Minneapolis, Minnesota — An unassuming pony is at the center of controversy in central Minnesota. Pam Davidson calls him Tony the Wonder Pony, but city leaders in Clarissa and Eagle Bend say he can’t stay in city limits any longer. WCCO-TV dug into the debate that one woman’s been trying to rein in for months. Some might find it strange to share 800 square feet with a 300-pound Shetland pony. Bizzare or not, Davidson wouldn’t want it any other way. “We’re all different people in this world. We’re all different people. And Tony is different, and I’m different,” Davidson said. Diagnosed with depression and anxiety, Davidson calls Tony “the Wonder Pony” for what he’s done to turn her life around. “He helps me like you would not believe,” she said. “This animal has kept me from dying. This animal has help me become active. This animal has got me out of my bed room where I locked myself away for a year-and-a-half after my sister died.” Davidson says her pony is housebroken since he came from another family who raised him indoors. She’s had Tony since May as an emotional support animal. “I have letters from my doctors,” she explained. Despite mental health professionals weighing in, it took just a few days to hear from the cities of Clarissa and Eagle Bend where she lives and spends her time. “All farm animals including all types of horses are prohibited from the city limits,” reads one letter. Clarissa’s city administrator didn’t want to be on camera but told WCCO-TV the emotional support title differs from a full-fledged service animal. They’re not entitled to the same protection under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Also, citing safety as a concern, he said a truck driver was forced to brake when he found Tony wandering near the highway this summer. Davidson has offered to build a fence and not take her pet into businesses where he’s not wanted anymore. “They won’t listen to me. They won’t listen to me,” she said. Davidson doesn’t want to move but vows to do whatever it takes to protect the pony that she says has done the same for her. “I’m not going to give up fighting,” she said. “I’d rather be homeless. I’m not going to let him go.” Davidson has ignored the city of Clarissa’s request to get rid of Tony. She has until Thursday to appeal a decision in Eagle Bend that denied her a variance for her pony. Either city would need a court order to physically remove Tony from town.
You’ve probably heard animal rights advocates say, “Adopt, don’t shop!” Instead of buying an animal from a pet store or a breeder, millions of Americans are choosing to adopt a pet from animal shelters each year. But plenty of people are completely misinformed about animal shelters and the pets who come from them. Unfortunately, some myths that people believe may stop them from adopting an adorable cat or dog from their local shelter. Want to make sure you haven’t been deceived by the biggest misconceptions about animal shelters? Read on to check out the myths that seem to stick around no matter how much those in the know try to set them straight. 1. People assume it doesn’t make a difference if they go to the animal shelter Most people know that animal shelters have more pets than they can accommodate. But they still justify going to the pet store or seeking out a breeder by telling themselves that it doesn’t make a difference if they adopt one pet from the local animal shelter. However, adopting a pet instead of buying one makes a huge difference to the animal you bring home. You don’t have to get your next pet from the animal shelter. But if you do, you can feel confident that you’re making a difference. 2. They think that only animals who aren’t good pets end up at the shelter One of the biggest misconceptions of all? The idea that shelter animals are somehow “less than” other pets. People assume that cats and dogs only end up at the shelter because they don’t make good pets. But that’s simply untrue. People often give up animals because they’re moving to a new residence that doesn’t allow pets. They take unwanted litters of puppies or kittens to the shelter. And they also give up their pet if they can’t afford to take care of the animal, or if they simply don’t have enough time to spend with the animal. Pets you can adopt from the shelter are often just as loving and lovable as pets you can obtain anywhere else.
3. People think an animal shelter pet won’t bond with a new owner Everybody wants a pet who will bond with them and their family. Too many people assume that won’t happen if they adopt a pet from the animal shelter. An older dog or a cat who was a stray won’t be any less likely to love you than an animal who came from a breeder or from a pet store. A shelter will typically let you spend lots of time interacting with an animal before you consider adopting. Some even enable home visits. So you can easily tell whether you and a particular cat or dog are a good match. And trust us, you’re incredibly likely to find a pet who will love you if you head to the animal shelter. 4. They assume that pets at the animal shelter will be difficult to train Potential pet owners who would prefer to work with a breeder or head to the pet store often think that a pet from the animal shelter will be difficult to train. However, that’s certainly not a universal truth. Most animal shelters have a couple of animals who were neglected or abused by their previous owners, and those animals may have a few behavioral issues (or they may not). Every pet needs proper training, and fortunately, the process likely won’t prove any harder with a shelter pet.
5. People think shelter pets are dirty Another pernicious myth about animal shelters? That they and the animals inside them are dirty and unkempt. In most cases, the myth proves completely wrong. Shelter staff routinely groom animals. For instance, a shelter dog probably gets regular baths, brushings, and nail clipping sessions. And animals who live at a shelter generally live in conditions that are much cleaner and safer than what you’d find at a puppy mill. Sure, an animal shelter might smell, well, like animals. But when there are dozens of animals under one roof, can you really blame them? 6. They decide it’s a bad idea to get an animal with a back story Most people love the idea of getting a kitten or a puppy. That’s not only because baby animals are cute, but also because these animals don’t have a history. But trying to avoid an animal with baggage won’t help you find a better pet. Adult or senior animals are the right choice for many prospective pet owners. And while some animals have suffered abuse and may have behavioral issues, the shelter staff won’t neglect to tell you what they know about a pet’s back story, so you can decide what you’re willing to take on. Besides, every pet has a distinct personality; you won’t necessarily have an easier time with a pet who didn’t come from a shelter versus one who did. 7. People think you can’t know what you’re getting One of the most persistent myths about adopting a pet from the shelter is that you won’t know what you’re getting. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Some cats and dogs available for adoption have been in foster care, so a volunteer has hosted the animal in his or her home. They can tell you lots more information about the animal’s personality and habits than a pet store or even a breeder could tell you. Even if the animal has only stayed in the shelter, volunteers there can probably tell you about the cat or dog’s temperament. You’ll also get a more candid sense of the animal’s physical health or behavior than you’d get at a pet store or from a breeder. 8. They assume they can’t find the animal they want at a shelter Many people assume that if they go to the animal shelter instead of a pet store, they won’t be able to find the exact animal they want. It’s true that many of the pets at the shelter are mixed breeds. But shelters also end up with purebred dogs and cats, since people buy those animals and then give them up if they can’t take care of them. Some shelters actually maintain waiting lists for specific breeds, and breed-specific rescue organizations can help you find a specific dog breed or cat breed. 9. People think households with children shouldn’t adopt Many people think that pets who come from the animal shelter are unpredictable in their behavior. So, understandably, they feel wary of bringing an unpredictable animal into a household with small children. However, there’s no need to feel suspicious. Shelter staff assesses the behavior of each animal at their facility. The staff discloses any behavioral issues or suspected problems to potential pet owners. It wouldn’t do a shelter any good to lie about an animal’s personality or temperament. If you want a dog or a cat who will get along well with your children, just ask. The shelter staff can probably point you in the right direction. 10. They think a ‘free’ animal is a better deal than one at a shelter Most shelters charge an adoption fee when you want to take an animal home. So some people think that getting a “free” animal, such as a kitten from a friend’s litter, is a better deal than adopting an animal at the shelter. However, that’s usually not the case. Dogs and cats at the animal shelter get a health exam, important vaccinations, preventative medications, and often a spay or neuter surgery. If you adopt a “free” pet, you’ll be responsible for the cost of all of those items, which quickly adds up to far more than the typical adoption fee. 11. People think cats and dogs are the only animals available at the animal shelter Many Americans want a dog or a cat. But those who’d prefer a rabbit, a bird, a snake, or any other less common pet automatically write off the animal shelter. Not so fast! Many animal shelters host animals of all kinds, not just of the canine and feline variety. If you’re looking for a specific kind of pet, it never hurts to ask! The shelter may either have exactly what you’re looking for or know of another shelter where you could find the pet of your dreams. 12. They think an animal from a breeder will be healthier than a pet from a shelter Potential pet owners worry about the health of the pet they’ll bring home. Many erroneously cross the animal shelter off their list because they think that an animal from a breeder will be healthier. However, that’s often not the case. It’s well-known that many kinds of purebred dogs are prone to genetic disorders and predisposed to specific ailments thanks to the narrow gene pool of the breed’s bloodline. Broadly speaking, a purebred from a shelter and a purebred from the breeder will have the same likelihood of developing those diseases. But a mixed breed animal adopted from the shelter will likely develop fewer genetic ailments and could stay healthier in the long run. Plus, a pet from the animal shelter will almost certainly be healthier than one bred and raised by a puppy mill. 13. People think the shelter staff doesn’t know much about their animals Some people, especially those who have never walked into a shelter, imagine that the staff doesn’t know much about each of the animals. That couldn’t get further from the truth. First of all, many educated and experienced professionals volunteer at their local animal shelter. (We wouldn’t be surprised to find vet techs, veterinarians, animal behaviorists, and researchers among the ranks.) They also work hard to observe each animal’s behavior and temperament. They can probably even tell you which food, treats, and toys each animal prefers. And of course, they’re well-informed on the animal’s medical status and any special needs. 14. They think you can only get an adult animal from the shelter Have your heart set on a puppy or kitten? We have good news for you: You don’t have to go the pet store or find a breeder. In addition to adult pets, most animal shelters have an abundance of young animals who are up for adoption. Especially during the spring and summer, most shelters end up with lots of litters. That means there are plenty of puppies and kittens to adopt.
15. People think they can’t find the perfect pet at an animal shelter This is a big one, but it’s important to get this misconception out of the way. When people think about bringing a pet home, they often decide that they want the “perfect” pet. However, that’s an ideal that doesn’t exist, whether you’re looking around at the local animal shelter or talking with a breeder who has championship-winning dogs. The perfect cat or dog just doesn’t exist. Once you get past that idea, you’ll feel better prepared to evaluate what you want in a pet — without placing unrealistic expectations on your new kitten or puppy.
Washington, DC - The Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA) is joining Fitzgerald Subaru for the “ASPCA Subaru Loves Pets” fee-waived adoption event, Saturday, Oct. 21st from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Fitzgerald Subaru Rockville. Thanks to a grant from Subaru and the ASPCA, all adoption fees will be waived at the event. The Humane Rescue Alliance will have 25 adoptable animals available at the Fitzgerald Subaru location at 11411 Rockville Pike in Rockville, Maryland. WHAT: Humane Rescue Alliance/Fitzgerald Subaru “ASPCA Subaru Loves Pets” Fee-waived adoption event. Fitzgerald Subaru will also be accepting pet food and supply donations for the Humane Rescue Alliance’s Hope Program. WHEN: Saturday, October 21st from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. WHERE: Fitzgerald Subaru Rockville 11411 Rockville Pike Rockville, Maryland
About the Humane Rescue Alliance: The Humane Rescue Alliance has protected and served the animals of the community for more than 145 years and serves more than 60,000 animals annually. The broad range of programs offered include: rescue and adoption, humane law enforcement, low-cost veterinary services, animal care and control, behavior and training, spay-neuter services, humane education, and many others. The organization is dedicated to ensuring the safety and welfare of all animals, bringing people and animals together, and working with all communities to support these relationships. HRA is based in Washington, DC, the only major urban area in the country that has all of its animal protection programs and services unified in one organization, making the Humane Rescue Alliance a model for the nation.
Authorities are investigating a multistate outbreak of human Campylobacter infections linked to puppies sold through the national pet store chain Petland. As of October 3, a total of 55 people with laboratory-confirmed infections or symptoms consistent with Campylobacter infection have been linked to the outbreak. They live in 12 states — Florida, Kansas, Maryland, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Fourteen of those are Petland employees, 35 either recently purchased a puppy at Petland, visited a Petland, or visited or live in a home with a puppy sold through Petland and one person had sexual contact with a person with a confirmed illness linked to Petland. Four others were exposed to puppies from various sources, and one had “unknown puppy exposure,” according to a release from the Centers for Disease Control. Those who are sick range in age from less than one year old to 86 years old. Petland is cooperating with public health and animal health officials to address the outbreak. Clinical samples from the people and puppies involved appear to be resistant to commonly recommended, first-line antibiotics. This means infections with the outbreak strain may not respond well to oral antibiotics usually prescribed to treat Campylobacter infections. According to the CDC, symptoms of Campylobacter include diarrhea, cramping, abdominal pain, and fever. Illness typically lasts one week.
Law gives Animal Control officers additional tools to protect the animals of Washington, DC
Washington, DC – The DC Council voted today to pass the “Standard of Care for Animals Amendment Act of 2017,” a significant revision to the laws governing the humane treatment of animals in the District of Columbia. The animal-welfare legislation provides the Humane Rescue Alliance’s Animal Control officers additional tools with which they can enforce the laws concerning the humane treatment of animals. The bill also creates and defines a standard of care for animals, including requirements of adequate care, food, space, shelter and water. “This is an important moment for the animals of the District of Columbia,” said Lisa LaFontaine, President and CEO for the Humane Rescue Alliance. “This bill establishes strong definitions for adequate care for animals and empowers the dedicated professionals that make up our Animal Care and Control team. Moving forward, our officers now have more tools at their disposal to ensure that the animals of our city are protected and are able to prosecute those that choose to violate these laws effectively.” “This comprehensive animal-welfare bill creates a ‘Standard of Care’ that all pet owners must comply with – something brand new for the District,” said Councilmember Brandon Todd (D-Ward 4). “By providing the authority necessary to holistically protect the health and safety of District animals, we can prevent others from suffering like Momma, a Petworth pit bull left outdoors in frigid temperatures whose inhumane treatment triggered an outpouring of concern and my introduction of an earlier version of this legislation. I thank the Humane Rescue Alliance for their advocacy and assistance in crafting this bill, and appreciate their commitment to protecting animal wellbeing in the District.” The law will be known as “Ray’s Law,” a tribute to Vice President of Field Services Ray Noll, a longtime animal welfare advocate who was instrumental in crafting the legislation. Noll, who passed away suddenly last week, had worked tirelessly for months to ensure the bill would effectively address the issues of adequate care and proper enforcement. The amendment is the result of months of deliberation by city officials and Humane Rescue Alliance representatives to craft the new legislation. The bill was introduced originally by Councilmember Brandon Todd as emergency legislation in February when concern arose over animals left outside in cold weather. That bill, the Standard Care of Animals Amendment Act of 2017 passed its first reading by the Council in July. Highlights of the amendment include the following: · Provides Humane Rescue Alliance officers with the authority to issue citations and warnings in cases of intentional or grossly negligent harm to an animal. · Defines “adequate shelter.” When the temperature is at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, “adequate shelter” shall mean that a the dog has access to a shelter large enough for the dog to stand up and turn around, that has an entrance covered by a flexible wind-proofing material or self-closing door, that contains a platform for the dog at least 4 inches off the ground, and that contains dry bedding, which must consist of an insulating material that does not retain moisture, such as straw, of sufficient depth for the dog to burrow. When the temperature is at or above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, “adequate shelter” shall additionally mean that a dog has access to a shelter shaded by trees, a roof, a tarp, or a tarp-like device. · Clarifies that an animal cannot be outdoors for more than 15 minutes during periods of extreme weather without human accompaniment or adequate shelter. Extreme weather means temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit or above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. · Clarifies that an animal or animals shall not be left alone in a vehicle in such a way that endangers the animal’s health or safety.
In a related development, the DC Council has approved emergency legislation that will allow food establishments in Washington, DC to permit dogs in outdoor dining areas and unenclosed sidewalk cafés. The emergency bill by the DC Council, along with the permanent Standard Care for Animals Amendment, further establishes Washington, DC as a proponent of responsible pet ownership.
About the Humane Rescue Alliance: The Humane Rescue Alliance has protected and served the animals of the community for more than 145 years and serves more than 60,000 animals annually. The broad range of programs offered include: rescue and adoption, humane law enforcement, low-cost veterinary services, animal care and control, behavior and training, spay-neuter services, humane education, and many others. The organization is dedicated to ensuring the safety and welfare of all animals, bringing people and animals together, and working with all communities to support these relationships. HRA is based in Washington, DC, the only major urban area in the country that has all of its animal protection programs and services unified in one organization, making the Humane Rescue Alliance a model for the nation.
Congratulations to Humane Rescue Alliance President & CEO, Lisa LaFontaine, who was named to the Washington Business Journal's 2017 Women Who Mean Business list, highlighting area leaders that have made an impact in their industry and communities. To read more on this story, click here:Meet our 2017 Women Who Mean Business honorees
The Washington, DC community has lost a long time public servant and the animals of the nation’s capital have lost a champion. Ray Noll, Vice President of Field Services for the Humane Rescue Alliance, passed away Thursday at the age of 55.
“Ray Noll’s impact on our city and our organization is immeasurable,” said Humane Rescue Alliance President and CEO Lisa LaFontaine. “His death is unimaginable to us and is an incalculable loss to our organization. Ray was responsible for saving the lives of literally thousands of animals, personally and through our programs. He was a respected and beloved leader of HRA and his death is devastating to our team.”
Noll led the Animal Control and Humane Law Enforcement divisions for HRA, including animal control officers, animal control investigators, humane law enforcement officers, dispatchers, and wildlife specialists. Noll’s dedicated team served the 600,000 residents and 1.9 million annual visitors of Washington, DC, responding to more than 12,000 calls for assistance each year. Those calls included care for sick or injured wild animals, dogs running loose and cases of animal abuse and neglect.
Noll, who joined the Humane Rescue Alliance (then the Washington Humane Society) five years ago as the Director of Animal Control Field Services, brought unmatched qualifications to his position. Experience as an EMT, longtime humane law enforcement officer, and K-9 officer complemented his love of all animals, making him an ideal candidate to lead the Field Services division when he arrived.
Prior to joining HRA, Noll was the Chief of Special Police at the World Bank, continuing a career in law enforcement and emergency management that began 13 years ago.
A native of New Jersey, Noll is survived by his two children, Samantha and RJ, and his girlfriend Lori Mayer.
About the Humane Rescue Alliance: The Humane Rescue Alliance has protected and served the animals of the community for more than 145 years and serves more than 60,000 animals annually. The broad range of programs offered include: rescue and adoption, humane law enforcement, low-cost veterinary services, animal care and control, behavior and training, spay-neuter services, humane education, and many others. The organization is dedicated to ensuring the safety and welfare of all animals, bringing people and animals together, and working with all communities to support these relationships. HRA is based in Washington, DC, the only major urban area in the country that has all of its animal protection programs and services unified in one organization, making the Humane Rescue Alliance a model for the nation.
Wildlife photographer Wim van den Heever, 45, visited the Falkland Islands this Year to shoot pictures and scout the area for future tours. Wim’s breathtaking images show a small group of king penguins before they head out to sea at sunrise. Wim said: “The sunrise created beautiful vibrant colors and amazing reflections. I feel as though the pictures awaken a sense of awe for the beauty of these king penguins and the remote Falkland Islands.” “I was photographing this scene while lying flat in the surf early morning. After 15 minutes or so I was completely soaked from head to toe in icy seawater, losing feeling in my hands and feet. To read more on this story, click here:Breathtaking Shots of King Penguins Marching in Golden Sunrise
The reason lies within the eye. In the eye are light receptors called cones and rods. Cones help us distinguish different colors, while rods help us see in dim light. The number of cones and rods is different for dogs. Turns out, dogs have fewer cone receptors than humans, which means they can't see as many colors. Human cones can detect 3 colors: red, green, and blue. Dog cones can only detect 2 colors. No one is certain what those 2 colors are. Some experts think it could be blue and yellow. Alexandra Horowitz, author of "Being a Dog" told us that it's difficult to know exactly what colors a dog sees, but it's probably similar to what we see at dusk. Dog eyes have more rods than humans, which means they can see much better at night. Dogs also have a layer of eye tissue that humans lack called the tapetum lucidum, it reflects light into the retina. This boosts dogs' night vision even more and is why dogs' eyes shine in the dark. Turns out, dogs' eyes see much more than just black and white. Consider that the next time you stare into those cute puppy dog eyes.
Phoenix, Arizona - A man was hospitalized after surviving a rattlesnake bite to the face while trying to show off to friends at a party by attempting to cook the reptile on a barbecue grill. Victor Pratt, 48, was bitten Sept. 7. He was first treated at a hospital near his Coolidge, Ariz., home and then transferred to Banner-University Medical Center in Phoenix. Coolidge is nearly 60 miles southeast of Phoenix. While celebrating his child's birthday with friends, Pratt said he decided to show them how to catch and cook a rattlesnake after one of the reptiles showed up in his yard during the party. Pratt, who was interviewed Friday, grabbed the venomous snake and was showing it off to friends and family, posing for several photos. But he lost his grip on the snake's head, and it attacked him. After being bit twice, once on the chest and once on the face, Pratt said he knew immediately that something was wrong, having been bitten once before when he was 19. "I said, 'We gotta go now,' because I knew what was going to happen," Pratt said. He was taken immediately to a local hospital, which doctors said saved his life. He also has received doses of antivenom. "If an airway is not established in the first few minutes, in our experience less than 15 to 30 minutes, then those patients really don't have a chance to survive,'' said Dr. Steven Curry, Banner hospital's toxicology director. Curry said getting a tube inserted into the patient's airway is vital, especially in face bites. "If they can get their airway established, they're very lucky," Curry said. "That is, you're lucky to have been bitten and been able to make it to the hospital in just a few minutes in order to have those emergency procedures done that are needed to save your life." Pratt was sedated as the procedure was being done, and remained that way for five days, including when he was transferred to the Phoenix hospital. "I lost five days of memory," Pratt said. "I didn't know where I was for five days." This kind of memory loss is common, Curry said, because the drugs needed to keep a patient under prevent memories from forming. For their own safety, patients with face bites are kept heavily sedated, and have their hands wrapped in large, bulky bandages to prevent them from pulling out the endotracheal tube. "(If) that endotracheal tube would come out, because of severe neck swelling, it would be difficult or impossible to immediately put it back in or immediately perform ... an emergency tracheotomy," Curry said. "Because if that tube were to come out, then we would expect that they would be in very big trouble immediately, and perhaps might even die in four to five minutes." Curry said rattlesnake bites are divided into two categories: bites where the victim didn't know there was a snake or tried to get away, or those where the person recognized there was a snake present but did not immediately try to get away. Most bites, he said, are the latter kind. Rattlesnake venom is toxic and can cause swelling, paralysis and numbness at the site of the bite, damaging the tissue. It can cause a person's airwaves to swell to the point of blocking air, and cause internal bleeding. Curry said seeking medical care quickly is critical, noting that home treatments are a mistake. "First-aid measures such as tourniquets, ice, incisions or taking the time to apply suctions ... are dangerous and harmful," he said. "Or completely ineffective, as in the case of suction."
The common denominator across all snake-bite deaths in Arizona, he said, was the victim not receiving medical attention immediately. Often, this is because the victim is out hiking, or in an area far from civilization, Curry said. But in other cases, it's because they thought they could treat themselves. Banner Hospital treats, on average, 70 snake-bite victims a year, Curry said. While face bites such as Pratt's make up less than 1% of them, they are often the most serious. Pratt, however, said he was done dealing with the venomous reptiles. "Ain't gonna play with snakes no more," he said.
Eshyah Selig is a former real estate appraiser and devoted cat person with a plan. In roughly one month she'll unveil the Crescent City Cat Club, a nonprofit organization devoted to bringing New Orleans cat lovers and homeless kitties together for companionship, comfort, fun and possible adoption. Here's how it's supposed to work. Let's say you adore cats, but your house mate is allergic. Let's say you're on an extended business trip and miss your tabby back home. Let's say you can't commit to the long-term care of a pet. Let's say you just want more, and more, and more cuddly contact with our whiskery friends. "For a lot of cat people," Selig said, "their idea of heaven is hanging out with cats." Selig hopes such cat people will make their way to the Marigny neighborhood, where she's busily converting a shotgun double into a kitty visiting center. For $7, guests will be able to stand at the glass windows in the kitten room, where they can watch staff members bottle-feed newborns in need of mothering. To read more on this story, click here:Would You Pay $7 to Hang Out with House cats at the Crescent City Cat Club?
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Big Sur, California - In a remote, rugged valley overlooking the Pacific Ocean, researchers closely monitor an endangered icon: the California condor. The giant vultures flap their wings and circle the sky before perching on branches and observing their observers. Wildlife biologist Amy List uses a handheld antenna to track the birds, which wear radio transmitters and numbered tags. "If we don't know what they're doing, we don't know what's going wrong," said List, who works for the Ventana Wildlife Society, which manages the condor sanctuary in Big Sur. Three decades after being pushed to the brink of extinction, the California condor is making a comeback in the wild, but constant vigilance is needed to ensure the endangered bird doesn't reverse course. One of the world's largest birds with a wingspan up to 10 feet, the condor once patrolled the sky from Mexico to British Columbia. But its population plummeted in the 20th century due to lead poisoning, hunting and habitat destruction. In 1987, wildlife officials captured the last remaining 22 condors and took them to the San Diego and Los Angeles zoos to be protected and bred in captivity. Those efforts have led to a slow but steady recovery for a species that reproduces slowly compared with other birds. There are now roughly 450 condors, including about 270 in the wild in California, Arizona, Utah and northeastern Mexico. Plans also are underway to release some captive-bred condors in Redwood National Park in 2019 to establish a population near the California-Oregon border. Federal officials said in August that for the first time in nearly 40 years, condors were roosting in the Blue Ridge National Wildlife Refuge, expanding to their historical range in the southern Sierra Nevada. Another milestone was reached this summer: the first "third generation" condor was born in the wild in California since the 1980s. "We're seeing very encouraging results that the condors can become self-sustaining again," said Kelly Sorenson, who heads the conservation group. While condors still face threats from exposure to mercury and the pesticide DDT, biologists say the biggest danger is lead ammunition, which can poison the scavengers when they eat dead animals shot with lead bullets. California banned the use of lead ammunition near condor feeding grounds in 2008 and will be the first state to ban lead bullets in all hunting in 2019. "We're already starting to see fewer lead deaths. The condors are surviving longer. Their blood-lead levels are coming down," Sorenson said. Some gun owners complain that copper bullets are more expensive and less effective than lead and point to other possible sources of lead, such as paint and metal garbage. "Condors are getting lead poisoning. The question is, are they getting it from lead ammunition?" said Chuck Michel, president of the California Pistol and Rifle Association. Meanwhile, the San Diego Zoo celebrated the birth of its 200th condor this year. "While we were caring for the birds, trying to protect them and provide sanctuary, we were literally writing the book how you propagate a species, how you genetically manage it and prepare it for release back in the wild," Michael Mace, the zoo's birds curator. After up to a year at the zoo, chicks are taken to a release site such as the Big Sur sanctuary, where a flock has grown to about 90 condors that travel between Big Sur and Pinnacles National Park. They scavenge, breed and raise chicks on their own, under the close watch of List, the wildlife biologist, and her colleagues. "I hope that I'm out of a job soon because condors don't need to be managed in the future," she said. "I hope that they're self-sustaining and wild and free, and nobody needs to trap or tag or monitor them at all."
A mother-of-three has been left paralyzed after she climbed a tree to save her new kitten and fell on an exposed root. Rachel Maree, from Perth, is recovering in hospital after the horrific accident earlier this week and said she's been told she "may never use her legs again." "I'm pretty drugged up and in extreme pain," the 30-year-old wrote on Facebook. "[I have] a long recovery ahead and plenty of rehab.
