Losing an Arctic Icon

Considered one of the most recognizable if not one of the most celebrated animals in this century is the Polar Bear. These magnificent bears have captured the hearts of millions and have been a constant face in international documentaries, movies, magazines, and zoos. So why are scientists predicting that this majestic animal will be gone within a century?

For a while polar bears were constantly killed for trophies. Humans also moved into the polar bear’s habitat limiting the space that these large bears need. Fortunately many countries have set up hunting restrictions and have set aside land just for the bears.

Another factor affecting these bears is pollution. It contains high levels of chemicals that affect the bear’s immune system. Some of the effects include reproductive failure and malformed organs. They ingest the majority of the foreign chemicals from the seals they eat out in the wild that have been affected as well as the bears.

Although all the factors above contribute to the polar bear's demise none is more effective than global warming. Global warming is the increase of earth’s average temperature of the atmosphere and oceans over time. The polar bear’s climate is getting warmer and warmer. The heat is melting away ice sheets which prevent the bears from traveling in search of food. Already many of these bears have literally starved to death.  

Ways people can help the bears:

·         Recycle and Reuse

·         Continue to give the bears enough space

·         Keep the environment free of pesticides and toxic chemicals

For more information on how YOU can help please visit http://corbinmaxey.com/http://www.worldwildlife.org/species/finder/polarbear/polarbear.html

Amazing Great Apes!!!

As a young child I always dreamed of meeting Jane Goodall. This incredible researcher and world-renowned primatologist has always inspired me to make a difference in this world one single step at a time. When I finally had the opportunity to meet Jane her talk really got me thinking…Who are the Great Apes?

Of course we all know about the famous Chimpanzees in Africa that Jane studied for so many years. She was the first researcher EVER to observe wild chimps using and manufacturing tools (like sticks and branches) to poke into termite mounds to collect the tasty morsels.

Don’t get confused…this is NOT a chimpanzee. This is a Bonobo. Bonobos are members of the Great Ape family and until recently most scientists considered them to be “pygmy chimps.” They actually are quite different than their cousins. Bonobos have a smaller head and ears and can walk upright more comfortably than chimps. Believe it or not Bonobos are our closest living relatives sharing 98.9% of our blood. Unfortunately they are the most endangered out of the Great Apes and are disappearing rapidly.  

This is a picture of a Lowland Gorilla. Gorillas are the largest of the Great Apes and have fascinated people around the world for centuries. They live primarily along the equator in Africa in dense tropical rainforests.

Last but not least are the Orangutans. Unlike Chimpanzees, Bonobos, and Gorillas, Orangutans are solitary creatures that prefer a peaceful life above in the rainforest canopy. They also are the only Great Ape that is not found in Africa. They live in Borneo and parts of Sumatra.

All of our gorgeous Great Apes are disappearing at an alarming rate. The rapid depletion of their habitat, illegal hunting, and collection for the pet trade have all added to their demise. For more information on how you can help save these Great Apes please visit http://corbinmaxey.com/http://www.janegoodall.org/

Fun Facts about the Komodo!

We have all heard about the Komodo Dragon. The large mythical looking creatures that live only on a select group of islands in Indonesia. They even have earned the title as the world’s largest lizard growing up to 10 feet long and weighing in at over 300 pounds. There are facts though that many people don’t know about these misunderstood beasts. For an instance: Did you know inside that bulky head are over 60 short razor sharp teeth designed for tearing flesh? Or that they will go through four to five sets of teeth in a lifetime?

Did you know that in 2002 a research team found on a single island “mini dragons” that are much smaller than other dragons in Indonesia? These small dragons only reach 7 feet and weigh 47 pounds!

They can eat over 80% of their body weight in one feeding! That means that an adult male Komodo Dragon weighing in at 300lbs can eat 240lbs of meat in one sitting!

In 1992 the first dragons born outside of Indonesia were hatched at the National Zoo in Washington, DC. The surviving 55 offspring can now be seen at zoological parks around the world including this large fellow taking a nap at his home in Busch Gardens.

Unfortunately these large lizards are considered endangered due to illegal poaching, collection of eggs, and disruption of habitat. It is our job as humans to protect these incredible creatures for generations to come. Zoological parks around the world are helping to spread the word about their demise and what you can do to help. By seeing these creatures up-close we can all gain a better appreciation for these wonderful animals.

(Komodo basking at Disney’s Animal Kingdom)

My Oregon Coast Adventure!!!

My recent trip to Oregon would not have been complete without visiting one of my favorite places in the WHOLE entire world...The Oregon Coast! There is just something about the cold waves of the Pacific, the rocky tide pools, and the washed up kelp that makes this place one of my favorite destinations. ***The picture above was taken in Lincoln City right behind The Sandcastle Motel (a place we would stay when I was a kid). Although I never did get a black belt in Karate I think I could give Jackie Chan a run for his money!

We drove along the coast and hit some of my favorite towns including Depot Bay the world's smallest harbor. Tourists around the world flock to Depot Bay to check out their famous Gray Whales. These whales have been visiting this place for generations and can be seen at the town's Whale Watching Center. ***Here I'm pictured with the town's mascot!

Our next stop on our adventure down the coast was to Newport's famous Historic Bay Front. Of course my favorite attraction is the wild California Sea Lions that plop themselves up on docks and bask in the summer sun. I felt pretty lucky to even see two of these marine mammals. The majority have migrated to California to meet with the breeding females. ***I guess we could label this guy as a content bachelor!

Ok...I know it's a little rough on the outside but the Dock of the Bay Marina located in Waldport, Oregon is my number one stop when I visit the coast. This small little "hole in the wall" is situated right on Alsea Bay which offers some of the best crabbing around. Although I do not eat crabs they sure are fun to catch!

Alsea Bay

My trip to the Oregon Coast was absolutely amazing. Every time I visit this peaceful place I always come back with new experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.

Magnificent Stellers

What is bigger than a bear, barks, and is endangered? I'm talking about the magnificent Steller Sea Lion. Now don't get confused with the commonly seen California Sea Lions. Stellers are MUCH MUCH BIGGER! Males can weigh in at nearly 3,000 pounds making them one of the largest members of the Pinniped family (seals/sea lion/walrus).

The Oregon Zoo is actually one of the only zoos in the country to exhibit Steller Sea Lions. The reason is because Stellers require large exhibits, eat 25-30 pounds of fish EACH and every day, and can be dangerous to work with.

These large marine mammals are actually quite graceful underwater. In the wild Steller Sea Lions spend the majority of their time on rocky shores in large groups that can number up to the thousands. They will spend their time in the water to hunt, avoid bad weather, or if they feel threatened.

The zoo has two males named Gus and Julius who were both captive born in the United States. I was even lucky enough to watch a behind-the-scenes training session. These daily training sessions are important for daily health checkups, keeper/animal interactions, and enrichment.

Unfortunately Steller Sea Lions are considered endangered due to commercial fishing, oil spills, global warming and predation by sharks and killer whales.

For more information on how you can visit Gus and Julius at the Oregon Zoo please visit http://corbinmaxey.com/http://www.oregonzoo.org/index.htm