Despite the seemingly omnipresent nature of bad news, there are stories of hope and healing hidden beneath the front page. This week, for example, conservation officials in China announced that giant pandas are no longer considered an endangered species. Long a poster child for the conservation movement, these docile creatures are loved around the world.
While we celebrate a brighter future for giant pandas, animal lovers should continue pushing for additional protections and preservation efforts for other at-risk species.
American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization, has been fighting to build a more humane world for 145 years, since our founding in 1877. Through our work with the globe’s leading zoological institutions, we get a firsthand look at the amazing work they’re doing with our world’s unique wildlife. Take a break with some good news from the front lines of the conservation movement.
Denver Zoo Vaccinating Animals for COVID
The Denver Zoo, an American Humane CertifiedTM institution, has begun vaccinating some of its animals. The vaccine that veterinarians in Denver are using is different from the vaccines developed for humans. The veterinary vaccine, developed by American Humane partner Zoetis, is designed for non-human mammals. While it is exceedingly rare for humans to transmit COVID-19 to animals, there have been some cases that are cause for concern. Committed conservationists, like those at the Denver Zoo, are committed to prioritizing the health and welfare of the animals in their care.
Busch Gardens Animal Care Center Reopens
Busch Gardens Animal Care Center, one of the world’s foremost zoological institutions, reopened earlier this month. Their state-of-the-art facilities allow visitors to learn about animal care and nutrition, observe veterinary x-rays and surgeries and observe more than 200 species of animals. Experiences like those at The Animal Care Center not only help inspire the next generation of animal lovers, but provide animal scientists with the necessary resources for their vital work conserving and preserving our world’s precious species.
Baby Blue Duiker Born in San Antonio
The San Antonio Zoo, which is certified by American Humane, welcomed a baby blue duiker to its family late last month. Blue duikers are a tiny species of fore-dwelling antelopes, about the size of a house cat, that are native to central, eastern and southern Africa. These gentle herbivores forage for fruits and other edible plants. Sadly, these amazing creatures are hunted by humans in the wild and suffer from habitat loss. Families in the San Antonio area now have the rare opportunity to see a baby blue duiker in person!
Like animals around the globe, blue duikers face deadly threats from human encroachment, poaching and pollution. American Humane is proud that Humane CertifiedTM zoos and aquariums around the globe are working to save these precious creatures.
Escape from Extinction, American Humane’s feature documentary narrated by Academy Award, Tony and Emmy Award-winner Dame Helen Mirren is now available to rent or buy through video on demand. To learn more about the fight for the future, watch it on distribution platforms including iTunes, Vudu, FandangoNow, Microsoft, and more!
