tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61790006564459102482024-03-07T08:01:48.805-08:00Life with DylanMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10664192372921933887noreply@blogger.comBlogger620125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179000656445910248.post-41703377473254652482015-07-30T08:30:00.000-07:002015-07-31T16:40:39.043-07:00When creativity and conservation come togetherI have heard it said by many that conservation is not a hobby or something people take lightly. Rather, conservation is a way of life. A passion. I could not agree more with these statements. Over the years it has become very clear to me that conservation is something Dylan is very passionate about. While my viewpoints are obviously shared and discussed with him, he makes his own decisions about where he will focus his conservation efforts and ultimately his fundraising. In the past, the choice was not always an easy one to make, but it was fairly cut and dry with large goals of $1,000. Tigers, then leopards, then rhinos. As soon as one project was completed, he was ready to move on to the next. Throw in the occasional symbolic animal adoption and that was our life.<br />
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As Dylan continues to grow, so do his dreams of saving endangered species and changing the world. One project at a time just won't do anymore. There are too many endangered species out there that Dylan wants to help. We needed to come up with a plan, so over summer vacation we brainstormed. We listed all the programs that we wanted to support in the next year or two and started coming up with ideas. Ideas of how we could raise the money without asking friends and family for donations. Dylan thought it would be good to sell something instead of only asking for money. I agreed.<br />
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When creativity and conservation come together you get <a href="http://www.creations4wildlife.com/" target="_blank">Creations4Wildlife</a>. Inspired by the endangered species that we want to help save, we have designed several bracelets that we are selling as a way to raise funds to support our conservation efforts.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OMa9p1-xJ9c/VbwCvulPWkI/AAAAAAAAhPc/SY8wmzyL1g8/s1600/rhino-bracelet-creations4wildlife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OMa9p1-xJ9c/VbwCvulPWkI/AAAAAAAAhPc/SY8wmzyL1g8/s640/rhino-bracelet-creations4wildlife.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://creations4wildlife.com/rhinos" target="_blank">Crash of Rhinos Bracelet</a></div>
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Each piece of the collection is handcrafted by me and Dylan and the profits will be donated to the designated non-profit organization. We are currently raising money for the Tiger Conservation Campaign, International Rhino Foundation, Rhino Rescue Center, Giraffe Conservation Foundation, and Red Panda Network. Every purchase gives Hope that these endangered species can be saved.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zNlAudxbHgQ/VbwCl2HTkcI/AAAAAAAAhPU/lHgtpC2HU5s/s1600/tiger-bracelet-creations4wildlife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zNlAudxbHgQ/VbwCl2HTkcI/AAAAAAAAhPU/lHgtpC2HU5s/s640/tiger-bracelet-creations4wildlife.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://creations4wildlife.com/tigers" target="_blank">Indonesia and Sumatran Tigress Bracelets</a></div>
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Working together on this new conservation project with Dylan has reminded me how important it is to never lose faith in your beliefs. No matter what the obstacles may be, another poaching story in the news or hearing that there are now only 4 northern white rhinos left, you just keep going. Conservation is a way of life for us and I am confident that we can raise the funds and meet our goals. No question about it, this mother and son team are determined to make a difference for wildlife.<br />
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To purchase one of bracelets please visit <a href="http://creations4wildlife.com/" target="_blank">Creations4Wildlife.com</a></div>
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Thank you for helping support our conservation efforts!</div>
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Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10664192372921933887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179000656445910248.post-21807444898697674442015-06-28T20:52:00.001-07:002015-06-28T20:52:25.793-07:00Saving the icons of AfricaWhen I think of Africa, the first thing that comes to my mind is the iconic silhouette of a giraffe standing next to an acacia tree. Giraffes are truly symbolic of Africa. They are found no place else on earth, only in Africa. Standing tall with pride, these gentle animals spend their days walking across the plains. The giraffe is an integral part of the African ecosystem and sadly they are disappearing at alarming rates. Historically Reticulated giraffes could be seen from north-central Kenya to southern Somalia and Ethiopia. However, this is not what can be seen now. Reticulated giraffes have declined by over 80% in the last 15 years, going from 28,000 to about 4,700 today. That is a drastic decline that if not stopped, could lead to the extinction of these giraffes by 2019.<br />
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So why are these icons disappearing? Why are more people not talking about this?<br />
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As with other endangered species, the number one cause of decline is poaching. I could go on for hours about how much I loathe poachers - about how ignorant people are to believe that an animals bones can cure AIDS and cancer - about how inhumane it is to kill an animal and leave them to die a slow and painful death just so they can go home with some sort of trophy ... but I won't. Not now.<br />
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Habitat loss from development and agriculture, areas that have become uninhabitable because of over-grazing, competition for food and water with newly introduced species of livestock, and the simple fact that we just don't know enough about the iconic animals. We need to understand more about the giraffe and those who share a home with them in Africa so that we can do everything possible to save the giraffe.<br />
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I would like to share the story of how Dylan is helping to save the Reticulated giraffes ...<br />
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Last month while attending a Curators Club breakfast in San Diego, Dylan and I listened to a man talk about the plight of the giraffes. His name is David O'Connor and he is one of the Conservation Research Coordinators at San Diego Zoo Global. I will never forget his words, "There are less Reticulated giraffe than the endangered black rhino. At this rate, these giraffe will be extinct by 2019." What? Was I hearing this right? Why have I not heard about these staggering statistics before?<br />
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After hearing these words, I looked over at Dylan, His face said it all. We both knew how serious these numbers were since we have been big supporters of the rhino conservation efforts for several years now. Something told me this would be Dylan's next endeavor ... and I was right. After the breakfast Dylan walked up to David and asked how he could help save the giraffes. David told us about his conservation project that was being funded on Crowdrise and how all the money was going directly to help the giraffes in Africa. When we got home Dylan decided he didn't want to just donate to David's team, he wanted to join his team!<br />
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I helped Dylan set up his page and within a matter of minutes he was part of the team. His goal was $250 by Endangered Species Day. That only gave him 13 days, but he was determined to make it happen. A few tweets and Facebook posts later, Dylan had met his goal. In just 11 short days he had raised $250 for David's <a href="http://www.giraffeconservation.org/prj_info.php?cid=111&prjid=34&pgid=122" target="_blank">Giraffe Conservation Project</a>.<br />
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Dylan's passion and determination to change the world continues to inspire me. If you would like to help him raise more funds for the Giraffe Conservation Project (so that David can reach his project goal of $60,000) you can <a href="https://www.crowdrise.com/SavetheGiraffe/fundraiser/dylanfryer" target="_blank">click here</a> to make a tax-deductible donation. Giraffe badly need our help, and right now that means funding for on the ground programs in East Africa that are working to save them.<br />
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In the words of David O'Connor, <i>Giraffes are the forgotten megafauna. We still do not fully understand how they move across the landscape, how and what they eat, how many are left, their social structure, how they interact with people and livestock. As such, these giraffe are rapidly disappearing, with little notice. It is especially worrying as most of the giraffe's range is outside of protected areas, overlapping with pastoralist herders and small-scale agriculturalists.</i><br />
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Africa wouldn't be Africa without this iconic animal ... please help us save the giraffe.<br />
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All photos courtesy of David O'Connor.<br />
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<br />Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10664192372921933887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179000656445910248.post-53330982186315496902015-05-27T21:43:00.001-07:002015-05-27T21:43:37.910-07:005 Reasons to Symbolically Adopt an Endangered SpeciesWild animals don't make good pets, but that doesn't mean you can't have a tiger or a rhino as part of your family. Symbolic adoptions are a win-win for everyone.<br />
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<li> You are <b>helping species</b> by giving money to organizations that are doing hands on conservation work in the field. While I can't be in Africa, these people can and my support helps make it possible. </li>
<li>You are <b>creating memories</b> that you can put into a scrapbook or picture frame. Most symbolic adoptions come with a photograph, adoption certificate, fact sheet, and often send updates on your animal. For critically endangered species, you often get quarterly updates on how the species is doing. </li>
<li>You are <b>inspiring others</b> by sharing your adoption with friends and family. Telling people how easy it is to adopt and how it really helps the species will inspire others to adopt. </li>
<li>You are <b>giving a voice </b>to those who cannot speak for themselves. These animals need our help.</li>
<li>You are <b>making a difference</b>. This may be the most powerful reason of all to symbolically adopt an endangered species. Every adoption is one step closer to making big changes and turning those numbers around. Seeing that a species is increasing in population, because of something you may have helped do, is an amazing feeling. </li>
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Whatever animal you choose to symbolically adopt, I guarantee there is a non-profit organization waiting to read your email. I suggest starting by contacting your local zoo/aquarium for a list of animal adoptions. If you want to help a more specific or unique species, try World Wildlife Fund or research non-profits that work with your chosen animal. </div>
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To help you get started, here are a few of the organizations that I have adopted from. </div>
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<li><a href="https://secure3.convio.net/sdzoo/site/Ecommerce;jsessionid=AFE4E94F2077EEEAF3A6DF6EA1677FBB.app326a?store_id=3441" target="_blank">San Diego Zoo Global</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.worldwildlife.org/" target="_blank">World Wildlife Fund</a></li>
<li><a href="http://support.mnzoo.org/tigercampaign/" target="_blank">Tiger Conservation Campaign</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.helpingrhinos.org/" target="_blank">Helping Rhinos </a>(on behalf of Ol Pejeta)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.rhinos.org/adopt-a-rhino" target="_blank">International Rhino Foundation</a></li>
<li><a href="http://redpandanetwork.org/contribute/donate/" target="_blank">Red Panda Network</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.sfzoo.org/donate/adopt-an-animal.htm" target="_blank">San Francisco Zoo</a></li>
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Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10664192372921933887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179000656445910248.post-15251103990389905832015-05-21T22:11:00.001-07:002015-05-21T22:11:33.169-07:00Recognition from USFWS gives Dylan hope for his futureConservation. Saving endangered species. <div>
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Fundraising. Setting goals and surpassing them. <div>
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These are just a few of the topics discussed at my dinner table. </div>
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Yes, I know this is not your typical dinner conversation, but that is because my son is not your typical 11 year old. </div>
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Being a conservationist is not the coolest thing for a 6th grader to be known for. However, Dylan takes pride in his efforts and I keep reminding him that he is doing great things. That's what moms do, right? We praise our children for a job well done. Sometimes the response I get is "You're just saying that because you're my mom" or "Most people don't care about what I'm doing to save the animals". As his mom, this breaks my heart to hear him think this way. He may be partially correct, the world is filled with all sorts of people who have their own beliefs ... but as Dylan recently found out, there are a whole bunch of people who think he's doing some pretty awesome things for wildlife conservation. </div>
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Last Friday was Endangered Species Day and we were invited to take part in a special Rally4Rhinos event at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park to help bring more awareness to the plight of rhinos. Even though Mother Nature decided to give us lots and lots of rain this day, it was an event we wouldn't miss. The Rhino Rally kicked off with a "crash" mob of elementary students and teachers from the San Pasqual Valley and was followed by updates from San Diego Zoo Global and William C. Woody, Chief of Office of Law Enforcement at the US Fish & Wildlife Service. Imagine Dylan's surprise when Chief Woody asked Dylan and another young boy to come up to he podium.</div>
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Both boys were recognized for their conservation efforts and for making a difference for rhinos and other endangered species. Hearing my son share what he has done and seeing the look of of pride on a friends face while he spoke was something I will always remember. The applause that filled the pavilion for Dylan when he was done speaking filled my heart with a kind of joy that I have never felt before. Not just pride as his mom, but pride for him getting the recognition he so desired and needed. As Dylan walked back to his seat, standing tall and clutching his rhino sculpture, I saw something in him that I haven't seen before. I saw confidence. The confidence of a young man was beaming from my pre-teen son's face. This public recognition from our friends at San Diego Zoo Global Wildlife Conservancy and from Chief Woody was just what Dylan needed to reaffirm his passion for conservation. </div>
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As another way of saying thank you to the boys, we were invited to go out on a VIP caravan safari to see Nola, one of only five Northern white rhinos left in the world. Nola is our favorite rhino and truly one of the most beautiful creatures I have ever met. This was a dream come true for Dylan.</div>
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I really don't think it matters anymore what the kids at school say because Dylan just had the best day of his young life.</div>
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For more about Nola and to see pictures from our visit with her, you can visit my photography site <a href="http://michellefryer.com/">michellefryer.com</a> </div>
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Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10664192372921933887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179000656445910248.post-34144351076204104712015-05-09T10:42:00.000-07:002015-05-09T10:44:25.415-07:00Happy World Binturong Day!A bintur-what? What the heck is a binturong? Well, up until a few years ago I didn't know what a binturong was either, but now that I do, I love them! Binturongs are these adorable animals that look like something out of a cartoon. They have the head of cat, the body of a bear, and a prehensile tail that is just as long as their body. Sometimes people call them bearcats. However, they are neither a bear nor a cat. They are binturongs and today marks the very first World Binturong Day!<br />
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Dylan and I had the opportunity meet Khi, a resident of the San Diego Zoo, up close during a special Presidents Association event back in 2013. Khi is a young male binturong who serves as an animal ambassador for his species. The more we know about these animals, the more we can do to help save their habitats and ultimately their species.<br />
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Binturongs live in the tropical rainforest and spend most of their time living in the trees. They have long coarse hair that actually repels the rain water, an adaptation that allows them to live in the rainforest. Although classified as a carnivore, binturongs love fruits and vegetables. The hibiscus flower is one of their favorite treats. Oh, and they smell like buttered popcorn!<br />
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By giving the binturong their own day, more people will learn about this wonderful animal and realize how important the binturong is to our ecosystem. To learn more about the binturong and how you can help raise awareness, visit <a href="http://en.abconservation.org/">en.abconservation.org/</a><br />
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<br />Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10664192372921933887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179000656445910248.post-62470465049326989782015-03-24T18:20:00.000-07:002015-03-24T18:20:09.496-07:00Zoology for KidsAs the parent of an animal lover and an animal lover myself, I can tell you that <i>Zoology for Kids</i> is a book that you will definitely want to add to your collection. My son has read too many animal books to count and frankly, they all start to look the same to me after a while. He doesn't read the average animal books, he reads animal encyclopedias. Animal facts, species breakdowns, habitats, and so on ... is what most of his books contain and he loves it. Don't get me wrong, this is all valuable information for him. I've just always wondered if there isn't something else out there to teach him more about his passion of working with animals.<br />
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Luckily, last weekend we had the opportunity to meet Josh and Bethanie Hestermann, coauthors of the wonderful new book <i>Zoology for Kids</i>, at a meet and greet during the International Children's Day Festival at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Listening to them talk during a brief presentation was so inspiring. They both have backgrounds in Zoology and truly believe that whatever your passion is ... scientist, educator, artist, photographer, writer, etc. there is a place for you working with animals.<br />
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It is no secret that Dylan wants to pursue an animal-related career. Whether he becomes a zoologist, a zookeeper, a researcher working in the field, an ambassador for endangered species, or is working campaigns to stop the poachers is still unknown because of his young age.<br />
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Until now, he has only talked about the possibility of these careers. Thanks to <i>Zoology for Kids</i>, he can actually read about his choices and what each job entails. This book is the ultimate research tool for any child interested in understanding and working with animals.<br />
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Each section contains valuable information about the various animal-related careers along with corresponding science experiments, activities and fun games for kids of all ages.<br />
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Aside from the great content, what I love about <i>Zoology for Kids</i> is that it was written by two people who have made their living working with animals. Josh and Bethanie encourage kids to follow their dreams and are living proof that it is possible to make a difference doing what you love.<br />
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To learn more about Josh and Bethanie and find out where you can purchase their book, visit <a href="http://zoologyforkids.org/">ZoologyforKids.org</a><br />
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<br />Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10664192372921933887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179000656445910248.post-22131271727173447862015-03-18T22:14:00.000-07:002015-03-18T22:59:00.728-07:00Happiness is being someone's HeroI've said it many times and I will probably continue to say it a few more times ... being a single parent is no easy task. Heck, in today's world being a parent period is no easy task, married or single. There are so many things to think about, questions to be asked and answered, problems to solve, and so on. The last thing any parent needs is to be second guessing themselves as a parent. As difficult as things may get, the one thing I really love about being a single mom is the relationship I have with Dylan. I can honestly say that we are friends and talk about almost everything.<br>
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Last week I was going through one of those times where nothing I was doing seemed right. At least not in my eyes. All I could see was failure and disappointment as I compared myself with others around me. Better jobs, bigger houses, nicer things.<br>
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As usual, I was not able to hide how I was feeling from Dylan. He sees right through my "I'm fine, nothing is wrong" responses. I guess that only worked when he was younger. So I proceeded to tell him small tidbits of what was bothering me and asked him if he was really happy. Was he happy living in a small apartment with hand-me-down furniture? Was he happy with his school? Was there anything he wanted or needed that I wasn't providing him? I was making the biggest parenting mistake of all and questioning my worth as a mother.<br>
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It didn't take long before the roles were reversed and I was sitting across from my son (who became the parent) listening to words much wiser than his 11 years.<br>
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He began with "Mom, listen to me ..." <br>
For the next five minutes I sat in awe of my child and just listened.<br>
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"Mom, I am proud of you. You work really hard for what we have and I love you. Sure, those other people might have a big house or a successful career, but there is something that none of them will ever have. They don't have you as a mom. You have taught me so much about conservation and philanthropy. You have made a difference. You inspire me to save animals and make the world a better place. (This is where I fought back the tears) I know it cost millions of dollars to build Tiger Trail and we only raised $1300, but still, we made a difference and helped build a new home for the tigers. That is something they don't have. Mom, you are my hero."<br>
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I felt the tears rolling down my cheek. All this time I thought he was inspiring me and come to find out that I inspire him. He told me I was his hero, just like Rick and that I should be proud of that. Heck yes, I'm proud of that! My son just put me in the same category as <i>Zookeeper Rick</i> - top that!<br>
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So the lesson that I learned from my 11 year old son is that it doesn't matter what my job title is or how much money I make. Living in an apartment doesn't make me any less of a person than someone who owns a home. Money cannot buy happiness and sometimes the little things really are the big things in disguise.<br>
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What does matter is that <b>I am someone's hero</b> ...<br>
and nobody can take that happiness away from me.<br>
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<br>Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10664192372921933887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179000656445910248.post-42491535536562270642015-03-01T19:11:00.002-08:002015-03-01T19:34:03.799-08:00It's Time To Get Serious About Wildlife CrimeWildlife Crime -<br />
You see it on the news and read about it on social media, but do you really know what it is? You might think you do. I know I did ... until one day I came face to face with the reality of wildlife trafficking.<br />
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This day was so intense that it has taken me two years to share my story. I thought about telling my story numerous times, but to be perfectly honest, it is a painful story to tell. Not many things stop me in my tracks, but this did. In fact, the experience literally took my breath away. I had to step back and remind myself to breath, remind myself that this was reality and that what I was seeing was meant to educate people about wildlife crime.<br />
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On February 17, 2013 my son and I were attending an event at the San Diego Zoo called Discovery Days: Cool Cats. There were various booths set up for people to get information and learn more about what else, cats. Pet stores, animal shelters, organizations where you could adopt endangered cats, an artist sketching pictures of cool cats, and then we saw it. The booth that stopped my heart for a split second.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-52IzNvweld0/VPPS7VGr-0I/AAAAAAAAgY4/PWS9NygBBoY/s1600/Wildlife-Trafficking-Cool-Cats-Zoo-Feb-17-2013-6223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-52IzNvweld0/VPPS7VGr-0I/AAAAAAAAgY4/PWS9NygBBoY/s1600/Wildlife-Trafficking-Cool-Cats-Zoo-Feb-17-2013-6223.jpg" height="400" width="287" /></a>A booth from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.<br />
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This was not an ordinary booth. This booth was specifically set up with one thing in mind.<br />
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Wildlife Crime.<br />
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I can still picture it clear as can be. It is an image that will never leave my mind. Fur coats hanging in the background. A female lion cub in a sitting position to the left. Full body skins of leopards, ocelots, jaguars, and other small cats to the right. Then there was the face, the face that was looking at me, the face that was attached to the skin and fur of a young tiger.<br />
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The tears began to flow and I had to walk away. We both did. It was too much to take in.<br />
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I was not prepared for what I was seeing, or for how I was feeling.<br />
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Each item on display had a tag attached to it that read "These items are all genuine animal products seized by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service". I was looking at real animals that had been killed for their fur and body parts. This was the reality of wildlife crime. Yes, the fur was beautiful. However, I would have much rather seen it on a live animal. Was the fur soft? I don't know, because I didn't touch it. I wanted to know what a tiger felt like, I still do, but I couldn't touch this one. It was just too sad.<br />
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Many people were petting the skins, like they were pets or something. Some even made jokes. I chose not to engage in their uneducated conversations and chose rather to talk with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife officer that was there. I chose to educate myself more about wildlife trafficking. The sadness and pain didn't go away, but I did become more determined to do everything I possible could to stop wildlife crime.<br />
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This painful day is something that I will not forget. Nor will my son. It was a day that forever changed us and reminds us to keep fighting. This Tuesday, March 3, 2015 is <a href="http://www.wildlifeday.org/" target="_blank">World Wildlife Day</a> - a day to create awareness and work toward a future where people and wildlife can coexist.<br />
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I chose to share my story this year in hopes of getting more people to stand up against organized wildlife crime. Please join me and thousands of others by using<b> #SeriousAboutWildlifeCrime</b> on your social media channels this week. Alone it is an uphill battle, but together we can save these animals and put an end to wildlife crime.<br />
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Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10664192372921933887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179000656445910248.post-87243268124448954072015-02-24T21:33:00.001-08:002015-02-24T21:33:54.702-08:00Choose One ...How many times have you been asked to make a choice? To choose one thing over another.<br />
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Almost daily, right? Although not an easy task, choosing a favorite color or favorite flavor of ice cream is something most people can do without too much hesitation. If asked to choose between a cat or a dog, most people favor one or the other. In general, you are either a cat person or a dog person.<br />
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If I were asked, "Which endangered animal do you want to save?" I would have a difficult time answering. How can I possibly choose only one?<br />
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My first response would be to save them all, but that is not the answer the average person is looking for. They want me to choose. To choose one over another.<br />
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Do I choose a rhino?<br />
If so, which one?<br />
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Black, Javan, Sumatran, Greater One-Horned, Southern White, or the almost extinct Northern White?<br />
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Maybe I should choose a tiger... but wait, that only leads me to yet another choice...<br />
Which one?<br />
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Sumatran, Malayan, Amur, Bengal, Indochinese, or South-China<br />
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As you can see, there is no one easy answer. It is basically impossible for me to choose only one. Therefore, like so many other conservationists, I choose to save them all.<br />
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Rhinos, Tigers, Elephants, Lions, Tasmanian Devils, Cheetahs, Gorillas, Snow Leopards, Orangutans, Polar Bears, Amur Leopards ... These are just a few of the endangered animals that I have helped save through fundraising, symbolically adopting, and overall creating awareness through this blog, social media, and my photography.<br />
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How I choose which animal to help save is constantly changing. Sometimes I attend a lecture and listen to experts speak about their work in the field, other times I read an article that captures my attention and ultimately pulls at my heartstrings when I learn of the continued poaching and wildlife trafficking.<br />
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Then there are those times when I least expect it. When I am editing my photographs and an image speaks to me. A few days ago I was editing photos from a recent trip to the zoo and came across this image of Flynn the red panda - it spoke to me.<br />
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Before I knew it, my next choice had been made and I was adopting a red panda named Niyati from the <a href="http://redpandanetwork.org/contribute/adopt-a-panda/" target="_blank">Red Panda Network</a>.<br />
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Who knows which endangered animal I will choose next.<br />
All I can say is that there will definitely be more than one.<br />
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<br />Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10664192372921933887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179000656445910248.post-51955851395368547832015-02-20T15:51:00.000-08:002015-02-20T18:34:28.476-08:00A new beginning Life has a funny way of throwing curve balls. Just when I thought I knew where I was going, someone else had other plans. The signs were coming at me from all directions and it was time for me to start listening to them. Time for me to pick up where I left off ...<br />
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I have never been one to - how should I say this - bite my tongue. I speak my mind and I stand up for what I believe in. Sometimes people don't agree with me, but that's ok. I do not have to walk in their shoes and they do not have to walk in mine.<br />
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I believe strongly in speaking up when you feel that something is not right ... when something goes against your morals and personal ethics. I have taught these values to my son and I am proud of him for taking a stand in his beliefs at such a young age.<br />
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It has been three long months since I have written here. I can't even begin to count how many times I thought about writing or sat here staring at a blank computer screen ... pondering the idea of writing again.<br />
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I need to write.<br />
I need to speak my mind and stand up for what I believe in.<br />
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I will choose my words carefully and I will write from the heart.<br />
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I will write about issues that I believe in - about causes that need to be heard.<br />
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Sometimes we all need a little break. The short time away from this blog opened my eyes to a whole new way of looking at life. I thoroughly enjoy sharing my photographs to tell stories on my other website, <a href="http://www.michellefryer.com/" target="_blank">Michelle Fryer Photography</a>. However, my passion for conservation and creating awareness about endangered species is too strong to completely walk away. I was recently put in a position that reminded me how important it was to stick to my beliefs.<br />
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So here I am.<br />
Writing again.<br />
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<br />Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10664192372921933887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179000656445910248.post-71632751828635923712014-11-15T09:27:00.001-08:002014-11-15T09:27:31.684-08:00Learning to appreciate the silenceI started writing this blog seven years ago. Life with Dylan has been a wonderful creative outlet for me and has served as a platform from where I could share Dylan's conservation work with people all over the world. This blog has brought much joy to my life and has changed Dylan's life in ways I can't even begin to explain. However, as with all good things, there comes a time to scale back. A time to move on.<br />
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Dylan is getting older and the intention of this blog was never to make him feel uncomfortable or that he was on some sort of public display. Yes, he is proud of his accomplishments and the conservation work he has done with San Diego Zoo Global - I don't see this part of his life stopping, ever. Despite that, privacy is becoming more important. The anonymity of our conservation work has a very alluring appeal for both of us.<br />
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On a recent weekend getaway I had the opportunity to relax in the evenings. No computer. Just me and a book and little knitting time. I thoroughly enjoyed the quiet. My brain was not spinning in 10 different directions. I was not thinking about how long it had been since I wrote a post here or shared new photos on my Flickr account; in other words, I wasn't feeling guilty.<br />
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<b>I was, dare I say it, Relaxed.</b><br />
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As I get older (and wiser) I am learning to appreciate the silence and live in the moment. Sitting in the hotel room, I thought to myself "Could it be time to move on?" Back in August I said good-bye to part of my <i>virtual world</i> when I realized that there was a <a href="http://www.lifewithdylan.com/2014/08/life-after-social-media.html" target="_blank">Life After Social Media</a>. Now, three months later I'm wondering if it might be time to say good-bye to the virtual Life with Dylan and concentrate more on the <b>real</b> Life with Dylan.<br />
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Sure, I want to continue creating awareness and spreading the word about conservation issues that we believe in, but do I really need this blog to do that? Blogging is not the only platform out there. I can use Twitter and Instagram ... and maybe a few shares here and there on Facebook. (I'm still teetering on leaving Facebook)<br />
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I recently re-launched my own website, <a href="http://michellefryer.com/">MichelleFryer.com</a>, as a photography site. A place where I can share my photos and use photojournalism to share my passion about conservation and nature. Photographs are a wonderful way to create awareness and tell stories, a simpler way, a way that better fits my changing lifestyle.<br />
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So is this really good-bye?<br />
Will this be my final post on Life with Dylan?<br />
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That is a question I cannot answer.<br />
<b>This blog is a part of me</b> <b>- it has been for the past seven years.</b><br />
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For now let's just end with you can still find me actively taking part here ...<br />
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Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/mlynnfryer" target="_blank">@mlynnfryer</a></div>
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Instagram <a href="http://www.instagram.com/michellefryer" target="_blank">michellefryer</a></div>
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As always, Life with Dylan inspires me to see the world a little differently than I did before.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YSVNHGp-6ek/VGeFpQu5bxI/AAAAAAAAgPQ/Y2Pl2a7UMUM/s1600/IMG_20141110_104913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YSVNHGp-6ek/VGeFpQu5bxI/AAAAAAAAgPQ/Y2Pl2a7UMUM/s1600/IMG_20141110_104913.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Fallen leaves become art. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10664192372921933887noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179000656445910248.post-85117921261210043362014-10-18T20:43:00.000-07:002014-10-18T22:55:50.429-07:00And Then There Were Six ...Today our world changed.<br />
Not just the world for Dylan and myself, but "our world" in a sense of all mankind.<br />
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I knew this day would come sooner or later, but I wasn't expecting it so soon.<br />
While scrolling through my twitter feed this morning I saw this "We are one step closer to the extinction of the northern white rhino. The remaining 6 animals are older as well."<br />
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What? There must be a typo because I know for a fact that there are 7 northern white rhinos left. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Opened them and clicked the link that accompanied these words. </div>
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Tears began to roll down my face. "Damn it. No. Damn it." I said these words over and over out loud. As if saying them would make it all go away. </div>
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There was no typo in the tweet from my friend.<br />
There are now only six remaining northern white rhinos on the Earth. </div>
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The heading read ... Breaking News: Ol Pejeta Conservancy loses one of its northern white rhinos - It is with great sadness that we announce the death of one of our northern white rhinos, Suni.<br />
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Rest In Peace Suni ... you are now eternally free from any harm.</div>
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According to the <a href="http://www.olpejetaconservancy.org/about/news/breaking-news-ol-pejeta-conservancy-loses-one-its-northern-white-rhinos" target="_blank">press release</a>, rangers found him on the morning of October 17th, 2014, dead in his boma. Suni was not a victim of poaching and we have yet to establish the cause of his sudden death. The Kenya Wildlife Service vets will conduct a post mortem as soon as possible. In 2006, his father Saút died in the Dvur Kralove Zoo by natural causes at the same age as Suni was now.<br />
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Through the tears and the sadness I read aloud the entire press release to Dylan. All I could say when I finished reading was, "at least he didn't die from poachers". Dylan dealt with the situation better than I thought he would; however, I knew what we were both thinking. Thankful this wasn't Nola. One day this would be Nola though and that is a day I am not looking forward to.<br />
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When <a href="http://www.lifewithdylan.com/2014/01/dr-ryder-and-frozen-zoo.html" target="_blank">Dylan and I met Dr. Ryder</a> earlier this year, he told us of plans using genetics and frozen DNA from his lab to possibly help save the northern white rhinos from extinction. These animals are truly on the brink of extinction and will most likely go extinct in our lifetime.<br />
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Last year I symbolically adopted one of the northern white rhinos living at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy for Dylan. <a href="http://www.lifewithdylan.com/2013/02/day-we-helped-save-northern-white-rhinos-ol-pejeta.html" target="_blank">Adopting Fatu</a> was different from our other animal adoptions because these animals are so critically endangered. I hear people talking about extinction and how they don't think it will ever happen because "Science" will step in and save the day. Well, people ... it is happening.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ibbCUSXLIu0/VEMvdMvHYxI/AAAAAAAAgNw/GlxDCrF9GVA/s1600/Nola%2B%2B-%2BNorthern%2BWhite%2BRhino%2B%2B-%2BSan%2BDiego%2BZoo%2BSafari%2BPark.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ibbCUSXLIu0/VEMvdMvHYxI/AAAAAAAAgNw/GlxDCrF9GVA/s1600/Nola%2B%2B-%2BNorthern%2BWhite%2BRhino%2B%2B-%2BSan%2BDiego%2BZoo%2BSafari%2BPark.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Nola, resting by the waters edge at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park</div>
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With only six left in the world, two (Nola and Angilfu) at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, one (Nabire) at the Dvůr Králové Zoo, and three (Sudan, Najin, and Fatu) living at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya where they are protected from poachers, this subspecies is tragically coming to an end.<br />
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Although it is difficult to write about these subjects, it is my hope that sharing Suni's story with others will help create more awareness about the plight of the northern white rhino.<br />
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*Photo of Suni courtesy of <a href="http://www.olpejetaconservancy.org/about/news/breaking-news-ol-pejeta-conservancy-loses-one-its-northern-white-rhinos" target="_blank">Ol Pejeta Conservancy</a><br />
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Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10664192372921933887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179000656445910248.post-87470770018954980602014-10-12T18:26:00.000-07:002014-10-12T18:26:11.378-07:00The Compassion and Determination of a ChildThere are times when Dylan makes me proud and then there are times when he leaves me speechless. Like when he writes something for a school assignment that brings tears to my eyes.Today was one of those times.<br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Dylan</i></span></span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-2f04df25-070c-936a-6be0-29ad40e3a1c4" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>I am compassionate and determined</i></span></span></div>
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<i style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.15; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I wonder will poaching ever stop</i></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>I hear animal calls</i></span></span></div>
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<i style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.15; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I see me saving animals</i></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>I want to stop all poaching</i></span></span></div>
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<i style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.15; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I am compassionate and determined</i></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>I pretend animals will always live in peace</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I feel for animals losses</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>I touch the hands of many future conservationists</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I worry poaching may never stop</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>I cry for the animals faced with poachers</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I am compassionate and determined</span></i></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>I understand I’m going against the odds</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I say I’m doing what's right</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>I dream of a better world</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I try to stop the madness</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>I hope I will reach my goals</i></span></span></div>
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<i style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.15;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I am compassionate and determined</span></i></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></b>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>“I am”</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>By: Dylan Fryer, age 11</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Shadows Into Light Two'; font-size: 24px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10664192372921933887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179000656445910248.post-85116587418589700832014-10-07T21:20:00.000-07:002014-10-07T21:20:39.715-07:00Mother and Child Relationships in the Animal KingdomOne of the things I love about watching the animals is how they interact with each other. No matter what species of animal, one thing remains the same, the bond between a mother and child is simply undeniable. The teaching moments as well as the times of utter frustration that all mom's feel at one time or another are universal. After watching two different animal species interact a few weeks ago, I was reminded that humans are not the only species to share this special bond.<br />
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Joanne and Imani<br />
Western Lowland Gorillas<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAjlZdozu26n2ITkix8Cyk6OHIAqCln7LL2uzyX-Rdvf9Q_dKPWGXGILk7mLhIz1gT86mDRwd5U2tzbUJVzeDXwXfnlKnZtvBTNv73PYo23h6HaRQOVeAajOFvJj4SVfRjUJLkNYEyfwaU/s1600/gorilla-joanne-imani-safari-park-sept13-5589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAjlZdozu26n2ITkix8Cyk6OHIAqCln7LL2uzyX-Rdvf9Q_dKPWGXGILk7mLhIz1gT86mDRwd5U2tzbUJVzeDXwXfnlKnZtvBTNv73PYo23h6HaRQOVeAajOFvJj4SVfRjUJLkNYEyfwaU/s1600/gorilla-joanne-imani-safari-park-sept13-5589.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hold my hand Joanne, let Mom help you ...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Te2-H9YvCl3gA5h10IpBJlXldffKsi8p2QJYgYA_7lQel205YFE9s1B9YFQMNHlUj6sofWAujV6xYQQ1-Oyqv5dRjyrchKRMdWBuw56RkM1Sy0U_ZV0HnrGvA7nHSI5k7MDlcap9YxUz/s1600/gorilla-joanne-imani-safari-park-sept13-5591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Te2-H9YvCl3gA5h10IpBJlXldffKsi8p2QJYgYA_7lQel205YFE9s1B9YFQMNHlUj6sofWAujV6xYQQ1-Oyqv5dRjyrchKRMdWBuw56RkM1Sy0U_ZV0HnrGvA7nHSI5k7MDlcap9YxUz/s1600/gorilla-joanne-imani-safari-park-sept13-5591.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6S_Lws6zhpUJMhnry0E8UJOLxVSwSK-8JcPXnYO2ZkJTkGCrJRPYL7dbKfKGo6kq7Y7n6OlxBXBvP0HH-IvCA7G-BvrFbTSQt3guP4z5dtnu8q5y4l9f7jwm64tkXqkHs2qz1vTSqTrI6/s1600/gorilla-joanne-imani-safari-park-sept13-5598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6S_Lws6zhpUJMhnry0E8UJOLxVSwSK-8JcPXnYO2ZkJTkGCrJRPYL7dbKfKGo6kq7Y7n6OlxBXBvP0HH-IvCA7G-BvrFbTSQt3guP4z5dtnu8q5y4l9f7jwm64tkXqkHs2qz1vTSqTrI6/s1600/gorilla-joanne-imani-safari-park-sept13-5598.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Like this Mom? Is this how we eat the leaves?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmplKUe759B_raoyttSS0vus85wHkN1WMuNtUXXeyEbdkE0ECiyNZ4hpBxZy3JflPMLvWNJnltqXQneFzU-8qFIlRF6MJ6AOQ0kM8SDCiULr8Z02DPAv6tj2nFT3LoULA1L6GqyvkEKxni/s1600/gorilla-joanne-imani-safari-park-sept13-5624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmplKUe759B_raoyttSS0vus85wHkN1WMuNtUXXeyEbdkE0ECiyNZ4hpBxZy3JflPMLvWNJnltqXQneFzU-8qFIlRF6MJ6AOQ0kM8SDCiULr8Z02DPAv6tj2nFT3LoULA1L6GqyvkEKxni/s1600/gorilla-joanne-imani-safari-park-sept13-5624.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Oshana with her cubs Ernest, Evelyn, Marion and Miss Ellen<br />
African Lions<br />
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Oshana calling to Izu, most likely for reinforcement<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWJiVQhyqOKjzWRFSGzrKxIN9tDzsaXywWNV49kJ09OleA7NuiuLZXrWLoKtLNLFCsTxjwSXEqjIGG3f_HU_OqEkoLAvlgj44yL1Nr6zOzGepjav9SvridzSerxIKNXd8k_yGtDeEYaZ3/s1600/lion-cubs-Oshana-safari-park-sept13-5475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWJiVQhyqOKjzWRFSGzrKxIN9tDzsaXywWNV49kJ09OleA7NuiuLZXrWLoKtLNLFCsTxjwSXEqjIGG3f_HU_OqEkoLAvlgj44yL1Nr6zOzGepjav9SvridzSerxIKNXd8k_yGtDeEYaZ3/s1600/lion-cubs-Oshana-safari-park-sept13-5475.jpg" height="412" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3SbDAUKPp0rO7_AEteJG7lBZJ7mNDu54rQTTzsLOehaXuyLg7XRn4LeO5SSTFB1kL4m69MnvjtWp0qrJyc_JWYOBk-fY5UmUZyPXxl8VtBGeTXW0eHZTD7s8tLh9m-_fru89n1qyVpxz_/s1600/lion-cubs-Oshana-safari-park-sept13-5498.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3SbDAUKPp0rO7_AEteJG7lBZJ7mNDu54rQTTzsLOehaXuyLg7XRn4LeO5SSTFB1kL4m69MnvjtWp0qrJyc_JWYOBk-fY5UmUZyPXxl8VtBGeTXW0eHZTD7s8tLh9m-_fru89n1qyVpxz_/s1600/lion-cubs-Oshana-safari-park-sept13-5498.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Really kids, you want to eat again?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI1KgPldCYo3Km_ia8ESOWnQyOMWrdqFeGgmEZzHSWH6cr-6JmOhuVOl7Xf5vKCXwrij0rq98R9rpdfNJlOEAtVN738aE4SWkzWYuZEFNtVh6-vd_5D4B34_Nj0_GYUCJLm1prjcSkcoeJ/s1600/lion-cubs-Oshana-safari-park-sept13-5503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI1KgPldCYo3Km_ia8ESOWnQyOMWrdqFeGgmEZzHSWH6cr-6JmOhuVOl7Xf5vKCXwrij0rq98R9rpdfNJlOEAtVN738aE4SWkzWYuZEFNtVh6-vd_5D4B34_Nj0_GYUCJLm1prjcSkcoeJ/s1600/lion-cubs-Oshana-safari-park-sept13-5503.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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And just like all moms, as much as we love our children, sometimes we just need to walk away and have 5 minutes to ourselves.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQBJaI3LtFDohunMV5bcXZL2nfUE_5zfNYODwB73o0SAnC5ZODYMCMDsSavl5s0UixhQlnT_htbCQbULhxdeOM-KEU_QP2-o0N2egIWkd70eSEDTSDIb6UXtQIGejcXvcIE3gqhHRc2D-x/s1600/lion-cubs-Oshana-safari-park-sept13-5519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQBJaI3LtFDohunMV5bcXZL2nfUE_5zfNYODwB73o0SAnC5ZODYMCMDsSavl5s0UixhQlnT_htbCQbULhxdeOM-KEU_QP2-o0N2egIWkd70eSEDTSDIb6UXtQIGejcXvcIE3gqhHRc2D-x/s1600/lion-cubs-Oshana-safari-park-sept13-5519.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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The next time you are visiting a zoo pay close attention to how the animals are interacting with one another. Animal behavior is quite fascinating if you ask me.<br />
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To visit these featured moms and their babies, you can visit the <a href="http://www.sdzsafaripark.org/" target="_blank">San Diego Zoo Safari Park</a>.<br />
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<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03252219288340563910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179000656445910248.post-36830465150856252792014-09-21T17:00:00.001-07:002014-09-21T17:06:50.057-07:00Tiga's Day OutsideTiga is becoming quite the adventurer. She is now a little over a year old and exploring new areas of the apartment. Much like a teenager, she is also testing her boundaries with me. We have large trees outside the apartment that are often a resting spot for the local birds of prey and a nature preserve with coyotes and bobcats is basically our backyard. That being said, Tiga is strictly an indoor cat. However, she made a run for it a few weeks ago when I opened the screen door and decided to soak up some sun on the balcony.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QRXKMyIrlkI/VB9jY_PTjhI/AAAAAAAAgLU/ctn-jvPKsrM/s1600/Tiga-Sept03-2014-5437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QRXKMyIrlkI/VB9jY_PTjhI/AAAAAAAAgLU/ctn-jvPKsrM/s1600/Tiga-Sept03-2014-5437.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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The morning light was perfect and I decided to take advantage of the situation.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qGfXd-9OeCA/VB9jZeUR20I/AAAAAAAAgLY/d_qyEbW4_60/s1600/Tiga-Sept03-2014-5438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qGfXd-9OeCA/VB9jZeUR20I/AAAAAAAAgLY/d_qyEbW4_60/s1600/Tiga-Sept03-2014-5438.jpg" height="400" width="640" /></a></div>
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I think she liked the warmth of the ground and the texture made an excellent scratching surface for her back. Somebody wants to play.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8g5eg-VMtfQ/VB9jZX_Y9nI/AAAAAAAAgLc/1A-ZX6gFQWU/s1600/Tiga-Sept03-2014-5441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8g5eg-VMtfQ/VB9jZX_Y9nI/AAAAAAAAgLc/1A-ZX6gFQWU/s1600/Tiga-Sept03-2014-5441.jpg" height="454" width="640" /></a></div>
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Visiting the balcony has now become a special occasion for Tiga. Every now and then we go outside together and enjoy the stillness of the morning. Always under my watchful eye though, so nothing swoops down from above.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TmPYq1dqJZQ/VB9ja8qO1ZI/AAAAAAAAgLs/BJ3lLvscmjw/s1600/Tiga-Sept03-2014-5446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TmPYq1dqJZQ/VB9ja8qO1ZI/AAAAAAAAgLs/BJ3lLvscmjw/s1600/Tiga-Sept03-2014-5446.jpg" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10664192372921933887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179000656445910248.post-14390758355159808892014-09-13T18:44:00.000-07:002014-09-13T18:44:29.698-07:00Sometimes you just need a sign from aboveChange is never easy and questioning your decisions will only make the changes more difficult to accept. A good friend once told me to have faith and to follow the signs that were shown to me. Well, if this isn't a sign from above then I don't know what is.<div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NWa5_WKax08/VBTx13nNBaI/AAAAAAAAgJY/1xqfvU2vu0o/s1600/tiger-trail-rays-of-sunshine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NWa5_WKax08/VBTx13nNBaI/AAAAAAAAgJY/1xqfvU2vu0o/s1600/tiger-trail-rays-of-sunshine.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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A sign like this can only mean one thing - I made the right decision and I am walking down the path that is right for me at this time in my life.</div>
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Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10664192372921933887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179000656445910248.post-72449338646353862762014-08-29T21:35:00.000-07:002014-08-29T21:35:10.954-07:00Life After Social MediaIn a world driven by technology and the internet, it seems almost impossible for a person to not be connected in some way or another to social media. Smartphones, tablets, iPads, laptops ... you name it, there is a way to connect and share with others through a virtual web that has become second nature to the human race. Social media can be fun, but social media can also consume your life if you let it.<br />
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I currently have 2 Instagram accounts, 2 Twitter accounts, 1 Pinterest account, 2 Google+ pages, 1 personal Facebook account, and 2 Facebook pages ... wow, that's just crazy! Although I use some social media accounts more than others, it is time to break some ties.<br />
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I am tired of looking down all the time. Looking down to see how many people "liked" something or how well a post did on Facebook. Are people reading my blog? How many hits did a story get? Did anyone retweet me? This past month I have taken a little hiatus of sorts from social media, spending less time looking down and more time looking up. Looking up at the world around me and seeing so many things for what seems like the first time in years. I have started living my life for me and not my "friends" on Facebook.<br />
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Do I hate social media? No.<br />
Do I love social media? No.<br />
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There is definitely a place in this world for social media. I depend on social media to stay current on conservation topics that interest me and causes that I want to help create awareness for. Social media helps readers find this blog and helps teach others about making a difference no matter how old you are. However, at this time in my life, that place is not very high on my list of priorities. Social media is not my job and does not need to consume my life.<br />
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I started this blog six years ago with a post entitled, <a href="http://www.lifewithdylan.com/2008/11/new-chapter.html" target="_blank">A New Chapter</a>, as a creative outlet and as a way to let out-of-town friends and family know what Dylan was doing. After a few years of blogging, I got caught up in the "blogger" lifestyle and did some sponsored posts. This was very short-lived because the lifestyle just wasn't who I was, nor who I am now ... I can't sell myself out to a brand ... no matter how much swag they give me. In April 2012, I finally <a href="http://www.lifewithdylan.com/2012/04/i-finally-see-big-picture.html" target="_blank">saw the big picture</a> and things took a dramatic change. I learned who my friends were and were not. <br />
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As Dylan became older and his life more focused, it was apparent to me that his path had been chosen and was not changing anytime soon. His love of animals had become his passion in life and <i>Life with Dylan</i> became more focused on conservation and Dylan's philanthropy work. My love of photography combined with his desire to save endangered species and change the world has made this blog something we are both proud of. Ironically, that first post in 2008 was just a glimpse of what our future had to offer. Looking back, maybe it was foreshadowing of the many changes and growing pains we would encounter as a family.<br />
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Social media will always be a part of <i>Life with Dylan</i>, but my real life with Dylan shouldn't have to suffer because of it. If I wouldn't have a cup of coffee in real life with someone, why should I be "friends" with them on Facebook?<br />
I much prefer real conversations to "likes" and comments.<br />
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Time to say goodbye to some virtual friends and reconnect with the real ones. <br />
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As always, Life with Dylan inspires me to see the world a little differently than I did before.</div>
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<br />Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10664192372921933887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179000656445910248.post-14576214885142487242014-08-03T20:53:00.000-07:002014-08-04T20:54:50.053-07:00Photographing Apes: Spotlight ChimpanzeesI recently had the opportunity to spend some time with a wonderful troop of chimpanzees. This particular troop was very animated and had me laughing at the similarities I could see from the human species. Like humans, chimpanzees are very curious and social animals - they are also highly intelligent. So intelligent, that they share 95-98% of our DNA, making chimpanzees one of the closet living relatives to humans.<br />
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Chimpanzees develop strong family bonds that can last a lifetime, especially between mother and child.<br />
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Watching the babies play and interact with each other was so much fun. The way they used sticks as tools and communicated with each other through hand gestures and body language was truly fascinating. It was like I was watching kids play at a park. The facial expressions completely melted my heart.<br />
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I believe the same characteristics that drew me to watching the chimpanzees play and interact for so long are the very traits that are causing these animals to disappear from their habitats. Chimpanzees are intelligent; therefore, it is easy to train them to do tricks and become performers or in some cases, a household pet. Chimpanzees are neither performers or pets - Chimpanzees are wild animals and should be treated as such. We need to be respectful of their natural habitats and support organizations like the <a href="http://www.janegoodall.org/chimpanzees" target="_blank">Jane Goodall Institute</a> to help save these highly intelligent primates.<br />
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Even though chimpanzees share close to 98% of our genetic makeup, humans are the main cause of harm to the species. As part of the great ape family, chimpanzees are endangered and live under continuous threat from habitat destruction and bushmeat hunters.<br />
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If that isn't enough to make you think about saving the chimpanzees, then maybe this statistic from the Jane Goodall Institute will at least make you want to learn more.<br />
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<i><b>At the turn of the 20th Century, they numbered between 1 and 2 million . . . now there are estimated to be fewer than 300,000 chimpanzees remaining in the wild. Incredibly—over the past 100 years—we may have lost as many as 1.7 million of the chimpanzees that roamed the forests of Africa.</b></i><br />
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<br />Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10664192372921933887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179000656445910248.post-64967679498779180652014-07-28T18:52:00.000-07:002014-07-28T18:52:19.147-07:00Some Days You Just Need To Get Outside!For most people summer vacation is what they look forward to all year long. Summer vacation means no school, staying up late, and sleeping in past 7 a.m. I'm just like most people, summer vacation can't get here soon enough! However, I have a love-hate relationship with summer.<br />
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Summer means keeping Dylan busy all day long.<br />
Summer means double grocery bills because Dylan is a growing boy.<br />
Summer means making the paycheck stretch for 2 months.<br />
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Thankfully we have some great trails within walking distance of our home and we can spend the day enjoying nature, free of charge ... because some days, you just need to get outside!<br />
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The path is paved for walkers, runners, bicyclist, and even horseback riders, but sometimes it's nice to get off the path and take one of the many hiking trails. You never know what you will find.<br />
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Like this hidden spot under a tree that let us get right next to the water and explore the biodiversity of the ecological reserve ... or the flowering buckwheat that is a beautiful shade of peach this time of year.<br />
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Getting outside is something that we all need to do more often. Connecting with nature does wonders for the mind and body ... not to mention my love-hate relationship with summer.<br />
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<br />Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10664192372921933887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179000656445910248.post-91644833206196764512014-07-24T13:28:00.000-07:002014-07-24T13:28:18.207-07:00How One Boy Made Lots of Zoo Keepers Smile<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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National Zoo Keeper Week is celebrated every year as a way to honor the thousands of animal care professionals who dedicate their lives to animal care, conservation, and education. In the past, Dylan and I have each written open thank you letters to our zookeeper friends, but this year Dylan wanted to do something more. He wanted to be able to thank them all in person and let each zookeeper know how much he appreciated everything that they were doing for the animals.<br />
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Wow, this would require lots of brainstorming and some creativity on my part. Dylan wanted to actually give them something. How could we possibly thank all of the zookeepers in person and give them a token of appreciation? Dylan had some great ideas, but I needed to fine tune them and figure out a way to keep the cost down. Thanks to Pinterest I found my answers and we started making some little gifts.<br />
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With mailing labels and washi tape that I had at home, we made some cute labels that we could attach to individual size m&m bags. In no time at all we had 75 gifts for zookeepers - and all for under $10.<br />
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Now the trick was getting the candy to the zookeepers. I knew we would see a few here and there, but often the keepers are behind the scenes.<br />
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Ironically, my friend Nicki let me know that there was an ice cream social planned for all the zookeepers on the same day we were planning on being at the San Diego Zoo. This was our lucky day!<br />
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When we first arrived at the zoo, we had a plan to visit some places we knew keepers would be. First stop was the Children's Zoo. The reaction I witnessed from one keeper when Dylan handed her the small bag of m&m's was priceless. She then proceeded to take us around her area, making sure that we saw each zookeeper working that day.<br />
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Soon after, another friend who was not working that day shared a Facebook post with me <a href="https://twitter.com/mlynnfryer/status/491423929756819458" target="_blank">via twitter</a>. It said, "So a young boy, probably 10 or 11, came to my area of the zoo and passed out personal size m&m's to all the keepers. There was a note that said happy national zookeeper week and thank you for all you do. It's amazing how something so small can cause such a big impact!! It just made me realize that we are making an impact on people. I love my job!!!" I almost started crying right then and there.<br />
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I also found out that one of the zookeepers has a picture of her and Dylan on her locker as a reminder that she is making a difference. There were several more posts like this that I saw when I got home and some Instagram pics as well. This was not the reaction I expected.<br />
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After handing out a few more, it was time to crash the ice cream social. This was something I will never forget, nor will Dylan. He was in a room filled with zookeepers and all eyes were on him. Dylan was with "his people" and the smile on his face was just as bright as the smiles on their faces.<br />
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Nicki walked Dylan around to each table and introduced him to the zookeepers. She told them about his philanthropy work and how he wanted to be a zookeeper at the San Diego Zoo when he was older. Some recognized him and gave handshakes or hugs, others simply appreciated the gift and smiled.<br />
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Aside from thanking the keepers, Dylan had the opportunity to meet some people face to face that he only knew through email. Meeting Aimee (a tiger keeper) and seeing <a href="http://www.lifewithdylan.com/2013/02/our-tiger-encounter-at-san-diego-zoo.html" target="_blank">Julian</a> again may have been the highlight of this event for Dylan. The ice cream social was put on by the San Diego American Association of Zoo Keepers and they shared a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sdaazk/posts/10153046416147468" target="_blank">lovely post about Dylan with some pictures on their Facebook page</a> too.<br />
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Overall, the day was a success and we accomplished our mission of thanking as many zookeepers as possible in person. Seeing the smiles of so many zookeepers was awesome, but to be honest, it saddened me that they were so shocked by his small gift. These men and women work hard, and not in cushy offices, but out in the heat and rain, to care for the animals that we often take for granted. It made me realize that thanks need to be given more often. Dylan's wish to thank zookeepers taught both of us a valuable lesson - It really is the thought that counts and not the gift itself.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you to all of the wonderful zookeepers for doing what you love!</span></div>
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<br />Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10664192372921933887noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179000656445910248.post-63208471699862924962014-07-19T20:51:00.000-07:002014-07-19T20:51:00.392-07:00Exploring Summer of Wonder at the Aquarium of the PacificThis summer is all about spending time at some of our favorite places close to home. Getting outside and exploring to find new things is not only fun, but a great way to spend time together as a family. Last week Dylan and I spent the day in Long Beach at the Aquarium of the Pacific. We love living so close to one of the top aquariums in the United States. Each time we visit there is something new to see and of course old friends to see too. Like our penguin pals <a href="https://twitter.com/AveryThePenguin" target="_blank">Avery</a> and Kate - they are parents now! Congratulations guys!<br />
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The Aquarium of the Pacific always has wonderful exhibits to explore year round, but this visit was to celebrate the newest experience, Summer of Wonder.<br />
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Summer of Wonder gives kids of all ages (even parents) a chance to get a closer look then ever before at some animals with more interactive experiences and special behind-the-scenes look at animals feedings. <br />
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Visiting the new bonnethead shark and cownose ray touch pool in Shark Lagoon was Dylan's favorite part of the day. We learned all about target feeding during a training session and then had the opportunity to touch the sharks and rays.<br />
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Over in the Molina Animal Care Center we touched Atlantic horseshoe crabs. These guys are super unique because their blood turns blue when exposed to air due to the presence of a copper containing molecule called hemocyanin. Pretty cool if you ask me.<br />
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There is also a new exhibit at the very back (past Shark Lagoon) where you can learn all about the Southern California Steelhead fish. These endangered fish are fascinating and I will be sharing their story soon.<br />
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After seeing the outside exhibits of the aquarium we headed upstairs to see the penguins and start exploring the inside exhibits.<br />
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No matter how many times we visit Aquarium of the Pacific, the tanks never cease to amaze me.<br />
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I could sit and watch the marine life all day - especially the jellies!<br />
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Out of all the memories made this day, I think Dylan buying this squid hat topped them all. He wore it all day and got so many compliments too!<br />
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To learn more about <a href="http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/exhibits/summerofwonder" target="_blank">Summer of Wonder</a> and for general aquarium information visit <a href="http://aquariumofpacific.org/">aquariumofpacific.org</a><br />
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<br />Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10664192372921933887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179000656445910248.post-44105553251028727562014-07-18T21:06:00.000-07:002014-07-19T14:35:55.290-07:00Baby Black Rhino Charges Into Our HeartsOnce again, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is doing their part to bring species back from the brink extinction. Last week a critically endangered black rhino calf was born at the Safari Park and has quickly charged into the hearts of rhino lovers all over the world.<br />
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The unnamed male calf was born on Saturday July 12, 2014. This is the fifth calf for Lembe and father Jambia and the 15th black rhino born at the Safari Park.<br />
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Last Wednesday I was at the Safari Park and knew the chances of seeing the baby rhino were slim. Lembe is very protective and has been keeping him hidden among the rocks. Nevertheless, I got on the tram ... I just wanted a glimpse of the then 4-day-old baby rhino. Well, I got more than a glimpse.<br />
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The tram driver was just as excited as we were. She said that we were very lucky because nobody had seen Lembe walk the calf across the exhibit. All I could do was start clicking my camera in hopes of getting something that resembled a rhino. I was so honored that the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sdzsafaripark/photos/a.191010764248941.58007.143152622368089/920330667983610/?type=1&theater" target="_blank">Safari Park</a> used my photo to announce the birth of the black rhino calf on social media.<br />
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In a press release from the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, keepers stated that Lembe runs around her exhibit with her tail pointed up, a cue that lets her calf know she is on alert and watching over him. The young calf trots closely behind, sometimes fumbling over his footing, as he is still getting comfortable keeping up with his mother.<br />
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We have been watching Lembe has she grew bigger and bigger, anticipating the birth of this precious black rhino. Words cannot explain the excitement or the joy Dylan and I felt when we saw him running through the exhibit. Both mother and calf are visible to guests taking the Safari Park's Africa Tram tour, so get out there and see this little guy for yourself. The cuteness factor is off the charts!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Black Rhino Calf - Photo taken on July 18, 2014, by Ken Bohn, San Diego Zoo Safari Park</span></td></tr>
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<br />Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10664192372921933887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179000656445910248.post-62830254106958064652014-07-17T13:24:00.001-07:002014-07-17T13:26:07.534-07:00Playtime with Shadow<span style="font-family: inherit;">When most people think of a wolf, cute and cuddly are not the first words that come to mind. However, when Dylan and I met Shadow last week, the San Diego Zoo’s newest animal ambassador, those were the exact words I thought of.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This two-month old gray wolf pup is just as playful as any domestic puppy dog ... Playing with toys, waiting patiently for treats, and even chewing on shoes. </span><br />
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Shadow really does love his keepers. So much, that he wants to play with them all the time - especially when they are trying to get work done!<br />
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Although Shadow would not make a good pet, he will make a wonderful animal ambassador. Even as a pup, you can already see the differences between a wolf and a domestic dog. Shadow has a long nose, large ears and huge paws - all important traits for a wolf. Shadow plays like a puppy, but it is important to remember that he is a wild animal.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After Shadow completes the 30-day quarantine period, he will move from the Children’s Zoo to his new home at Wegeforth Bowl and serve as an animal ambassador. Shadow will make appearances as part of the educational presentations and help to bring awareness to the public about the gray wolf species. Knowledge is the key to respecting animals in the wild. If we know more about the gray wolf, then maybe we will be more inclined to protect them. Educating people about wild animals is another way that San Diego Zoo Global helps to ensure the survival of endangered animals like Shadow. </span>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you plan on visiting the San Diego Zoo this month, I highly recommend stopping by the nursery in the Children's Zoo and meeting Shadow. The glass window can make it difficult to get pictures without a glare or </span>reflection sometimes<span style="font-family: inherit;">, but just watching him play will leave a lasting memory in your heart. </span><br />
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Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10664192372921933887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179000656445910248.post-18975028724561577452014-07-14T09:48:00.000-07:002014-07-14T09:52:14.790-07:00Australian Tree Huggers are the Best!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Eleven month old joey hugs a eucalyptus tree while he naps at the San Diego Zoo Australian Outback. Now this is a tree hugger that everyone can love!<br />
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<br />Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10664192372921933887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179000656445910248.post-40821127182851584362014-07-10T18:24:00.000-07:002014-07-10T18:31:53.331-07:005 Simple Ways to Help Your Local Zoo or AquariumSpending the day at your local zoo or aquarium is a wonderful way to learn more about animals and the conservation efforts being made to ensure these animals are around for future generations. No matter how often you visit the animals, there is always something new to learn about them. Zoos and aquariums have so much to offer - listening to fascinating keeper talks, seeing a new fact on an exhibit sign, or reading about progress made on a conservation issue.<br />
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Most zoos and aquariums are non-profit organizations and depend on us, the general public, to keep the doors open. Everything we purchase, whether it be admission tickets, food, or a stuffed animal, is helping to give the animals the best care possible. There are so many ways that you can make a difference and help, but not everyone knows how or where to start. </div>
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Here are few simple things you can do to help your local zoo or aquarium:</div>
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<li><b>Get a membership.</b> Instead of just buying a ticket for the day, why not buy a ticket for the entire year? Annual memberships are often the lifeblood of these organizations. If animal conservation is something you feel strongly about, why not upgrade from the basic membership? Check with your local zoo or aquarium and see what types of membership options are available. </li>
<li><b>Adopt an animal.</b> Most animal adoptions start at only $25 and make great gifts for birthdays and holidays. Animal adoption can be done through the mail, or from my experience, many offer digital adoption certificates. This makes it very convenient when adopting an animal for someone who lives out of the area. </li>
<li><b>Give your change.</b> That's right, give away all those loose coins that get lost in the bottom of your purse. You would be amazed at how fast those add up and every little bit helps! Next time you visit, look around for a donation spot by the exit or near your favorite animal exhibit.</li>
<li><b>Support them online.</b> Nine times out of ten, your favorite zoo or aquarium is on social media. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Tumbler ... do a search and start following them, spread the word. Sharing a post or a picture goes a long way. You probably aren't the only one who thinks that baby panda is adorable!</li>
<li><b>Think globally.</b> Many zoos and aquariums are a small piece in a very big puzzle working together to end extinction. Do your research and check out their website. I bet your local zoo or aquarium is affiliated with a much larger global organization that could use your help too. For example, the <a href="http://mnzoo.org/tigerssp/conserResearch.html" target="_blank">Tiger Conservation Campaign</a> was started by the Minnesota Zoo, but is supported by many other zoos. </li>
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Whatever you decide to do, know that you are making a difference for the animals. </div>
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Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10664192372921933887noreply@blogger.com0