How Dame Daphne pushed for the burning of Assam Rhino Horn stockpile

 

Dame Daphne Sheldrick           Pic: Azam

As we celebrate the Assam Government’s historical decision executed today to burn a stockpile of 2,479 odd Rhino horns this World Rhino Day, I urge you all to also remember that without a mighty push from Dr. Dame Daphne Sheldrick, and several other experts this may not have been possible.

Dr. Daphne, a legendary World authority on Elephants and Rhinoceros (may her soul rest in peace) always took a special interest in voicing for the beleaguered Wildlife of India and specially Assam.
She played a very important role time and again to advice, check and correct the Indian Government and also several other State Governments on taking crucial decisions in issues involving wildlife conservation and animal rights.

I am proud that I got an opportunity from her in getting trained hands on for ‘Orphaned Elephant Management’ in 2003 in Kenya and thereafter became her messenger for the authorities here as and when an SOS would require her attention.

Since most of us may not know about Dr. Dame Daphne’s contributions towards the wildlife of India, specially the northeast region hence it shall always be my duty to share her messages- lest we forget.

To start with here is the email she had sent on the 10th of June’2010 to the then Union Minister Minister for Environment & Forests (Government of India), Shri Jairam Ramesh, the Forest & Environment Minister (Assam), Shri Rockybul Hussain, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Assam and Secretary General of Aaranyak, Dr. Bibhab Talukdar:

Content of the original email:

“I have hand-reared from early infancy and rehabilitated back into the wild system when grown some 15 orphaned Black Rhino calves as well as over 130 orphaned elephant calves, some from the day of birth.   I am acknowledged as a world authority on both species.  Our work can be viewed at www.davidsheldrickwildlifetrust.org

 

The proposal to burn recovered Rhino Horns in Assam is definitely something that should be done to all recovered Rhino Horns throughout the world.   Kenya burnt its Rhino horn and Ivory stockpile in l989, and hopefully will soon do so again.   The demand for Rhino Horn and Ivory is causing the elimination of both Rhinos and Elephants from the Planet, and the world will be the poorer for it.   

 

I would therefore urge you to do the correct thing by carrying out the proposed burning of your Rhinohorn, irrespective of protest from those with a vested interest in perpetuating the decimation of these ancient and extremely valuable animals that have been unchanged for the past 60 million years.   In terms of Nature, therefore, they are perfect for the role they are designed to play within the environment and as such vital to the health of the whole.   All caring authorities have a responsibility to do the correct thing that is in the interest of endangered species, and it is my hope that you will rise to this challenge.”

 

Dr. Dame Daphne Sheldrick DBE MBE MBS DVMS

Ek Chhoti Si Dog Story

Sanket Upadhyay

THE HAPPY BEGINNING

My dog story started pretty much like the story of most middle class Indians.

We find the idea of having a dog in the family really attractive. We romance and flirt with that idea a little. Then we sit and watch thousands of youtube videos, share them with friends and families, and motivated by the awws and wows, decide to ‘buy’ a dog.

In my case, I got my two kids excited about dogs too. One fine day, we went to a shop in the mall (yeah, they sell dogs in malls too)

The kids spotted a 37 day old beagle pup. They obviously fell in love with him. And so did I.

This was the beginning of the rude realisation that one must never be impulsive about purchasing livestock – particularly dogs.

The dog was ‘purchased’ for a hefty sum. I was told that male pups go for a greater sum as they are ‘less complicated to handle later.’

I was told that I could get a female of the same breed for a few thousand less as ‘people usually do not go for them.’ I found it weird but the kids were pretty convinced they wanted the male pup they had in their hands.

This was the Diwali week of 2018. Kids named the beagle pup after their favourite ‘PAW PATROL’ character – Chase. We were yet to vaccinate him as we were told he is getting acclimatized to the new house.

 THE TWIST

Within 7 days of his stay with us, he stopped eating. Uncharacteristically Beagle, he was dull and tired. We took him to his first vet trip. He was given some injections – and boy that is not a pleasant thing to watch.

The doctor asked us to come again should things not improve – surely they did not. By now, it was clear and we were told in as many words that our Chase has Parvo Virus. I had no clue about this disease up until that day.

Even before I could google, the doctor had very politely told me to consult the shopkeeper and see if I can get Chase treated or exchanged. Now anyone who knows anything about dogs will know that they are not a washing machine or a fridge that you can ‘exchange’.

I was heartbroken.

I took Chase to the shopkeeper who after some impolite exchanges, agreed to admit Chase. There was radio silence for the next 10 days. Upon enquiring persistently, he suggested we take another beagle.

THE PAIN CONTINUES

I told the kids that Chase was missing his mother and has gone back. While Chase’ elder brother Bruno has kindly agreed to stay with us.

After a month and a half, I was handed a 3.5 month old beagle and told that his vaccination papers will be given within a week. 10 days later, a hand written note with absolutely no stickers or a file were whatsapped to me as a JPG image.

At this point, I had had enough. I asked the shopkeeper to take back the dog before kids get too emotionally involved with him. My children believe that Chase and Bruno are back with their mother because they did not like being with us.

I may have got my money back, but I swore I will never forgive the shopkeeper ever for forcing me to tell this to my children.

 May he get a special place in hell. For doing this to me and my children. And for doing this to the four legged creatures.

THE EMOTIONAL RECUPERATION

I refused to resign to fate. My repeated attempts, to convince myself that I am unlucky with dogs, failed. I wanted one in my life. Only this time, I was a year wiser.

I had promised myself the following things.

1.) I will not shop for a dog, I shall adopt one

2.) I shall make sure that the dog is old enough to outgrow Parvo 3.) I shall go for full checks and get a proper vaccination schedule.

4.) Health will matter, not the sex.

5.) Most importantly, I will love the dog – not its breed.

Point number 1 and 6 stuck in my head the most.

There is usually a taboo around our Indian Pariah. Indie as they are called. Over this last one year, I had spoken to enough experts, read enough reviews and generally observed enough to know that our friendly neighbourhood street dog is just as good, if not better, than any of the ‘foreign; breeds.

I had matured into balking at comments like ‘these are street dogs’, ‘they are not cute’, ‘they will never adapt to a house’ and above all else ‘kaat lega’.

MEETING THE GOOD GUYS

I approached a few dog shelters for adoption. This time, I was taking my own sweet time. There were some Indies as old as 2 who were up for adoption.

 This would have meant extra effort – both for the dog and for me – emotionally. I was suggested to go for an old handicapped dog. I feel no shame in stating that I let go of this opportunity too. The dog was at a good foster home and I could have ensured a guilt- free no.

The message that I was looking had been spread far and wide. This was a time I understood how deeply the good people have penetrated our universe. Dog enthusiasts, lovers, care givers are all one large community of angels in disguise. Perhaps these are the blessed meek who shall inherit the earth.

I was connected to Pallavi. My first interaction in the middle of my very demanding work schedule was almost like a friendly interrogation. The 15 minute conversation was direct yet probing. Polite yet firm. Courteous yet exacting.

WHEN I FIRST MET THE PHOOL-WAALI CHUTKI

After 15 minutes, I felt I had cleared some sort of an examination. I was granted access to the location of a little pup referred to in the conversation so far as the phool waali chutki. I was told that she was the only one left in that litter. All other pups were crushed under the wheels. We decided to meet the next morning. But the way the pup was described to me, I was pretty convinced that I have to go see her first.

I still remember that night. I finished work at 10.30 p.m. And drove straight from Greater Kailash to Top Breads in Sector 18 Noida – the place where I was told I would find her.

I parked my car right outside Top Breads to find 2 big and carelessly adventurous dogs – chasing every possible car. And then, from under a dirty rug placed over 2 pieces of stones, emerged our little phool waali. She was full of energy – even at 11pm.

The moment I came out of the car, I was greeted by the friendly phool waali but the two ferocious dogs around her started barking. They were presumably – mum and dad.

 Some pieces of Chicken kebab took care of them and they ran off behind a car, abandoning our phool waali chutki.

Pallavi later told me that she was given that name because she was born right next to a roadside florist. The tiny little thing charmed the florist and Pallavi’s maid to be subsequently called Chutki.

I was convinced – she is the one. May god give her strength to survive one more night.

CROISSANT VS BROWNIE

The next morning, Pallavi and I met outside Top Breads to find our lady kickstarting her day with an excited stretch. We took her to Doctor Anoop Pandey 's clinic in Sector 12 called VetsNPets. Not only did I discover that many from my profession in Noida choose him, what I liked most was his open door policy for Indie pups. It was only on that day that I learnt of some vets saying no to our Indian dogs – as the ‘brown sahebs with fancy breeds may not like it.’

Our girl was given a preliminary health check. And she was found to be absolutely healthy. It was exactly at that moment, I was reminded of the horror of the previous year.

I told Pallavi that I wanted a foster home for this girl. I want her to outgrow the Parvo fear before I took her home. I did not want the emotional burden of another pup with the deadly disease. She was sympathetic. So was Dr Pandey. He recommended Himanshu, his paravet, who stayed close to my house for fostering our pup.

As we dropped the pup to her new home, I thought of her name. I wanted the legacy of Phool Waali and Chutki to be alive but only in tales, not in her name. I was pretty convinced she will be called Croissant.

 I was incredibly proud of this name because :

1.) I came up with it.

2.) It fit her well as she was found outside a bread shop.

I took the news of the dog and her name home and then the following things happened. The thought that we will have a dog was accepted. The name wasn’t.

I lost the voice vote 5:1. The members of the house voted for the name Brownie. So that is who she is now – Brownie, The Indie Girl Pup.

MY THREE GOOD-DEED CHECK LIST

Brownie’s exact age is not known. But she is now above 4 months of age. She is a happy and satisfying choice for me. Not only is she energetic and responsive, she is intelligent enough to know how to behave with whom!

My mother is petrified of dogs so the pup knows her limits with her. She plays with the kids as if they are her pack. She messes around with me but falls in line if I scold her. She is always willing to show her excitement every morning and upon my return from work – this has been my biggest stress buster off late.

The baby has turned out healthy and has a remarkable fighting spirit – touchwood. She ticked all the 5 boxes on the promise I made to myself. But most importantly, she makes me feel proud of my choice. What I call, the three good deeds done by me in this life.

1.) Adopted. 2.) Indie.

3.) Female.

Pawsome!

SOS: The feral (homeless) Indian Dog

“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” Mahatma Gandhi

A feral (homeless) dog in the wilderness of Nubra valley near the mouth of Siachen Glacier. Pic: Azam

Unfortunately a pack of India's frustrated and elite minds in Wildlife Conservation think, preach and are allegedly involved in killing animals silently, more specifically the 'Homeless Indian Dog' which they term as 'feral'.

They believe 'killing' is the ultimate solution.

A 'Feral' animal (from Latin fera, "a wild beast") is an animal living in the wild but descended from domesticated individuals. (Source: Wikipedia)

Note that this animal never came on its own into the wild but DESCENDED FROM DOMESTICATED INDIVIDUALS.

India's wildlife for many years has co-existed with the human population, whether it is centuries old tribal villages or the encroacher habitats in and around protected wildlife areas that tend to increase in several folds every year shrinking the forest cover.

Corruption and lack of political will to address the eradication of human footprints from within India's protected wildlife areas has been a miserable failure.

When a human habitat comes up in the wilderness it does not just comprise of human beings alone.

Domesticated animals or companion animals form an integral part of such habitats.

Enter into any such habitat and you are bound to witness heads of cattle & livestock, packs of dogs, poultry, pigs and other animals.

With a ZERO mechanism of any Government policy on vaccination or sterilization of such animals in and around the fringe areas this has snowballed now into a situation where the population of homeless (feral) dogs has allegedly started attacking the fragile eco system which is directly resulting on the toll of wild animals.

Now the question arises that if the Government has failed to put in a mechanism to address this serious issue, what were the thousands of NGOs & biologists in question doing?

Didn't they anticipate this?

It is a known fact that domesticated animal populations from human settlements in and around wildlife areas do increase the potential for pathogen transmission into wild animals.

A recent study last year by the 'Wildlife Vets International' has shown that Tigers in the Wild are at risk from getting infected with CDV (Canine Distemper Virus) from homeless dogs.

No sooner did I get to read of this new finding, my fear for the worst that a knee jerk reaction to this by India's wildlife stakeholders could call for mass CULLING of the dogs got me into the act of writing out to the WVI (Wildlife Vets International) and seek their opinion to solving this problem.

WVI was prompt to respond immediately.

In their response email dated 13th June' 2013, Olivia Walter of WVI (Wildlife Vets International) had this to say:

"our current idea is to vaccinate dogs in and around national parks to create a protective barrier to the disease.

Culling the dogs would create a vacuum in which other dogs would arrive, potentially with new diseases that we hadn't seen in the area.
We would also like to neuter the dogs in some way - either surgically or with a newly developed vaccine. This would reduce the number of new dogs entering the area."

Belinda Wright, eminent leader for Asia's wildlife conservation and Executive Director, Wildlife Protection Society of India in her response says, "There are many government departments and projects that this could come under, and NGOs working on animal welfare issues … There must be someone out there who can make it happen".

Considering the fact that most of the organisations working with wildlife face a universal funding problem and are too busy combating poaching and habitat destruction to add disease threat to their list, irrespective of whether they think it is a problem, this and issues such as these have to be a COLLECTIVE approach.

To start with one solution that Olivia suggests is: "The one thing that would be good is to ensure that all rabies vaccination clinics are vaccinating against distemper at the same time. If you are able to help in that direction, that would be a start!

We are a small charity that provides expertise to organisations already working on the ground.

We aren't working much in India at the moment but have entered into discussion with Wildlife Institute of India."

Now at a time when a faraway small charity organisation that cares for Indian Tigers has reached out to the Wildlife Institute of India, isn't there something positive that collectively Indian charity organisations working both for wildlife and urban animals can do?

What about approaching NTCA (National Tiger Conservation Authority) and suggesting that they seek advice from WVI on how to tackle this problem?

What about the Wildlife NGOs and wildlife biologists coordinating with the WII to figure out how best they could contribute on this?

What about approaching the AWBI (Animal Welfare Board of India) and suggesting that they generate funds for massive vaccination drive and include homeless animals of wild areas in their policy as well?

There is a lot this country can do than just dance to the tunes of a handful of misguided short cut, knee jerk solution savvy conservationists who have announced a WAR on these homeless (feral) animals by propagating their CULL which is being allegedly on in large numbers.

I appeal to all those concerned, act together and use the beautiful mind that each one has been blessed with and you certainly shall find solutions.

A Rhino deprived of its horn is no longer a Rhino

She has reared 15 orphaned Black Rhinos and more than 150 Elephants, and is the first person in the world to perfect a suitable milk formula and the husbandry necessary to hand rear the orphaned Black Rhino calves, her expertise in this field has saved many others elsewhere in Africa.
Has trained several Veterinarians and animal people across the world and Indian organisations as too many of whom are presently engaged on the ground for the conservation and treatment of Assam's wildlife which includes the wild population of Great Indian Rhinoceros and Elephants in Assam.
A living legend having worked intimately with Rhinos and Elephants in the wild for 56 years, Dr.Dame Daphne Sheldrick DBE, has come out to voice strongly for the helpless Rhinos of Assam whose fate is hanging in the hands of the state Government's  intention to launch a pilot project of dehorning (trimming) rhinos.
Despite being hectically busy due to the current escalation in the poaching of both Elephants and Rhinos in Kenya, (with some 76 orphaned elephants still Keeper Dependent) and still recovering from a pinched nerve in the neck which has rendered her dysfunctional,  Daphne who has always been a keen observer of wildlife conservation & crimes in Assam  and has time and again been advising the authorities concerned on the various issues, has now come out on a vehement defense against the proposed dehorning of Rhinos in the state. She says:

"Regarding the proposal to dehorn the Rhinos in Assam, in my opinion this would be disastrous.   If evolution has not removed the horn from rhinos over millennia, it surely means that the horns are essential to their existence and survival.   Dehorning a rhino is emasculating it, depriving it of its means of defense and part of their anatomy upon which they devote an enormous amount of time, shaping, sharpening etc.   It is their identity.   Removing it will dent their confidence to such an  extent that a dehorned Bull rhino will never be confident and fertile to breed.
A Rhino deprived of its horn is no longer a Rhino.
I personally am dead against such a move and having hand-reared some 15 orphaned rhinos, I do know them intimately." 

(Unaware of a dark future that may rob her of its horn as an adult, a baby rhino calf grazes at the Kaziranga National Park, Assam. Pic: Azam)

The desperate call to dehorn Assam's rhinos has also seen several other experts voicing their concern. 

Belinda Wright OBE, Executive Director of the Wildlife Protection Society of India, India's leading wildlife crusader who has been battling wildlife crime on the ground for several years does feel that the expert committee which the Government of Assam has set up to study the pros and cons of de-horning rhinos as a measure to curb poaching, will do a thorough job. However her personal opinion about dehorning is: 

"Personally, I am against the de-horning of wild rhinos.
Apart from the risks involved to the animal, this is not an effective way to curb poaching, whereas intelligence-led enforcment is. Rhino poachers are specialised hunters, as are the specialised traders of rhino horns, and it is not an insurmountable problem for dedicated, well-trained enforcement teams to track down the worst offenders that operate in the four rhino habitats of Assam - Kaziranga, Pobitora, Manas, and Orang. This is what is needed, rather than a temporary band-aid effort of "trimming" rhino horns, which will only grow back again in a few months. We should also remember that tranquilising a rhino, in order to cut its horn, is not without risks to the animal. If excellent protection measures are put into place and sustained, including intelligence-led enforcement and a network of informers, this will be the best long-term investment that Assam could make to preserve it's magnificent natural heritage. The State must send out a clear message that rhino poaching will not be tolerated, under any circumstances. The motivation for poachers is huge, and this must be matched by the motivation of the people of Assam to protect their rhinos for future generations. This is an animal that came back from the brink of disaster a hundred years ago, and there is no reason why this level of protection cannot be achieved again.
An essential tool of good enforcement and intelligence-gathering is the thorough investigation of past rhino poaching cases. Every lead, every detail and in particular every person known to have been involved in rhino poaching should be exhaustively investigated and monitored. And it goes without saying that no amount of enforcement will be an effective deterrent against rhino poaching unless this is complimented by swift action against offenders in the courts. We need solid case documentation and appropriate convictions to stem these crimes."

Merritt Clifton, senior investigative reporter and editor of 'Animal People' has been closely following up issues involving Rhino conservation across the globe. He has also spent years observing the fate of dehorned Rhinos in the African continent. In his personal opinion:

"Historically this (dehorning) has just been a pretext for corrupt officials to get control of rhino horn & sell it,  before poachers can.
As dehorning apparently reduces rhino breeding activity, it can be counter-productive when the goal is to rebuild a depleted population.
I can tell you that I think dehorning is just another way to not solve the poaching problem." 

Merritt also pointed out the fact that allowing private rhino ranchers to dehorn their rhinos in South Africa in 2010 immediately preceded a major escalation of poaching ('Fears of Canned Rhino Hunting'), and why Rhino dehorning project in Zimbabwe had to stop (Zimbabwe: Rhino Dehorning Stopped). 

Johnny Rodriguez, who heads the Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force, which has done more to keep wildlife alive during the past 15 years than every other NGO in the nation favors poisoning rhino horn to discourage use although he does not favour dehorning.
In his message, Johnny writes:

"I don't believe trimming or dehorning the rhinos is the best way forward. In Zimbabwe, we have dehorned rhinos and they are still killed by poachers. They shoot the dehorned rhinos and dig out the small stump of horn left after the dehorning. If they are poaching at night, they can't tell if the rhino has been dehorned or not until they have shot it dead so what is the point? Besides that, rhinos need their horns for feeding, protection and for lifting their young.
I believe the best thing to do is to inject pesticide into the horn. This has been tried in South Africa. The pesticide doesn't harm the rhino but if a human consumes it, it can make them very ill or even kill them. Sign boards can be erected warning poachers that the horns are poisoned and I believe this will detract them." 

The Born Free Foundation, a dynamic international wildlife charity, devoted to compassionate conservation and animal welfare has also come out in defense of the Assam Rhino Rhinos.
Gabriel Fava, Programmes Officer of Born Free has forwarded the following message which was sent to the Government of Assam:

"In the wake of the recent upsurge in rhino poaching in both Asia and Africa, dehorning has been presented as a potential poaching deterrent. The Born Free Foundation urges the government of Assam to exercise extreme caution in its consideration of dehorning as a solution to rhino poaching, as serious concerns continue to dominate the debate over the validity of this management technique.

These include the extent to which dehorning actually deters poachers, given the stub and re-growth value; and the concern that poaching would simply be displaced rather than eliminated, with additional pressure being placed on areas which do not institute dehorning programmes. Born Free is also aware of the high financial and animal welfare costs of regularly locating, and tranquilizing rhinos for horn removal; and the poor understanding and dearth of data on the impacts of dehorning on the individual animal.

At Born Free we think that a more effective approach to curb rhino poaching should focus efforts on improving field protection, strengthening law enforcement through closer local and interstate collaboration between relevant government agencies; supporting existing initiatives and commitments (eg. CITES Decisions http://www.cites.org/eng/dec/valid16/217 ); and bringing to bear all possible diplomatic pressure so that rhino horn consumer countries institute comprehensive demand reduction strategies and target illegal trade networks."

The rhino dehorning issue is a highly complex and controversial one about which not enough is known or understood by the State of Assam or those experts who have coined this idea.
More research and a better understanding of the various components and interrelated nature of this issue was needed.
This was an initiative in the interest of the Rhino to gather opinions from people who have spent a lifetime with Rhinos and have dealt with the issue of Rhino dehorning.

I firmly believe in what the experts above have said, indeed "A Rhino deprived of its horn is no longer a Rhino".

So let the Rhino stay a Rhino forever. Gear up your best resources Government of Assam and if the heart of your political will does actually bleed for the Rhinos, I am sure you can protect it without robbing its horn.

Please do write to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Assam (pccf.wl.assam@gmail.com) endorsing the views of the dignified experts above and be a voice for the beleaguered Rhino of Assam.

Save that tiger, kill this tiger !

The Royal Bengal Tiger or the Indian Tiger which is the most endangered VVIP of this country has found a new enemy for its life.

No, not the odd poacher this time, it is the same celebrated so called experts in Tigers who wanted to save the tiger from the hands of the poacher while it was young and sexy, but now want it eliminated as the tiger turns a frail veteran.

India is a country where the Tiger is not only protected by the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 or the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1962, but as per the article 51A(g) of the Indian Constitution Fundamental duties it is the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to have compassion for living creatures.

But of late an old Tiger that had killed a few humans but was captured alive is facing an uncertain future. A section of celebrated experts feel that instead of capturing the animal it should have been swiftly killed.

"We can't be sentimental about this. Our objective is to save the tiger as a species, not individual tigers," Karanth, director for science (Asia) at the Wildlife Conservation Society, told TOI."

(http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Maneaters-must-be-swiftly-killed/articleshow/27098086.cms)

Mr. Karanth, who perhaps is referring to the Animal Rights & Animal Welfare people when he uses the word 'sentimental' fails to see that the Indian Constitution was not framed by animal welfarists instead it is the sensibilities of people such as our father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi (Bapu) who preached, “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”

In India we don't cull elephants just because their population has increased (much due to the shrinkage of forest cover, thanks to us humans) unlike countries such as South Africa.

Every animal or human being is supposed to get respect in India even if the animal is made ready for a ritual sacrifice.

Therefore veteran experts like Mr. Karanth (with due respect to their contributions towards conservation) should not make such statements and if at all they are actually concerned about 'SAVING THE TIGER' and not just running an industry of it, then they MUST work on a 'retirement policy' for animals. At least begin with the animal that is the VVIP- The Veteran Tiger.

Baby Tragedy & the Steel Monster

Hello friends,

I am 'Baby Tragedy'.

This name was given to me by the lovely and caring mother of all elephants Dr. Dame Daphne Sheldrick.

She wanted me to share the story of my short journey to this world so that you good people out there can help me fight the battle against 'Steel Monsters' who have been making tragedies of our lives.

I was in my mother's womb sleeping when she was knocked down by a powerful 'Steel Monster' that night, forcing me to eject into this world prematurely.

The 'Steel Monster' then killed my aunt who was a little ahead.

The 'Steel Monster' supposed to be moving at only 20kmph in that elephant corridor which we used to transit between the Deepor Beel, Assam's lone Ramsar site wetland and the adjoining forests.

But see below the bolts in the track (more than seven of them) had bend down to almost 45 degrees due to the impact my mother was knocked down.

As soon as I was born my mom who was left seriously injured with a hip fracture dragged herself to the adjoining forest and was calling me from the hill. I was too weak to to walk and so the people came and wanted to help me reunite with mummy. But they came too late 6 hrs after the incident happened and then they were also shouting, making noise that scared both mommy and me. They wanted to help me but sadly they did not know how to.

I could barely see my mom in the jungle but her cries everyone could hear. She was so much in pain.

I was then tied with a rope and whisked away in a rickshaw to the Assam State Zoo which became my home. That was last I saw mom.

The ride was so bumpy and traumatic, I kept falling in that vehicle which served as a makeshift ambulance.

My aunt who lay dead was paid tributes by the local people who lighted incense sticks and prayed.

We are also respected in India as Gods you know.

After the tributes, another 'Steel Monster' (not the one that kills) came and dug a grave for aunt. She was buried after a postmortem. They do this to find out how she was killed.

Meanwhile my mommy was left unattended deep in the jungles. Many had forgotten about her and thought she was fine. But in a few days her hip injury turned worse and she had to hit the ground near 'Sattargaon' village.

The people of the village were so good, they all came out including children to try and help mommy.

But mommy was too weak to get up, so they made glasses of bamboo stem and carried water and banana plants for her.

The villagers informed some good animal people who put pressure within the authorities and the best Veterinarian was sent to see mommy. He found out that mommy would not recover and advised that she be put to sleep.

Meanwhile, I was loosing my battle for survival. I tried my best but just could not make it.

And less than a month after I was born, I too followed my mommy and left the world. I died of enteritis.

Dear friends,

that was my story- Baby Tragedy's true story.

We elephants are stronger that humans, but we do not have a voice as powerful as yours.

If my story has moved you then please do voice for me and my family.

Please share this with all your know.

Please make sure that the 'Steel Monsters' do not kill us any more.

Please write to the 'Steel Monster' guardians and do your best.

I know you will,


love,

Baby Tragedy.

___

Indian Railways Feedback Form: https://www.indianrailways.gov.in/indianrailway/common/feedbackForm.seam

Indian Railways Complaints & Suggestions: http://customercare.indianrailways.gov.in/criscm/common/complaint_registration.seam;jsessionid=C5C1A5743718416B788CECF0E05F4976.cms109

Skins shall not RIP

one of the billion fur stores across the world. Pic: azam

Suddenly the news media, facebook and twitter updates of many animal people was abuzz with a news item where PETA- the organisation better known for its hardcore animal rights activism was found playing Santa to needy and destitute human beings.


Donations to the needy, that's a noble cause?


Well, yes indeed it is. But not when you donate stuff that you would not like to wear or endorse yourself with, neither would the hundreds of employees at PETA or the millions of their members would volunteer to.


So what exactly are they donating?


Its is recycled FUR- skin of animals most of which is ripped off even when the animal is alive.


Is it then 'unethical' to be donating recycled FUR among the poor, isn't it much better than just throwing it off?


Well if you ask the receiver, he wont mind. He is happy and thankful because he is in need.


But FUR is not just an ordinary piece of clothing.
It is a wildlife product and could well invite a penalty or imprisonment or both in many countries if found in possession. PETA's actions can send a wrong signal to the ethics of animal protection & conservation of wildlife.


If it is acceptable to donate animal products like animal fur in USA, is it acceptable to donate elephant ivory, rhino horn, tiger skins, mongoose pelts and deer antlers in India and Asia?


I come from northeast India where a majority of the population in this region is below poverty level, their economic condition is far worse compared to the homeless in the US. Some of their ancestors were head hunters, not anymore but animals they do hunt. Wildlife they do kill. Since India's independence the Wildlife Protection Act is applicable to each of these places, on both those with homes and also the homeless. Despite that wildlife is at risk, animals are killed including the largest mammal on earth, not for tusks alone but also for meat.
One elephant's flesh can feed a village and many villages for days.
There have been several instances when elephants were found dead, poachers managed to escape.
Should the PETA formula apply to these people?
The elephant is dead, how about donating it among the villagers?


Indeed, it has been a longstanding debate at CITES regarding what to do with stockpiles of wildlife products.
If giving away fur costs is acceptable, why not also sell and distribute wildlife stockpiles and other wildlife and animal stock?


It might also be acceptable then to give away shahtoosh shawls obtained by killing Tibetan Antelope.
It can be justified on the same grounds to distribute meat to poor people as is the norm in religious festivals.
Where does one draw the line on what is acceptable for usage of animal products?
After all, some of us are very vocal in opposing sustainable use.


Or maybe the real difference and the acceptability threshold lies in the varying standards laid down in  the West and those employed in the East.
Donating furs is acceptable in US for homeless people but doing the same would amount to outrage in India.
Imagine what would be the reaction in the West if people started distributing their old shikar trophies of tigers and lions in India.

Many of us do not talk about these issues because we have our purse strings tied to many of the big groups that indulge in such antics. Apathy comes together with ignorance and vested interests.

Comments and opinions invited.

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PETA Gives Away Fur Coats To Homeless

Group Says Those Without Are Only Ones Who Need Them

Read more: http://www.wlwt.com/news/29953256/detail.html#ixzz1g9gyewFq