tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30928966.comments2017-09-19T09:14:37.492-04:00Intelligent Life is All Around UsCraig A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14830290282849594120noreply@blogger.comBlogger102125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30928966.post-48417845377314377472012-07-22T18:08:13.162-04:002012-07-22T18:08:13.162-04:00Good article at deafwhale.com. I recommend it.Good article at deafwhale.com. I recommend it.Craig A.https://www.blogger.com/profile/14830290282849594120noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30928966.post-48005737618838591272012-07-22T17:34:39.532-04:002012-07-22T17:34:39.532-04:00Good post. One exception... whales do not perceive...Good post. One exception... whales do not perceive the loud booms as sound since the frequency is below their range of hearing. These booms represent rapid changes in pressure that induce barotrauma. Barotrauma is as deadly as deafness in whales since it prevents diving and feeding. Barotrauma also disables the ability of the whales to navigate.<br /><br />see more at deafwhale.comAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00783714964161878693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30928966.post-36071932431253287712012-05-24T16:56:44.883-04:002012-05-24T16:56:44.883-04:00Thank you for the correction! My source for the pi...Thank you for the correction! My source for the picture said it was Christian, but I double-checked the book after you wrote, and you are correct. I have changed the caption.Craig A.https://www.blogger.com/profile/14830290282849594120noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30928966.post-102526379039956382012-05-24T08:13:08.756-04:002012-05-24T08:13:08.756-04:00Hi, Wonderful work you do. Is the lion above with ...Hi, Wonderful work you do. Is the lion above with Tony "Christian" or "Bugsy"? The "Born Wild" book shows the same picture and calls the lion Bugsy? Thanks, MatthewAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30928966.post-8470188844499958432012-04-19T10:17:35.088-04:002012-04-19T10:17:35.088-04:00I feel like such a fool. The original "Born F...I feel like such a fool. The original "Born Free Legacy" has been removed from YouTube, and I did not save a copy. All that you can find there now is the PBS version of the show (even though the YouTube clips may be labeled "BBC").Craig A.https://www.blogger.com/profile/14830290282849594120noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30928966.post-38121354083622431232012-04-13T09:03:01.031-04:002012-04-13T09:03:01.031-04:00I agree with you completely.I agree with you completely.Craig A.https://www.blogger.com/profile/14830290282849594120noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30928966.post-56375698658889666242012-04-13T02:37:51.357-04:002012-04-13T02:37:51.357-04:00Domestication determined through an animals genes ...Domestication determined through an animals genes is a myth. I live out in the forest with a mountain lion I've known since her eyes first opened and a "domesticated" american short hair cat. They act the same. They treat me the same. The only difference is their size. The science of genetics is a scam and relies on a lot on paid assumption. Animals brains, whether they be from a four legged mammal or a bipedal human, are not pre determined due to genetic make up. Every living crerature has the capability and free will to make it own choices despite its genetic make up. The racist and genetically observant at nat geo would sure like to disagree tho.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30928966.post-21795345237792869292012-03-10T23:37:16.724-05:002012-03-10T23:37:16.724-05:00What gets me is they wonder why the cute bunny or ...What gets me is they wonder why the cute bunny or the little chick dies on them within a couple of days. Because the kids are rough with them. Chicks get dropped and bones shattered. Rabbits as you wrote bite. If they want cute animals then stick to toy ones. Good post!Lizhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05100812038496671783noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30928966.post-87608696262351358302012-01-07T01:57:58.059-05:002012-01-07T01:57:58.059-05:00We have places here in New Zealand that do slaught...We have places here in New Zealand that do slaughter horses for human consumption. One place Clover Exports was done by the NZSPCA for failing to ensure the welfare of several horses that were left in appalling conditions half starved in a paddock. After Television New Zealand got involved the animals concerned were slaughtered the same day. I don't agree with the way they slaughter horses at these processing plants. The animal is knocked literally on the head to stun it before while still alive hoisted up then the throat cut downwards to bleed the horse alive. That should be seriously reviewed. I believe that a capture bolt properly administered or use of a gun is a more humane to end these animals lives. I've found after witnessing what I've witnessed the gun is my preferred option. It's instant and the animal is dead before it hits the ground. Kinder in my view. Thanks for the insight.Lizhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05100812038496671783noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30928966.post-26168153803484598472011-12-05T13:13:22.455-05:002011-12-05T13:13:22.455-05:00There's been a lot of hysteria over here about...There's been a lot of hysteria over here about an obscure clause in a bill pushed through Congress, that removes the ban on horse slaughter for human consumption. The fact is that, although there is no longer a ban, no funding for inspection of the meat was provided, so essentially nothing has changed.<br /><br />The phrase "some we love, some we hate, some we eat" comes from a book that examines the exceedingly illogical concepts we as a population have about animals. I agree that the primary issue in regard to any type of meat is the farming (and slaughtering) methods.Craig A.https://www.blogger.com/profile/14830290282849594120noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30928966.post-49336067630605888782011-12-05T00:19:29.920-05:002011-12-05T00:19:29.920-05:00It's a subject nobody likes to touch upon Crai...It's a subject nobody likes to touch upon Craig. I have a 31 year old horse. Right now he's healthy. But if he gets to the point of being unable to live a quality life then I'll have him humanely euthanised. A bullet in the head is far quicker then the methods used in the slaughter house. Because I'm used to the fact that horses and cattle are slaughtered as food for the lions and tigers I'm associated with I'm a bit more of a realist on this subject. Truthfully I'd rather see a horse die of old age after a quality life but reality is a far different teacher where that goesLizhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05100812038496671783noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30928966.post-22044529338026302802011-09-12T01:33:23.363-04:002011-09-12T01:33:23.363-04:00I can't believe... That' so horrible. Some...I can't believe... That' so horrible. Sometimes I'm ashamed to be human.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30928966.post-83758195034475541372011-08-12T21:18:55.291-04:002011-08-12T21:18:55.291-04:00I'm pondering two posts at the moment, trying ...I'm pondering two posts at the moment, trying to figure out how best to present the ideas. Meanwhile, thank you for bringing up that video. It needs to be seen by more people. Whenever I see it, I think it's such a shame there has to be bars separating them.Craig A.https://www.blogger.com/profile/14830290282849594120noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30928966.post-43675537223576969952011-08-12T16:59:51.635-04:002011-08-12T16:59:51.635-04:00Just write what you believe - there will always be...Just write what you believe - there will always be people that disagree with you, but don't let them get to you.<br />And speaking of lions and the ability love, did you see this video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjneCDf7Zx8&feature=player_embedded). Yes, people who think lions (or animals in general) can't feel love are idiots.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30928966.post-9838091168538425112011-07-13T23:09:28.738-04:002011-07-13T23:09:28.738-04:00As I have a real phobia of bees and wasps I find i...As I have a real phobia of bees and wasps I find it frightening that there is a possibility that they are consciously aware of my existence!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30928966.post-84764531329989105132011-04-11T17:42:52.443-04:002011-04-11T17:42:52.443-04:00Thank you! I must say life has been busy, and all ...Thank you! I must say life has been busy, and all my projects (including this blog) have not been receiving as much attention as I want to give them. But there are only so many hours in a day...Craig A.https://www.blogger.com/profile/14830290282849594120noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30928966.post-44791669353379180682011-04-03T13:36:03.922-04:002011-04-03T13:36:03.922-04:00Hah hah hah that's one of the best cartoons I ...Hah hah hah that's one of the best cartoons I have seen in ages. I read about that on the NYT site. Certainly a bit of a worry. Hope all is well with you Craig. Love your blog always something interesting to read.Lizhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05100812038496671783noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30928966.post-29189183025719359182011-03-05T00:34:48.442-05:002011-03-05T00:34:48.442-05:00That's what I'm fighting against with a po...That's what I'm fighting against with a post like this. People like slogans; if you can have a slogan like "Wild animals belong in the wild", you don't have to think about things. It's neat, simple, and reinforces the myths we're brought up with. The damage that is done to people who have worked hard to responsibly socialize and care for a non-traditional pet, by people who don't see any farther than their slogan, is heartbreaking. Plus, we have to consider that there are very little natural areas for animals to live in anymore, and less every day. We have to re-think our notions of the true nature of animals and our relationships with them.Craig A.https://www.blogger.com/profile/14830290282849594120noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30928966.post-30495983352034516782011-03-04T04:57:51.433-05:002011-03-04T04:57:51.433-05:00Awesome article. Couldn't have put it better m...Awesome article. Couldn't have put it better myself, obviously.<br /><br />I've been watching youtube videos with various "wild" animals as pets, and ever so often there is someone in the comments saying that "wild animals can't be pets" or "wild animals belong in the wild and must be set free" like if there was some arbitrary distinction that makes "wild" animals (like any animal with fur that isn't a cat or a dog :P) unsuitable pets.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30928966.post-58762320263706325452011-02-18T14:34:49.076-05:002011-02-18T14:34:49.076-05:00Thanks for posting this. It was better than the PB...Thanks for posting this. It was better than the PBS versionAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30928966.post-58654241123363252492011-02-05T13:37:58.914-05:002011-02-05T13:37:58.914-05:00Thank you. I'm not always sure that what I say...Thank you. I'm not always sure that what I say makes sense to anybody else.<br /><br />I like that quote. The idea of animal "nations" corresponds to my contention that they have their own societies that we haven't paid attention to.<br /><br />Beston's words promote a "different yet equal" point of view, which is reasonable if a person takes the time to think about it. The trouble is, somehow "different" tends to become "inferior" in people's minds. Personally, I lean toward the "brothers" side of the argument, to try to help get people past that notion of "inferior".Craig A.https://www.blogger.com/profile/14830290282849594120noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30928966.post-19692359391850421332011-02-05T04:21:22.806-05:002011-02-05T04:21:22.806-05:00I found this an interesting read Craig. For me per...I found this an interesting read Craig. For me personally Animals do have reasons shy they attack people. It can be because they are by nature predatory in the case of Lions,tigers and other big cats. There is a situation where an animal may be injured and attacks out of hunger. Territorial issues, young with the animal bears can attack people. Lack of fear of humans. So many things I could write down and still come up with more with sourcing and proper references. Sourcing and support of any claims made as you have pointed out are important if trying to state something as fact. Which it seems in the above book you've reviewed is the case. We are ourselves a predatory species. We can't separate animals from ourselves as Henry Beston so eloquently quoted about Wolves<br /><br />"Wolves are not our brothers; they are not our subordinates, either. They are another nation, caught up just like us in the complex web of time and life."<br /><br />I would say that applies to all the animals in our world.<br /><br />Great PostLizhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05100812038496671783noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30928966.post-59295893539316909072011-01-13T08:27:13.081-05:002011-01-13T08:27:13.081-05:00Thank you for your detailed reply and especially f...Thank you for your detailed reply and especially for the link to the report. I have seen all of The Lionman TV series. I have not said anything about it because I knew of Busch's expulsion from Zion Wildlife Gardens and the information I had about the situation did not make sense. Now it does.<br /><br />I think that while watching the show my wife and I commented that one of the cats seemed to be walking strangely, but it never occurred to us that he would have had them declawed. It saddens me deeply that he did this to these innocent animals. It's also sad that the truth of the situation is not widely known. I will do something about that.<br /><br />I hope South African authorities will prevent a similar situation there.Craig A.https://www.blogger.com/profile/14830290282849594120noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30928966.post-76598135832612774122011-01-13T00:38:42.500-05:002011-01-13T00:38:42.500-05:00Hi Craig sorry I missed your reply
The series was...Hi Craig sorry I missed your reply<br /><br />The series was made here in New Zealand it was called The Lion Man and it was filmed at Zion Wildlife Gardens. Craig Busch was the frontman for it. He imported Tigers and Lions from the USA and Africa. Some were already declawed including 4 white tigers that were obtained from a private breeder. One of those white tigers killed keeper Dalu Mncube in May 2009. Of nearly 40 big cats 30 were declawed Mr Busch had many declawed here in New Zealand between 2000 - 2008. MAF investigated and produced a report for this http://www.scribd.com/doc/15903006/MAF-Report-Zion-Declawing-Investigation-Feb-2009<br /><br />Declawing in New Zealand is not legal. It is only supposed to be done for medical reasons but sadly the vets and the MAF officials simply let it happen. Mr Busch is no longer at Zion Wildlife Gardens it's being managed now by his mother as Park operator. Mr Busch is in South Africa apparently making a new series. He's based at Ed Hernes Rhino and Lion Reserve. He likes hands on contact with wildlife but that has been banned here in New Zealand due to Dalu Mncube's death. Sad situation. I don't feel Mr Busch in this regard has done anything for conservation although it is claimed he has. I see the legacy left in the big cats that have been mutilated by a very cruel procedure. As they grow older the effects will get progressively worse that is the sad part. They deserved a lot better.Lizhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05100812038496671783noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30928966.post-32433045844582539822010-12-16T21:32:40.839-05:002010-12-16T21:32:40.839-05:00Declawing any cat, big or small, is a moral crime ...Declawing any cat, big or small, is a moral crime and should be a legal crime. It is nothing but deliberate mutilation. I'm going to restrain myself from expressing my outrage at the procedure and just refer anyone who's interested to a site with the facts of the matter:<br /><br />http://www.declawing.com/htmls/declawing.htm<br /><br />What TV series do you say is responsible for the mutilation of the lions?Craig A.https://www.blogger.com/profile/14830290282849594120noreply@blogger.com