Animal

Over the years animal research has gone through many revolutions and changes. As early as the 1980s, leading cosmetic companies were still heavily involved in all sorts of animal research that supposedly was necessary to prove the safety of their cosmetics, from foundations to eye creams.

Organizations sprang up in defense of what was considered totally needless pain and suffering of animals and these companies were almost forced into finding other methods of research to test the safety of their products to make them ready for humans. Pictures of mutilated and blinded little bunny rabbits circulated mainstream media as shocked citizens rallied to their defense. It was ultimately decided that this type of maiming under the guise of product safety testing was needless to say the least.

As late as the 70s, it was an acceptable belief by many that animals were just “animals”, and they deserved no special care or understanding. Some labs didn’t even use anesthesia while performing tests or surgeries on these creatures; they believed in vivisection. Animals, in the name of science, were forced to undergo horrendous procedures without even the benefit of a local anesthetic. If they survived the procedure, they were simply put back in a cage to wait for whatever else was in store for them.

However, medical science is still heavily involved in various aspects of animal research, although they keep most of their experimentation under wraps and away from public eyes. Agreeably, however, that when advances are made in the treatment of deadly diseases, no one argues much as to whether a few chimps may have been sacrificed to achieve these important advances.

Organizations such as PETA keep what some call an overprotective vigil over any company, private and public, that is rumored to be using animals for any type of research. Many of their investigations make the news simply because of their aggressive nature in preventing undo suffering and death to animals whose sacrifice has done little in the advance of whatever the company is trying to prove.

Medical and research facilities have become so concerned about adverse publicity and undo questioning by animal rights groups, they have taken most of their research away from the mainstream hospital teaching facilities and built or purchased property literally in the middle of nowhere to keep prying eyes away as they continue using animals for what they believe is the benefit of medical science.

With advances and cures that have happened over the last decade, medical researchers have apparently been able to successfully reduce the need for animals’ deaths, and have learned to manufacture various serums with antibodies that help treat, prevent and even cure some of the world’s deadliest diseases.

Genetic engineering, however, has become a popular mode of research and because of the cloning that it produces, mice are still sacrificed in one particular procedure where their bodies are used to grow hear replacements for humans. Once the ear has matured, the mouse is euthanized once the ear is harvested. Because of this process, some possible recipients are choosing not to have this surgery.

It is without a doubt that animal research will continue in some form or another in the years ahead. Geographic information systems will also be developed and integrated into even more systems that we use in everyday life.

What is the first thing you think of when someone mentions Florida? Walt Disney World is probably one of the main things. But to many people Florida is also about the Everglades, and the numerous examples of the wildlife that can be found there.

The Everglades themselves need to be seen to be believed. One of the best ways to see many of the animals and birds that live there is to take a boat tour. And if getting up close and personal with the alligators is something you have always wanted to do, then make sure you book your seat on one of these tours early to avoid disappointment.

Another very popular destination to visit for animal attractions whilst in Florida is Orlando’s Sea World. With a killer whale, numerous sharks and the ever popular bottlenose dolphins to witness, you can be assured of a wonderful day out here, for all ages.

While the well known and popular attractions will probably be top of your list of things to do, it is also worth doing a spot of research, as there are lots of other places that are worth a visit too.

Take the Lowry Park Zoo, for example. This is a wonderful choice for a day out if you have children, since they are geared up to appeal to all ages. Not only can you see animals that are native to this part of America, you can also discover what African habitats are like, as well as many others.

Alligators are of course a big part of Florida and its habitat, and you can see them in plenty of places. One of the best is known as Gatorland, which can be found in Orlando. This is a very educational place to go and you can look forward to finding out a lot about more than just alligators.

But if you would prefer something a little more sedate, why not venture a little further afield to Kissimmee, to see the Green Meadows Petting Farm?

The animals you will see here are a little friendlier than some of the ones you would get up close to elsewhere in Florida. As such, Green Meadows concentrates on farm animals so that kids of all ages can enjoy and find out more about them. And you aren’t left on your own to discover the best that the farm has to offer either – you can benefit from a full guided tour to get the most out of your visit.

As it goes, booking your flights to Florida couldn’t be easier, and once you have worked out where you are staying, you can make a list of all the places you would like to visit. Indeed, there are plenty of animals to look forward to seeing while you are there – all you need to do is to decide where to go first.

The information contained within this article is the opinion of the author and is intended purely for information and interest purposes only. It should not be used to make any decisions or take any actions. Any links are included for information purposes only.

Victoria Cochrane writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

When you’re looking into buying a horse rug, the range available can seem quite daunting, especially if you have not owned a horse for long.

The idea behind a horse rug or a horse blanket is to keep your animal warm and cozy when the temperature starts to dip, and protect it from the wind and rain. There are various designs of horse rug, but the idea behind all of them is the same – keeping your animal happy and in the best possible condition.

Comfort is a big factor when it comes to choosing the right horse rug and you need to make sure it fits the animal properly. There are a huge range of colours and styles on the market making your choice even more difficult, but the main thing to get right is the type of horse rug you need. A lightweight blanket will be of no use to an animal in October when temperatures drop and the rain comes.

Below is a selection of the types of rugs available and the uses they have.

Anti-sweat rugs can be made from a cotton or nylon mesh and are used by horse owners to keep their animal from cooling down too quickly and getting a chill after a period of exercise. They are light enough to allow the animal’s body to breathe and can protect your horse from insects, while other anti-sweat rugs can offer protection from the sun.

New Zealand rugs are usually heavy turnout rugs made from a waterproof, thick canvas material which is designed to keep the horse warm as well as dry when it is outside in the winter months. These rugs are designed to be strong and durable and can be re-treated to maintain performance.

Fleece rugs are very versatile and can be used in a number of situations. On their own they can make a great stable or travel rug, keeping your horse warm and comfortable at all times. Alternatively they can make the perfect under blanket, for use underneath another rug in order to provide that extra bit of warmth. A soft fleece rug can also be used to prevent rubbing when a horse needs to wear a heavy coat in the winter months.

Equestrian clothing can be expensive, so before spending your money on horse rugs make sure you do plenty of research and ask the advice of experts. It’s also wise to check online as you can make some considerable savings on the high street price.

Animal research has undergone many updates and transformations of the years, and certainly within the past few decades. Even up until the 1980s many leading cosmetic giants were insisting that animal testing was necessary in order to prove that their products were safe for human use.

Many organizations came out of nowhere to help protect animals that were, in their eyes, being mutilated and killed needlessly in the name of beauty. These organizations quickly came to the defense of these animals and made certain that the general public was well aware of what was happening at these cosmetic companies by releasing photos of tiny helpless bunny rabbits that were blinded or even worse, for no good reason. Cosmetic companies were forced to find alternative means to test their products and now, all cosmetic companies carry disclaimers on their labeling to alert consumers to the fact that they do not engage in animal research.

Even up until the 1970s, companies involved in animal research were heavily involved in a practice called vivisection where animals were tested and forced to undergo painful procedures without anesthesia.

If an animal even happened to survive one of these “tests”, he was simply brought back to his cage to await what was in store for him next. The use of vivisection was quickly stopped by legislation once the public was aware of all this inhumane suffering.

Regardless of these updates, medical research still needs animal research, yet most research facilities have been forced to find labs where they work away from the public eye and avoid as much scrutiny as possible. No longer housed in the basements of large inner city teaching hospitals, labs have sprung up behind secure barriers literally in foothills and desert communities.

Groups and organizations such as PETA have used what some have referred to as aggressive and unsavory tactics in their self appointed role of animal protectors, but it is largely due to their relentless investigations and the willingness of the mass media to listen, that unnecessary animal research and mutilation has been almost wiped out.

There have been, however, successful and much needed advances in various diseases and conditions that have plagued man for eons, all due to animal research. Researchers have been able to discover research methods, however, that do not mandate the death or permanent maiming of these creatures and instead they have learned to create vaccines and serums that have shown great promise in many diseases from cancer to AIDS.

With all that success, however, comes a new form of research: genetic engineering. This focuses on many types of cloning for replacement body parts, internal organs and skin. One of the most common procedures involves the use of mice on which to graft and grow human ears. Although the procedure has provided some incredible results and has been well received by both the medical community and recipients of their new fully functional ears, it does involve the ultimate (humane) euthanization of the host mouse. Because of this, there are qualified recipients who choose not to undergo the procedure.

People have been dreaming about creating new materials and engaging in chemistry research for centuries now, along with animal research for learning more about the biology of creatures on this planet.

So, just what exactly do you feed your very best friend? Your pet is loyal, trusting, loving and truly depends on you to provide the very best you can in terms of care, attention and of course feeding so how exactly do you decide on what is the best dog food to use? If you are rearing your dog from puppyhood then obviously feeding habits used at this time will set the scene through to adulthood so it is imperative that a little more time is taken when deciding on which diet your dog will follow.

The starting point is of course the age, size and breed of your dog as individual types may require specialised foods and supplements; if your animal is perhaps a working dog the diet therefore needs to be one of sustenance to maintain this kind of lifestyle. Also take into account the way you live your life and what feeding programme will be convenient for you in the long run as the last thing you want to do is chop and change with the type of dog food you are using – dogs thrive well on routine and it is unwise to use too many different types as this will eventually impact upon the animal’s digestive system.

If you are planning to use a dry dog food mix try and source out an established local supplier who can offer you all the advice you need on the portion sizes, flavours and textures as well as any vitamin supplementation which may be necessary to ensure that the diet is a complete one and does not lack the essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients which are essential to maintain good health. It is important to remember that an overweight dog is an unhealthy dog and usually an unhappy dog as well if it cannot maintain activity and exercise, so never overcompensate by giving too many extra treats in place of attention and daily walks. If you are planning a ‘change-over’ to a different type of diet this should be done very gradually and in proportion with the original feed, it is never a case of offering a new food and leaving it out until it is finished – it should be removed and replaced with the usual meal as the dog should not be made to go hungry and the new regime can be set in place even more gradually until the new food is accepted.

The best dog food diet is still a combination of meat and fish together with a selection of vegetables as this feeding plan addresses all the different requirements and should contain all the essential amino acids, vitamins, fibre and minerals. No matter what type of food you choose be it dried, canned or fresh there is a very good chance you will have to use some form of supplements and these can easily be given in tablet form which really is a small price to pay to ensure that the dog remains healthy and this will also help to avoid any unnecessary illnesses in the future so you really owe it to yourself and your animal to pay particular attention in setting up a good and nutritious feeding plan.

Author Lindsey Watson is a Webmaster of a wide variety of online specialty shops including a very popular site offering a range of the UK’s Best Dog Food. Visit http://www.burgesspetcare.co.uk today.

Charities are one way that people can show their interest for the environment, handicapped people and for animals. There are numerous animal charities that can be found in assorted parts of the world. These charities range from care for mistreated domestic animals to endangered animals to many others. The money that is donated to these charities is put to great use. Examples of where your money will go includes: food, shelter, medical care and love, just to mention a few. There are numerous tasks that have to be handled when caring for animals.

For these many dissimilar charities you will find that the donations can be given in different ways. Fundraisers, charity balls, TV advertisements and stickers are just a few of the ways that people donate money to animal charities. For the people who wish to know more about the type of charity that they are donating to, they have the choice of asking the charity hosts about it.

They can also do a World Wide Web search to see if there is any information about the charity itself. While they are looking for information about the charity, it is possible that they will find information about the work that charities perform. This is sometimes a necessity due to the fact that there are people who can scam you by citing cases of suffering animals to raise your sympathy levels.

Be smart and do your research. If you are serious about donating to an animal charity, then a few moments of your time to look closer at the carity will be of great benefit to you. You will have peace of mind once you complete what you feel is the proper research.

Once you have found out all of the relevant data that you require, you have the option of deciding upon the amount of money that you will be able to donate. This sum does not have to be in the thousands, unless you have that amount of money and you love helping animals!

Even a few dollars can help animal charities care for the animals that they have designated as needing some interest from people. Some of the charities can be for endangered animals such as the tiger, sea turtle and the bald headed eagle. With these types of charities there are many things that need to be done to protect these creatures.

Now besides these animal charities there are other types of charities that you can donate your money to. Some of the charities that are founded on the needs of the animals who were displaced from storms are given coverage in the media as well. For these animals the animal charities can provide protection and food for the animals.

Even though there are many humans who need our help, the animals of the world also need help from us. As most of the troubles they are in happen to be caused by the human race it is only right that we help them. Animal charities have taken this role upon their shoulders. With their help and our donations the many animals throughout the world will be able to face a new beginning today.

So, if you want to donate to an animal charity here are just a few reminders. Research the charity you want to donate to, until you feel comfortable. When donating talk to the hosts, if possible and ask your unanswered questions.

One final note to mention is that if you don’t have money, but want to donate then think about donating your time. There is always a need for help.

Bowe Packer provides free and valuable online information. He has written many articles on Charities, including animal charities, cancer charities, charity donations and a whole lot more. Visit his Charity site and gather some Great info on charities for free

Wild animals are beautiful creatures with varying sizes, colors, and habitats. Although some can be seen in zoos, the place they are meant to be is in their own environment. Unfortunately, animals such as whales, panda bears and sea otters, are not always safe in these places and are dying out. What is causing their threat of extinction? Several factors have an influence on this growing problem.

Pollution

Because animals are all intertwined on the food chain, contamination of a water source that a species drinks for example, will not only effect them, but the animal that eats them as well, having the ability to cause cancer and other deadly diseases. If a mother drinks toxins, they become apart of her milk and she passes on those toxins to her babies. Because the off spring are considerably smaller than the mother, these chemicals and toxins will have a greater negative impact on them. Among these problems is a shorter life span, directly effecting the time they have to reproduce and multiply their species, not to mention the damage the pollutions have already caused on their systems and ability to thrive.

Contamination of water due to oil spills is another large problem. Because oil and water do not mix, and oil floats to the top and spreads easily and quickly, it is that much harder to clean up. Oil spills may be due to natural disasters, such as hurricanes, or can happen by people who do not want to dispose of oil properly and dump it into the ocean to get rid of it. Birds can be covered and will not be able to fly because of their feathers being covered. Oil covers sea otters and coats their fur, covering the air bubbles in their fur which are there to help them stay warm in freezing waters. Due to the oil coating these bubbles they die of hypothermia. So many different animals dying in mass quantity from oil spills also contributes to animal endangerment.

Decrease of Natural Habitat

If there are constant changes in the environment of a species, then there is subsequently constant changes in species habitat. Changes in the environment, of course, happen naturally. However, when this happens animals adapt because the changes are small, over a period of time. When humans make the changes they are more drastic and immediate. People can take out a forest in a matter of days, not giving occupants time to move to a new location in a time frame that is adaptable. To illustrate this point the habitat of the giant panda will be examined. A panda eats around 40 pounds of bamboo a day. This is due to the low nutrition of the plant and the inability of the panda to digest it. Large amounts must be consumed to get the necessary nutrients for the bear. After a bamboo plant flowers, it dies and does not regrow for another 10 years or so. If there is not another species of bamboo in that area the Panda then needs to move to another region which has bamboo still in season. Due to human activities such as farming, mining and road building quickly destroying the plants they eat it is difficult for the pandas to move to another forest to find the bamboo they need quickly.

Hunting, Fishing and Whaling

One of the greatest effects on water animals, such as whales, is exploitation. Exploitation is decreasing a particular species faster than nature is able to replace the population. Whaling has been a large contributor to the decrease of whales in the ocean. This unrestricted hunting or whaling purpose was for their skin, fur, teeth, meat or other reasons. Although some organizations, such as the International Whaling Commission (IWC) have been established, as well as laws and regulations, people do not always follow these laws and whales are still hunted. Animal parts make a lot of money and illegal activities pursued for the money that people can make. In Japan whale is still a popular dish and hunted for consumption. Along with whaling other fishing takes place. Large nets for fishing can entangle species they are not meant to capture, nor desired to capture. These lives are lost as a negative by product of mass commercial fishing efforts. The large commercial fishing takes out so many animals, so quickly that they can not replace themselves.

Human carelessness seems to be the overriding influence on all these factors. As people are concerned about the impact that their choices and actions make on wild life, their habitats and environments will be protected. People taking precautions will effect the environment for humans and wild animals alike.

Emma Snow has always adored wild animals. Emma provides content for Wildlife Animals http://www.wildlife-animals.com and Riding Stable http://www.riding-stable.com

A wide variety of animal life can be found in Alaska. From the polar bear to the otter to the bowhead whale, Alaska is teeming with unique life in the animal kingdom. However, some of the wildlife in this Northern land is in danger. Environmental and human threats are providing for a grave outlook on the future of this once lush and fascinating world. This article will explore some of the endangered animals of Alaska as well as some of the causes of the threats to their lives.

Brown bears once inhabited the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska in large numbers. However, due to a decline in their quality of habitat the brown bear is on the list of endangered animals. The Kenai Peninsula is being developed by for residential, commercial and recreational uses and thus is reducing the chances of survival for the brown bear of Alaska. Human development is pushing this sublime creature from its home and leaving it no options for survival as they take over. It was once thought that Alaska would always be a sanctuary for these animals but it seems no place is to far for the destructive reach of humanity.

The American Peregrine Falcon is one of the top predators in the food chain as they feed on other, smaller birds. The technique in which they hunt is impressive as they swoop in at high speeds and at extreme angles. They are powerful predators in Alaska. However, they have been less abundant not only in Alaska but in every location they inhabit from Mexico to Alaska due to pesticide ingestion. The most commonly known pesticide is DDT and though efforts have been made to decrease and hopefully eliminate the use of DDT the American Peregrine Falcon is decorating the skyline of Alaska much less.

The Bowhead Whale has made it to both the Alaska endangered species list and the Federal endangered species list. Bowhead whales only live in and around Arctic waters. However, due to commercial whaling the Bowhead whale in around the waters of Alaska is a rare sight. The Bowhead whale was declared an endangered species in 1973 and since commercial whaling has ceased. However, the numbers are not yet reassuring.

Sea otters, who reside in the coastal waters of Alaska, were near extinction in the 18th and 19th century due to hunting. They made a valiant recovery only to be put back on both the Federal and Alaska list of endangered species in the 1990’s. However, there is some dispute as to how threatened they are, as they seem to be thriving in the Southeast areas of Alaska.

The Stellar Sea Lion is listed as an Alaska species of special concern and a Federal threatened species. Stellar sea lions are a large seal. The cause of the decline of stellar sea lions is unknown though there has been talk of disease, environmental circumstances and more.

It is plain to see that Alaska as it once was is disappearing due to the destructive touch of humanity. There have been several organization put in place to aid in the restoration of species such as mentioned in this article, but the question is if it is enough to stop the disappearance of this world before it is too late.

For more information on Alaska, visit http://www.alaskamicroblog.com and http://www.usamicroblog.org

Are humans so special and divine as depicted in religious doctrine? Or are humans and their brains built to function and reason similar to that of all higher order mammals and animals? The question itself is not new, indeed it has been discussed by philosophers throughout time. Even in our present period many seem to enjoy the subject, especially as we try to figure out exactly how the human mind works and thus relate that with the inner workings and reasoning abilities of animals.

Recently in an online think tank this subject came up and was explored by a couple of members. It was reasoned that perhaps the conclusions we reach from a scientific perspective are our own worst enemy in finding the reality to the answers we seek. One think tank member stated: “Under the circumstances, when the topic of human, animal reasoning comes up, I noticed a great deal of people show limitations to literary boundaries during there arguments. What I mean is, if we “as humans” create a linguistic determination and classification of an item, we often find ourselves modeling our arguments and figures by this definition. for example: We eat, sleep and breath, therefore we are animals. (very simplified)”

I totally agree with your comments. For example:

http://ezinearticles.com/?Negotiating-on-Common-Ground&id=73083

http://ezinearticles.com/?Why-All-the-Debate-on-Lift-and-the-Principles-of-Flight&id=70230

Now then for a human mind to really work to its best ability it must go past the “brainwashing” of education and forced learning. This in my opinion is because humans too readily accept these “limitations of literary boundaries” or definitional arguments. Some others say that without them we could not think beyond, as we would be scattered in thought and too random to stay focused. Yet, if all things are inter-connected and since humans have large brains and can keep track of it, then why not encircle an issue rather than confining thought into a box. Thus the comments about thinking outside the box or definitional confines which are defined by others and too easily accepted by minds willing to be confined, as if you accept to think in the box as a “follower” you have indeed made a choice, albeit a bad one. If this is your comment you are correct as humans do that way too often and fail to often see the forest for the trees. And the think tanker takes this one step further and asks the question in this next statement; “. . .our own literary definitions often bind or restrict our reasoning abilities when evaluating abstract problems.”

In fact this maybe our biggest hang up to finding the answers we seek in this realm; well that along with the religious enculturation, which is force-fed into our society, which is also keeping us from considering such things. What do you think about this issue or do you dare? If so, consider this in 2006.

“Lance Winslow” – Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance is an online writer in retirement.

Baking cookies shaped like bats, cats, spiders and owls would be a wonderful treat for the Halloween holiday! Do you know someone who might enjoy a sweet treat for Halloween? There are cookie cutters available in all types of animal shapes that would be perfect for Halloween munching. Be sure to make an assortment of Halloween cookies in all colors!

Is there a Halloween party coming up in your neighborhood? Don’t know what to bring to the party? How about making Halloween themed animal cookies? Your animal shaped cookies are a nice way to make sure that the treats that you bring along to the Halloween party are memorable. No one will mix up your owl cookies with the assortment of other boring round cookies on the table. You’ll also discover that some animal cookies can be a delightfully unexpected surprise; after all, not everyone will have owl shaped cookies at their Halloween party. That’s great for a Harry Potter themed party also!

You can have great fun decorating and baking Halloween cookies with kids also. The kids will love making animal shaped Halloween cookies. They can roll out the dough and then use the Halloween shaped cookie cutters to cut out the shapes completely. After the cookies cool, give the kids a few bowls of colored frosting in such colors as white, black or orange and let them decorate their own Halloween cookies creatively. Halloween memories can start this year with baking cookies. This is a wonderful way to build up holiday memories that will last for years and years.

For teachers or those that have a group of children, such as at a club or a scout meeting, use this opportunity to create some Halloween cookie baking enjoyment for the group. Allow the kids to make and creatively decorate their own animal shaped cookies. You can then tell Halloween stories surrounding the animals shown in the cookie design. This can be a great Halloween activity for children… with a sweet holiday treat at the end!

You can find a wide variety of animal shaped cookie cutters and other animal themed items at Kritters in the Mailbox the animal super store with thousands of animal themed gift items.