As we say goodbye to 2013 – I would like to reflect on the stories that I find to be the most inspirational and personal to me.
Saying goodbye to Iringa, Toka and Thika – TORONTO ZOO ELEPHANTS
There has been much controversy surrounding the Toronto Zoo elephant program but it was a controversy that ended with a positive outcome for Iringa, Toka and Thika – the three elephants that have been relocated to PAWS, I 35-hectare sanctuary located in Sand Andreas, California. The sanctuary has been divided in half to accommodate the African elephants before they are integrated with the other three that are already residing there.
Bob Barker – who has been pivotal in this relocation, was present when the elephants arrived and indicated that it was about time that the elephants were relocated. “I have never met with so much acrimony as we did in Toronto,” he said. “And why I don’t know.” Bob Barker covered the cost of the move and relocation of the elephants.
Iringa and Toka, youngsters spared from a deadly cull in Mozambique – arrived at the zoo in 1974, the year it opened. Thika was born in Toronto and has never known life outside of the Toronto Zoo’s one-hectare zoo.
The elephants will now live on rolling grassland with trees, meadows, lakes a walnut orchard, three heated barns and a Jacuzzi.
Here is the video of Iringa, Toka and Thika’s arrival:
Iringa, Toka and Thika – the morning after their arrival:
It costs about $70,000+/yr to care for an elephant – PAWS welcomes any donations to ensure their well-being. To make a donation, please visit the PAWS website at: http://www.pawsweb.org/donate_online.html
FREEDOM for the ARCTIC 30
Greed speaks loudly when peaceful activists are threatened to be jailed for defending the Arctic waters and wildlife from oil drilling and greedy oil companies. The 30 activists and crew members of the Arctic Sunrise, were illegally removed from the Arctic waters and their ship (at gunpoint) – for defending the Arctic waters. Many people supported these brave men and women – government officials from many of the countries the detainees were from spoke out against Russia and demanded their freedom. As a Canadian – I am ashamed of our government for not getting involved or even making a statement on behalf of the Canadians who were illegally detained in Russia. Stephen Harper – the Conservative Prime Minister of Canadian supports BIG OIL and has recently announced that it would submit a claim for 1.7 million km of the Arctic seabed, including the North Pole. The Canadian Alberta tar sands is an environmental nightmare – imagine the damage that will be done if the Conservative and Harper Government are allowed this claim?
The real criminals are not the Arctic 30 – it is those policy makers that ensure that the big oil companies get what they want. The Arctic 30 should be deemed heroes for protecting our waters and our environment from those the real criminals who have no regard for wildlife and the environment.
The 28 activists and two freelance journalists, including Canadians Ruzycki and Paul, who were illegally detained by Russian forces on board the Arctic Sunrise on September 19th were granted presidential pardon on December 18th after spending more than two months in prison.
http://www.greenpeace.org/canada/en/Blog/the-true-north-melting-and-oily/blog/47719/
To ensure that Greenpeace continues to protect our planet – please visit their website for past victories and current battles: http://www.greenpeace.org/canada/en/ The link will also allow you to make any donation.
The passing of Nelson Mandela
“I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”
There is nothing more than I can say about a man whose legacy speaks volumes. Nelson Mandela was a pivotal force for equality, compassion and love not only in South Africa, but around the world. His legacy will live on!
Please read his bio as posted on the Nelson Mandela Foundation website: http://www.nelsonmandela.org/content/page/biography
PETA’s ACTIVISM in 2013
Here are PETA’s 11 Most Important Animal Rights Videos of 2013 *** Please note: Some of these videos are graphic and will require you to sign into your account to view the video. In my opinion – if it is too violent to watch – It is too violent to buy or eat!!!
For more information regarding PETA’s activism or to make a donation to PETA – please visit their website: http://www.peta.org/#/
BRIDEGROOM – A story about LOVE
Watching this documentary put many things in perspective for me. Some of us should really be thankful for living in a country where all are treated equally under the law. This is one reason why so many in the LGBTQ community are fighting for equal rights and protections under the law in the United States and around the world.
If we really make it a point to treat others the same way we want to be treated – we can make so many positive things happen for ourselves, for each other, for our environment, for animals and for the planet. It is time to break the mold of what you believe to be true – think outside the box and enlighten yourself. Once you are free from what you believe MUST be the truth – then amazing things will happen and have happened. Don’t let yourself be the obstacle from what good you can contribute. Let 2014 be the year you create a life that is authentic, compassionate and loving.
I will leave you with a video and song that was released in December of 2012 – “Clown” by Emeli Sandé, enjoy and HAPPY NEW YEAR – much health, happiness and love to all of you!
Together, we can make the world a more positive one!
COALITION OF POSITIVE ENERGY 