Saving Manatee's Abroad!

           It’s another day in paradise. Paradise Island in the Bahamas that is. With the support of Save the Manatee Club (SMC), a female manatee, Rita, and her calf, Georgie, were released back into the wildon April 19, 2012, after spending several months at Dolphin Cay-Atlantis on Paradise Island.

Rita gave birth to Georgie, a female, in June 2010.

Rita’s story in the Bahamas began in November 2009, when she was first spotted in the Spanish Wells Harbor in North Eleuthera. A photograph of the distinctive scar pattern on her back was given to the U.S. Geological Survey’s Sirenia Project (USGS). Researchers there identified her as Rita, a manatee who had been sighted in south Florida since February 1988. Based on previous sightings between 1988 and 2008, Rita had given birth to at least seven calves. Once Rita was sighted in the Bahamas in November 2009, marine mammal care staff from Dolphin Cay-Atlantis conducted a health assessment and determined that Rita was pregnant yet again. Rita gave birth to a female calf named Georgie in June 2010, and she and Georgie remained in the area around Spanish Wells Harbor until Hurricane Irene hit in August 2011.

          Once it was clear the the manatees were healthy, plans to return them to the wild at a safer location were initiated. Several organizations were involved in this process, including the Bahamas Marine Mammal Research Organization (BMMRO), the Bahamas Department of Marine Resources (BDMR), Dolphin Cay-Atlantis, the USGS Sirenia Project, and Save the Manatee Club. It was decided that the best place to release Rita and Georgie was in Great Harbor Cay in the Berry Islands, where a group of manatees already resided. Both Rita and Georgie were fitted with GPS tracking devices before being released so that researchers can follow their movements and relocate them if they venture into unsafe habitat.

Rita and Georgie are released at Great Harbour Cay in the Berry Islands, where several manatees are known to reside

               Historically, manatee sightings in the Bahamas have been few and far between, and it was thought that the lack of freshwater sources has limited manatee population growth in the area. However, in the past few decades, the number of manatees reported in the Bahamas has been increasing. For this reason, the BMMRO began conducting research on the manatees in Great Harbour Cay 13 years ago. By attaching tracking equipment to Rita and Georgie, researchers will be able to study the habitats used by manatees in the Bahamas and will gain insights into where manatees find food and fresh water. By following the movements of these two manatees, field researchers should also have opportunities to photograph and identify other manatees in the Bahamas population and determine their gender and reproductive status. The information gained through these studies will help researchers better determine how to manage the manatee population in the Bahamas. 

             In addition to research efforts, the BMMRO also works to educate the local community about manatees through school presentations and reaching out to the boating community. They will be releasing a short five-minute educational video about manatees in the Bahamas later this year. 

            There are several organizations that contributed to this successful release and monitoring project. The Bahamas Department of Marine Resources, Bahamas Marine Mammal Research Organization, Dolphin-Cay Atlantis, and USGS Sirena Project were all heavily involved in the capture, care, and release of Rita and Georgie. To assist in the release and monitoring of Rita and Georgie, Save the Manatee Club provided substantial financial support to BMMRO and the USGS to help cover the cost of the transport vessel, monitoring vessel and fuel, a GoPro camera, an adult and calf belt/tether for the radio tag, GPS tag batteries, and software. In addition, we contributed educational materials to help BMMRO with their outreach efforts. This included several of our new manatee awareness dock signs. A big thank you to our Save the Manatee Club members, who made this contribution possible!

By Courtney Edwards
Staff Biologist, Save the Manatee Club

How Cute Is This!?!?!

I wonder if singer Carly Rae Jepsen knew she would have an impact on homeless animals!?!?


xxooxo
Nicole

Finally Some Good News From Indonesia!

The Indonesian government said on Monday it would protect a strip of peatland in Aceh province at the center of an international storm over palm oil development, in a case that had become a test of the country's commitment to halt deforestation. Indonesia imposed a two-year moratorium on clearing forest last May under a $1 billion climate deal with Norway aimed at reducing emissions from deforestation, but the former governor of the country's westernmost Aceh province breached the ban by issuing a permit to a palm oil firm to develop the peatland.

This prompted legal action from environmental groups and probes by the police and several government bodies.

The resulting preliminary investigation showed that the permit was issued to palm oil firm Kallista Alam without following proper procedures, a government official said.

The forest, home to endangered orangutans, was partly cleared by burning, even before the permit was issued, said Mas Achmad Santosa, an official at the presidency.

"The case of Kallista Alam in Aceh is the typical problem we are facing ... some parts have been turned to palm oil plantations, some have been burned, and it turned out the permit does not exist," said Kuntoro Mangkusubroto, who is in charge of overseeing forestry sector reform. 

                                        

He said the peatland would again be listed as a protected area.  Former Aceh governor Irwandi Yusuf issued the permit to open 1,605 hectares of land for palm oil in the Tripa peatland area in August last year.

Indonesia is the world's largest palm oil exporter and has seen rapid growth in production of the edible oil, used to make cooking oil and biscuits, in recent years. The Indonesian government said on Monday it would protect a strip of peatland in Aceh province at the center of an international storm over palm oil development, in a case that had become a test of the country's commitment to halt deforestation.

Indonesia imposed a two-year moratorium on clearing forest last May under a $1 billion climate deal with Norway aimed at reducing emissions from deforestation, but the former governor of the country's westernmost Aceh province breached the ban by issuing a permit to a palm oil firm to develop the peatland. This prompted legal action from environmental groups and probes by the police and several government bodies.

                                                 

The resulting preliminary investigation showed that the permit was issued to palm oil firm Kallista Alam without following proper procedures, a government official said. The forest, home to endangered orangutans, was partly cleared by burning, even before the permit was issued, said Mas Achmad Santosa, an official at the presidency.

"The case of Kallista Alam in Aceh is the typical problem we are facing ... some parts have been turned to palm oil plantations, some have been burned, and it turned out the permit does not exist," said Kuntoro Mangkusubroto, who is in charge of overseeing forestry sector reform. He said the peatland would again be listed as a protected area.

Former Aceh governor Irwandi Yusuf issued the permit to open 1,605 hectares of land for palm oil in the Tripa peatland area in August last year. Indonesia is the world's largest palm oil exporter and has seen rapid growth in production of the edible oil, used to make cooking oil and biscuits, in recent years. 

xoxox

Nicole

C/O Reuters

Where Are All The Whale Sharks???

*Shelley and I Scuba Diving Utila!*

*Snorkeling With Spinner Dolphins*

A few weeks ago I returned from a fun-filled trip full of diving, volunteering and EATING Lionfish!! My main reason for diving Utila was to swim and snorkel with whale sharks in the wild. Utila, Honduras is considered the "Whale Shark Capital of the Carribean" and I did not want to be disappointed! After a failed attempt at seeing whale sharks up close last year in Placenica, Belize, I thought for sure my week would be filled with lots of bubbles and spawning tuna. Unfortunately, the boat captains and divers of Utila have not seen any whale sharks since mid January and my week was also whale shark free. Many locals and expats explained to me that the weather has really changed over the last few years due to global warming and the effects are already being seen. The warmer water is messing up the spawning seasons of the tuna & groupers therefore the whale sharks are going elsewhere looking for food. :( Yet another reason we MUST act now to combat our ever changing climate!

My week long trip however did not go in vain. I had the pleasure of diving with some awesome intructors (Chris & Brett from the Utila Dive Centre) as well as volunteer at a local spay & neuter clinic that takes place twice a month for the local villagers pets!

*Delivering Donations to Pilar & Volunteer Monica*

Sherry "Pilar" Thorn, found of Helping Hands for Hounds of Honduras, also made the trek from the Hondruan capital of Tegucigalpa to meet me on the tiny island where I delivered toys, blankets, medications, vet supplies and treats for all the stray dogs and cats she takes in to her shelter. Sherry, a retired University professor, has dedicated her life to helping street dogs and cats find a safe haven, food and necessary vet treatment when needed. She has saved countless lives and the locals know her as the go to woman for help when it comes to four-legged creatures (and birds.....snakes....pretty much anything that has a heartbeat!). Sherry invited my travel buddy Shelley and I to attend a local spay & neuter clinic that is run by two American expat vets who live in Utila. I had such a wonderful time seeing these volunteers dedicate their time, money and expertise to help control the unwanted stray population on the island of Utila!

*Helping A Local Dog Get Neutered*

*Brothers Now Neutered!!*

*Shelley and I With The Incredible Volunteers!*

Shelley and I also visited the "Iguana Station", only minutes from our hotel at the Mango Inn, to tour the sanctuary and view the hatcheries where they breed the endangered spiny tailed "swamper" iguana. The project accepts volunteers from around the world and educates the public and tourists about reptiles and animals native to Utila and the Honduran mainland. I would definitely recommend visiting the "Iguana Station" to any tourist to the island as they rely solely on the $3 admission fee and donations to keep the station running!

*A Male "Swamper"*

*Sherry Removing Ticks From A Rescued Boa*

Another highlight for me while visiting Utila was being able to eat the invasive and reef damaging LIONFISH!!!! Every Thursday night, the Utila Dive Centre hosts a BBQ for its employee's and divers and features chicken and lionfish on its menu! The lionfish is caught and prepared by master tec-diver Mary who is an instructor at IDC. She is just as passionate as myself when it comes to reef conservation and hunting the invasive lionfish. Its not everyday you have the opportunity to try them so Shelley and I jumped at the chance and absolutely loved the dinner!! The lionfish was all white meat and tasted so fresh - wasn't overwhelming at all! I really hope more restaurants around the Caribbean will jump on the band wagon and start serving this as a main course or even over pizza!

*Chicken and Lionfish On The Barbie!*

*Mmmmmm Yummy Lionfish!!!*

*Lionfish Hunter Mary and I*

It's time for bed...........I have to get up early for the Green Living Show tomorrow!!!!

Sincerely,

Nicole

Thinking Of A Real Bunny For Easter? THINK AGAIN!

Go Palm Oil Free This V-Day!!

Just Because You Can't See It, Doesn't Mean It Isn't There!

Straight From The Fosters Mouth!

I rescued a little orange tabby from my local high-kill shelter because he was going to be euthanized for two reasons:

1. There was not enough room in the shelter to keep sick & nervous animals

2. The staff there thought he was too hard to give the kitten the necessary meds to help him

I was told by my friend, and Toronto Cat Rescue foster mom Shelley, to get to the shelter ASAP and rescue the kitten for her! I headed out the very next day to save this precious little man who was so so scared. Apparantly he was surrendered to the shelter because his owner had "too many cats in the house". SPAY AND NEUTER YOUR PETS PEOPLE!!

On my way from the shelter to the vet clinic, the little tabby hid at the very back of the crate and looked at me with the most pitiful and soulful eyes. From that moment, I named him "Antonio" because he looked just like Antonio Banderas' character from "Puss and Boots".

Antonio got a clean bill of health and within 24 hours I received this message from his foster mom Shelley":

At first it was forced cuddling until he started to purr last night. Then it was more forced cuddling, but he was more willing. Then, I carried him downstairs, sat in a comfy chair and held him, rubbing his neck and face. Purring started, his body relaxed and then I realized that his tail was out. You know how they pull their tails up between their legs when they are scared? Last night he would barely look at me, and today we did a little gazing into each other's eyes (the ultimate sign of trust). Then slowly, slowly he "opened up', let me rub his belly, and next thing he was on his back legs up, arms down like a human baby, tail out and purring like a tractor. Then, we were both asleep. Best feeling ever, for both of us. Taking care of these little lives is the BEST and most honourable thing I have ever done.

A job very well done Shelley! Another life saved from certain death and within a week he will be put up for adoption on Toronto Cat Rescue's website!!

xoxox

Nicole

My First Rescue of 2012!

*These sister are spending their last night at the shelter*

Tomorrow morning I can head out to my local high-kill shelter and save some very worthy kitties all thanks to Toronto Cat Rescue. It is absolutely freezing in Toronto right now so nothing makes me more happier than getting these innocent cats out of their cold cages and bringing them straight to their warm and loving foster homes!! Here are just a few lives that will be changed for the better tomorrow:

*Siblings that were surrendered by their owners*

It will be nice drive for me tomorrow because I won't be rushing after work (I am still on holidays) and can beat the highway traffic altogether! Should be a great rescue day all in all! I just can't get my mind off all the other animals that are living outside and don't have a place to call home. I guess I can't save them all.

*Princess Jasmine has 2 deformed legs*

My first rescue of 2012 will be a very special one for all of these furr-babies!

xoxox

nicole

Disney's Chimpanzee Coming Soon!!

Disneynature’s film ‘African Cats’ helped the African Wildlife Foundation save over 50,000 acres of African savanna. Now, a new film will help save chimpanzees.

In a press release, Disneynature has announced that a portion of their first week box office sales from their film ‘CHIMPANZEE‘ will benefit the Jane Goodall Instiute (JGI) The nonprofit was founded by primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall and works to save great apes through research, public education and advocacy. The film, being released in theatres April 20, 2012, is going to help further that work. A portion of every ticket sale the week of April 20-26 will be donated to JGI through the Disney Widlife Conservation Fund.

‘CHIMPANZEE’ directors Alastair Fothergill and Mark Linfield followed a chimp named Oscar and his family in the forests of Africa. Walt Disney Studios President Alan Bergman said, “We are very excited to bring the story of Oscar and his chimpanzee family to the big screen. CHIMPANZEE showcases the incredible personalities and heartwarming relationships of these amazing animals…As part of our company’s ongoing efforts to protect the environment and empower audiences to participate in global conservation, Disneynature is proud to join with Jane Goodall Institute in its efforts to secure a future for chimpanzees in the Republic of Congo.”

Dr. Goodall, also a UN Messenger of Peace, is also excited about the partnership. “The Jane Goodall Institute is proud to work so closely with Disneynature on the release of CHIMPANZEE. JGI has been working in Africa for almost 35 years following on from my research begun in 1960. We are thrilled to extend our impact and efforts through this collaboration to support and celebrate such a wonderful film. Together, we can truly make a difference and are thrilled to have Disneynature join our efforts to protect chimpanzee habitats, care for orphaned chimpanzees in the Republic of Congo and educate a new generation of young people and connect them to nature.”

The movie may not be out until April, but Disneynature says you can get tickets for groups of 20 or more now by calling 1-888-DISNEY6.

A big thank you to one of my favourite sites Ecorazzi for sharing this wonderful news!!

xoxox

Nicole