14. Mrs. Daoust’s Thoughts Change is part of nature. Some animals do not adapt to the habitat changes made by nature and man, so their survival depends upon human intervention. Endangered animals, such as gorillas, eagles, and elephants are disappearing in the wild, because of hunting or lack of food supply. Zoos provide food, shelter, and care for many animals. They help repopulate endangered species. Many zoos provide animal habitats with stimulating environments that promote activity and curiosity as they improve the physical and mental well-being of their animals.
21. Research and Media Citations Research worldanimalfoundation.homestead.com/EndangeredSpecies.html epa.gov/espp/coloring/especies.html bornfreeuse.org en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Katrina exoticpets.about.com/od/exoticpetsissues/a/wildanimals.htm en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_warming Mediahttp://www.flickr.com/photos/fotoschuh/2598238608/http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/the-vanishing-lions/ the-laikipia-predator-project/546/http://www.flickr.com/search/?w=all&q=elephant+eye&m=texthttp://www.flickr.com/photos/carlosporto/1913788732/http://www.flickr.com/photos/insearchofwater/39097648/http://www.flickr.com/photos/birthrightearth/3410241486/http://www.flickr.com/photos/mesaxena131/3292688189/http://www.flickr.com/photos/7533960@N02/2305119527/ http://gothamist.com/images/pandanatzoo.jpg
Hinweis der Redaktion
Title slide
All around the world, millions of animals live harmoniously in their natural environment or their habitat. The definition of a habitat is “the place where something is found”.
When we talk about native species, we are referring to plants and animals that exist in a specific ecosystem, having been a part of that environment for an extended period of time.
Over time, living things become well adapted to this local environment; they are accustomed to the presence of other native species within that ecosystem. Not surprisingly, human beings have always had a fascination with wildlife and seek to be friends with them. In the next video clip, you will have the opportunity to see the unlikely friendship between two men and a lion.
Often, it becomes necessary for humans to intercede in an animal’s life…to change the animal’s habitat. Naturally occurring disasters often require the removal of animals from their homes. In August of 2005, Hurricane Katrina, one of the five deadliest hurricanes in history, struck Louisiana and Mississippi. Many Animals rescued were sent to shelters and rescue groups all over the United States and Canada.
On March 24, 1989, the Exxon Valdez, a ship carrying oil struck a reef, spilling 10.9 million gallons of crude oil into the sea. Considered one of the most devastating human-caused environmental disasters, the oil eventually covered 11,000 square miles of ocean. Hundreds of thousands of animals died immediately, including seabirds, sea otters, bald eagles and orcas. Thankfully, many animals were rescued and moved to different locations.
So, IS there ever a time when changing an animal’s habitat is a bad thing? Consider this…
Everybody loves circuses and zoos, right? Zoos are a great place to see wild animals close up, giving us the opportunity to understand them better. But some people feel it is wrong to lock wild animals up in cages and take them away from their natural habitat. Still others wonder about the effects of training animals to do stunts and tricks for humans’ enjoyment.
Another example of animals being taken from their natural habitat is when people keep wild animals for pets. Wild animals often become very difficult pets, especially once they reach maturity and / or full size. They can be aggressive and some larger pets are dangerous simply due to the combination of sheer strength and natural instincts. Furthermore, problem behaviors develop since animals in captivity can become frustrated at not being able to exhibit natural behavior, or from being confined to small spaces.
Many people believe global warming, an increase in the overall temperature of the Earth’s surface, will have profound effects on animal life. As the Earth heats up, certain types of wildlife could be effected and possibly even become extinct.
As more and more roads, homes and farmland is built, animals are forced to relocate, threatening the existence of many species of animals.
As for me…Protecting our wildlife is essential to the survival of our Earth. What WE do directly impacts everything around us. Keeping wild animals as pets is unethical and ultimately dangerous to our environment. Demanding that animals perform for our entertainment delight is also unethical and cruel. Observing how we inhabit our planet…how we live in it…polluting, building more and more homes and highways…changing the way in which other living things live…is more important than ever. We need to become more alert to the ways in which we treat this planet or before you know it, there will be NO more planet.
Here is what Mrs. Daoust has to say about this important topic…
So what can we do?
Fortunately there are organizations that can help you learn more about caring for the world’s wildlife.
By learning more about this important topic, we can begin to make changes in the way in which we live our lives. We can become advocates for the welfare of all animals. Whether adopting an animal, cutting down on the amount of plastic we use or
refusing to keep exotic animals as pets, you CAN make a difference in the lives of animals. Bottom line: Do NOT contribute to the problem.
Become a part of the solution…
If our world is to continue to grow and flourish, it is essential that we understand the delicate balance that exists between us and other living creatures.