Focusing On The Conservation of Ecosystems, Habitats & Wildlife

Brink of Extinction for Half of all Primates

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According to many experts from across the world, nearly half of all primate species are in danger of becoming extinct.


Conservationists said in a news statement recently about the release of the report Primates in Peril: The World’s 25 Most Endangered Primates, 2008-2010 that “mankind’s closest living relatives–the world’s apes, monkeys, lemurs and other primates–are on the brink of extinction and in need of urgent conservation measures”.





Conservationist say this threat is mostly due to the destruction of tropical forests, illegal wildlife trade and commercial bush-meat hunting.

Celebrating The Year of The Tiger: 2010

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TIGERS are known for their ferocity and their power. In Chinese astrology, one of the 12 signs is the sign of the tiger.  Those born in the year of the tiger are assigned the traits of being both colorful and unpredictable.  They are adventurous, powerful, and passionate.




There are possibly as few as 3,200 TIGERS left in the wild. These big cats are the most endangered and threatened species on EARTH. To read more about this “King of the Jungle” CLICK here.


Unfortunately, according to a new report from the conservation nonprofit WWF, there are only 350 wild tigers remaining in Asia’s Mekong River region.  This loss is contributed from the drive by trade in tiger parts.  To watch a video by WWF, click on the link below or or the tiger photo above.


Video Courtesy WWF Greater Mekong


Bat Fungus Killing Thousands of Bats in U.S.

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A deadly fungus called “white-nose syndrome” which has only appeared in hibernating bats along the northeastern seaboard from Vermont to Virgina is now spreading throughout the eastern United States and is on the move.


Photograph courtesy N. Heaslip, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation



This fungus is found on the wings, ears and muzzles of infected bats.  Unfortunately, the two bats that were infected were discovered in Tennessee which is approximately 65 miles from a confirmed infection site in Virginia.  If this white-nose syndrome spreads throughout Tennessee, it could wipe out two endangered bat species (Gray and Indiana bat), scientist say.

Special Valentine's Day for the San Diego Zoo

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The San Diego Wild Animal Park received a special gift on Valentine’s Day – a baby African Elephant. At approximately 2:00 a.m., visitors that were camping at the zoo said they heard elephants “trumpeting” which commonly occurs when a baby calf is born.





Details have not been released for this baby African elephant, however newborns usually weigh between 250 and 300 pounds and stand approxiamtely tree feet tall.  With this new addition, the Swaziland herd has grown to more than a dozen.

Snow Days at LA Zoo: Saturday and Sunday

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This weekend  special “snow days” for some lucky creatures at the Los Angeles Zoo.  Don’t miss this rare opportunity to watch creatures playing and exploring in a snowy winter wonderland.  February 13th and 14th from 10am – 4pm only.





For more information Click here to read about this event.

Baby Black Rhinoceros born at Germany's Berlin Zoo

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The Berlin Zoo received a special gift last week – a baby Indian Black Rhinoceros.  On February 7th, this calf which has still not been named has been a wonderful addition to the zoo.




According to some statistics, there are only about 3,600 Indian Black Rhinoceros left in the wild.

Zimbabwean Security Forces – Poaching? – Really?

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In a news conference today, the leader of a U.N. program to protect endangered species charged Zimbabwean security forces of being involved in the poaching of elephants and rhinoceros.   In the last 2 years, the rhinoceros population has decreased so dramatically that it is now on the verge of extinction in Zimbabwe.


Mark Davis, DVM travels to Zimbabwe to assist in the translocation of endangered black rhinos.  He is a technical advisor for the IRF (International Rhino Foundation). Click on the play button to watch the “Horror and Hope” of the Black Rhino.





WWF has reported recently that the demand in Asia for the rhinoceros horn for medical use has spearheaded the poaching in Africa and Asia to an all time high.


Dr Susan Lieberman of WWF describes the severity of the situation by saying that:


“This is the worst rhino poaching we have seen in many years and it is critical for governments to stand up and take action to stop this deadly threat to rhinos worldwide. It is time to crack down on organized criminal elements responsible for this trade, and to vastly increase assistance to range countries in their enforcement efforts.”

US-born Giant Pandas Head Back to China

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Leaving on a jet plane…Tai Shan & Mei Lan Leave USA




Mei Lan of Zoo Atlanta and Tai Shan of the National Zoo in Washington were loaded into special travel crates for their flight back to their new home in Sichuan China.


In 2006, the female panda (Mei Lan) was the first cub born at the Atlanta Zoo.  She had a panda cam that was provided by EarthCam where people could watch her online.


To watch their Farewell You Tube video, click on the play button below.