This week’s roundup has some mighty good news for the Wildlife rescue community – multiple killer whales have been ‘freeed’ from captivity in Thailand and are doing great! The reunion of these whales is an amazing proof of how important it is for people to help preserve wildlife, both with their donations and by working together to protect their habitats.
egregiously dysfunctional U.S. government, which refuses even to consider the possibility that any of our species may go extinct in the next 50 years, has announced that they will Starting taking applications for the next batch of cheetahs – again proving that if there is ever an opportunity to save any species, everyone is needed! Keep your eyes peeled for this sad news as it seems that the government isn’t even planning on doing their part to save wildlife.
1. “Freeing” a killer whale from the ocean
Is it time to free killer whales from captivity and return them to the ocean?
Recent incidents of killer whale attacks on trainers and instances of captivity have started debates over the ethical treatment of killer whales. Advocates argue that orcas are large and intelligent creatures that shouldn’t be forced to live in small pools, perform entertaining stunts, and sometimes attack their keepers. These whales are social creatures that survive in their natural habitat in pods that can sometimes be as large as six or seven orcas. How can we as humans cage these animals, separate them from their families, and demand that they perform for entertainment? Someplace out there, a killer whale is waiting to be freed from captivity and eventually reunited with its family.
Moreover, the case of Tilikum, a killer whale who lived in captivity for over two decades, says it all for scientists who’ve studied orcas in the wild. Tilikum was involved in the deaths of three individuals, including a trainer from Sealand. In 2013, the documentary called “Blackfish” raised public awareness of Tilikum’s extended captive life and the species’ consequent psychological trauma leading individual whales to exhibit aggressive and violent behavior towards humans. As a result, Tilikum was left with fatal health conditions and drew attention to the need for conservation efforts and freeing these creatures from captivity.
2. “Cheating” into extinction: Here are this week’s best feel-good stories
Cheating has never been fair to anyone, especially in the field of education. Many students get left behind, while others who cheat make it ahead. However, there are some heartwarming stories about educators taking a stand against cheating, to keep fairness alive in classrooms. Here are some of the uplifting stories from this week:
- No tolerance for cheaters: A teacher in Florida recently caught a student cheating during an online exam. Instead of failing the student, the teacher decided to give the student another chance. The teacher spent time discussing why cheating is wrong and gave the student an opportunity to re-take the exam with an open book policy. The student passed the second time and learned a valuable lesson about the importance of honesty.
- Caught on camera: A high school student in California was caught cheating during a math exam. Instead of punishing the student, the teacher gave the student a second chance by offering to tutor them one-on-one after school. The student not only learned the importance of honesty but also improved their math skills.
- Leading by example: A professor in Texas caught two of her students giving each other answers during a quiz. Instead of punishing them, the professor shared her own story of being caught cheating when she was in school. She then went on to explain that cheating would never help them succeed in the long run, and that honesty is always the best policy.
These small actions by educators not only help eliminate cheating, but they also show students the importance of honesty and integrity. Let’s hope for more stories like these in the future, and for a more fair and just education system.
3. “How to free a killer whale”
In order to free a killer whale from captivity, there are a series of steps that should be taken to ensure the safety of both the whale and those involved in the process. These steps include:
- Assessing the Situation: Before attempting to free a killer whale, it is important to determine the extent of its captivity and the potential risks associated with its release. Factors such as the size of the tank, the whale’s physical condition, and the presence of other animals should all be taken into consideration.
- Gathering a Team: Freeing a killer whale is not a one-person job. Experienced marine biologists and animal rescuers should be brought in to provide assistance and knowledge during the process.
- Gradual Rehabilitation: Once the killer whale is freed from captivity, it is important to gradually reintroduce it to the wild. This can include providing the whale with a pool to swim in while acclimating to open water, as well as monitoring its physical and mental health through regular check-ups and observations.
Overall, freeing a killer whale requires a great deal of planning, expertise, and care. However, the end result is a whale that can experience the freedom and immense benefits of swimming in its natural habitat.
4. “How cheetah coming back from extinction is happening
After being on the brink of extinction, cheetahs are starting to make a comeback. This is attributed to a number of factors including conservation efforts and changes in land use practices. Let’s take a closer look at how cheetahs are making a comeback.
Conservation efforts: Conservation groups are leading the way in helping cheetah populations recover. In countries such as Namibia and South Africa, conservationists are working to create big cat-friendly habitats and develop anti-poaching initiatives to reduce the number of illegal poachers. These efforts have led to an increase in populations in some areas.
Changes in land use practices: Changes in the way land is used have also had a significant impact on cheetah populations. For instance, creating wildlife corridors—protected corridors that enable wildlife to move between protected areas—has helped cheetah populations connect and breed more frequently. Additionally, some farmers are partnering with conservation groups to use their land as a sanctuary for cheetahs, which helps create a protected zone for these animals.
How a group of volunteers saved a captive killer whale from extinction
When it came to the plight of orcas, many were skeptical.
But when the #FreeThe Orcas campaign began, they realized that they were the ones who could help.
Two years ago, an international team of volunteers managed to save the recovery of a critically endangered killer whale stranded on Kodiak island.
Now, they’re hoping to do the same for orcas in Malaysia, where the critically endangered Sumatran orca population is reported to be in crisis.
The team has already saved six orca calves and is currently working on saving two more.
#FreeTheOrcas campaigner, group captain and orcatype “sturgeon” first came across the Orca when they were already stranded on Kodiak island. They set out to help if there was any way possible. “It was one of those improbable events that make you pull up your anchor and angle towards the biggest ocean you can see because you believe it has a chance of happening,” he said.
778-year-old tigers back on the open market
When fears circulate around the world of an outbreak of a pandemic, there’s always an extra layer of anxiety when it comes to the millions of animals who are expected to succumb to it.
But that’s exactly what’s happening in the wild today, with 878-year-old Bengal tigers listing for sale on the open market.
The situation hasn’t been quiterisis-free for quite some time now, with traders, guides and biologists alike profiting from this cherished and rare animal.
There are more than 1,000 Bengal tigers living in the wild and about 140 of them are in captivity.
However, as the number of wild tigers dwindles and their populations fall, this could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back.