Today is World Wildlife Conservation Day

Posted on December 4, 2012 by Mary

Today, December 4th, is the first ever World Wildlife Conservation Day as decreed by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.

To view her statement please click on State Department

It’s encouraging to learn that the State Department is becoming more involved in the global war against poaching, but I feel that rhinos and elephants are already teetering on the edge of an abyss.

That said, I noticed when I clicked on www.wildlifepledge.org and scrolled to the bottom of the page that various conservation oganizations have partnered together to stop the atrocities against wildlife.

My concern is that several of these organizations seem to be more focused on parties, political posturing and shuffling bureaucratic paperwork then seriously pursuing wildlife crimes…

In the end, I hope that the State Department and these organizations can once and for all put aside politics and posturing to actually work together ending the poaching holocaust before the last vestige of wildlife slips into eternity.

Did you like this? Share it:
Posted in World Wildlife Conservation Day | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

AEFF’s film is pivotal for Kenya’s elephants

Posted on November 2, 2012 by Mary

The weary war rages on bathed in angst and urgency 

Statistics reflect a poaching holocaust worse than the 1980s 

China’s lust for ivory seems insatiable 

Ivory is now funding terrorism

Six Kenya Wildlife Service rangers have been killed this year fighting poachers  

Just two days ago one of Amboseli Trust’s much loved matriarchs, Qumquat was butchered along with two of her daughters. The youngest daughter was rescued and taken to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. And as far as I know a 6-month-old grandson is still missing.

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has the power to stop this slaughter. The catalyst will be African Environmental Film Foundation’s (AEFF) film “White Gold.”

Still in production, the film will be released at the CITES March conference in Bangkok, Thailand.

“White Gold” is similar to another AEFF film produced 10 years ago called “Wanted Dead or Alive,” which then had a dramatic impact at the CITES conference. The hope is that this project will be as effective prompting international delegates to vote in favor of Kenya’s elephants.

Ian James Saunders who is a producer of the film and with the Tsavo Trust says it best,

 “The international illegal trade in ivory and the huge demand from countries such as China could ultimately result in the destruction of a the earth’s largest land mammal and have a huge negative impact on the economies and internal security of some of the world’s most impoverished countries. The effects of this illegal trade could very well be felt by the world’s industrial nations as international terrorist and organized crime syndicates increasingly use the illegal trade in natural commodities to fund their activities.”

To view the trailer of this powerful film – click on “White Gold“

For further information on AEFF and “White Gold” please check out their website.

 

Did you like this? Share it:
Posted in AEFF | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Director of the Kenya Wildlife Service just resigned – now what?

Posted on September 26, 2012 by Mary

Julius Kipng’etich, director of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), resigned yesterday and with his exit many issues go unresolved.

He says his departure is in pursuit of personal interests, but is it really?

With March elections looming was this cleaning house so-to-speak? And is this just the beginning of more resignations?

One of my readers commented on yesterday’s article. He said he wants to know the “true why.”

I agree. I think we should be concerned why Kipng’etich really left, especially now with Kenya’s wildlife in such a state of turmoil.             

As of this writing another rhino in Chyulu Hills is now gone. His body riddled with bullets.

That said, the reason why Kipng’etich left may play a role in who fills the director’s boots next.

One can only pray that whomever takes over will push any ideas of corruption aside, and work together with the global community in unity to decimate poaching and poachers once and for all.

Did you like this? Share it:
Posted in Kenya Wildlife Service | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Skype and its impact on wildlife conservation

Posted on July 31, 2012 by Mary

A month or so ago I wrote an article about Skype in the classroom.

It’s a global project that incorporates hundreds of thousands of students who take part in a variety of shared experiences such as talking with authors, athletes, motivational speakers and entrepreneurs; discovering new cultures and learning new languages.

After I posted the story all I could think of what this could mean for wildlife conservation.

Consider:  the impact if Skype partners with some of the leading researchers and conservationists in the field such as Dame Daphne Sheldrick, Cynthia Moss or Iain Douglas-Hamilton.

The implications are huge, and wildlife needs all the partners it can get!

Teachers can register their classrooms by clicking on SKYPE

 

Maasai Mara elephant

 

 

Did you like this? Share it:
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Kenya’s cheetah controversy rages on and sheds light on wildlife for hire

Posted on July 17, 2012 by Mary

The 66 page report involving Kenya’s orphaned cheetah cubs was released a couple of weeks ago.

It exposes allegations against the Kenya Wildlife Service and several individuals. It brings Kenya’s illegal pet trade to the forefront, and provides damaging information proving that the Nairobi National Park Animal orphanage is unfit for animals.

 

Two cheetah cubs in their enclosure photo via Sybelle Foxcroft

 

Then just a few days ago an upscale Nairobi hotel hired a cheetah from said orphanage for an event. Needless to say when the photo of the cheetah in front of the property was published, public outrage ensued. Consequently the photo vanished from the hotel’s face book page. The photo is posted on my face book page.

But the damage was done.

The Tribe hotel was on my “to stay” list and one property that I felt would be a great option for clients, but not now.

I have written much about the good that the Kenya Wildlife Service does as custodians of Kenya’s precious wildlife, but lately what is going on? How can they permit the hiring of wildlife for birthday parties and events? 

Just today the KWS director was to meet with Maasai Morans regarding the increasing human/wildlife conflict, specifically lion killings. But he didn’t show. Perhaps there is a legitimate reason why he didn’t show up, but as I write this it is being reported that six to ten elephants have been speared in retaliation. This is unconfirmed.

It seems an organization that used to be a problem solver is now the problem. Why? What happened?

This is not just an issue in Kenya. It is worldwide.

Aren’t humans supposed to protect wildlife?  Instead of destroy, exploit or decide to use them as pets?

Aren’t we the superior species? 

The Bible says we should have dominion over all animals – well I believe some of us are practicing the wrong kind of dominion.

If solutions are not brought forth and implemented soon, none of this will mean a thing. Wildlife will be gone, and the world will have crossed the tipping point.

Click on MAASAI to view the video of the Maasai Morans

To read the report in its entirety click on REPORT

 

Did you like this? Share it:
Posted in Mara's three cheetah cubs | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment