Artist Janet Vanderhoof, inspired and deeply touched by the work of Patricia Sims and Michael Clark Filmmakers of “Return to the Forest” depicting the reintroduction of bringing the Elephants of Thailand back to the wild, felt a need to create her painting … ‘A Dream For The Queen’.
Returning Elephants To The Forest
For most of us in the Western world, the first time we would’ve seen an elephant was likely in a circus or a zoo. But what we were never told is how the elephant, a wild animal that roams the jungles and savannah of lands far away, got to be in the zoo or the circus in the first place. It’s time to return elephants to their natural role in the forest before it’s too late for the elephants and the forests. Join us on World Elephant Day August 12th to find out how.
The Dark Side Of The Elephant Business
The world is running out of elephants, both in the wild and in captivity. In Thailand it’s estimated that overall the population is decreasing by 3.5% per year – which means that in 30 years there will be no elephants left in the land of elephants. But, there are some people who are trying to do something about it, before it’s too late.
Life As An Elephant
It’s not easy to be an elephant these days. African elephants are threatened by the relentless poaching frenzy that is slaughtering over 100 elephants per day throughout Africa. Asian elephants, are critically endangered by rapid habitat loss, causing them to raid croplands in search of food, leading to deadly conflicts with humans, poaching, or capture, and a life of captivity in zoos, tourist shows or logging camps. For us, life as a human is challenging enough. But for elephants, is there any hope?
The New Year’s Resolution, Part 1
Ah, there’s nothing so promising as the New Year’s resolution — a better body, a better bank account, a better world. And nothing so daunting – working out, working harder, working for the common good. It’s a time for decision making and commitment to a future self and a future that is in some way […]
How to Save a Tuna (and Other Thoughts About the Food We Choose)
Inspired by Andrea Paterson’s article “How To Save a Cow,” Darcy Rhyno suggests we need a new way of thinking about cruelty to animals that provide us with food.
How to Save a Cow
Andrea K. Paterson asks, “Why, when people start avoiding animal products for ethical reasons, do they most often decide to avoid meat but still eat eggs and dairy rather than avoiding eggs and dairy but continuing to eat meat?”
Words of Wisdom, Talk of Tigers
Our editor finds a video clip of Dan L. Hays talking about a powerful dream he had which he incorporated into his book, Freedom’s Just Another Word. Dan grew up as the child of alcoholic parents and his healing journey has inspired so many others who have been through similar experiences.
Gorillas … 98.6% Human
On a trip to Rwanda last year, explore visited four families of wild mountain gorillas, a species with only 720 remaining members. Their guide is Craig Sholley, who has been intimately involved in the preservation of African wildlife for more than 30 years. The team’s thrilling interaction with these peaceful creatures — who share 98.6% of their genetic makeup with humans — is a startling reminder of our own humanity.
Random Love and X-Rated Orcas
When Neil Johnston heads off whale watching in the waters off Vancouver Island, he is in for a bigger surprise than he ever bargained for.