This inspirational video was created for the WWF competition called Life. Nature. You. Make the Connection.
The challenge was to produce and original film on the theme 'Life. Nature. You. Make the Connection'. The film should inspire people to love, value and protect the natural world.
The winner will get a commission from the WWF to create a short film, and an all expenses paid trip to India to attend the CMS Vatavaran environmental film festival.
Two months ago, I was selected as the Canadian delegate to attend a climate change training session with European youth on board an expedition vessel in the Norwegian Arctic archipelago of Svalbard. Training was led by a team from the United Nations Environment Programme's polar research centre, GRID-Arendal and the event was organized by the British Council. I set off from Toronto with my incredibly warm Canada Goose Expedition parka on an adventure that would become the most inspiring experience of my life.
On our first evening aboard the “Antarctic Dream,” embarking on our voyage into the Svalbard wilderness, our expedition leader Philipp told us about something called “polar fever.” He described it as a passion for the Arctic that grows within oneself upon experiencing the region, and he hoped that we would all catch it. After spending a week immersed in the
unparalleled natural splendor of Svalbard, I can say that without a doubt, I’ve caught a bad case of polar fever– and I’ve never been happier to
feel so ill. Unfortunately, the Arctic region has also caught its own version of the polar fever - and humans are causing it. Unlike the polar fever that I’ve caught, the Arctic region has a temperature that is rising quickly – it is called climate change, and the Arctic needs some serious medical attention before it’s too late.
Documentary Reveals the Controversy of Cetaceans in Captivity
New documentary, "A Fall From Freedom", seeks to discuss the morally shaky ground on which the argument for the captivity of dolphins, whales and porpoises sits. While captivity remains a contentious issue for many animal lovers, many species deal with captivity differently and require greater space, social contact, and unique environments that zoos and aquariums are unable to provide. Dolphins and whales are an excellent example of such animals.
While many collections of animals in zoos and aquariums have long abandoned the practice of harvesting wild individuals in favour of
those born in captivity, it is only recently that even highly respected aquariums have abandoned this for Cetaceans (whales, porpoises, and dolphins). This appears to be both the result of only recent success of artificial insemination in captive animals and decreasing infant mortality rates.
Beyond this, there is the very serious issue of environmental suitability. Due to their size, sociability, intelligence and ecology, these animals are not very well suited for captivity experiencing extreme stress, premature death and often
high levels of infant mortality. This film seeks to explain and expose some of the dreadful consequences of the journey of some animals from the wild to captivity and the dark history of even the most popular marine aquariums.
Cetaceans are among the most intelligent species on this planet, with some species of dolphin closing rivalling the intelligence of the chimpanzee and drawing into question the uniqueness of human speech with their sophisticated repertoires of vocalizations. It is important that we consider this as we continue to exploit species for either entertainment or research. Not only do the massive harvests of live dolphins in Japan harm the ecosystems from which they are pulled, but also our deep connection to these animals calls into question how moral a species we are to impose our will on these extraordinary animals.
Check out the trailer above (or watch the full movie here)and listen to Dr. Jane discuss her appeal to all of us to question our support for any facilities housing these animals for entertainment.
Spring Tips for Wildlife Defenders!
By Alec Simpson
Every spring and summer, all across this great nation of ours, wildlife rehabilitation centres receive thousands of injured and orphaned wild animals in great need of their care. And how do these animals end up at wildlife centres? Well you, of course!
We can come across baby robins hopping around in our yards, skunks underneath our sheds, squirrels in the attic, raccoons in our garbage bins, and sometimes bears in our backyard fruit trees. While these encounters are always thrilling and fun to share with friends, sometimes they can prove dangerous both to ourselves and the animals.
This is why this spring, we've decided to give you folks a few tips to help you and your family be the best wildlife defenders you can be! Through these six simple steps... you can make sure that you know how to rescue and identify an animal in need.
1)Wild animals are wild. Sometimes it is easy to forget that the cute cottontail rabbit you found underneath your apple tree is a wild animal, but quite often these animals are terrified of us! We have to respect that animals might view us as predators who are out to hurt them. Make sure that before you approach any animal, you know the safety risks and precautions to take if the animal is in need of rescue. (Check out the OSPCA's Guidelines for Assisting Wildlife or call your local Humane Society for assistance).
2) Safety for your family, neighbours and pets is number one! It might be thrilling to spot a coyote or bear in your backyard, but allowing them to become accustomed to you/pets/people can be bad news for you and the animals. Look up humane tips online to prevent bears and coyotes from hanging out on your property (i.e. picking up ripe fruit, adding fencing). To avoid danger, be sure to keep an eye on children and keep your pets inside at night!
3) Always use the humane option! Sometimes squirrels love to have their young in your attic. Yes this can be noisy, but using inhumane control will never solve your problem. Experts know when squirrels' young will leave the comfort of the attic for good. This is your chance to lock them all out! A mother squirrel will always find their way to their young even if they have to rip apart your roof to do it.
4) DON'T BE A KIDNAPPER! Sometimes it can be extremely difficult to determine if an orphan or injured animal is actually in need. Wild animals are always better off in the wild than with us. We are scary sometimes! It is important that we make sure "mom" isn't coming back for her young ones. Also, it is natural for young birds to be on the ground during their fledgling stage -- they are on their way to becoming fliers! If you are ever in doubt. Contact your local Humane Society or Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.
5) Sorry, you can't keep it! Almost all of us have or have heard stories of regular people taking care of wildlife "in need". Because of the public health and safety risks of having wild animals in our homes, it is illegal to house wild animals for more than 24 hours in Canada without proper permits. After that time you must bring them in to your local animal shelter or rehabilitation facility so they can acquire appropriate medical attention. *Animals like raccoons are extraordinary and beautiful, but are walking "biohazards" carrying many zoonoses (diseases spread between animals and people) including rabies, raccoon roundworm, and leptospirosis, which can potentially harm you, your family, or your pets!
6) If it doesn't seem right it probably isn't! If you see an animal behaving strangely, moving about during the middle of the day when they shouldn't be, or walking in circles, call your local animal control or shelter. The animal could be sick or be dangerous to the public!
That's not so hard is it? Sometimes this can be hard, but to be the best wildlife protectors we can be, we have to follow the rules!
There are few animals on our planet that have captured the imaginations of people all over the world quite like the Tiger. Possessing incredible grace, size, formidable power and cunning, the tiger is sign of strength, nobility, and vitality in many countries.
Found throughout Asia in small pockets of tropical forest, muggy plains, and frigid boreal forest, the tiger may not live next door to us Canadians, but they do continue to inspire us and bring us visions of the power, resilience, and beauty of nature --- the wild unknown.
There is nothing more exhilarating than moving slowly through the elephant grass, or dense brush, followingthe track of a adult tigress.... hearing the shrieks of primates and loud bark of a barkingdeer up ahead warning each other of the cat's presence. It makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up, your palms sweat, and your heart beat in your ears. Just imagine yourself there. Imagine the beads of sweat on your head from the hot sun, the whispers of your guides, the thrill of a possible sighting.
Now imagine never getting that chance. Imagine this not being possible in a little over a decade. These animals are disappearing.
Currently, tigers only occupy only 7% of their original range throughout Asia. In the past century, we have lost 96% of the world's tigers due to unchecked poaching, a relentless demand for tiger products in Chinese traditional medicines, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict/retribution killings. These facts are staggering. In fact, there are more tigers in zoological parks in North America than wild tigers in Asia. Another disheartening truth.
These animals are keystone predators, providing important natural links between
different parts of tropical forests, grasslands and other habitats. To remove the tiger, nullify its unifying force, is to fragment the forests on which we as human beings depend.
This is not new information, but by the day, more and more information is presented to us on the topic.
Not only are we experiencing a crisis of wild tigers, we are experience a captivity and farming crisis in Asia. Reports continue to flood in from BBC World News, Bush Warriors (Non-profit organization) and many others detailing the horrors of massive tiger farms located in China. For example, the Xiongsen Bear and Tiger Park in Guilin is home to an astounding number of tigers and bears, kept in the worst of conditions, trained to ride horses and balls and given live cattle for pure guest enjoyment. These types of parks are not uncommon in Asia. Until relatively recently, tiger meat was even sold in the gift shops,
bones are continually used in traditional wine, and other tiger parts are sold to herbal "healers" brewing up special concoctions for arthritis or low libido.
The irony of this is that these parks operate under the guise of helping to conserve
these endangered cats.
The demand for tiger parts is very real. And yes, some may argue that this may
decrease incentive to hunt their wild counterparts. The truth is, the demand needs
to disappear. This is a Catch 22. The farms increase animal welfare standards
(we hope) through social pressure, the wages of workers will increase over time,
and illegally poached tiger bounces back into favour because of affordability on the
black market. We need to work on reducing this demand.
The tiger has a bleak future. The truth is, however, it doesn't have to be that way.
Over the past years, a worldwide initiative, The Global Tiger Initiative, has united 30 different conservation organizations, development banks, and governments in the
name of tiger conservation. This is a great step forward for this great cat.
The question is.... what can you do?
Educate yourself
Avoid palm oil additives in household and food products
Volunteer abroad or at home
Educate others and create an outreach campaign in your school/workplace
Be politically aware
Travel and connect yourself with the people living next door to endangered species
Support organizations concerned with endangered species protection
Lets start with educating ourselves and check out the following articles online:
The tiger belongs to a long list of extraordinary species on the brink. From
the chimpanzee to the rhino, we can bring them back.
World Water Day 2011: Our Most Precious Resource
Posted: March 22, 2011
In 1973, North Americans experienced something they never thought possible. One of their most precious natural resources, one that we had always taken for granted, was believed to be in short supply. The cost of this resource skyrocketed causing widespread panic and concern among people all over the continent. This price skyrocket resulted in the loss of thousands of jobs for Canadians and Americans. Governments were “freaking out”!
This resource was oil. Oil is of incredible importance… it can help put food on our table, it can help put clothes on our back, it can help put televisions in our living rooms, and it can help get us to work or school in the morning. But just imagine this resource was something even more important to us or to our survival.
When we reduce our human needs to their most basic… we see of course food, clothing and shelter, but beforehand, air and water
present themselves as our most basic of necessities. Now just imagine we started
to experience a scarcity of either of these necessities. Imagine that panic. Well, it is
approaching.
There is a crisis emerging…. One of these necessities is in shorter and shorter supply…
We are in the midst of a global water crisis. This crisis is presenting itself as one of
the most pressing environmental, social, political and economic issues of our time.
This is a crisis we as Canadians might not be feeling right now, but 1 out of 6 people
on this planet are feeling it… in a very real way. This one person out of six does not
have access to clean water. That is over one billion people. Two out of those six
people don’t even have adequate sanitation. This is over two billion people. Water-
borne diseases because of poor quality drinking water and sanitation are one of the
leading causes of death in the developing world….
Okay, so we get it… this is a big deal. But we have lots of water in Canada. Sure
we do, however, slowly but surely this water is being siphoned off to quench the
thirst of our southern neighbours, it is being polluted, its cycles are being disrupted
by climate change, it is seeping off into the ocean…. The trees and wetlands we cut
down or paved over in the name of progress were our last hope for soaking up
that water, keeping it with us.
This is scary stuff…. Stop for a second and think about it. A world of water scarcity.
So what are we doing for World Water Day 2011?
We are going to join a worldwide water movement. Let’s take some first important
steps to help the single most important resource on planet earth…. Let's make it
happen! Let’s join together and help build a water future we can be proud of!
Check out some ideas for how you can get involved in this global water movement
UBC Sea Turtles to be Euthanized: Conservation and Animal Rights Conflict
Posted: March 11, 2011
It has been recently announced that as part of an extensive study on endangered Green Sea Turtles, the University of British Colombia will be euthanizing a number of these animals in the spring. As part of a ten year study on the impacts of climate change and fisheries-related mortality, researchers will euthanize the animals to acquire data relevant to the protection of their wild counterparts. This study, however, has some animal rights groups up in arms.
The 10-year study at UBC was designed to acquire information regarding the diving depths of sea turtles and their relationship to ocean current and temperature changes as a result of global climate change. In order to complete the study, researchers must harvest tissues of study animals --- in order to do this the animals must be euthanized. Researchers are confident that this
(AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
study could play a role in promoting the
implementation of new turtle-friendly fishing nets. This is of great concern as it is said the by-catch (non-target species catch) of Green Sea Turtles by commercial fishermen totals over 80,000 individuals.
Animal rights groups have argued that the turtles be given the opportunity to live out the rest of their lives elsewhere “in peace”. Researchers retort, “It is illegal to release these animals to the wild (due to disease spread concerns) and difficult to transfer to aquariums as they need a great amount of space”. The major concern is that these animals are endangered. Is it justified to kill an endangered species in any case? What if the research could help save the lives of thousands of wild turtles?
Conservation researchers and professionals face difficult decisions when it comes to
the protection of wild species. Conservation research provides the foundation on
which we are to build a stronger society in harmony with natural systems; however,
animal rights groups may have a point. It is important to keep in mind that these
animals deserve our respect and if they are to play a role in the protection of their
wild cousins, they should be given the utmost care and be exposed to minimal
suffering.
What are your thoughts?
E-mail them to Alec at alec@janegoodall.ca
For more information take a look online and become part of the discussion:
A recent advertisement that aired for Superbowl 2011 has stirred up considerable controversy for its use of chimpanzees. The 30-second commercial for a job search company featured an office worker being frustrated by his co-workers – four chimpanzees. No doubt, the ad generated lots of laughs from its viewership, but it also raised quite some outrage.
So why the outcry over the use of chimps in advertisements?
The chimpanzees seen in advertisements, or in TV shows or films alike, are usually juveniles who have been separated from their family from a tender age for the purposes of being trained to perform for our entertainment. The chimpanzee ‘showbiz career’ is a short one too. Chimps past 8 years old have usually proven hard to handle and so chimpanzees used in entertainment will normally be retired by that age. After being retired from the entertainment business, it is hard for these chimps to find a new home in somewhere likea zoo, since zoos usually don’t accept human-raised chimps because they have difficulties mixing with the other
chimps in the zoo. They can thus end up in roadside zoos or breeder compounds; those who are lucky are taken into established sanctuaries.On top of that, the process of training and performance itself is questionable. Even if the parties using the chimps in their ads and shows can guarantee that the chimps are giventhe most humane treatment possible during the training and filming process (which seems unlikely), they cannot guarantee what happens before and after the chimps became their stars. And it has been foundthat oftentimes the creative directors behind such commercials are noteven aware of these hard facts.
A recent survey found that people actually prefer to see commercials with chimps (or other animals) in them. Some claimed that this makes the ads more relatable. But in my humble opinion, it is simply not natural to see wild creatures – not domesticated ones! - such sensitive and intelligent beings like chimpanzees who are so related to us, be put into ridiculous costumes or scenes simply to draw a laugh or two from us or to make a sales pitch. If a wild animal in action is what people want to see, they should consider watching a wildlife documentary instead. And in this day and age, when it seems like there is almost nothing that cannot be done with a computer, why not substitute real animals for animations instead? Using hand-drawn computer-animated (for example) chimpanzees (instead of real ones) would bring the main message of the advertisement across just as effectively.
Last but not at all least, advertisements such as this that portray chimps as the butt
of our humour do nothing for the fact that chimpanzees are an endangered species.
The use of chimpanzees in such ‘humorous’ situations may indeed make it harder for
the public to perceive chimpanzees as under threat and worthy of preservation.
Instead of appearing in the media for our entertainment, chimps should be in the media to raise awareness about the reality of their plight in the wild - how they are
vulnerable to habitat loss, poaching and the bushmeat trade. In fact, the ideal
situation would be to make use of the popularity and relatability of chimpanzees
in the media to simultaneously educate the general public of the situation that chimpanzees today are facing in the wild. A simple message could be flashed across
the screen at the end of the commercial, for example, one that might look like this:
"Liked that Superbowl ad with the chimps in it? Did you know that chimps very much
like the ones in the ad may soon be gone from this earth? Can you imagine a world in
which chimpanzees never appear in ads, never make you laugh, or squeal, or smile,
because there aren't any chimpanzees to begin with? Deforestation. Habitat loss. The bushmeat trade. These are some of the threats that the cousins of the chimps you just saw in the ad are facing every day in the wild. Find out what you can do to help."
What can you do to help?
Have you come across a recent advertisement with chimpanzees in it? Send them a
letter like this one to let them know how you feel.
At age 15, Nelly Letourneau, a high school student from Ottawa, ON, has been working tirelessly to make the world a better place. Joining the Roots & Shoots Network in 2009, Nelly has not only put together her own projects, but has shown the initiative to recruit new members and engage community groups like the Girl Guides! Her enthusiasm and dedication is an inspiration to both members of her community and Roots & Shoots staff.
Recognized by Dr. Jane Goodall for
her dedication to helping people, animals and the environment, Nelly shows great
initiative, creating projects to assist women’s shelters, the Jane Goodall Institute’s Sustainable Livelihoods programs, humane societies and our environment. From participating annually in the Great Canadian Shoreline Clean-up and initiating battery recycling drives for endangered species to teaching art and collecting toys for kids,
she truly is a young philanthropist!
We had a chance to speak to Nelly recently and when asked about this passion
and her inspiration, she said...
“I am a person who is driven more by moral responsibility than inspirations per se.
As a kid I had a seed planted inside of me that makes me take action for the horrible
situations that occur around me and around the globe. I can't stand just talking
about an event that has occurred, I have to take action to help resolve it. This is
definitely a greatquality, but it is a curse at the same time. I would say it’s a curse
because even though I try mybest to fix a situation, I can't always do it alone.
This is where inspiration comes in. I feel more inspired to make others inspired than
anything else. This is why Roots & Shoots is so important to me, because it is influencing
youth like myselfto make a difference even if it is only something small.”
As a member of Roots & Shoots you can learn about the projects Nelly has been
As this year is the UN’s International Year of the Forests, we can’t forget one of Canada’s great achievements in forests reclaiming the land. Celebrated at the 1992 UN Earth Summit for tireless work towards re-greening itself, the city of Sudbury proves a great example of the resilience of nature and hard work of dedicated communities.
Even as recent as 30 years ago, the Sudbury region was much different than we see it today. Due to rich deposits of minerals in the region, primarily
nickel and copper, the area was bombarded by large-scale mining and refining
operations. As a result of these operations, what once was a rich boreal forest was
made into wasteland by massive deforestation for ore smelting and acid rain from refineries. Not only were forests wiped away, but this acid rain caused great
damage to the local watershed and drastically changed soil composition preventing
forests from reclaiming the area. It was only a matter of time before communities
realized this rapid natural decline and began to act.
After industry began to change refining methods to reduce acidic emissions, the
opportunity arose to finally reforest the region and bring back nature. The
community and industry banded together to re-green Sudbury. To reduce the acidity
of the soil, lime was spread over the land finally making the soil tolerable for small
seedlings. As a result of the extensive spread of fertilizers, massive community
planting efforts, and continued scientific monitoring, Sudbury began to mend. From
small colonizing plants to young forests of pine and birch, the area began to
blossom and grow.
Although the region still bears the scars of a destructive past, Sudbury shines as
an example of how, with a helping hand, our forests and nature can bounce back!
The Planet Releaf forest campaign has been running for almost one year. Now that 2011 and the International Year of Forests is upon us, there really couldn't be a better time to start your forest project and speak for the trees!
The International Year of Forests was declared in order to raise awareness on sustainable management, conservation and the sustainable development of all types of forests. Planet Releaf provides the resources and support for Canadian youth to take action for, and celebrate the forests in your backyard and around the world.
Visit Planet Releaf and start
restoring Canada’s green spaces, defending forest for Canadian wildlife, promoting awareness of forest issues, and supporting Africa’s forests, chimpanzees and communities! By speaking for the trees you could win a walk in the woods with Dr. Goodall!
Dr. Goodall is a Green Hero
TVO's Green Heroes features inspirational stories of musicians, athletes, scientists and
everyday people, who aretaking action to save the planet. Dr. Jane Goodall is being
featured on this weeks episode of Green Heroes, and if you want inspiration you
don't need to look any further. 50 years ago Dr. Goodall redefined what it means to
be human when she observed chimpanzee's making tools, and today she travels the
world 300 days/year to spread her message of hope for a better world.
Tune into TVO on Tuesday, November 3rd at 7pm to watch Green Heroes,
And watch the Dr. Goodall's Green Heroes Webisode below
Give a Little Bit of Love on Peace Day
To kick off Peace Week in 2010, Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots Team hit the streets of
Toronto to give free hugs away in their community. They had so much fun that they
decided not only will they fly giant peace doves on Peace Day, they're going to give
form the Friends of the
Seven Lakes Foundation (FSLF) in 2000.
In 2003, FSLF Kids Roots & Shoots was born. Members organized lake
clean-ups, environmental education campaigns, treeplanting events,
recycling projects, ecocamps
and more!
FSLS's story on page 5. Then get inspired by the other water stories from around
the world!
To take action on water issues in your own community, visit Project Blue.
Bilaal Rajan Goes Barefoot for Volunteer Week
To celebrate National Volunteer Week (April 19-25), Roots & Shoots member Bilaal Rajan is living life without shoes! As they say, “You never really know someone until you walk a mile in their shoes”.
He's asking fellow Roots & Shootsers to do the same to better understand the struggles faced by underprivileged children in the developing world – many of whom cannot afford shoes.
Children in developing countries walk miles in their bare feet every day to fetch water, work on their farms, go to school, or perform other chores.
Go barefoot with Bilaal and make change – one step at a time.
Kali Brauckmann Helps BC’s Grizzly Bears
Grizzlies play an essential role in keeping our forests alive, yet they're quickly becoming a threatened species.
When Kali Braukmann discovered that trophy Grizzly hunting was legal in BC, she took action and wrote a letter to BC Premier, Gordon Campbell.
In addition to starting his own Roots & Shoots group in London, ON called "Ape Aware," James is Co-President of the USA-based club "KidsSaveApes," and runs his own website and blog to inform people about apes and to help save apes.
Check out this recent interview with James on the Bonobo Kids Challenge blog, to read more about his fundraising activities and future plans.
This short story takes us full circle from the moment of inspiration to the completion of a project. The story speaks to the power of one and the ability of individuals to effect change; it illustrates how local action can have a global impact; it reveals that good deeds not only help the beneficiary, they also have profound effects on the benefactor.
Roots & Shoots in Action 
photo credit: Jo-Anne McArthur
