Orcas in Captivity Versus The Wild

Grade 3/4 students at Dundas Street Public School recently learned more about orcas and their habitats. They compared the life of an orca in the wild with the life of an orca in a marine park. 

Their postcards on behalf of Corky show us some of the struggles that orcas face in captivity:

Orcas in marine parks are socially isolated from their family pod: 

Picture by Xin

They live in barren environments: 

Picture by Declan

They are confined to small pools and can't engage in natural behaviours like hunting: 

Picture by Jessica

They suffer high mortality rates: 

Picture by Alex

They have to perform circus tricks to earn food:

Picture by Maxwell

In the wild, their lives are vastly different:

Orcas live their whole life with their family pod:

Picture by Razore

They hunt in a vast and stimulating ocean environment using echolocation:

Picture by Helen

They can swim for many kilometres each day: 

Picture by Jierui

They have freedom: 

Thanks to all the students for their great artwork and comments. Their postcards will be sent to Seaworld, where Corky, who has been in captivity for more than 40 years, lives. Hopefully Corky gets a chance to reunite with her family pod, and swim in the ocean once again. She deserves her freedom after all these years. 

Urban Wildlife

These are some of the cool plaster casts of tracks that students at Dundas Street Public School made recently during their Keep It Wild! workshop. Studying animal tracks is a great way to connect with wild animals and learn more about the wildlife that lives in the city. Tracks are easiest to spot along creek and river beds, and in muddy trails after a recent rainfall. There are lots of resources on the web that explain how to make plaster casts of tracks. Check some of them out this summer and see if you can capture some tracks! 

Back to the Blue

Tom and Misha (picture from Born Free website)

Tom and Misha are two dolphins that recently made it back to the wild, after spending six years in a small and filthy swimming pool in a Turkish resort. Both dolphins were born in the wild, and have been in captivity as part of a dolphin swim for tourists.

After almost two years of planning and rehabilitation, the two dolphins were released back into the ocean. The dolphins are being tracked and appear to be adapting well to life in the wild  They are hunting and have travelled hundreds of miles now that they are free. Their successful rehabilitation and release will hopefully inspire other campaigns to send more captive dolphins back to the blue.

Learn more about their time in captivity and their release at: Born Free

Saving Lives & Changing Hearts

Rob Laidlaw, founder of Zoocheck Canada, has authored several children's books about animals in captivity. His newest book, Saving Lies & Changing Hearts: Animal Sanctuaries and Rescue Centres, will be released this summer. From a donkey sanctuary in Canada to a bear rescue centre in China, this book examines numerous efforts around the world to rescue and care for animals in need. A great book to inspire those who care about animals.

Support Bill 69 to Help Elephants

In Ontario, Bill 69 would amend the OSPCA Act in protection of elephants. If passed, the Bill would help captive elephants. The bill would restrict the use of bullhooks and electric prods. It would also restrict the use of restraints (like chains) in elephant management, training and handling.You can learn more about the Bill at: http://www.zoocheck.com/campaigns_elephant_EPA2012.html
You can help elephants today by supporting the Bill. Write a personal letter to Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty and All Members of Provincial Parliament letting them know that you support Bill 69 because you care about captive elephants.

Ivan the Gorilla

Katherine Applegate was inspired to write The One and Only Ivan after reading about the true story of a captive gorilla known as Ivan, the Shopping Mall gorilla. The real Ivan lived alone in a 14' x 14' concrete cage for twenty-seven years at a shopping mall before being moved to Zoo Atlanta after a public outcry.

A photo of the real Ivan (from PAWS)

   
The School Library Journal has this to say about the book:
Applegate makes a powerful statement about the treatment of animals - especially those living in captivity - and reminds readers that all creatures deserve a safe place to call home. Castelao's delightful illustrations enhance this lovely story, and the characters will capture readers' hearts and never let go. A must-have. 
Learn more about the book and about the author at :http://theoneandonlyivan.com/