Bao Bao and her mother at the National Zoo
The birth of a panda, like that of a baby, elicits a smile, from anyone with an open heart that is. Yes, cynicism reigns in this country. Jane Fonda once said on Inside Actor's Studio during the final, now famous Q & A, that she hated the word, "cynicism." Coming from a former radical who has amassed a fortune, her opinion loses gravitas.
Still, I can see her point. I've mentioned in earlier blogs that I'm a proponent of yin and yang but have waxed with a negative bent. Balance brings a new perspective. Many examples exist where future-forward, hopeful events occur. My focus in this blog will be environmental protection.
Among the financial cutbacks that have affected federally funded organizations, e.g. the National Zoo and the recent controversy over its neglect of some animals, a miracle has happened: Bao Bao. Anytime an endangered species chances increase via birthrates we have a reason to celebrate. Panda's giving birth in captivity or in the wild happens rarely. Thus Bao Bao's delivery and survival at an American zoo signals a "green" light for world wildlife preservation.
(Picture of Whooping Crane and chick. Photo by Marty Folk, Florida Wildlife Commission).
Other uplifting news includes: the Whooping Crane population is steadily increasing, according to the Aransus Wildlife Refuge in Texas. The birds migrate from Canada to Texas, with other populations seen in Florida, Wisconsin and Louisiana. These elegant aviators' populations had dwindled precipitously and are still threatened by loss of habitat, but it warms the heart knowing multiple privately- and publicly-funded organizations have contributed to the birds recovery.
Closer to home, Dr. Charles "Stormy" Mayo of the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies announced that a dozen right whales were spotted off of Cape Cod. Considering the worldwide population of right whales is 500, seeing that large a gathering is staggering.
Go to the following link for more details: http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2014/01/06/large-number-right-whales-seen-cape-cod-bay/55BYcgmnQQlHixMI2HQgNP/story.html
These success stories reflect only a fraction of the tireless efforts being made across the populous, including volunteers from all strata. Sometimes the elite and the people at large can work together. Sometimes the yin can match the yang.
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