Top of the Heap! DMS Favorites...

The other night I was watching a documentary about Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation on PBS. The film talked about various species and the threat of extinction to many of them.  It got Lizzy and me chatting about people who take an initiative and begin something in the hopes of helping out something else. It is such a unique gift that we have as human beings. It is one of the best things about us! Another show I really like, The Wonders of the Universe, hosted by Professor Brian Cox, always talks about how everything is connected, and how this universe is ours and belongs to each and everyone of us. I agree immensely with this statement, and, as I do with things I love, feel that it is important to take care of it. After all, it's all there is- and that's infinite!

So, on the top of the heap this week: The awe inspiring human initiative to preserve the planet, along with each other! 

Hyacinth Macaw / Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus

I want to shout out to the Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation. My family spends a lot of time at the pet store due to my little sister, Margo's, obsession with all things cute and furry, so I have a real appreciation for this cause. I am particular to dogs, cats, and horses as far as having pets are concerned, but I love all animals (even snakes- though I don't really want to hang out with them : ) and it fills me with great joy to see the efforts the people of Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation make in order to keep these amazing creatures around for future generations to admire and study. Thank you, Al Wabra! Keep up the good work : )

 ~ F

Weight Control of Spix Macaw (Mr. Reyan)

Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation

The Al Wabra farm is an oasis of green areas, palm trees and many rare wild animals from all over the world. A team of expert vets, biologists and keepers are dedicated to the care and conservation of the rare and mostly endangered animals that can be found on the farm.

History

Founded as a hobby farm by his Father, Sheikh Saoud is now transforming the Al Wabra farm into a “state of the art” breeding and research center for endangered wildlife. 

The Facility

The more than 2500 animals in more than a hundred different species enjoy the latest in know how for their comfort and well being. This includes excellent veterinary care, laboratories, food-kitchens, orphan-nurseries, the best in natural and imported foods, air conditioning, artificial rains and involvement in international breeding programs.

Education, Research and Conservation 

In the future Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation aims to continue with setting the standards in its field. More effort will be invested in educating especially young people in wildlife and nature. Thereby help to increase the public’s awareness in environmental issues. A special education and visitors area is planned for just this purpose.

My favorite initiative is an organization called TerraCycle. This company collects clean trash and turns everything into something new. For example drink pouches are made into purses and bags. I love the idea of reusing things! So much better for Earth! 
~ L

TerraCycle's purpose is to eliminate the idea of waste. We do this by creating national recycling systems for previously non-recyclable or hard-to-recycle waste. Anyone can sign up for these programs, called the Brigades, and start sending us waste.

TerraCycle then converts the collected waste into a wide variety of products and materials. With more than 20 million people collecting waste in over 20 countries TerraCycle has diverted billions of units of waste and used them to create over 1,500 different products available at major retailers ranging from Walmart to Whole Foods Market.

The goal is to eliminate the idea of waste by creating collection and solution systems for anything that today must be sent to a landfill.

Founded in 2001 by Tom Szaky, then a 20-year-old Princeton University freshman, TerraCycle began by producing organic fertilizer, packaging liquid worm poop in used soda bottles. Since then TerraCycle has grown into one of the fastest-growing green companies in the world.