Ask Your Animals’ Post

Discover wildlife points out what these animals’ main diet are several are shy, medium-sized cats that favour the grassland and marsh habitats of their home in sub-Saharan Africa, where they prey on an assortment of amphibians, reptiles, rodents and birds. They’ve been known to take down larger prey, such as impalas, and even the odd flamingo. As successful generalist predators, they’re adaptive and unfussy when it comes to including new species in their diet. Their impressive kill-rate of 50 per cent is twice that of the lions that share their landscape and five times that of a domestic cat.  Protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendix II, servals are not currently endangered in the wild, but they’re certainly not problem-free. Their territories are being anthropogenically degraded, causing a decline in available prey. They’re also poached for their body parts, which are highly valued by the medicinal trade, and their skins are sold in local markets. At the moment, wild servals are not targeted for the savannah pet trade, but if demand rises above supply, it’s possible they could be in the future. Can people have servals as pets? It’s not hard to imagine why people might fantasise about forming a relationship with an exotic animal resembling a juvenile cheetah with super-sized ears. Back in Tutankhamen’s time, servals were considered sacred and consequently whisked from the wild to accessorise the homes of high-ranking Egyptians. Thousands of years on and servals are still coveted as pets, but here in the UK, a Dangerous Wild Animal Licence (DWA), which is issued by local authorities, is required to own one. Only part-wild, and our over- burdened pet rescue charities aren’t set up for them either, because they’re only part domestic. Many unwanted savannah cats may simply find themselves with nowhere to go. It’s not too late to avoid this looming welfare, conservation, and ethical catastrophe, but success will depend on how we regard and treat cats with direct links to the wild. Join Getcatcrazy https://lnkd.in/eukguNKG  

“The Dangers of Cub Petting: Why It's Harmful and Unethical” May 28, 2024 Bobbi Brink Founder/Director/Vice President Lions Tigers & Bears, a GFAS accredited sanctuary, San Diego County, California Cubs are cute, and that’s perhaps their biggest vulnerability. Their inherent cuteness and majestic presence make them incredibly appealing – and many people will happily pay to play with these animals. Sadly, the practice of cub petting attractions not only harms the animals in question but also helps fuel the illegal wildlife trade.  As a big cat lover, you might not know this yet, but cub petting is actually cub abuse. Many roadside zoos and aquariums use animals to their own advantage. They claim they breed to help save the species, but in reality, they only create a surplus of animals who can’t survive in the wild, all for profit.  This article will help you understand why cub petting is harmful and unethical and why it's important to advocate for their well-being by letting them remain in their natural habitat. Complete Article: https://lnkd.in/gr-8RVKM #captiveconservation #nomorezoos #bcpsa #AmbassadorAnimal #ambassadoranimals #roadsidezoo #TheConservationGameMovie

America’s Pet Primate Problem: “One of the most endangered species on the planet found roaming a Houston park” Published October 9, 2024 A unique primate considered one of the world's most endangered groups of animals was recently found roaming a park in northwest Houston. A ring-tailed lemur, a species native to the island of Madagascar—a country located thousands of miles away—was spotted on the loose at Bear Creek Pioneers Park. Initially believed to be a raccoon, the lemur was subsequently rescued by Toby's Wildlife Management and Pest Control. The rescue lovingly nicknamed the animal King Julian after the animated Dreamworks movie Madagascar.  Toby's Wildlife confirmed the lemur was someone's pet as it was unafraid of humans. Witnesses also reported seeing someone drop the lemur off at the park. After he was determined to be perfectly healthy, the rescue now plans to send King Julian to Ringtail Ranch Lemur Rescue. Located in Lubbock, the sanctuary is home to more than two dozen lemurs of different species, most of which "have been victims of the exotic pet trade, abused, neglected and/or surrendered by their owners due to unmanageable behaviors," reads the Ringtail Ranch website. Related Note: AZA, ZAA and roadside zoos continue to conduct “pay to play” lemur encounters with the public. These encounters allow guests to hand-feed, and at numerous facilities, engage in “hands-on” unprotected contact with the lemurs. In doing so, zoos misguide the public into believing that exotic animals can or should be domesticated. How you can help: The Captive Primate Safety Act would help ensure that no more primates enter the private pet trade in the U.S.—please ask your lawmaker to support this crucial legislation now to protect these amazing animals from future harm at the hands of humans.“ Take Action Now: https://lnkd.in/gg2Xq4dR Complete Story: https://lnkd.in/gBUu7Vuw #notapet #AZA #weareaza #ZAA #endangeredspecies #AmbassadorAnimal #ambassadoranimals

Discover wildlife points out what these animals’ main diet are several are shy, medium-sized cats that favour the grassland and marsh habitats of their home in sub-Saharan Africa, where they prey on an assortment of amphibians, reptiles, rodents and birds. They’ve been known to take down larger prey, such as impalas, and even the odd flamingo. As successful generalist predators, they’re adaptive and unfussy when it comes to including new species in their diet. Their impressive kill-rate of 50 per cent is twice that of the lions that share their landscape and five times that of a domestic cat.  Protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendix II, servals are not currently endangered in the wild, but they’re certainly not problem-free. Their territories are being anthropogenically degraded, causing a decline in available prey. They’re also poached for their body parts, which are highly valued by the medicinal trade, and their skins are sold in local markets. At the moment, wild servals are not targeted for the savannah pet trade, but if demand rises above supply, it’s possible they could be in the future. Can people have servals as pets? It’s not hard to imagine why people might fantasise about forming a relationship with an exotic animal resembling a juvenile cheetah with super-sized ears. Back in Tutankhamen’s time, servals were considered sacred and consequently whisked from the wild to accessorise the homes of high-ranking Egyptians. Thousands of years on and servals are still coveted as pets, but here in the UK, a Dangerous Wild Animal Licence (DWA), which is issued by local authorities, is required to own one. Only part-wild, and our over- burdened pet rescue charities aren’t set up for them either, because they’re only part domestic. Many unwanted savannah cats may simply find themselves with nowhere to go. It’s not too late to avoid this looming welfare, conservation, and ethical catastrophe, but success will depend on how we regard and treat cats with direct links to the wild. Join Getcatcrazy https://lnkd.in/eukguNKG  

🐕🦺From the beginning of March until the end of August, we will be asking again for owners to keep dogs on leads across all the open areas of Hothfield Heathlands (grassland, heather, scrub).  This is a legal requirement for anyone visiting open-access land such as Hothfield Common.     🐕🦺With national declines in our wildlife and increased numbers of visitors, we need to ensure there is still space for our wildlife to survive alongside us. Dogs off leads are one of the biggest causes of wildlife disturbance. Ground nesting birds are particularly at risk, with 66% of these species in decline in the UK.  🐕🦺Keeping dogs on short leads will benefit other wildlife that can be harmed or disturbed by enthusiastic canines – from snakes to mammals to amphibians. It also prevents problems with dogs chasing grazing livestock. Dogs can remain off lead (under control) through mature wooded areas, around the perimeter of the reserve. Birds nesting in wooded areas are less sensitive to dog disturbance.  🐕🦺The decline in wildlife across our country is reaching catastrophic levels, with your help we can make a difference to wildlife on our doorstep. Thank you to everyone for helping us to protect and support our wildlife. 🙏 https://lnkd.in/eG3gnWKU

Today is #WorldReptileDay, and I am proud to share how World Animal Protection is making a difference for reptiles around the globe. ► World Animal Protection UK: Our team has successfully stopped the largest reptile market venue from hosting these markets. This is a huge milestone that will reduce the transportation and sale of reptiles, sparing them from unsuitable conditions. ► World Animal Protection US: Two cities in California are on the brink of banning the sale of reptiles and other wild animals in pet stores. Local action is key, and we’re working hard to see these bans implemented. US based? Learn how you can advocate for wildlife laws in your own community: https://bit.ly/4f9CwSV ► World Animal Protection Nederland: Our work has brought reptile welfare to the forefront in parliament, with progress being made on a positive list for reptiles, ensuring tighter regulations and preventing further animal suffering. Together, we will celebrate and protect reptiles around the world. #Reptiles #AnimalWelfare

SIGN: Oppose Wyoming Bill That Allows Purposely Mowing Down Wolves With Snowmobiles | A wolf in Wyoming was allegedly horrifically tortured after being hit by a snowmobiler and killed outside a bar earlier this year. In response, a disturbing new draft bill now explicitly tells snowmobilers in Wyoming that they may run over wolves and other predators purposefully. Instead of prohibiting the torture of wolves, Bill draft 140 would legalize the cruelty so long as the injured animal is killed immediately following the attack by snowmobile. The draft legislation says that if the animal isn’t killed quickly enough after being hit, the person responsible could be charged a $1000 fine for animal cruelty, according to local news. Wolves, foxes, and other predators are sentient creatures who feel pain, panic, and fear. The idea that it’s perfectly fine to chase them on motorized vehicles with the intent of mowing them down is outrageous. The fact that the language in this bill makes it crystal clear that this cruel, terrorizing behavior is perfectly acceptable in Wyoming is even more alarming. During a public comment period hosted by the working group about the bill, community members overwhelmingly showed up to advocate that legislation finally make it illegal for snowmobilers to run wolves over intentionally, according to Idaho Capital Sun. “It seems Wyoming will be allowing wildlife torture to continue with motorized killing if either of these provisions passes — as long as it’s not prolonged,” community member Shane Moore said during a public comment. The draft legislation will be considered by Wyoming’s Travel, Recreation, Wildlife, and Cultural Resource Committee subcommittee. We are calling for an amendment to the bill to clearly prohibit targeting wolves and other animals with snowmobiles in Wyoming. Please sign our petition urging Wyoming’s Travel, Recreation, Wildlife, and Cultural Resource Committee to amend the bill to include a total ban on intentionally running over ANY animal in ANY vehicle. https://lnkd.in/eymB85dw 🐺

Exotic animals (frogs, snakes, iguanas, scorpions, caimans, etc.) should be left in their native habitats. They are not good pets because the do not much care for people, more than half die during transport, ecosystems are negatively affected by their removal, and many exotic species have been pushed to extinction in their wild environments. In addition, if the pet becomes unmanageable, many are released into environments where the become invasive, often damaging native environments. It’s better for humans, the animal, and the environment if we limit our pets to those bred for human contact. Attached is an article to learn more about the pet trade. #winthrop #winthropuniversity #noexoticpets #keepanimalswild

Snake Man's court win gets Minister for Environment in Victoria into a spot of bother. From last week's Victorian Parliament transcripts. DAVID LIMBRICK — To ask the Attorney-General (for the Minister for Agriculture): (983) My adjournment matter this evening is for the attention of the Minister of Agriculture. I had the pleasure of meeting with Adam recently, the president of the Victorian Herpetological Society. For the benefit of my colleagues who may not be aware, herpetology is the name for the scientific study of amphibians and reptiles. The Victorian Herpetological Society has existed since the mid-1970s to bring together reptile enthusiasts and provide support and advocacy for private reptile keepers. Just over a decade ago they were considered a key stakeholder when drafting new wildlife regulations as part of the now disbanded Wildlife Possession Trade Advisory Committee. This committee has since been disbanded, and it may be that the lack of their input has led to some poor enforcement practices as the department may not be receiving adequate feedback from the community. Whilst there may be other issues, the main concern that Adam brought to my attention was the enforcement of the current Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: Private Keeping of Reptiles. This code of practice is more than 20 years old, and the information contained within it is no longer accurate. Apparently there has been increasing enforcement around section 3 related to enclosure sizes. These outline very specific dimensions required for keeping lizards and snakes and other animals. There are multiple concerns here. One is that there may be a conflict between section 1 and point 1 under the general requirements which states that the welfare of captive animals must always be viewed as a high priority in order to safeguard them from disease, injury and stress. In one circumstance it was described to me that it was stated that: The animals were in excellent condition, looking healthy and well cared for, but the dimensions of the enclosure did not perfectly match the code. This is despite the overall area being larger. Another concern is that overly restrictive enforcement where there is no indication of maltreatment of the animals may lead to people dumping animals. There is also concern that proposed updates to these regulations may fail to appropriately understand the practical limitations for private reptile keepers. My request for the minister is to review current enforcement activities and urgently update the code of practice and in doing so to also meet with representatives from the Victorian Herpetological Society to ensure that regulations are fit for purpose. More information at: https://lnkd.in/g5eJCFHu