Wild Animal Wednesday! Baby Moose Playing in Sprinkler

This video is so adorable. Baby animals are so cute, and these baby moose are the cutest. I wish I could see them playing in the sprinkler in my backyard! Appreciate the earth and all of it's living creatures today!

Wild Animal Wednesday! Endangered Species in CT

Did you know that there are several animal and plant species in Connecticut that are listed on the Endangered, Threatened or Special Concern list?  The Peregrine Falcon, Indiana Bat, Least Shrew, Red Headed Woodpecker, and Bog Turtle are just a few considered Endangered.  Visit the DEP website for a complete list. 

If you would like to help Connecticut's Endangered Species- buy the "Conserve Wildlife" license plate!  Ask about it next time you are at the DMV.  You can also donate directly to the Endangered Species/ Wildlife Fund.  Send your check to:
Endangered Species/ Wildlife Fund
Bureau of Administration- Financial Management
CT Department of Environmental Protection
79 Elm Street
Hartford, CT 06106

Monday's Funny Video of the Week! Ducklings in the Sink!

This video is more amuzing and adorable than laugh out loud funny, but I loved watching these itty bitty ducklings splash around- I hope you do too! 

Wild Animal Wednesday! Shark Week at Mystic Aquarium

Shark Week is happening now until April 20th at Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut!  From 11am-3pm each day kids will have a chance to learn about shark conservation, diets, myths and more.  There is even a new shark touch pool where you can get up close and personal with docile white-spotted bamboo and coral cat sharks as they swim by!  The shark activities are included with general admission.  Plan your trip to Mystic Aquarium today! 

Wild Animal Wednesday! New Baby at Bronx Zoo!

Spring is here and that means animal babies!!  The Bronx Zoo has a newborn Coquerel's sifaka which is a type of lemur.  It looks like a perfect weekend for a trip to the zoo so make sure you stop by and see "Ares"! 

(photo courtesy of Zooborns & the Bronx Zoo)

Wild Animal Wednesday! The Spring Peeper Has Arrived!

The Spring Peeper is a familiar amphibian friend here in the Northeast.  The Peeper starts making an appearance right around the beginning of the Spring season and can be recognized by it's high pitched "peep peep" call.  Chances are you know what I am talking about, but if not- roll down your car window next time it rains (or right after it rains) and you will hear the chorus of Peepers.  I really love these little tree frogs, their call is pretty soothing and the are absolutely adorable!  They are really small- usually no larger than a paperclip!  After a rain, especially in a wooded area or by a vernal pool, you can see them jumping in the streets (be careful)!  If their size doesn't give them away immediately, they also have a very distinct X marking on their backs. 
(photo courtesy of  http://www.sciencecenterct.org)

To listen to the sounds of the Spring Peeper click on the Youtube video below.

Belated Wild Animal Wednesday! Wild Core Volunteer Program

Have you ever heard of Wild Core?  They are actually a great group right here in Connecticut who foucs on local environmental and conservation issues.  Here is a little information about them from their website:

"Wild Core is One of Connecticut’s largest and most respected environmental / conservation organizations. The organization works to protect and conserve Connecticut’s beautiful Wildlife and Wild Places so our future generations have a healthy place to raise their families. We operate a environmental volunteer program, we host many special events for families and offer schools, youth groups and adults premium educational programming."

If you are interested in getting involved read about their wonderful volunteer opportunities:

"Wild Core’s Environmental Volunteer Program, places individuals all over the state of Connecticut, into their local community to make a difference in the environment and for wildlife. Wild Core is virtually changing the way volunteers well…. Volunteer! Our volunteers enjoy working with Wild Core because of our flexible schedule and laidback program structure. Our volunteers are able to make most of their decisions on their own. After all volunteering is something that should be fun and rewarding, not your average 9-5 job. Volunteers in our program choose: When, Where, How and for How Long they want to volunteer. There are no minimums, and no maximums or other deciding factors; with the exception of any health and safety factors that may be the only limiting culprit to our program. Our volunteers enjoy working in a work environment that is set by their own pace/speed.

Volunteers work on many projects for the organization. Wildlife Rehabilitation, Hiking Trail Maintenance, Gardening, Administrative Work, Interpretive Work, Research Assistant for one of our affiliated Biologist/Scientists, Even Kayaking and Camping are just a few of the many ways our volunteers are making a difference.

Wild Core also has partnered with other environmentally oriented organizations that do not have the technologies or other abilities to recruit volunteers for their projects or programs. In this case volunteers are still working for Wild Heart, but are lending a helping hand to one of our affiliated partners. Becoming a volunteer is awfully easy and is a very rewarding step in the right direction.

For more information on our volunteer program, to see a list of current opportunities or to become a volunteer, click here."
(photo courtesy of wildcore.org)

Wild Animal Wednesday! Tigers Need Your Help!

Tigers are in serious danger of becoming extinct.  There are fewer than 50 wild tigers left in China and the global wild tiger population is at an all time low of about 3,200 (down from 20,000 in the 1980's!).  According to Discoverynews.com "Degradation of the animal's habitat and poaching of the tiger and its prey are blamed for its rapid disappearance."  These creatures are so beautiful, we can't let this happen to them! 

The Wildlife Conservation Society is busy working to help the tigers... but they need our help.  "WCS's Tigers Forever initiative, a collaboration with the Panthera foundation, aspires to boost tiger numbers by 50 percent by 2015 across a dozen WCS field sites in Asia, from 800 to approximately 1,200 cats. Innovative programs and partnerships throughout the tiger’s remaining range are helping us to achieve this goal."

Do you want to help the tigers and want to get in shape but can't find the motivation?  Let the tigers motivate you!  This Spring at the Bronx Zoo, The WCS is hosting a 5K run/walk to help with the Tiger initiative.  Run for the Wild and "Make Tracks for Tigers" in 2010.  We can all make a difference, and get in shape during the process.  I'll be there, will you?  Sign up today!!

Wild Animal Wednesday! This Week- Baby Snow Monkey in the Snow at Central Park!

After the big snow storm hit last weekend a baby Snow Monkey was photographed playing in the powder at the Central Park Zoo.  From the looks of it is appears that the little monkey is trying to snowboard on a piece of a log!  Silly guy looks like he is having so much fun!!  (photo courtesy James Devaney/WireImage)

Plan your trip to the Central Park Zoo to see all of the Snow Monkeys in person! 

Monday's Funny Video of the Week! Santa Penguins!

There's nothing like penguins dressed up like Santa to get you into the holiday spirit!  Check out this short video from a zoo in South Korea-  It will definitely brighten your day!   

Santa Penguins @ Yahoo! Video

Wild Animal Wednesday's! This Week- CT Partners in Regional New England Cottontail Initiative

Connecticut is participating in the Regional New England Cottontail Initiative to restore 1200 acres of New England Cottontail habitat.  Connecticut is partnering with the Wildlife Agencies from New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New York and Maine.  Some of the restoration strategy includes activities like reclaiming old field sites, control of non-native plants, and clearing forested areas to encourage regeneration of smaller plants (providing dense thicket) required by the Cottontail.  These activities will also benefit many other local species.  Connecticut is hoping to restore 150 acres of Cottontail habitat on state- owned properties.

According to the New England Cottontail Project Team "The New England cottontail is considered a species of greatest conservation need and it is the only cottontail rabbit native to Connecticut.  It is medium sized with a brown or buff colored coat." A petition to list the Cottontail as threatened or endangered was filed in 2008.  The New England Cottontail Initiative will take place over the next three years.  To read more about this visit the DEP website or check out Connecticut Wildlife Magazine.

Wild Animal Wednesdays! This Week - CT Hawk Migration Viewing scheduled

Every Autumn the majority of our New England Hawks will migrate south for the winter.  September and October are great times to catch a glimpse of the many hawks migrating.  With a good pair of binoclulars you can see all species of hawks from Peregrine Falcons, Red Tailed Hawks and Osprey.  If your luck you might even see a Bald Eagle! 

The Hawk Migration Viewing Event will take place On Saturday, October 24, 2009, from 10 a.m. to noon.  The New Haven Land Trust will feature East Rock Park Ranger Dan Barvir leading a fall bird walk through the Quinnipiac Meadows/Eugene Fargeorge Preserve.

This event has been rescheduled from Saturday October 17th until this Saturday October 24th.

Of particular interest will be the fall hawk migration that will be in full effect. Ranger Dan will also touch on the importance of preservation of wetlands along the Quinnipiac River as they include bird habitats. Capacity 30 individuals at $5 per person payment to the New Haven Land Trust in advance- register soon.

Information courtesy of ctenvironmentalheadlines.com

Wild Animal Wednesdays! This Week- Sea Lion Pups at Mystic Aquarium!

This Summer three orphaned Sea Lion pups were rescued (separately) and brought to the Mystic Aquarium, right here in Connecticut.  They came from all over the country but have become the best of friends!  For the full story visit the Zooborns Website.  The Mystic Aquarium is a terrific place to plan a day trip with their many beautiful animals, dolphin show, and wonderful exhibits.  Plan your trip while the weather is still nice!  Visit http://www.mysticaquarium.org/. 

(photo courtesy of Mystic Aquarium)

Baby Walrus Dies of Pneumonia in Brooklyn

Akituusaq was Brooklyn's baby walrus.  He was the first Pacific Walrus born at the New York Aquaruim in over 113 years.   Unfortunately his stay on earth was short lived as he died on September 1st, 2009, at only two years old.  Atikuusaq died because of complications from pnemonia.  The Aquarium tried to save the baby walrus' life by providing special round the clock care, but it just wasn't meant to be.  Walrus births in captivity are actually very rare; only one in five live past their first year.  Support the Wildlife Conservation Society, visit the New York Aquaruim.  They are also looking for volunteers, if you are interested in helping please click here.

Check out the video below of Akituusaq and his Dad, Ayveq swimming and having fun in their aquarium. 

Wild Animal Wednesday's! Beardsley Zoo Needs Your Help! Show Your Support and Check Out Their Newest Addition

Naka is the newest addition to the Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport, CT!  She is a four year old female Amur, or Siberian tiger, that recently arrived from the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse New, York.

Plans are in place to breed Naka and Booskin (the male Amur at Beardsley) in the next year. Female Amurs usually give birth to 2 or 3 cubs. The Amur is a critically endangered subspecies of tiger. Only approximately 44 of these great cats survive in northern Asia and suffer from habitat loss and poaching.  (photo courtesy of Lauren Collier and News Channel 12 CT)

Help Protect Naka and her other Zoo Friends!!!  HELP SAVE THE ZOO!  Beardsley Zoo is in danger of closing.  They are in need of donations to stay open.  Please watch the video below for more information and click here to make a donation to the Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport, CT. 

9/11 Canine Heros

On Today, September 11, 2009 let's take a moment from our busy schedules to honor the people who lost their lives in the World Trade Center attacks. Let's also honor the people and pets who bravely risked their own lives during that terrible time in an effort to save others.

Above, a rescue dog is transported out of the World Trade Center debris. There are no words to describe the emotion that this photograph taken on September 15th 2001 evokes. (Photo Courtesy of US Navy/ Preston Keres).

Over 300 dogs helped in the search and rescue efforts after the 9/11 attacks. Five of those dogs were killed during that time. If you would like to support our Canine Heros you can donate to the AKC CAR Canine Support and Relief Fund. 

Wild Animal Wednesdays! Update- Little Loggerheads Released into the Wild!

Wild Animal Wednesdays! This Week: Little Loggerheads!

Wild Animal Wednesday

Can you believe it? How cute and adorable! Hurricane Bill tossed these three newborn Loggerhead Sea Turtles right out of the sea last week. Luckily Park Rangers from Cape Canaveral, Florida found them and brought them to Sea World Orlando to be rescued and rehabiliated while the hurricane passed.

Unfortunately all eight sea turtle species are listed as either endangered or threatened. To learn more about Loggerhead turtles and to learn how you can help them visit http://oceana.org/sea-turtles/about-sea-turtles/loggerhead/.

Photos courtesy of Sea World Orlando

National Dog Day is August 26th!

Send this Crayola E-Card!

"National Dog Day is celebrated August 26th annually and serves to help galvanize the public to recognize the number of dogs that need to be rescued each year, and acknowledges family dogs and dogs that work selflessly each day to save lives, keep us safe and bring comfort. Dogs put their lives on the line every day - for their law enforcement partner, for their blind companion, for a child who is disabled, for our freedom and safety by detecting bombs and drugs and pulling victims of tragedy from wreckage." Visit http://www.nationaldogday.com/ for more details.

Crayola has created seven E-cards specifically designed for National Dog Day on August 26th. Show your support for dogs while staying in touch with friends and family. Click here to send a card!

Tested and Not Tested on Animals Labeling

How can you tell if a product was tested on animals? Wouldn't it be nice if it were stated on the label? Well, the petitionsite.com is hosting a cool petition to have all products labeled "tested on animals" or "not tested on animals". If this interests you, visit Care 2's petitionsite.com to sign the petition to have all beauty and cleaning products labeled with whether or not they test on animals.

For a more complete list of companies or products that do and do not test on animals check out http://www.caringconsumer.com/.