Through Our Eyes

Again, National Geographic magazine came to my aid when looking for a blog to post. The latest issue, October 2013, is their 125^th Anniversary Collector’s Edition and it is called “The Photo Issue”.

The magazine, a keeper, is filled with amazing photos, which is something that NatGeo has been famous for over the many years that it has been in publication.

Of course, there was an article with photos of animals.  The word ‘Protect’ was prominently displayed throughout and the quote from one of the authors that may become a prediction of the future fate of wildlife “Zoos are the last refuge against a rising tide of extinction.”

In the past we’ve had EHA supporters comment about our collaboration with Zoo Atlanta and the fact that we were looking to develop similar partnerships. They saw it as a negative collaboration and thought we should not align ourselves with establishments that put animals behind bars. What I have found through my education during the years since we founded Eye Help Animals is the truth in what the above quote is saying. There are species of animals that are so close to becoming endangered that zoos may be their protector, their last hope against extinction and the only place that many species of animals will be found.

Eye Help Animals Tiger Eye Collectible Pin

With fewer than approximately 2000 tigers left worldwide and 60% of them in India, it isn’t easy finding good news about the future of tigers. But in a survey that was conducted across a 600-mile stretch of land in Nepal and throughout India, it was found that the wild tiger population was up to 198 since 2009, a 63% increase.

Although the South Asian governments have committed to doubling the tiger population by 2022, the animals still continue to decline in numbers from poaching and habitat loss.

The largest population increase was found in the south-western Bardia national park where the tiger population rose from 18 in 2009 to 50 in 2013.

Congratulations to India on their goal of increasing the tiger population and on seeing a significant increase over the four years!

Eye Help Animals is committed to saving wildlife around the world. Let’s continue to witness increases in wildlife populations for many of the endangered animals and join us in “Saving Wildlife Together”.

Eye Help Animals Tiger Eye Collectible Pin – $4.95. We donate 25% of our profits to wildlife conservation and habitat preservation organizations worldwide.

According to “Positive News” out of the UK, five types of shark species will be given extra protection from over-fishing. This decision was made when 178 nations at the world’s largest wildlife convention, CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna), pledged to enforce laws in the finning trade.

In the past the largest opposition has come from Japan and China, where the Asian shark fin soup is a popular item. Each year 100 million sharks are killed, causing their numbers to plummet.

One major role of the shark is in sustaining the health of the oceans by preying on the sick and the weak. By preying on the weak they prevent the spread of disease that could be devastating to the health of our oceans. Saving the shark from an endangered listing is in the best interest of every human being on the planet. So next time you are in an Asian restaurant, forego the shark fin soup for something more sustainable.

Painting by DJ Geribo