Seaworld veterinarians euthanize sick orca: Third whale to die at park this year

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Kasatka, the 42-year-old matriarch of the orca family was euthanized at SeaWorld on Tuesday after losing her long battle with a lung disease. The killer whale was one of the last to be captured in the wild for the San Diego park; she is the second death at the marine parks in a month. The tragic announcement in a press release stated she “was surrounded by members of her pod, as well as the veterinarians and caretakers who loved her” when she died.

“We are saddened to share the passing of Kasatka today (August 15, 2017) at SeaWorld San Diego. Following lengthy treatment for a bacterial respiratory infection, or lung disease, Kasatka’s health and appetite significantly declined over the past several days, despite continually tailored treatments. Kasatka’s veterinarians, who are experts in marine animal medicine, and her caretakers made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize her to prevent compromising her quality of life.”

Kristi Burtis, an orca behaviorist spent years with Kasatka:

“Today, I lost a member of my family. I have spent the past several years with Kasatka and was truly blessed to be part of her life. Although I am heartbroken, I am grateful for the special time we had together and for the difference she has made for wild orcas by all that we have learned from her. I adored Kasatka and loved sharing her with millions of people. I will miss her very much.”

Less than a month ago, a three-month-old baby whale died in S; meaWorld’s park located in San Antonio after she succumbed to pneumonia. In March 2016, SeaWorld announced the end of its breeding program following years of criticism and pressure from animal advocates and animal rights organizations. Tilikum, the killer whale who accidentally killed his trainer, Dawn Brancheau in Orlando in 2010 by dragging her into the pool before a crowd full of visitors died in January from pneumonia.

The documentary ‘Blackfish’ published in 2013 brought more criticism to the breeding program. The organization has not brought in any wild orcas in 40 years; most were born in captivity. There are still 21 orcas in the United States – the youngest Amaya, was born in 2014.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) continue to call out the company and release all of the parks’ orcas to sea pens or coastal sanctuaries. The Animal Legal Defense Fund has alleged SeaWorld has avoided press coverage in order to conceal the declining health of the orca until Tuesday when she was euthanized.

(Photos via SeaWorld webpages)

Read previous coverage of the death of the baby orca here.

Rest in peace beautiful one. You will be missed and we are sorry you were not allowed to be free:

Rude beachgoers blamed for death of baby dolphin

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A young female, baby dolphin became stranded in a beach in Mojacar, Spain on Friday, and rude beachgoers are being blamed for the animal’s death after touching it and taking photos of the vulnerable marine mammal.

According to Equinac, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving marine animals, “hundreds” of tourist at the beach surrounded the baby dolphin, who somehow became separated from her mother. Children were allowed to touch the animal, and several kids were seen covering the mammal’s blowhole keeping it from breathing. Messages on the group’s Facebook were disturbing and truly heartbreaking.

Unfortunately it was too late for the baby dolphin by the time someone called Equinac; she died before the group could render emergency help.

“Humans are the most irrational animal there is,” the group posted. “In their selfishness, all they wanted to do was to photograph it and touch it – even knowing the dolphin was suffering from stress as the crowd gathered around and showed little compassion.”

The Facebook posts indicated the beachgoers were not responsible for the baby having been beached. Why the little one was not with her mother could have have been because she was already sick and had been abandoned. The circumstances, however of the dolphin having been beached, doesn’t rationalize anyone interfering with a stranded marine animal. People are urged to avoid touching  and immediately call for help.

“… by then the animal was already dead, the main  photograph shows a member of Equinac (green bathing suit) taking out the dolphin corpse of the water. Clearly, the public awareness and educational campaigns conducted until now have not been effective enough. The ‘selfie frenzy’ seems to prevail over any common sense.”

Earlier this year, a tourist in Brazil was heavily fined after she grabbed an endangered shark out of the ocean so she could take selfies. The woman was videoed wrestling with the small shark that latched onto her hand during the struggle at Brazil’s Fernarndo de Noronha, an archipelago of 21 islands and islets located in the Atlantic Ocean offshore of the Brazilian coast. The woman and her boyfriend spotted the lemon shark swimming near the beach line and decided to pluck it out of the water and use it to take selfies for their Facebook page.  Check out the video and read more of that story here.

Humans are still so mean.

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After 3 years, stolen dog reunited with owner thanks to compassionate shelter workers! Read all about ithere.

Elderly woman’s car and dog were stolen – then a stranger saves the day. Read more here.

Man finds baby deer and takes it to a bar, now it can never go home

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Recently, a days old baby deer was found curled up in the Arizona desert, likely waiting for his mother to return. Tragically, before the fawn’s mother came back, a man happened upon the baby and decided that the wild animal was in need of his help.

According to AZ Family, the man wound up transporting the fawn to a bar in Salome. Shortly thereafter, the man took the fawn to a nearby home – a fish and game officer then arrated to the residence to pick up the baby deer.

The want-to-be good Samaritan unknowingly destroyed the fawn’s chances of ever going to live back in the wild. Wildlife Education manager Mike Demlong explained:

Unfortunately, people will find baby wildlife in the field and they’ll think it’s abandoned when it’s not. The mother will stash it there for safety purposes, but if you remove it from the wild, it can’t go back.”

Shortly after the situation was posted on the Facebook page for Arizona Game and Fish, a further explanation about why the baby will now live in captivity was provided to those who are upset with the news:

Returning baby wildlife back to the wild is our main priority, but it can only be done successfully within 24 hours of the mother leaving the young animal behind. The individual who removed the newborn fawn couldn’t recall the exact location where he took it from. It would have done little good to leave the fawn alone, with little chance for its mother to still find it, and it was already dependent on humans for food. For that reason, it it couldn’t be placed back into the wild and now must live a life of captivity.

The agency added:

Our aim is to do what’s best for the animal, if that is at all possible. Luckily we were able to find a facility with space to house this young fawn – that isn’t always the case. That is why it is imperative that people leave baby wildlife alone. They are rarely abandoned, and their parent(s) are usually nearby.

While it’s too late for this baby to live out its life in the wild, the game department wants the situation to serve as a learning opportunity for others. If you see a baby deer in the wild, please allow its mother to return…she is likely nearby, waiting for you to leave.

Story ideas? Please email me at Eims1@live.com for consideration.

More news and updates at the National Animal News Facebook page.

A woman’s door was left ajar during a storm – look who she found inside!

 

Adorable video showing deer and toddler playing – watch here!

 

Trapped baby elephant discovered with his trunk sticking out of deep mud

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It had been Election Day in Kenya on Tuesday, and while on an evening drive, visitors to the national park of Tsavo East caught sight of a tiny elephant calf completely engulfed and bogged down in thick mud. All that could be seen was his tiny trunk which moved so slowly, but had been all that was needed to indicate the baby was still alive.

With no elephants nearby, the emergency call went out for help to the elephant keepers at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust along with the KWS Anti-Poaching team.

When rescuers arrived, it was evident the baby had been stuck in the mud for hours. Clearly the mother had tried to extract her calf, but had given up and moved away. There was still sight of a herd of elephants in the distance, and while the rescue team began to circle the mud hole, a single female elephant returned to the spot; circling from a distance and seemingly clearly agitated and worried about her baby. And as if elephants aren’t already known to be one of the smartest animals roaming our plains, she clearly understood that these humans closing in on her baby were there to help.

The teams worked quickly together and placed straps around the baby while wading knee deep in the mud. Finally they were able to pull the little guy to safety and bring him to the harder edge of the waterhole where he would finally be free. The moment the baby was on his feet, the mother elephant ran to his side.

Everyone smiled from ear to ear as the reunion between the mom and baby reunited. As the little one began to suckle from his mother, the rest of the herd called out in celebration.

On the David Sheldrick Wildllife Trust’s Facebook, the organization posted the good news. We, at Pet Rescue Report, are happy to report mom elephant and her son are doing well thanks to this awesome group.

“The ultimate happy ending

Our primary mission is to keep wild families safe and, most importantly, together. So, yesterday, when this tiny baby became stuck in mud so thick his mother couldn’t pull him out, our nearby Voi Keepers stepped in to help.

See the rescue unfold, including the joyous moment when mum and baby were reunited yesterday.”

(Photos of baby elephant and rescue courtesy of Facebook for David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi)

To donate, please click here.

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Need to watch some baby elephants and how they are thriving because of these devoted rescuers? Relax and spend some time with the elephants:

A woman’s door was left ajar during a storm – look who she found inside!

 

Special funeral held for a famous diving dog – read more here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Woman desperately searching to find her lost pet bobcat

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In Arnold, Missouri, a Jefferson County family is desperately searching the area to find their pet bobcat named Artemis. The 35-pound treasured feline escaped a few weeks ago, and the woman posted an ad on Craigslist hoping someone has spotted her.

“I miss my girl terribly,” the owner told media News4, “If anyone spots her please call of text me. If she is seen, it will be easy to tell she is not a local, wild bobcat.”

Artemis has been a family pet for more than six years and was purchased from a breeder in Montana. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, it is legal to keep a bobcat as a pet with certain provisions. An owner must have a permission to have one; either with a breeding or a hobby permit. There are different requirements, but both require the animal to be kept in a confined area. According to Missouri code, a bobcat is not allowed to freely roam in a home.

The code also specifies the area where the wild animal is kept must be inspected once a year by the Department of Conservation. At this time, investigators are trying to determine if the owners have a permit.

“She is not a danger to people or pets, but she is very skittish,” the owner stated. “She has been raised around dogs and cats, but if she is cornered by an aggressive dog or person, she may try to bite.”

Artemis has been declawed, and investigators ask anyone who spots the animal just call the conservation agents at 314.954.5697 or the police department at 636.296.3204. Saving St. Louis Pets on Facebook is also trying to help out, and warns people there are many bobcats in the area and not to approach any of them – please call for assistance.

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Hikers stunned to see bear open a car door – watch the amazing video here.

 

Man who tied up a dead fox on his garden gate forced to leave his home

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A man who tied up a dead fox on his garden gate has been forced to leave his home this week, after having been “named and shamed” on an  online social media group. The disturbing photo was taken in front of the resident’s home, located on the Isle of Sheppey, an island off the northern coast of Kent, England.

According to the Facebook group, called the Gossip Board – Sheppey, the photo of the dead fox was shared with the following comment:

“…this has happened in Minster, ” 10 Danedale avenue “. those with cats in the area please be cautious !! Although snaring is not illegal allowing this poor baby to suffer unnecessarily like this and hung in public view it is sadistic, vile. This is animal abuse.”

In addition, it is not known how the fox died and if the animal had been strung up while still hanging onto life.

 “A man living at Minster on Sea, Sheerness has been setting snares in his garden and proudly displaying his tortured kill for all to see. His poor neighbor could hear the vixen screaming in the night, but thought she was mating, and it wasn’t till she saw this that she realized it was in fact this poor baby fighting for her life. Snares aren’t illegal sadly.”

Shocked residents claim the fox had been caught in a snare and the metal wire had cut through her neck before she was strung up to represent a “trophy.” According to the KentOnline, Angela Walder, former chairperson for the RSPCA – Sheppey was horrified and disgusted and stated the fox must have been in terrible agony while she died. As of this time, however, an RSPCA spokesperson said there is insufficient evidence of a breach of the law. A Kent police officer stated:

“Officers have made inquiries to establish whether any offenses have been committed but no charges have been brought against anyone in relation to this matter. It should go without saying that people should not take the law into their own hands.”

Area residents insist the neighborhood does not have a lot of foxes roaming in the area. She heard the noise that night of the animal crying, and was shocked the next morning to see it tied to the gate. Fox snares are legal in the U.K. but subject to restrictions.

Ray Allibone, who runs Swampy’s Wildlife Rescue in Sheerness, posted a warning telling those who live in Minster and Eastchurch to be careful with their pets as the snares can be lethal to domesticated pets left to roam outdoors.

“I’m afraid this will put your pets in a very vulnerable position,” Allibone posted on Facebook.

Why isn’t wildlife respected? After all they have the same right to live as humans. Rest in peace little fox. We are sorry your life was snuffed out so soon and so cruelly.

(Photos of dead fox via the Gossip Board Sheppey Facebook)

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Photo of man caring for his aging friend goes viral – read the touching story here.

These men rescued a drowning bald eagle – watch the amazing video at this link.

 

Video of St. Louis crew freeing tangled owl from soccer net goes viral

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In a heartwarming rescue in a rural area of  St. Louis County, two videos of construction field hands helping a tiny tangled owl trapped in a soccer net, has garnered more than 50 million views – yes that’s no typo – the video has been seen more than 50 million times on Facebook and shared 168,000 times.

According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the first video was posted by Will Brown, who told the story. The G&S Construction & Farms crew had been switching a water hook-up near the soccer fields in the south of the county when the owner of the field spotted the little owl trapped in the soccer net. The defenseless little one’s wings were awry, and the orange netting entangled his brown feathers. His situation, at least for the owl, was hopeless.

Did he just not see the net as he was hunting for prey? And as if the owl knew the men were helping him, the little guy remained still as Brown and the owner carefully cut away at the netting; the owl’s bright yellow eyes just staring; all the while Brown speaking quietly to soothe the wild owl. When the bird was finally freed, he was carefully placed on the ground and within moments the owl flew away.

“He didn’t bite, so I’ll take that as a ‘thank you,'” Brown joked on Facebook.

Brown has received numerous compliments and “lots of love” for the kind act; we just need more people just like Will Brown.

Photos and video of tangled owl via screenshots by Will Brown.

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Check out the video:

 

Unusual encounter – golfers help thirsty coyote in Arizona

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Golfers at an Arizona course had a rather unusual wildlife encounter last weekend. According to AZ Central, four men golfing at Scottsdale’s Talking Stick Golf Club were approached by a coyote.

The men could see that the coyote was in need of help, and possibly injured – rather than ignoring the animal’s plight, the men offered him a cup of water. One of the men, Ryan Taplin, made a Facebook post about the incredible encounter.

Taplin wrote:

A once in a life time experience.

Found this coyote injured and in need of food and water today. Out on the front 9 at Talking Stick Golf Club, we noticed him stalking an animal. When he realized we were watching, he came right up to our cart. It’s crazy how gentle a wild animal can be when in need of help…Poor little guy.

The men’s act of kindness has not stopped at the cup of water – now they are trying to contact local wildlife authorities to get “Wiley” the help that he obviously needs.

More news and updates at this link to the National Animal News Facebook page.

All recent Pet Rescue Report articles at this link.

Homeless family cried as they surrendered their beloved dog – now she needs a home. Read more here.

Family sobbed when they were forced to surrendered beloved dog

Thieves threatened a man, but his pit bull rushed to his defense – read about this awesome dog here.

 

Last orca born in captivity at San Antonio SeaWorld dies at 3 months old

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On Monday, the last orca to have been born at SeaWorld died after just three months of life, the press release announced via SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment. The calf, named Kyara, died from “very serious and progressive health issues over the last week” at the park located in San Antonio, Texas.

“A full post-mortem examination is being conducted, which may take several weeks to be completed. Our team was treating her for a serious case of pneumonia, which was the start of her declining health… This weekend Kyara, the 3-month-old killer whale calf at SeaWorld San Antonio, was being treated at the park’s Animal Hospital for an infection. The dedicated team of veterinarians and care staff spent the last three days providing critical care for Kyara, but despite their best efforts, her health continued to decline and she passed away earlier today.”

In a prepared statement, orca trainer Julie Sigman stressed Kyara had made a tremendous impact on staff as well as guests who had visited SeaWorld to see her. In April, when Takara, the baby’s mother gave birth, SeaWorld called it “an exciting and emotional day.” In March, however, amidst a significant backlash of criticism from animal activists group throughout the nation, the breeding program was ended.

In the 2103 documentary Blackfish, which exposed the cruel treatment of the orcas and the physical, mental and emotional impact on the animals, visitors stopped visiting the park with the decline in attendance and the adverse publicity seriously affecting the company’s stock.

Although there still remain 22 orcas in the San Antonio and Orlando parks, and the whales are still taught to perform in their concrete prisons, the theatrics are coming to an end in San Diego and San Antonio. Sadly Kyara never did get the chance to swim in the ocean as any whale should be entitled, PETA lamented on Twitter  Monday morning.

Rest in peace Kyara. We are sorry you were never free.

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Woman who walked seagull on a leash is banned from keeping animals

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A woman who walked an injured seagull on a leash has been banned from keeping any animals for a year. Anna Marie Marshall, 44, had been walking the heron gull on Parliament Street, York, United Kingdom after she found it in Scarborough and brought it with her on a city bus.

According to the Independent, when Marshall found the seagull, it had an injured wing. She refused to turn the bird over to the police calling them “murderers” and telling them she would rather wring the bird’s neck than let them take it away. When police attempted to arrest the homeless woman, she fell on the bird injuring it more seriously. After an examination by a nearby vet, there was nothing that could be done for the animal, and it was euthanized.

Marshall is said to be suffering from mental health problems and has lived on the streets for a decade. Her defense attorney told the court the woman appears to have hallucinations and didn’t want to hand the bird over to the police because she thought they would just kill it.

The woman pleaded guilty to injuring a wild bird, taking a wild bird, threatening and abusive behavior and refusing to surrender at court last week when the case was to be originally heard. The magistrate sentenced Marshall to a 12-month community service and barred her from keeping any animals for a year. District Judge Adrian Lower addressed Marshall stating:

“You took in an animal for care but had no ability to do that at all given your chaotic lifestyle. I can only hope you have learned from this experience and the next time you come across a sick or injured animal, however much you care for it, you will take the animal to someone better placed to care for it than you can.”

Not bad words of advice from a judge as to wildlife and all the ill-prepared people who, although they want to help, wind up causing the animal stress and more serious injuries.

Rest in peace innocent bird. Every life counts.

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Officer jumps into raging river to save a drowning dog – watch the dramatic video here.

Chimp Is Orphaned When Poacher Kills Mom, But Couple Saves The Baby By Bringing Her To Sanctuary – read the story here.