Week #10: Remixing Knowledge

A very common example of a “Remix” in the field of Wildlife Veterinarian Medicine is in the form of a brochure. Brochures are simple ways to get information out into the world. One example I found was an organization known as the AZA, or the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and their attempt to spread the word about why it not a good idea to have wildlife animals as pets. 
This brochure target audience is most likely every day people, who have an interest in exotic animals. If you think about it, who else would want to own a tiger besides someone who just really likes tigers? This audience also is most likley not going to have any type of degree or experience working with animals, because if they did they would know from basic knowledge why it is not a good idea to own a wild animal. 
I think the purpose behind this brochure is to stop people from trying to take in undomesticated animals. People believe that these wild animals can grow up in their home and act similar to a dog, but in reality this isn’t true. When owners realize that, it puts the owner and the animal in danger. Zoos, sanctuaries and aquariums usually have to step in and take in the animal, which can no longer live in the wild because it most likely would not be able to defend itself properly. 

Brochures are a very good way to show information, while at the same time keeping interest and remaining professional. Brochures are short and get right to the point because there is not a lot of space for useless information that does not matter. People in today’s society are used to reading with pictures and short amounts of writing at a time, and a brochure is an easy way to accommodate for those preferences. 

References

Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Why Wild Animals Don't Make Good Pets. N.p.: Association of Zoos and Aquariums, 2009. AZA.org. Association of Zoos and Aquariums, n/a. Web. 27 Mar. 2014.

Free Post: Wildlife Trade

     The Huffington Post recently posted an article that explains what really happens during wildlife trade. Wildlife trade is what happens when a wild animal is removed because they are either a danger to the area they are in or they are transported for human demand, such as medicine, pets, entertainment etc. These animals often suffer from “broken bones, crushed internal organs, limb loss, suffocation, dehydration, starvation, malnutrition, disease, chronic stress and fear.” This article was written not necessarily to give information about these animals, but more to identify the fact that animal welfare is rarely ever mentioned. In fact, between 2006 and 2011 animal welfare was almost never mentioned at all. Wildlife trade is a very big business now-a-days, despite the many different opinions concerning it, and with this business growing as quickly as it is, more animals are being put in danger and are suffering every day. 

     Although, this post may sound preachy, but this article created many strong opinions of mine to shine through. Personally I feel that wildlife trade is wrong in many ways, I think that in-order to transport any type of animal anywhere, there should be some sort of law saying that a wildlife veterinarian should be present. These animals suffer through a lot of pain and some even end up dying because they are not treated humanely. While animal welfare groups are recently trying to make a difference and give more attention toward what is happening regarding wildlife, I think one thing they should be pushing as well is involving veterinarians. In fact, if you think about it, a hospital would never transport a patient to another place without a doctor to make sure they arrived safely; why should animals be treated any less humanly, especially since they’re the ones being taken without any consent. 

References

D'Cruze, Neil. "Wildlife Trade - Why Is No-one Shouting About Animal Welfare?" The Huffington Post UK. HPMG News, 6 Jan. 2014. Web. 28 Mar. 2014.

Free Post: The Difference Between Wildlife Sanctuaries and Zoos

 Head trainer of Dade City's Wild Things feeds a two-week-old Siberian tiger cub.

Lately, many people have blurred the line between their views of zoos and wildlife sanctuaries, but in reality they are very different. To start off, wildlife sanctuaries take in animals that were abused or neglected. Sanctuaries main focus is to care for these animals and help them to be healthy and living a better life. Whereas, zoos are more of animal exhibits for people all over the world to view these animals. Rather than taking in animals who have been hurt or abandoned, zoos collect animals based on public opinion and research possibilities. While I’m not saying zoos are in the wrong or the right, but personally I feel that sanctuaries are a better place for the animals. Especially since in sanctuaries the animals are not being watched and gawked at all day. 
However, sanctuaries do allow observers and sometimes, with young animals, sanctuaries allow interaction. While there is some controversy about whether it is safe for the public to interact with wild animals, experts say that young animals having human interactions will make it easier for doctors to treat them in the future when they’re older. On the other hand, as you might know, zoos are mainly for observing and admiring animals from afar. When you go to the zoo, there aren’t many opportunities to feed baby tigers and to interact with other animals like there are in wildlife sanctuaries. 
Although there are many different opinions on zoos and sanctuaries, I feel that it is important to understand the difference and I think it is necessary to know the priorities of each. I personally love going to the zoo, but I would love to visit a wildlife sanctuary one day. 

References

Shea, Rachel H. "Are Wildlife Sanctuaries Good for Animals?" National Geographic. National Geographic, 20 Mar. 2014. Web. 21 Mar. 2014.

Week #9: Recognizing Significance

This is a screen shot of CNN's story and interview with the
veterinarians who are working with the koalas.

It has recently been brought to the public that Koalas in Australia are dying off from diseases and loss of habitat. CNN covers the story and speaks to Wildlife experts about the crisis. Many of them agree that if something does not change in Australia to help protect these animals, Koalas could become extinct within the next 30 years. Now, while this may upset fellow animal-lovers out there, why should this matter to everyone else? Well, other than the fact that these animals are carrying infectious diseases such as Chlamydia and AIDs, Koalas also are a large contributor for Australia’s economy. 
CNN talks about the importance of the Wildlife Veterinarians working with these animals to discover the reasons behind the decline in the population. Also, at least 700 Koalas every year are brought into intensive care for treatment. Without the Veterinarians there, there would be no koalas. Furthermore, while interviewed, a wildlife veterinarian shares that the largest reason behind this koala problem is the loss of habitat due to forest fires and deforestation. 
Basically, without Wildlife Veterinarians, there would be no one to care and treat for these animals. Also, there is a slim chance someone would have noticed the mass declined amount of trees and forest life in Australia. 

References

Coren, Anna. "Koalas in Australia Dying from AIDS, Habitat Loss." CNN. CNN, 14 Dec. 2009. Web. 21 Mar. 2014.

Week #8: Practicing My Knowledge

This past week I attempted to find a situation I could put my knowledge on Wildlife Veterinary Medicine to work; however I found it very difficult. Because Veterinary Medicine is such a competitive field, I found it nearly impossible to find an experience that I did not need any qualifications or experience for. This post made me realize how little I know about how to treat animals, mostly because I haven’t taken any of those classes yet. I assume that treating animals in real life is a lot different than in the text books. Text books don’t necessarily talk about just how wild these animals are, and also how the veterinarian will live and feel while trying to work with these animals. 

Free Post: "Trapped Animals- Animal Welfare Institute"

     Although there are some professional animal trappers in the world, the amount of people illegally trapping and killing wild animals is much greater. Today people are trapping wild animals using inhumane traps like leg holds. People illegally trap these animals for fur and other reasons. An organization called The Animal Welfare Institute is a non-profit group who's goal is to decrease the amount of pain animals suffer because of humans. They aim to stop steal jaw traps, which animals like raccoons actually chew off their own limbs to get out of, and they aim to end other hurtful and violent methods of controlling animal populations. 
      While it would be ideal to stop people from trapping animals for fur, it will definitely be an uphill battle. Many people do not care about the animal enough to not buy a fur coat or other pieces of fur clothing. I think it is a really good thing this organization is doing to help these animals. They are working with legislators, veterinarians, inventors, biologists, trappers and the public to end the fear and pain wild animals are suffering. They use their website and broschours and other advertisements to get the word out that these are happening, as well as a way for people to help. 

References

N/a. "Trapped Animals." Animal Mosaic Global Animal Connection. Animal Welfare Institute, 2011. Web. 10 Mar. 2014. <www.animalmosaic.org>.