Why save vultures?

It may come as a shock to many on my latest blog feature. Why vultures? And why is it important to save them? I have very minimal experience working with them. (Matter-of-fact I don't necessarily know if catching one qualifies as much experience.) There is just something so incredibly unique and intriguing about them. Another reason I'm probably so partial to vultures is because they are the reason I was able to travel to Africa not once, but twice, and document their plight. I hope you enjoy these personal photos (Along with a few taken by my mentor in Kenya, Dr. Munir Virani, the Africa Programs Director for the Peregrine Fund). I also hope by the end of this blog you will have a greater appreciation of one of the world's most beneficial creatures. Enjoy...

I flew back to Kenya in August/September 2012 to document one of the most magnificent spectacles on earth, the Great Migration.

Over a million wildebeest and zebra make the long journey from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Masai Mara in Kenya in search of fresh grasses. As you can expect along the way there are several tragedies; thousands of animals die from predation, disease, and pure exhaustion. This is where the vultures come in.

According to scientists, vultures consume 70% of all the available meat in the Mara/Serengeti ecosystem. Could you imagine the place without them?

There would be carcasses like this everywhere. According to Dr. Virani, tourists who visit would have to walk around in face masks to avoid the stench.

Global tourism is a multi-billion dollar industry, and Africa ranks among the top visited places in the world. Ecotourism would collapse if tourists were unable to enjoy a safari experience because of the mass carcass buildup and spread of disease.

So what's going on? According to Dr. Virani and his associates, East African Vultures have declined by over 60% in just the last 30 years, making them one of the most threatened group of vertebrates in the world. The answer: Poisoning.

Vultures all across the African continent are being poisoned at an alarming rate by a toxic pesticide called furadan. Oddly enough vultures are not necessarily the species being targeted, large land predators like lions and hyenas are. (Photo courtesy of raptorpolitics.or.uk.)

Human-and-animal-conflict is a major problem in Africa. With humans encroaching on once undisturbed habitat, encounters with wildlife are inevitable. Animals don't know boundaries. Once they leave the protection of the reserves and national parks, there is an increased risk of conflict with humans.

Sometimes they don't even have to leave the reserves to run into people. Hence the picture above of the Maasai illegally grazing their cattle in the Masai Mara National Reserve.

Occasionally a lion, hyena, or leopard will attack and kill livestock from a local pastoralist. CAUTION: The next few images might be disturbing for some viewers.

In retaliation the farmers will lace the carcass of a dead goat or cow with the cheap over-the-counter pesticide furadan. It's odorless, colorless, and kills everything it comes in contact with.

This includes the predator, the scavengers, and even the flies that land on the laced carcass. One laced carcass can kill up to 150 vultures at a time. (Photo courtesy of news.nationalgeographic.com)

So what's being done? Dr. Virani runs the Vulture Research Project in the Masai Mara where he conducts surveys and live captures to track the vulture's movements across the East African Plains.

I was thrilled to be able to help and document the capture, which involves finding deceased wildebeest to help attract the vultures. I never thought in my life I would be so close to a Wildebeest's behind!

Once captured, Dr. Virani and his team attach transmitters to individual birds to track their home ranges.

One of the birds we caught in Kenya, which we nicknamed "Rupi", was found just weeks later in Southern Tanzania. The GPS tracking units show that these birds have HUGE home ranges that extend well outside of the reserves.

Another important factor of vulture conservation is educating local communities about their importance to the ecosystem. Every first Saturday in September is "Vulture Awareness Day." This day celebrated all around the globe, is dedicated to vultures using various festivities to celebrate their importance.

I'd like to leave you on this note: I remember asking Dr. Virani what the most important message he'd like people to leave with once they hear about the plight of vultures. He said simply, "Tell your family, your neighbors, your friends, about vultures. Spread the message about how important they are to the ecosystem. Get the word out." I couldn't agree more. I hope that after reading this you have a greater appreciation of vultures. And hope you spread the message. We need these majestic and beneficial birds for generations to come.

I also encourage you to check out Dr. Virani's short presentation at a recent TED conference on the subject.

So you want to work with animals???

Working with animals in the public eye definitely has its benefits. For one, you get to work with all sorts of different animals on various projects.  Some of which you never would have dreamed of working with! From releasing Black Bears into the wild to making sure a 17-foot python doesn't poop on "The Today Show", everyday is different and comes with new challenges. One of my favorite aspects of the job is receiving e-mails from people across the country. They come from all walks of life. From the 12-year-old who just discovered a new passion for animals, to the adult who has always wanted to pursue a career working with them. The #1 question I get is "How can I pursue a career working with animals?" Although I'm no career expert, I can give you an insight on how I managed to do it. It's not impossible. If you are passionate enough about something and dedicated anything can happen...

I've always grown up around animals and have been incredibly blessed with two supportive parents who allowed myself (and my sister) to express ourselves in any way we wanted. For me that meant dinosaurs and reptiles! I always joke that I was holding snakes in diapers...Literally! Thankfully our household was "animal friendly." Although this isn't the case for most. A lot of the e-mails I receive from kids state their parents won't allow them to have pets. In this case there is a solution...

Go to your local zoo, wildlife park, or aquarium! It's a great way to see animals from around the globe up-close and personal. These wildlife facilities offer millions of people an opportunity to see animals they wouldn't normally see. (And yes...I was "that kid" who stared aimlessly at motionless alligators for hours at a time.)

If zoos aren't your thing get outside and get active! Go hiking and explore new areas. You'd be surprised what's outside your front door! Wildlife is all around...Sometimes you just have to stop and listen.

Join an animal related club or organization. For me that meant joining the Idaho Herpetological Society at age 13. Joining these organizations is a great way to network with people who share the same interest and passion. It's also a great resource for knowledge! To this day I still keep in touch with members.

Volunteer at a local zoo or shelter. It's a great way to interact with animals and the professionals who care for them. Although I should mention...I never technically volunteered. This brings me to my next point:

No matter what DON'T EVER GIVE UP! At 13 the zoo volunteer program ended up denying me. Even though I had plenty of experience and animals of my own. It happened to work in my favor. I ended up making friends with a few keepers and the lead veterinarian. Before long I was "grandfathered" in and doing all sorts of tasks that volunteers weren't even permitted to do! With the help of the vet I ended up convincing the zoo director to allow me to do a weekly show. That's how "Reptile Rampage" was born. I'll never forget that summer and still extend my gratitude to the people who believed in me and helped me along the way. You know who you are.

Plan on getting an education! These days it's next to impossible to get a career working with animals without a college degree. Plan ahead. While in high school I was already looking at schools with special emphasizes in animal-related programs. One of the schools I was seriously considering was Moorpark College in California. I don't think I thought it through all the way...Unlike most high school kids I had 50 animals that depended on me night and day. There was no way I was going to California! I ended up staying close to home and attended Boise State University and graduated with a Bachelors in Biology.

Try to Take Advantage of any opportunity that comes your way. While in college there was an opportunity to visit the Seychelles Islands to study endemic species. Honestly I'd never heard of the Seychelles and couldn't even point them out on map.

You can imagine my surprise when the Seychelles looked like this: Sandy beaches, crystal clear water, and giant granite rocks! It was the most difficult class I'd ever taken at Boise State!

One of my biggest pieces of advice is to Network. Meet as many people as you can who share your same interest and passion. You never know who might be able to help you out in the future; whether it's pertaining to a career or opportunity. The last thing I'd like to share...

Dreams come true. It doesn't matter who you are, where you live, how old you are, or what connections you have. If you are passionate about something and dedicated you will get somewhere. It might take time (I know all about that!) and you might be rejected but continue and keep going. No matter what! The sky is the limit.

The Leopard

There are many reasons why I finally decided to dedicate a blog exclusively for leopards. There is just something so incredibly fascinating and mysterious about this big cat. Ever since my first trip to Africa this cat has had a hold on me. Don't get me wrong; I've always enjoyed watching leopards on television...But actually being in Africa searching for one is a complete different world in its own. Before I move on I have to be upfront and honest; I've never seen a leopard in the wild. I've been close multiple times (I'll discuss later) but have never had the pleasure of photographing one in the wild. That's where my good friend Dr. Munir Virani comes in. He's the Africa Programs director for The Peregrine Fund; an organization dedicated to conserving Birds of Prey worldwide. Although he might specialize in raptors, Dr. Virani runs into leopards quite often...Almost too much for my liking! He very kindly gave me permission to use a few of his stunning photographs for this very blog. Enjoy - Corbin

After graduating college in the fall of 2011 I decided to join a select few from Boise State University on a journey to Kenya. This is where I met Dr. Virani and where my leopard obsession began!

Everyone who goes on safari in Africa wants to see "The Big Five." This consists of the lion, buffalo, elephant, rhino, and the leopard. Unfortunately, the leopard happens to be one of the most difficult to spot (with exception to the rhino). Why? Leopards live a life of secrecy. They are primarily nocturnal and have to compete with larger predators including lions and hyenas. The best bet for the leopard is to remain hidden. (Not only to sneak up on prey but to avoid being killed by larger predators.)

The Masai Mara is ranked #1 in all of Africa when it comes to the best safari experience. Its high density of predators and prey make this area ideal for spotting all sorts of animals, including leopards. Many of the documentaries, films, and TV shows about big cats are filmed right in the Mara. These include Big Cat Diary (which Dr. Virani actually appeared) and Disney's African Cats. I'm a huge fan of both and tried looking everywhere in the Mara for a leopard. Doesn't that tree look perfect? It's just missing a leopard!

One of the reasons the Mara is one of the best places in Africa to view leopards is because many are accustomed to vehicles. Generation after generations grow up around tourists, cars, and cameras. With no pressure from hunting, these leopards have no reason to fear humans. Many can be found right out in the open! (Picture taken by Dr. Virani's young son Zayan.)

In other parts of the world leopards can sometimes be more difficult to find. Even so, Dr. Virani still runs into them! Pictured is an Indian Leopard (Panthera pardus fusca), a subspecies primarily found in India.

What fascinated me so much from talking to Dr. Virani and others who have encountered Indian Leopards are the slight differences from the African Leopards (Panthera pardus pardus). I'll always remember them telling me how sinister the Indian Leopards look. Or how longer their snouts are compared to the shorter snouts of the leopards found in Africa. Another interesting thing I learned is that they don't take to the trees as often as their African cousins. Why? Because in India these leopards don't have to compete as often with larger predators.

Back in Africa I was still searching relentlessly for the elusive leopard! This riparian habitat is ideal for them. Plenty of trees which provide cover and water which attracts prey.

One of my favorite crossings is properly named "Smelly Crossing" (due to the sulfur like smell). The main reason for my liking of this particular crossing is not the smell...But for the notorious sightings of leopards!

I soon learned there's a certain law of attraction in Africa. When you aren't intentionally looking for something it will appear. When you are looking intentionally you wont find a darn thing! This especially applies to leopards. While everyone in the Mara was waiting for the "famous wildebeest crossing", Dr. Virani happened to run right into a young female who had just killed an adult male impala!

This was the leopard everyone in the Mara was looking for. The famous "Olive." Named for her habit of hanging out in Olive Trees, this leopard was extremely accustomed to vehicles and gave many a rare glimpse into the life of a wild leopard. I first heard about Olive during my visit to the Mara in January 2012 and have been haunted by her ever since. When I returned to film in August/September 2012 I had one and only one mission: to finally see Olive in the wild! There were two separate occasions where I missed her and her cub by merely seconds. Talk about serious frustration! Unfortunately my wish would never come true; Olive was killed this September by what appeared to be by a lion. She was 13. To learn more about Olive and her legacy check out Paul Kirui's blog: http://paul-kirui.blogspot.com/

Olive might be gone but her legacy still lives on in the Mara. Her progeny will carry on her legacy for generations to come. In wake of the unfortunate news, Dr. Virani shared this tribute:

TRIBUTE TO OLIVE Sleep dear Olive sleep… Your strength flows through your progeny… Bahati’s belligerence and Saba’s superiority will keep your legend alive for centuries to come... Sleep dear Olive sleep… Your spots will dapple the night sky Your grit, resolve and tenacity has humbled us to the core… Sleep dear Olive sleep… Your spirit wafts through the whispering grasses of the Mara When night falls, we shall feel your majestic aura under thunderous skies Sleep dear Olive sleep… Rest peacefully for now. (Munir Virani)

I would be lying if I told you that missing out on seeing a wild leopard on my first trip to Africa wasn't a disappointment. To not see one on my second trip killed me! Especially when I heard countless stories from tourists who told me they saw a leopard within minutes off the plane. One couple even told me they saw a leopard with a kill! I guess it just wasn't my time. Dr. Virani said it perfectly as we were leaving the Mara: "I guess Corbin this gives you an excuse to come back!" I would say Dr. Virani has  a good point!

According to Derek and Beverly Joubert (Award-winning filmmakers, conservationists, and National Geographic Explorers in Residence) during the last 50 years leopard numbers have declined from 700,000 to as less as 100,000. In most countries in Africa it is still quite legal to hunt leopards. Other factors contributing to their decline is habitat loss, human conflict, and poaching. It's not just leopards; big cats are disappearing all over the world. To make a difference and learn more please visit http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/big-cats-initiative/get-involved/

A special thanks goes out to Dr. Munir Virani and the Peregrine Fund for providing these fantastic photos and once-in-a-lifetime experiences in Africa. To learn more about their conservation efforts please visit http://www.peregrinefund.org/

Winter is in the air!

There's been a lot going on these days preparing for the cooler weather hitting the Snake River Valley! All of the animals are now either in their winter quarters enjoying the warm 80  degrees, or outdoors soaking in the hot tub warm geothermal water that is located on our property. I put together a few pictures I took along the way as we all prepare for the fall/winter season! Enjoy - Corbin

A lot of people wonder where Soni our large adult male alligator resides when the cooler weather hits. The answer is he stays put! Like I previously mentioned above, our property on the Snake River is located on geothermal water. This means our water comes out exceptionally warm (100 plus degrees)! Matter-of-fact it's hard to even get cold water! In the winter time we raise his pool level to keep him nice and comfortable when the temperatures drop exceptionally low.

When Soni had had enough of us in his pool, he decided to crawl on land and watch us from this vantage point. Soni very rarely ever exhibits aggressive behavior towards us. This probably has to do with the fact that he has been around humans ever since he was born.

The majority of our animals move indoors from their outdoor summer exhibits. In the summer this pool is a thriving place and home to water turtles and our younger alligator. In the winter, its residents move indoors and the pool is drained.

Luckily, Napoleon is covered in hair-like feathers that insulate him and keep him warm during the cool winter. Here we decided to try a unique enrichment experience for him: Christmas music! I think he was more curious in the red stereo than the actual music!

Oddly enough, Tinkerbelle our Sulcata tortoise still enjoys exploring the outdoor tortoise yard. She has the ability to come and go from the warm tortoise house as she pleases. Here she actually crosses ice! She normally limits her time outdoors to only a few hours each day because of the cooler temperatures.

Thanksgiving is hands-down one of my favorite holidays! I create huge, elaborate diets for our vegetarian residents! Fruits like bananas, kiwis, and apples are special treats that are not normally included in their daily diets.

I wanted to end the post on this picture! Here Godzilla eyes the new Christmas tree and lights...Which he will probably climb on and destroy sooner than later!

A very WILD Summer!

Summer is one of the most exciting times of the year for us. While the majority of animals move to their outdoor habitats to enjoy the sunshine, we're able to work on new exhibits, projects, and   expansions to our facilities. I've put together a few highlights from the past few months documenting our animals, progress, and a few of our major national appearances. Enjoy :)

First on the agenda was connecting the main tortoise yard to their indoor facility located across the creek. For months we had to physically pick up Tank and Tinkerbelle (each weighing in at over 100 pounds) everyday to transfer them to their yard and then back to their facility at night.

The expansion included adding a 'tortoise friendly' bridge that connected to a new yard that led directly to their indoor facility. It  allowed the tortoises to come and go as they pleased and gave us the ability to separate them for husbandry purposes.

At first we thought the tortoises might be a little apprehensive about crossing. Not to worry! They immediately took to the new extension and had no problems finding their way home at night.

Here Tank explores his new yard which he shares (with a protective barrier) with his three-year-old offspring.

The beginning of summer marked the start of what would become a record-breaking number of appearances for us on both local and national television.

Mr. Magoo joined me for my monthly segment on KTVB to help promote our upcoming "TODAY Show" appearance. You can watch the clip below.

 Our TODAY promotion didn't just stop at TV; we also visited our local radio station.

The day had finally come!

Every time we appear on "The Today Show" it is still so surreal for me. I've been watching the show since I was kid and never quite thought that one day  I would be a guest talking about my favorite thing: Animals!

The second major project this summer was building a multi-species outdoor pond exhibit for our young American Alligator and water turtles.

The number one comment I get is "She gets along with water turtles?" At a little over three feet Chompers is still too small to cause any harm to our larger sliders and snapping turtle. They actually seem to enjoy each others company: The Red-eared Sliders will bask right on top of her! They also would share the same habitat in the wild.

The animals also have access to land that surrounds the pond's perimeter. So far, Chompers is the only one that explores. The turtles tend to stay in the pond and bask on the waterfall's ledges.

It was time to pack our bags and head back to New York City for yet another TODAY segment. I learned this time around that I would be doing the segment with Kathie Lee and Hoda: I was on cloud nine! (Hence the picture.)

I'm always thrilled meeting the animals I get to work with before the show. These particular Animal Ambassadors (some of which were rescued) came from a reserve in Upstate New York.

The segment was on "Amazing Animal Adaptations" and I couldn't have been any happier! I was able to feature an Agouti, Blue and Gold Macaw, Mata Mata Turtle, and a bobcat kitten.

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After a few fun-filled days in New York it was time to head back home. I greeted these young ones with their favorite treat.

Fruit is not a main component of their diet (which includes grasses and fresh greens). Although watermelon is an excellent treat that hydrates the young tortoises.

It was back to work! I was honored to be asked to co-host "Mike and Kate in the Morning" while Mike was out of town.

I was even able to bring along a few "friends" to help me out. Pictured is a Binturong from Babby Farms in Sand Hollow, Idaho.

Binturongs also known as bearcats have an amazing climbing ability!

The summer was quite an eventful one. As always time flies and there is still so much to do. Although I'm happy to announce that our brand-new facility was completed on September 9, 2013. As the sun sets sooner and the temperature begins to cool, the animals will soon be inside their new indoor quarters. I can't wait to share more photos and experiences! - Corbin