Tonka, a 38-year old chimpanzee with a substantial Hollywood career behind him, has been removed from a Florida basement and is now in a sanctuary for chimpanzees. The story has many heroes and villains and is in many ways similar to stories of human actors who became victims after their lucrative careers ended. The storyContinue reading “Recovery of “Movie Star” Chimp Highlights Many Animal (And Human) Welfare And Rights Issues”
Author Archives: ursusrising
Animals Missing After Locks Cut At Wisconsin Zoo
Two large owls and two otters are missing after someone cuts the locks on their enclosure, according to police in Wisconsin. The incident occurred at the Ochsner Zoo in Baraboo Wisconsin. The owls are great horned owls. Which type of otters were released was not stated except to note that the otters are “very friendly.”Continue reading “Animals Missing After Locks Cut At Wisconsin Zoo”
Is It A Polar Bear Or A Brown Bear? New Study Shows How Two Species Are Intertwined
This has been a topic of scientific discussion for some time but now a new study clarifies things a bit. The study shows that the two species actually began to separate about 1,5 million years ago. What is striking to researchers is that the bears continued to interbreed frequently for quite some time. This makesContinue reading “Is It A Polar Bear Or A Brown Bear? New Study Shows How Two Species Are Intertwined”
Seeking Education? Custodian Corrals Curious Cougar In High School Classroom
An underweight juvenile cougar was captured in Pescadero California when a janitor closed a door behind him before school opened. The male was seen entering the room and the janitor closed the door. The young cat wandered onto the Pescadero High School campus before students or faculty arrived. He was spotted wandering into an EnglishContinue reading “Seeking Education? Custodian Corrals Curious Cougar In High School Classroom”
Chinese Say Snow Leopards Are Finding Stable Home In Tibet
A Chinese newspaper and website is saying snow leopard populations are stable in Tibet, a formerly autonomous nation China controls. An article in China Daily made the claim late last month. China Daily describes itself as the largest English language portal. According to the website, the area around Nagchu in Tibet has been under studyContinue reading “Chinese Say Snow Leopards Are Finding Stable Home In Tibet”
Good News/Bad News For Red Wolves: Zoos Celebrate Birth of Critically Endangered Pups; Federal Agents Looking For Killer of Adult In North Carolina
We have reported on the status of critically endangered red wolves, which one were quite common in the United States. The wolves, which are smaller than their gray wolf cousins, became critically endangered. They are said to be the most critically endangered canine species on earth. The situation was so bad that in 1967 theContinue reading “Good News/Bad News For Red Wolves: Zoos Celebrate Birth of Critically Endangered Pups; Federal Agents Looking For Killer of Adult In North Carolina”
Tasmanian Tigers: Are They Extinct, And Can Extinction Be Reversed?
e They were certainly unusual, if they are actually extinct. Thylacines, known as Tasmanian Tigers were/are/may be again dog sized predatory marsupials that once roamed most of Australia. There presumed extinction is not fully accepted and may even be reversible. Unfortunately, the striped marsupials ran up against human animosity. Once common, sightings became rarer andContinue reading “Tasmanian Tigers: Are They Extinct, And Can Extinction Be Reversed?”
Caltrans, Conservation Partners, Expanding Secure Passages For Wildlife To Avoid Freeway Danger
Conservationists worldwide are realizing that wild animals are increasingly locked into pockets by freeways and highways. Staying in the pockets leads to inbreeding and local extinction. Trying to venture out too often leads to death on roads and highways. In California, Caltrans, the state transit agency, is partnering with the public and conservation groups toContinue reading “Caltrans, Conservation Partners, Expanding Secure Passages For Wildlife To Avoid Freeway Danger”
Young Orange County Cougar Risks All In Journey Across Roads And Freeways To Establish A Home Range
He isn’t as famous as P-22 the male cougar who has roamed the Hollywood Hills for years, but M317 is living an adventurous life in Orange County as he tries to establish a range and find a mate. About 20 months old, the cat has wandered more than 100 miles from mountains to shore inContinue reading “Young Orange County Cougar Risks All In Journey Across Roads And Freeways To Establish A Home Range”
New York Court Of Appeals To Decide If An Asian Elephant Has Human Rights
Happy, an Asian elephant in the Bronx Zoo, is at the center of a legal dispute over the rights of animals in custodial situations. Her case is before the New York State Court of Appeals and a decision is expected within a few months. The zoo is being sued claiming Happy is essentially a prisoner.Continue reading “New York Court Of Appeals To Decide If An Asian Elephant Has Human Rights”