wspa news - spring summer 2010

8/7/2019 WSPA News - Spring Summer 2010

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UDAW reachescritical milestone

Easing the burdenfor equines

A new home,

a new life in Pakistan

SanctuaryProviding refuge for animalsaround the world

WSPANEWSSpring / Summer 2010

World Society for the Protection of Animals


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3/9

DennisBrussaard/WSPA

Easing theburden for

horses anddonkeysAcross Israel and Palestine, thousands of horses, donkeys and mules are

used to do work and provide livelihoods for their owners. Overloading,

untreated lameness and wounds are just of some of the resulting problems

the animals face. Two projects are working to ease their burden

Israeln 2007, the Pegasus rescue

facility in Israel ofcially became

a WSPA member society and has

been supported by WSPA fundingever since. Pegasus, run by Zvika

Tamuz, rescues Israels abused and

abandoned equines and educates

owners on proper care.Pegasus can care for 70 equines

at a time, and there may be asmany as four or ve rescues a

week. Before WSPA stepped in

with nancial support, Zvika was

working alone and says he found it

hard to make ends meet.

When I rst started, I found myselfooking after 10 rescued horses

referred to me by animal welfare

Care and advice

Zvika is now a familiar gure at the

border crossings between Israel

and Palestine where he works with

owners and police to check that

animals are getting the care

they need.

I am known at the crossings now

and I have seen a real improvement

in the way that the animals are

being treated. Wounds from

harnesses and improper nosebands

are not so common and the animals

are not so skinny. Word has spread

quickly and people want to be seen

to be looking after their animals

properly, he explains.

In 2009, Pegasus rescued 162

equines. Zvika is modest about his

success, and he says so much of

this is only possible because of the

generosity of WSPA supporters.

What can I say about their

support? I am so grateful. I couldnt

do anything without their help.

Everything I do for the animals, I

can do because of them.

organizations. I found it a real

nancial strain I was looking

after them on my own land and

paying for their care and food out

of my own pocket. Then I heard

WSPA was coming

to visit Israel and Iapproached them

for help.

Since that timeZvikas ability

to do rescues

has dramatically

improved. Now, he

has a small team

that works by his

side. Their work is

well-respected by

Israeli authorities

who will call if

Palestine

Using a unique approach thatsbeen successful in other countries,

our member society the Palestinian

Wildlife Society (PWLS) is working

with equine owners in eight

Palestinian communities. The

approach focuses on prevention

changing the way the owners keep

their horses and donkeys rather

than emphasizing treatment.

they see an animal in need, and

the Israeli Ministry of Agriculture

now covers transportation costs,

veterinary fees and 20 days upkeep

on all cases they refer to Pegasus.

Traditional projects tend to p

veterinary or farriery services

improve the care and treatmeof working horses. Although t

approach can be very helpful

the short term, it can make pe

dependent on the service to s

out problems once they have

occurred, rather than preventthem in the rst place, expla

WSPA programmes manager

Suzanne Rogers.

Volunteers from each of the e

communities have been train

to identify issues that affect lo

horses and donkeys and how

these issues can cause pain,

and suffering. The volunteers

then take this knowledge bac

horse and donkey owners in t

communities. Well be carefumonitoring their progress ove

next 12 months and are look

forward to sharing some grea

success stories.

In addition to this visionary w

PWLS is providing hands-on

and offering veterinary servic

their mobile clinic, and in 200

treated over 1,600 donkeys.

Pe g a sus

This foal with a new nose band andhis owner received advice on care.

On the mend: Samuel theyoung donkey is recoveringthanks to Zvikas care.

WSPA NEWS | spring/summer 2010 WSPA NEWS | spri ng/summer


4/9

After living a life lled with suffering, bears that have been rescued are often unable to

adapt to a life in the wild. For these bears, a sanctuary can provide a safe haven to live

out the rest of their days. Heres an update on the new life were providing for baited

bears in Pakistan

For more than 10 years, WSPA

and its member society the

Bioresource Research Centre,

Pakistan (BRC), led by dedicated

campaigner Dr Fakhar-i-Abbas,have worked tirelessly to put an

end to bear baiting. In this cruel

sport, vicious dogs are set upon

a defenceless bear that has been

tethered to a post. Spectators look

on to watch who is left standing, thebear or the dogs.

Full House

Our campaign has been so

successful in stopping this cruel

entertainment and rescuing the

bears that WSPAs sanctuary in

Pakistans Kund Park is now full.

Were the victims of our own

and articial dens in which the

bears can start to live naturally for

the rst time in their lives.

The other two enclosures will be

built as funds become available and

will provide Pakistans last baited

bears with a place to live in comfort

for the rest of their lives.

Roshnis storyRoshni, an Asiatic black bear,

spends his days quietly, either

sleeping in his den to avoid the heat

of the day or dipping in and out of a

pool that he shares with Jugno, hisneighbour. The dog bites around his

face and neck have healed, thanks

to the special care and treatmenthe has received at WSPAs Kund

Park Sanctuary, but it will take him

a long time to recover from years of

trauma, poor nutrition and neglect.

No escape

Until recently, Roshni was used in

bear baiting events. For around 75

days a year he was tethered to a

post in the middle of a ring in front

of an audience. Dogs were set upon

success, explains Fakhar. When

our monitoring work ofcially

started in 2003 there were around

300 bears used for baiting. Now, by

our recent estimates, there are onlyaround 70 left.

him in as many as six

different ghts a day.

Roshni had no chance of

defending himself or

of escaping.

New life

Today, Roshni is one

of the lucky ones. Nine

months ago, he was

rescued by BRC and

taken to the Kund Park

sanctuary, where he has been under

the care of Malik Ghulam Sarwar,

zoologist and sanctuary manager

ever since.

Caring for bears like Roshni is very

rewarding, he explains. Whenthey rst come in they are quite

disorientated and dont seem to do

very much. This is because they will

have spent most of their time either

in very cramped surroundings or

experiencing the great cruelty and

trauma of the baiting rings.

Then gradually we start to see

changes. It was wonderful when

Roshni started foraging for food

for the rst time and tried to cli mb

This is wonderful a great tribute

to our work and the kindness

of WSPA supporters, but at the

moment we have no way of

rescuing and caring for them all.Kund Park has recently run out of

space. This is why a new sanctuary

is urgently needed.

A new place tocall home

Thanks to WSPA supporters, plans

for a new sanctuary are complete,

an ideal site has been purchased

in Balkasar and the rst of three

enclosures is almost complete. LikeWSPAs Kund Park sanctuary, the

new sanctuary in Balkasar will have

spacious enclosures, holding pens,

a veterinary treatment area, pools

a tree. This was a true i ndicatthat he was feeling better as hstarting to behave like a wild

Success story

The past generosity of WSPAsupporters has ensured that like Roshni will live out the retheir lives in the care of the KPark sanctuary. When compleWSPAs new sanctuary will en

that all of the remaining bearsfor baiting in Pakistan will enjsimilar lives of freedom, saysMalik Sarwar.

A new home and a new life

EmiDinka

Roshni was brought to Kundsanctuary in Pakistan in 200healed from the injuries sustdog ghts and now enjoys a

From the opposite side of the canyon, a view of the future site of BalkasarSanctuary. Once complete, it will be home to Pakistans last baited bears.



5/9

Making a world of differenceWhenever possible, WSPAs goal is to return animals who been abused, kept captive

or injured to the wild. But for many of these animals a life back in the wild isnt an

option. Others may suffer injuries or need care through rehabilitation. For these animals,

there is sanctuary. Here are a few from around the world that WSPA supports

Australia

The Good SamaritanDonkey Sanctuary (GSDS)in New South Wales is

a 300-acre sanctuary

offering safety to around

130 donkeys while they

recover from ill treatment.

Another 80 donkeys are

also recovering in foster care arranged

through GSDS. Thanks to WSPA support, GSDS is n

using improved handling devices for the donkeys.

Canada

BorneoSince 1999, the Nyaru

Menteng Rehabilitation

and Rescue centre run

by the Borneo Orangutan

Survival Foundation

has been rescuing

orangutans from cruel

treatment and habitat

destruction. Thanks to WSPA support, the

sanctuary was saved from closure in 2007, protectin

nearly 700 rescued and orphaned orangutans in its c

PakistanKund Park, our sanctuary for baited

bears in Sindh Province, has been

caring for bears rescued from the

cruel sport of bear baiting since

2001. Run in conjunction with ourmember society the Bioresource

Research Centre of Pakistan,

Kund Park currently has 26

bears in its care. Kund Park is at

capacity, and a new sanctuary being built in

Balkasar will be the new home for up to 80 bears.

The Donkey Sanctuary

of Canada is a 100-acre

sanctuary in Ontario that cares

for 109 abused or abandoned

donkeys, mules and hinnies.Thanks to WSPA funding,

the sanctuary has been able

to improve its education

program to teach more children about compassion

for animals. WSPA is also helping the sanctuary with

strategic planning, so they can do more good work.

Democratic Republic

of the CongoFor more than 15 years

WSPA has supported

our member society Les

Amis des Bonobos togive orphaned, sick and

injured bonobos a brighter

future at their Lola ya Bonobo sanctuary.

In 2009, WSPAs Nick de Souza worked with Lola to forthe rst time in history return nine bonobos to the wild.

There are more releases planned for later this year.

USAWSPA is continuing to

fund the Idaho Black Bear

Rehabilitation Centres (IBBR)

work with orphaned bear

cubs. IBBR was started in

1989 when it was believed

impossible to successfully

release any bear raised by a

human. IBBR has since returned

192 bears to the wild and shares its expertise with bear

rehabilitators globally.

Israel

Every year we support member societyshelters which provide care and

treatment for unwanted cats and dogs

and nd them new homes. Some, like

the Rehovot Society for the Protection

of Animals also provide sanctuary for

animals who cannot be rehomed.

In 2009, WSPA funded a new X-ray

machine for the shelter, which will

aid the care and treatment of the

hundreds of animals.

Romania

Romanian bears rescued fromlives of cruel captivity are

now living in peace at the

WSPA-funded Romanian Bear

Sanctuary. The sanctuary, run

by our member society Millions

of Friends, is home to 50 bears

who now live in a beautiful,

forested environment with

dens, pools and streams.

VanessaWoods

Didyouknow?In2009,WSPAledateamwhoreleasednineluckybonobosbacktothewild.Itwasthefrsttimethatasanctuaryhadeverdonethis.



6/9

B

OS

Its a factPalm oil is used in a huge range of products,

including foods, soaps, cosmetics and

more recently as an

alternative source of fuel.

Increased demand for this

kind of biofuel has led to a

huge expansion of oil palm

plantations across Borneo,and thus widespread

clearance of tropical

rainforest, home to

thousands of orangutans.

Back wherethey belong

Based in an idyllic forest in

Borneo, the Nyaru Menteng

sanctuary, run by our partner

the Borneo Orangutan SurvivalFoundation (BOS), provides a safe

haven for nearly 700 orangutans,

most of them orphans of the palm

oil trade.

Nyaru Menteng is rst and foremosta rescue operation, which saves

hundreds of orangutans from the

effects of habitat loss, hunting

and the pet trade. However, the

sanctuary also plays a pivotal role

n the survival of the species by

returning orangutans to safe forests.

In August 2009, 46 orangutans

from Nyaru Menteng were

returned to the wild. Carefully

transported by helicopter in a

release operation that took

months to plan, the

orangutans now live free in

several hundred thousand

hectares of pristine forest.

Our job is only complete when we

return orangutans to the forest,

she says. But nearly all suitable

orangutan habitat in Borneo is

being illegally logged, converted

to plantations or is already full with

wild orangutans. There were many

times when I wondered if we would

ever nd a suitable location.

Altogether, 500 Nyaru Menteng

orangutans are now free in the

wild. This represents a major

achievement, but there is still so

much to do. There are over 600

orangutans at the centre and theirnumbers will continue to increase

as more forests are cleared and with

forest res raging through Borneo.

For each orangutan weve released

here in the last two years, weverescued two more from elsewherein Borneo, Lone explains, We

have 200 individuals ready to

return to the wild, and to do that

we need more resources to pay for

the helicopters, ensure long-term

security of the site, and to provide

care and monitoring for the released

orangutans.

One of the rst to be freed was

Gatuso, a large 25-year-old male,

who was saved after his forest

home had been destroyed to makeroom for oil palm plantations. Lone

Droscher Nielsen, Nyaru Mentengs

founder and manager who was

responsible for the reintroduction

operation, made the journey with

Gatuso and the others.

It was the rst time in a long while

that he had experienced swinging

between branches and lianas, but

as he disappeared down the hill

slope at the release site, it was as

if he had never been away,

she explains.Shortly afterwards Mama, a female

orangutan, and Sensei, her baby,

were released. Still drowsy from

the sedative she was given for the

journey, Mama made a nest to

rest in, while Sensei played nearby

under the watchful eyes of the

Nyaru Menteng team. Within several

hours mother and daughter were

swinging happily through the jungle.

You can help

Just two years ago, Nyaru Menteng was faced with closure, but WSPA

funding enabled it to stay open. Now BOS needs more support to help

rescue, rehabilitate and release the hundreds of orangutans that are s

being brought to the sanctuary every year.

Just a year before, the pair had

been found weak and trying

desperately to survive in a barren

landscape that had once been their

lush, forested home. Upon arrival at

Nyaru Menteng, Sensei had to be

taken away and nursed, because

her mother was too weak to

produce milk, but after four months

they were both strong enough to be

reunited and considered for release.

Fight for survival

After their beautiful forest

homes have been cleared, many

orangutans go in search of food innearby villages or palm plantations.

The ones that arent shot or

captured often die of starvation,

and it is estimated that 5,000

orangutans die each year. The

lucky ones are rescued by Nyaru

Menteng and cared for until they are

well enough for release, but nding

suitable release sites is not easy,

says Lone.

On the move: Senseiand her mother enjoy thefreedom of the rainforest.

Welcome orangutanthe Borneo

Under threat: Orangutans are at risk ofextinction because of the destruction oftheir habitat.

| WSPA NEWS | spring/summer 2010 WSPA NEWS | spring/summer 2


7/9

Lucy was taken from the wild

in Sri Lanka when she wasjust a baby and shipped to

the Edmonton Valley Zoo in 1977

a far cry from the lush tropics of

Sri Lanka. At night and in cold

Zoocheck Canada and Voice for

Animals, two of WSPAs Canadianmember societies, have joined forces to

free Lucy, a female Asian elephant, from

a pathetic life in solitary connement at

the Edmonton Valley Zoo.

weather much of the year in

Edmonton Lucy is kept inside acement-oored barn.

Elephants are highly social animals,

and have relationships similar to

those of humans. They spend their

entire lives in family groups with

their mother, sisters, aunts, cousinsand even their grandmothers.

Sadly, Lucy is alone. Her health

is deteriorating and she spends

her days rocking and pacing inboredom and isolation.

Zoocheck and Voice for Animals

are working with the support of

People for the Ethical Treatment of

Animals and a chorus of respected

individuals like Margaret Atwood,

Barbara Gowdy, Michael Ondaatje,

William Shatner and Bob Barker.

Together they are ghting to let Lucylive out the rest of her days at an

elephant sanctuary in the comof other Asian elephants. To m

her, there would be no cost to

Valley Zoo or Edmonton taxpa

The Valley Zoo is ghting hard

keep her, claiming Lucy canno

be moved, that she is not a

social elephant, is accustomeEdmontons weather and that

quite happy where she is. Zoo

and Voice for Animals are gh

prove that a highly social, extintelligent, wide-ranging anim

was born in the tropical forest

Lanka should not live alone in

barren zoo exhibit in a norther

To get involved in thcampaign to save Lcan visit www.save

There is an easy way to help

ensure that animals aroundthe world will get the help

that they need. A legacy gift is a

thoughtful act that reects your

commitment to animals and that

will provide long-term funding for

WSPAs programs.

Past legacy gifts to WSPA haveallowed us to help when natural

disaster strikes. Many countries that

are the most susceptible to natural

disasters are also impoverished, with

the people there depending on their

animals for daily sustenance. Thanks

to the availability of legacy funds,

WSPA is always ready to travel to

any corner of the world to providefood and crucial veterinary care toanimals affected by disasters.

Other legacy gifts have allowed

WSPA to provide crucial solutions

for stray dogs and cats in

developing countries where theywere previously regarded as

threats to human health and safety.

Prior to WSPAs intervention,

arge populations of stray dogs

As animal lovers we do everything

we can for the animals that share

our lives and we worry about

animals all over the world. Their

images have captured our hearts,

and we often wish therewas something more we

could do for them.

Leaving alasting giftto animals

ZoocheckCanada &Voice forAnimalsjoin forces

and cats were a source of fear for local

residents, and these animals often fell victim

to inhumane methods of culling them. Slowly,

through mobile veterinary clinics that offer

free sterilization and vaccination, and through

educational programming in schools, the

attitude of people is starting to change and life

for the animals is improving.

There are many ways that you can become part

of this long-term, positive change for animals.

Your lasting legacy can be a gift to the animals

a future that is bright and full of hope.

For more information on leaving a legacy,visit www.wspa.ca/legacyor make a condential call to Holly Hewitt at 1 800 363 9772.

| WSPA NEWS | spring/summer 2010 WSPA NEWS | spring/summer 2


8/9

anctuary for me the word means tranquil afternoons

th my husband or a rare hug from one of my teenage

oys. Sanctuary is home and family. I know how lucky I

m, since for so many others there is no home, there is

o family and there is no refuge from the turmoil of life.

e same is true for countless animals who are captured,

ploited, abandoned and displaced. These are the

imals that I wake up each morning for, and it is theirories that stay with me.

e animals in the sanctuaries weve highlighted in thissue of WSPA News were forced to live in a sea of pain

d anguish for most of their lives. Weve now givenem a tiny island of refuge to nally nd some peace.

From theRegional Director

Many people have written to us about how touched they

are to hear about the orangutans in the Nyaru Menteng

Sancturay in Borneo. I hope you enjoyed reading aboutthe release of several orangutans back to the wild.

Rehabilitation and release is what I wish for all of the

animals we nd, but the reality is that sanctuary for

many means a permanent place to live out the rest of

their lives.

You may remember the story of little Kesi. She was just

a baby when she was rst brought to Nyaru Menteng.

Her mother had been killed while searching for food, and

Kesi was in her arms at the time. Kesi lost her hand and

one of her feet was crippled in the brutal attack that killed

her mother. She was underweight, traumatised and alone

with no home.

Today, Kesi is not a little baby she is a thriving young

orangutan who spends her days in Nyaru Mentengsforest school. Although Kesis injuries prevent her from

ever being released back to the wild, now she has a

home, she has a family and she is safe. Donations,

dedication and compassion have provided her with that.

At WSPA, we are striving every day to give animals like

Kesi a home and a better life. There are many, many more

animals that need our help. We can and will do it with the

involvement of people like you. For every animal currently

living in a sanctuary, for the many more we will give a

home to this year and in the future, I sincerely thank you.

I hope you enjoy this issue of WSPA News as much as

I have. Every day, I hear about the incredible work thatWSPA is doing around the world, but to see it compiled

in the pages of this magazine shows me how truly global

our organization is.

Silia Smith

Regional Director, Canada

Give to WSPA

Strengthen your support for WSPA today.

Help stop the needless suffering of animals around the worldFor donations or change of address, please complete this form and return the entire page in the postage-paid envelo

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Telephone 416 369 0044 or Toll-free 1 800 363 9772

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Donate on the phone 1 800 363 9772,or donate online www.wspa.ca/donate.

YOUR INFORMATION

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Address

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I do not wish to have my name exchanged with other charities

MONTHLY DONATIONS

Ive enclosed a blank cheque marked VOID, and I authorize Wdebit my bank account on the 1st day of each month.

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Id like some more information on memorial and legacy contributions.

People often choose to make donations to WSPA as a permanent way to celebrate the memory of somecared about animals during their lifetime. Others leave a legacy for animals by remembering them in theiFor more information on memorial and legacy donations, please ll out the address information on this foreturn it to us. You can also contact Holly Hewitt condentially at 1 800 363 9772 x119.

Id like to make a special, one-time contribution to WSPA today.

Heres my donation of: $40 $60 $80 Other $

Id like to be a part of WSPAs Animal Rescue Team and contribute monthly.

Heres my donation of: $20 $30 $40 Other $

Silia SmithRegional Director, Canada

Kesis hand was chopped off when plantationworkers killed her mother with a machete.She was brought to the Nyaru MentengSanctuary where she has recuperated welland will live out the rest of her life in safety.

| WSPA NEWS | spring/summer 2010


9/9

4625439

Tell us what you think!WSPA Canada produces WSPA News twice yearly for our supporters. Were looking at ways

to make it better and deliver more of the information you want to see about the great things

weve been able to accomplish with your generous support. Please take a few minutes to tell

us what you think, and well do our best to incorporate your feedback.

1. How do you get updates and

information about WSPAs work?

(Check all that apply)

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The Making a World ofDifference map

Short news that includesupdates on a variety of projectsand campaigns

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Member Society Spotlight Letter from the Regional Director7. What would you like to see more

of in WSPA News?(Check all that apply)

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8. Are you most interested inhearing about(Check all that apply)

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9. In general, please tell us what you

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wspa news - spring summer 2010

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