The Perfect Cat – on Nat Geo Wild
July 13, 2012 by MichaelMountain
“The Unlikely Leopard” premieres on Sunday July 15th on Nat Geo WILD You don’t realize until the very end of this gorgeous TV movie that filmmakers Dereck and Beverly Joubert have not only captured your heart but also drawn you into their work to save what they call “the perfect cat.” Of course, all cats [...]
Of Cults, Crimes and Kittens
July 12, 2012 by MichaelMountain
Just down the road (about 50 miles) from where I live at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is Colorado City, a small Arizona/Utah town nestled up against the enormous cliffs that enclose Zion National Park. Most people had never heard of Colorado City until, a few years ago, Warren Jeffs was arrested for rape. Jeffs was [...]
Ex-Bullfighter: “I Was Wrong”
July 12, 2012 by MichaelMountain
He’s basically one of a kind – a former bullfighter who now fights against bullfighting. Alvaro Munera started his career in Colombia when he was 12 years old. He was a celebrity for six years until, in 1984 in Spain, he was tossed in the air by a bull named Terciopelo (Velvet) and has been [...]
Now Pigs Can Fly
July 12, 2012 by MichaelMountain
A “service” animal can be much more than just a seeing-eye dog these days. She may provide “emotional support” – which is something we could all use when flying.
When Labs Are Tigers and Chows Are Pandas
July 12, 2012 by MichaelMountain
It started in China, but is spreading to the West: dyeing your dog to look like another animal. From tigers to turtles, it’s pets as fashion statements. Shelters used to have people dropping off their pets because “she doesn’t match the new furniture.” Now we’ll probably have them dropping them off because “the kids want [...]
Zoos Trying to Play Noah
July 5, 2012 by MichaelMountain
With a bit of divine intervention, taking a few animals into Noah’s Ark might have worked to repopulate wildlife a few thousand years ago. But it certainly wouldn’t today. Captive breeding isn’t about conservation of species; it’s about conservation of zoos. And the primary work of zoos is to entertain (not educate) the public. That’s why millions of dollars are being spent on these breeding programs, rather than on protecting wildlife.
Fourth of July – Spanish Style
July 4, 2012 by MichaelMountain
Here in the United States, on the Fourth of July we’re celebrating life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. In Spain, on the Fourth of July, they’re observing Captive Dolphin Day to persuade the government to gradually shut down the marine circuses and let dolphins enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, too. [readon] [...]
Shark Fin Soup Off Menu at Official Dinners in China
July 4, 2012 by MichaelMountain
The Chinese government says shark fin soup will be phased out at state banquets. They say this will take three years to implement. By that time, they may not need a law; there probably won’t be any sharks left.
Climate Change IS a Hoax!
July 4, 2012 by MichaelMountain
McKibben argues, with biting sarcasm, that climate change is OBVIOUSLY a hoax; otherwise the people in the know (the government) would be DOING something about it. McKibben notes that Speaker of the House John Boehner says that the idea that carbon dioxide is “harmful to the environment is almost comical.”
Why Baby Chimp Died at L.A. Zoo
July 3, 2012 by MichaelMountain
Male chimpanzees can be violent with babies who are not their own. Yes, that’s all natural. But what’s not natural is when it’s brought into the confines of captivity at a zoo, where, in this case, Gracie had nowhere to go with her baby and her friends except to another part of their enclosure.