelled hundreds of miles now that they are free. Their successful rehabilitation and release will hopefully inspire other campaigns to send more captive dolphins back to the blue.

Learn more about their time in captivity and their release at: Born Free

Saving Lives & Changing Hearts

Rob Laidlaw, founder of Zoocheck Canada, has authored several children's books about animals in captivity. His newest book, Saving Lies & Changing Hearts: Animal Sanctuaries and Rescue Centres, will be released this summer. From a donkey sanctuary in Canada to a bear rescue centre in China, this book examines numerous efforts around the world to rescue and care for animals in need. A great book to inspire those who care about animals.

Support Bill 69 to Help Elephants

In Ontario, Bill 69 would amend the OSPCA Act in protection of elephants. If passed, the Bill would help captive elephants. The bill would restrict the use of bullhooks and electric prods. It would also restrict the use of restraints (like chains) in elephant management, training and handling.You can learn more about the Bill at: http://www.zoocheck.com/campaigns_elephant_EPA2012.html

Bullhook and baby elephant photo from PETA2.com

You can help elephants today by supporting the Bill. Write a personal letter to Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty and All Members of Provincial Parliament letting them know that you support Bill 69 because you care about captive elephants.

Ivan the Gorilla

Katherine Applegate was inspired to write The One and Only Ivan after reading about the true story of a captive gorilla known as Ivan, the Shopping Mall gorilla. The real Ivan lived alone in a 14' x 14' concrete cage for twenty-seven years at a shopping mall before being moved to Zoo Atlanta after a public outcry.

A photo of the real Ivan (from PAWS)

   
The School Library Journal has this to say about the book:
Applegate makes a powerful statement about the treatment of animals - especially those living in captivity - and reminds readers that all creatures deserve a safe place to call home. Castelao's delightful illustrations enhance this lovely story, and the characters will capture readers' hearts and never let go. A must-have. 
Learn more about the book and about the author at :http://theoneandonlyivan.com/

Elephant Mud Bath

 Check out this video of a herd of wild elephants enjoying a mud bath. THIS is what an elephant's life should be all about! Many elephants in captivity don't have access to mud baths or bathing water, or grass and trees for grazing. And if they live in a colder climate, they are often confined indoors for long periods of time. Learn more about Canadian elephants in captivity, including Lucy, at: http://www.savelucy.ca/

Make a Change for Earth Day

In honour of Earth Day, pledge to make a lasting change for the earth and the animals by getting a re-usable water bottle and committing to using it, instead of buying plastic water bottles. Here's one of the reasons why:


www.chrisjordan.com/gallery/midway



This is a photograph of a dead albatross chick taken on Midway Atoll, a remote nesting site in the middle of the North Pacific. Every year tens of thousands of albatross chicks die on Midway from starvation, toxicity, and choking because of the plastic that their parents are accidentally feeding them. Think of the difference we could all make for animals like the albatross if we gave up using plastic water bottles! To learn more about marine debris and the impact it's having on wild animals, check out our Keep It Wild! workshop, "A Bottle Cap for Breakfast?" http://www.keepitwildeducation.com/for-teachers