Shark Finning

A brutalised body falls to the depths of the ocean where it awaits an agonising death that may take days in the form of starvation, drowning or even eaten alive. A creature known for its power and its aptitude for survival slips into the darkness a pathetic, handicapped wreck, once driven by instinct and confidence, now only knows pain and suffering. This is the fate of tens of millions of sharks slaughtered for their fins for an Asian 'delicacy' known as shark fin soup. The practice of shark finning is typically performed by first hooking the shark through the jaw or eye, dragging them on land or boat, slicing the pectoral and dorsal fins and tail while the shark is alive and then tossing the poor animal back into the ocean where it can only drift down to the seafloor and hope for a quick end.

Pause for a second. Now I know humans find it hard to sympathise with these supposed bloodthirsty, ferocious predators due to prejudice, horror stories of attacks on surfers and Steven Spielberg's 'Jaws' which depicts a murderous, evil fish hell-bent on eating everything and anything. Now rewind. These animals evolved 400 million years ago, a good 200 million years before the first forms of mammal arrived on the planet. They have evolved so well as apex predators and over time have well and truly established themselves as a main brick in the ecological house that is the ocean. Remove this keystone foundation and the whole ecosystem will fall. They feed on sick and dying fish maintaining healthy populations and in turn improve water quality. They do not attack humans intentionally and out of some violent rage, many encounters of sharks and humans are due to the former confusing swimmers with seals. Across the globe there are on average 12 attacks by sharks on humans a year, but you can guarantee all these incidences will be reported on and made into some horror story by the media, feeding the publics' distaste for this animal.

Ironically, it should be reported how many humans kill sharks - 3 sharks die a second at the hands of Homo sapiens - now that is a true horror story. 55% of all shark species are at serious risk of becoming extinct in the near future. As I mentioned before they are crucial to the way of life in marine ecosystems. Along the US east coast where large sharks such as the tiger shark and black tip shark have been virtually eliminated, surveys show that shellfish populations have dramatically declined and the overall quality of the water is exceptionally poor.

Fishermen have also acknowledged that sharks are getting smaller. This is due to excessive overhunting not allowing for sharks to mature. Decimated shark populations do not recover over night - many species do not sexually mature until 6 or 7 years of age and females typically give birth to only one or two pups annually. If some species are driven to near extinction before we stop this cruel practice, they may not be able to ever recover. And with some populations decreased by 90% this devastating fact may be true of some well known and much respected shark species. We must act NOW.

I watched a video about shark finning entitled, 'Sharks Don't Cry'. Well, I cried plenty for them. It's horrific. It's unnecessary evil. These animals must endure so much pain and so much anguish all for a bowl of tasteless soup that is usually made with chicken or vegetable stock to add a flavour. The fins are used only for texture.

Is it hypocritical to protest for a ban on shark finning when we slaughter so many animals such as cows, chicken and sheep? Even though I do not agree with the way farm animals are transported to slaughterhouses and methods used to kill them, they are far more humane than being finned alive and tossed back into the sea. Could you imagine the outcry if lambs and cows had their limbs cut off and left to bleed out in fields? This is exactly what is happening to sharks!! Sharks are not farmed animals, they are not bred for consumption - we are relying on natural populations to fuel the desire for shark fin soup. Also, with many species of shark endangered a ban needs to proceed to protect their survival for future generations. They banned the import and export of ivory to protect elephants and rhinoceros - we need this protection for sharks. I'm not naive - I know ivory is till sold through black markets, but even if fish fins continued to sell this way after a ban was put in place, there would still be a lot less sharks slaughtered than without it.

Many argue shark fin soup is part of Chinese culture. I'm sorry, but I just don't believe in those arguments. If tradition is so important why have others been banned such as foot binding? Surely if that argument had to stand, every tradition would still be upheld? And as a tradition, only the very wealthy consumed bowls of shark fin soup. Comparatively, a few million people could afford to eat the soup in the 1980s, but as China becomes richer, up to 300 million people now choose to eat it on a regular basis. Additionally, many who argure that it is a national tradition do not care about the conservation status of sharks - surely if it was such an important part of Chinese culture the protection of shark populations would be impertinent in order to sustain shark fin soup for generations to come?

Another weak argument for the justification of shark fin soup is that it is good for you. That must be why doctors strongly advise pregnant woman and children not to consume the soup due to the high contents of mercury found in sharks and other marine life. Also the fins are treated with hydrogen peroxide in order to produce a more appealing colour before added to the 'delicacy'. Mmm, sounds yummy!!

Much to my dismay, I discovered that a Chinese restaurant near where I live sells shark fin soup - Ho Wong restaurant found at 82 York Street, Glasgow. I know that many people are not aware of the practice of shark finning and my plan is to email the restaurant with some information about this and to ask if they would consider removing this dish from their menu. One voice may not be loud enough to portray the importance of this message and I would be so appreciative if others could do the same. Maybe together we can stop Glasgow from participating in the cruel slaughter of sharks. Please send a polite email on your opinions of shark fin soup to info@howong.co.uk

This is the video I mentioned previously Sharks Don't Cry. Please, please let's work together and stop shark finning.

Heatherbelle

Badgers, Rhinos and Killer Whales - oh my!

I can't believe it's been over a month since my last blog! There has been so many things to write about, so many things I have been angry over or inspired by! Perhaps a topic which has evoked such emotions is one which I read about in my trusty copy of Wildlife magazine. It wasn't until recently, whilst flicking through the latest issue of BBC Wildlife magazine, that I came across an article so disturbing in content, I doubted the reality of it. Then, reluctantly considering other disguting wildlife crimes that have been reported, I depressingly conceded that there must be some truth to the story. The article was about raising awareness of badger baiting or 'lamping'. This horrific act involves some seriously disturbed individuals releasing dogs on wild badgers. The breeds of dogs often involved in trapping badgers are terriers and dachshunds, but modern day offenders are also turning to bull lurchers, a cross between the lurcher and the illegal pit bull. The dogs are used to bait the badger and with an explosion of teeth, power and claws the animals are pitted against one another. This blood sport usually results in the badgers death - a horrific and painful death where the animal is ragged by typically two dogs, built for both speed and ferocity, and working in unison. However, fully grown badgers are powerful mammals and can weigh up to 35 pounds and so many dogs involved in badger baiting often have serious scarring around their faces and necks, injuries grave enough where many have to be euthanised or serious medical treatment needs to be administered. Many dog owners however will not risk exposure and take them to  veterinary clinics - many try to treat their dogs themselves to avoid suspicious vets.

The way these dogs are trained to attack badgers is an act which is as sick as badger baiting itself. Some people (and I use that term loosely) use badger cubs. These brutes stand on defenseless young cubs, effectively immobilising them, and let their dogs tear them to pieces. Is it just me or are these primitive, inferior excrements a danger to society? Is it too far to say they should be sent to a mental institution? If they can do this to animals how much of a stretch is it that they can harm other human beings? My brain just cannot process what enjoyment it is they feel seeing the pain, suffering and fear of an animal doomed to die in such a barbaric way.

Fortunately, badger crimes are being brought to light and those involved are being dealt with accordingly through the efforts of a unique partnership called Operation Meles and the police. Operation Meles (named after the Eurasian Badger binomial name - Meles meles) involves wildlife crime officers, local badger groups and national organisations i.e. RSPCA.

With badger baiting becoming common in places such as Glasgow (near where I live) I thought it best to write about what the public can look out for and what they can do to help save one of Britains most iconic wildlife species. People who dig badgers can be violent and often have criminal connections, so first and foremost do NOT approach people you suspect of badger baiting. Do, however, get descriptions of the people and dogs you see and write down vehicle registration numbers. Groups of men, with shovels and dogs, walking through areas of woodland are people who could be involved in this blood sport and badger setts which have been obviously disturbed should be reported, along with any dead badgers found which have injuries obtained by dogs. To damage or destroy sett entrances or tunnels is illegal without a licence. Report any suspicious activity to your local police station or the RSPCA (0300 1234 999) or SSPCA (03000 999 999). Please follow @ScottishSPCA or go here to find out more about badger baiting.

Lets work together to stop badger baiting and get justice for our British wildlife.

 

With the Javan rhino now recently announced extinct in Vietnam and with only 50 individuals left in the wild I thought I could maybe post a little paragraph on the rhinoceros, more specifically the Black rhino. There are less than 5,400 of these animals left and yet still many are threatened by poachers due to their impressive ivory horns. Deforestation also plays an important role in the rhinoceros depleting populations and charities such as WWF are desperately urging the public to get involved. You can adopt one of these beautiful animals here or why not watch this two minute conservation video about them: Black Rhino Video

Before I end this blog, I would greatly appreciate if you could take a minute of your time to sign this petition. It's a petition to save the killer whale, Morgan. 5 year old orca, Morgan, is ready to return to the wild. Marine biologists have matched her calls to her family pod and have a sophisticated rehabilitation and release plan in place for the female orca, who was found immaciated and ill off the coast of Holland in 2010. But Morgan is being held captive in an amusement park in Tenerife. In captivity, orcas have significantly reduced survival rates, and increased stress levels can cause serious illness and even death. The Free Morgan Foundation says there is a serious risk to the health and welfare of Morgan if she is kept in the park. If you want to help save Morgan the orca, join the campaign and demand that Loro Parque release her. 

Thanks. :)

"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." Edmund Burke 

Fukushima 20km Zone

@CountrySmileNL very kindly added captions and edited the images I used on my blog about the mistreatment of animals used in circuses. I thought I would share them on here as they are so much more effective than those in my previous post.

Thank you very much! :)

On the subject of powerful images, why not get involved with the campaign to save the animals in the Fukushima 20km Zone. In March this year Japan was struck by a 9-magnitude earthquake and a devastating tsunami. Together these disasters resulted in a nuclear accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant in the north east coast of the country. Tens of thousands of people and animals lost their lives and many more people were forced to evacuate their homes. The majority of those that evacuated left their pets and farm animals, believing they would return in a couple of days. This was not the case.

On the 22nd of April, the government enforced a strict 20 km exclusion zone around the nuclear plant, putting an end to the ongoing rescue efforts and condemning pets and farm animals to starvation. Before the tsunami, it is estimated that over 10,000 cats and dogs, over 675,000 farm animals as well as horses, ostriches and other “exotic” animals lived in the area.

As a result of this decision to abandon the animals in the 20km zone, small groups of Japanese and foreign volunteers have, since the start of May, been entering the exclusion zone to rescue and feed the abandoned animals - putting themselves at risk from radiation poisoning and from being arrested by patrolling police officers. These courageous people work endlessly to rescue animals and try to reunite some with their families or have some adopted by new owners. If they cannot get the animals out of the zone at that time they leave food and water until an evacuation is allowed and suitable shelters found to house them.  Each rescued animal is checked and treated by a vet and frustratingly decontamination is not usually required - these animals are not a threat if they are removed from the 20km zone. Unfortunately, despite their tireless efforts and dedication, hundreds of animals have already starved to death or succumbed to injuries and neglect.

The Japanese government are still refusing to rescue the trapped animals, despite thousands of local and international petitions and emails expressing outrage and disbelief. In order to raise awareness and put pressure on the Japanese government, the Hachiko Coalition is asking all of us, citizens of the world, to take a photo of our pets and add a message asking that the Fukushima animals be saved. Citizens of Japan, France and the US have enthusiastically sent their photos and they are now being joined by countries such as Brazil, Belarus, Australia, Italy, the UK and others. Every day, Nancy Gothard, of Hachiko Coalition, sends the photos by email, courier, fax and Twitter to eleven Ministries, the National Diet, the Emperor of Japan and Fukushima Prefectural officials.

Please, take part in the campaign and send your photos (jpeg format) with your name, city and country to nancy@hachiko-coalition.org 

These animals have survived an earthquake, a tsunami and radiation threats, but food and water is running dangerously low as the brave volunteers' attempts at rescue are being thwarted by more police patrols and the harsh weather conditions that winter brings.

 

This is my dog Cody. He's happy at home, thousands of miles away from the suffering in Fukushima 20km Zone, but I'd like to think that his cute little face, and expressive eyes will help sway the government into reconsidering their decision to abandon the animals. Please get involved. 

Ringling Bros. Juggling a $270,000 Fine for the Mistreatment of Animals

Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus (The Greatest Show on Earth) is an American based circus company which was founded over a century ago. The circus uses 'animal performers' as part of its show and many of these animals include the beautiful and intelligent Asian elephant, Bengal tiger, zebra, lions, alpacas, llamas and goats. Ringling Bros. claims to be the 'Greatest Show on Earth', but at what expense to its animals? Often referred to as the 'Saddest Show on Earth' by animal rights groups, this title would appear far more accurate. In 2009, PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) went undercover and collected substantial evidence to prove that the animals involved in the travelling circus were being abused and mistreated. These animals aren't made to perform for a few years and allowed to retire in peace (despite what Ringling suggest on their official website), they are exploited for decades in the case of the elephants. Tonka, is a 25 year old elephant Ringling has used since 1989. She has suffered through a life of confined spaces, shackles and bullhooks. She has been humilated infront of thousands wearing flamboyant head dress and paraded like some showgirl on some cheap game show. Most of the 11 elephants at Ringling were ripped from the wild, separated from their family. Babies are forced to train, torn from their mothers' sides.

"Ringling acknowledged that the images were taken at its facility but stated that the training methods depicted acceptable methods of professional elephant-training."

Feet pulled from under them, bound by ropes. These animals are tortured, not trained.

As I mentioned before, elephants are trained through the use of bullhooks. These are metal-tipped prods that are whipped across the elephants head, ears, trunk and legs. I watched a video posted by PETA that was recorded throughout their undercover investigation and honestly could not believe what I was seeing. The elephants are constantly attacked by their handlers. Even while the elephants are standing still, trapped in some sick game of musical statues, these barbarians strike them over and over. They strike them whilst having conversations with each other, like the way you would beat a pen off a desk while talking to your friend at school.
 

This is a bullhook and quite honestly it would be at home in a museum cabinet of medieval torture equipment.






I was under the impression humans had become a little more civilised since then. Obviously I was wrong.

The evidence collected by PETA and the numerous complaints against Ringling for its treatment of animals has brought about the largest civil penalty against an animal exhibitor under the Animal Welfare Act according to The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The owner of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus has agreed to pay a record $270,000 fine to settle charges that it violated federal animal welfare laws and promises to improve the conditions for animals. Reports of abuse and mistreatment dated back some number of years included elephants being forced to perform despite pain from sand colic; wheelbarrows used to transport meat to tigers were also used to haul away their faeces; zebras escaping from their enclosures in two major incidences; splintered floors and rusted cages used to contain big cats and poor medical record-keeping. PETA has said that the fine is a good step, but it called on the government to confiscate the elephants. The charity has even offered to to purchase an animatronic elephant for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus if the circus retires all of its live performing elephants.

The fact is that even though more egregious instances of animal abuse have been reported in the circus industry historically, the aforementioned violations made by Ringling Bros. highlight the problem of using animals for entertainment purposes. Ethical treatment of animals takes a backseat to the profit circuses rake in from the crowds attracted to idea of seeing elephants and tigers. This has to stop. Animals are not here for our entertainment and are certainly not here to be subjected to a life of sorrow and pain for a quick buck.

CAPS (Captive Animals' Protection Society) s a UK-based charity leading the campaign to end the use of animals in entertainment. They really do amazing work and any way in which you can get involved or support this charity would make a huge difference to circus animals everywhere. Please click here to find out more.

We see this........

But what we really should see is this........

STOP ANIMAL CIRCUSES!

Mute Swans (Cygnus olor)

Oh dear. I don't think I'm getting the hang of 'regular blog updates' - although I am trying. Currently working full time in a job I did part-time when I was 16, so I've been feeling a little sorry for myself lately. GIVE ME A ZOOLOGY JOB ANYONE!!! Please, thank you. Preferably involving cheetahs. Merci.

I have been so wrapped up in my little bubble of 'legendary customer care' and 'advantages of owning an advantage card' that nature has well and truly slipped from my grasp. I saw a little grey squirrel foraging amongst the trees in the car park where my flat is and it hit me how much I miss watching wildlife. The car park is visited by cats, birds, squirrels and foxes and I really need to start taking advantage of that rather than my job at Boots.

Apart from stalking my furry little neighbouring mammal (no, not the guy across the hall, the squirrel), I feed the swans at a nearby park. They are Mute Swans to be precise and during the summer, mum and dad conceived and successfully reared six beautiful cygnets. I remember sitting in the car, the first time I saw them. Six little feathery grey blobs following mum, one behind the other, while dad watched their six, while eyeing up any boisterous yellow-legged gull who flew too close to his precious family.

The swans, during the first month or so of the cygnets hatching, were extremely wary of swimming too close to the public so close up views of hatchlings were, understandably, hindered. One night, while moping about the flat in boredom and with half a loaf of bread a day out of date, the idea of feeding the ducks and swans popped into my head. So off I went, armed with Hovis bread and my Blackberry.The park was pitch black, the normally pretty pond, looked ominous in the moonlight. Walking about 30 feet from the car, I was greeted by an exciting sight. The little swan family were camped out on the dock, snuggled together to conserve body heat. Now, I say 'greeted', but as a little squeal of excitement left my lips, 6 pairs of black eyes popped open and 6 long, smooth beaks turned in my direction. "Bread." I stated, shaking the bag for emphasis, trying to appear reassuring. A long, angry hiss and expansion of those magnificent wings was my reply.

By this time, the babies were half the size of their parents, their feathers a lighter shade of grey to what I had seen before. I eventually won them over and they pigged out on their midnight snack. Their hisses, soon became cute little squeaks of joy at receiving a late night treat. For 'mute' swans, they are anything but - the offspring anyway! Mum and dad just kept a careful eye on their family while grabbing a couple of bits of bread for themselves.

For someone, stuck stocking shelves and getting minimum wage, a day (or should I say a night) at the park feeding swans by hand is like a safari trip studying lions. Excitement took over. The idea that I could go to the park and get closer to the little family than the public get during the day, made me feel like I had stumbled on a secret that only I knew about. Okay, I know it's not that exciting, but leave me alone, it makes me happy.

This soon became a weekly occurrence and it was great to spend even 10 minutes feeding them and getting to see the babies grow. I went last night, and all six cygnets are now the same size as their parents and only little grey flecks of colour distort their white-as-snow bodies. They're awesome.

I need to get pictures of them. My phone is McRubbish in the dark. Make do with one I nabbed from Google.

Some facts about the Mute Swan. They were introduced to western Europe and Britain by the Romans, but are originally from Asia and parts of eastern Europe. The population in Britain has increased to about 25,000 pairs which is more than a fifth of the European population. During the summer, when the female will lay eggs, both members of the pair build a nest, typically on an island in a gravel pit or by a pond. The huge eggs are laid every 48 hours and incubation only starts when the clutch is complete. The hen broods them, though her mate sits on the nest while she is away feeding. As soon as the young hatch they can swim, and the parents defend them fiercely against predators. The cygnets fledge between 120 - 150 days.

The swan family make my little zoology heart sing and it really just drives me to get a job I know I will enjoy. Nature really is the best solution if you're feeling down or out of sorts. Watch the birds in your back garden or take your dog for a walk. It's my medicine and I recommend it to everyone. Feed the birds......Tuppence a bag. Go to.

Aquatic Unicorns - Narwhals

Wildlife 101 has a new look, a new layout and so a new start. I've scrapped my previous posts and have a different idea of what I want this blog to convey. It's not going to get too complicated, I'll probably still write the first thing that comes into my head, but I promise to try structure the ensuing chaos. Inspired by the trailers and clips of David Attenborough's spectacular new natural history documentary, Frozen Planet, I feel almost compelled to write about some animal species struggling for survival in either of the poles. Before I start, I should mention I haven't actually seen the first episode which aired yesterday - I know blasphemy! What zoologist doesn't drool at the thought of listening to Attenborough's distinctive, lulling tones whilst viewing some of the most beautiful shots of our planet and its inhabitants? Frozen Planet had 6.82 million viewers glued to their couches last night, an incredible 27.4 per cent share of all those watching television between 9pm and 10pm. At 85 years of age, this man is ridiculously unstoppable. Here is a short interview by Radio Times talking to Attenborough about Frozen Planet and life in general.


Watching clips of Frozen Planet on the BBC website I was completely captivated by the minute and a half video of narwhals and their journey across the frozen plains of the Arctic Ocean in search of shrimp, squid and fish. Navigating their way through can be dangerous, with the water currents continually shifting blocks of ice which could at any moment cut off the pods air supply. The thought of swimming down narrow passages of ice with the risk of being trapped sends a shudder down my spine, but with the promise of Arctic cod, it is a risk necessary for the narwhals' survival.


Narwhals live in the remote coastal waters and rivers of the Arctic, but migrate with the change of seasons. Their pods are usually made up of between 2 and 10 individuals, but larger groups may be seen when food supplies are abundant. They are classified in the cetacean family Monodontidae, along with the white beluga whale. These animals have two teeth, one of which grow straight through the male narwhals upper lip and spirals in an anti-clock wise direction and can reach nine feet in length. The appendage baffles scientists with its presence having, what seems no evolutionary advantage to the species. The ivory tusk is thought to be an important instrument in mating rituals whether to impress females (where size does matter!) or battle rival suitors. In females the two teeth typically remain embedded within the skull, but occasionally tusks of their own may form, but never reaching the size of their male counterparts. It's not known why the tusk spirals to the left, but it has to spiral in order to grow straight. The tusk lacks enamel, unlike most mammal teeth and has a pulp cavity that extends for its entire length. 

The narwhal is thought to be the foundation of many legends with some medieval Europeans believing the narwhals tusk was the horn of unicorns. The 'horns' were considered to have magical properties, able to cure poison and depression. Vikings and other northern traders were able to sell them for ten times their weight in gold. Centuries later and the narwhals are still hunted for their ivory tusks both illegally and by the Inuit. The Inuit people however, use almost all parts of the narwhal - meat, skin, blubber and organs are all a vital source of Vitamin C which is hard to obtain in the northern climates. Apart from humans, the only other threats of predation to the narwhal is by polar bears and killer whales. Its shy nature and habitat make it a difficult whale to study, but presently there are thought to be 20,000 swimming around the Arctic. However, the population are threatened by climate change which is accelerating the destruction of their frozen home and depletion of their highly specialised food sources. 

The narwhal is one of the most mystery mammals in our oceans and it's exciting to see more information unfolding about their way of life, conservation methods and the purpose of the tusk! Sitting in my nice warm flat in Scotland, I'm unfortunately hundreds of miles away from seeing real life narwhals and that is why I am so thankful for the wonderful documentaries like Frozen Planet that can take me to the narwhals' world and give me a sneak peak at these incredible creatures. 


I hope my blog has raised your curiosity even a fraction about the narwhal and if you were debating whether to watch Frozen Planet or not - go, go now! Catch it on BBC iplayer. That's where I am headed right now! Thanks for reading. I'll leave you with a picture of a t-shirt, which I'm hoping Santa will be kind enough to bring me!

 Heatherbelle <3