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Hot Animal News
We begin with this weeks’ top news: Captive beluga whales will be released into a large seaside sanctuary in Iceland, Cuvier’s beaked whale was shown to be the deepest diving whale, Donald Trump, Jr. continues his big game hunting activities, overweight dogs can die 2.5 years earlier than ideal weight dogs, a beagle adopts a possum (cute video alert!), and more.
Helping Vervet monkeys
Then, Peter welcomes Josie Du Toit, Director at Vervet Monkey Foundation, which is based in South Africa. The Foundation operates a lively rescue and rehabilitation center with the aid of volunteers from around the world. Their wonderful video projects go by the name of The Vervet Forest.
The Vervet Monkey Foundation rehabilitates and provides sanctuary to over 500 primates, orphaned, injured, abused, ex-laboratory or unwanted pets. In addition to this they provide:
- A program to rehabilitate orphaned and injured primates.
- A program to research the claims of damage and problems caused by vervet monkeys and offer possible solutions to co-existence.
- An education program to inform the public of the role that the vervet monkey plays in the eco-system and how to prevent human – vervet conflict.
- A sanctuary for primates unfortunate enough to be un-releasable but still able to have a quality of life to be ambassadors for their species.
- An opportunity for volunteers to study the life style and environment of the vervet monkey primate species.
Fun hippopotamus facts
And its National Hippopotamus Day! Hippos are related to whales, can outrun humans, lack sweat glands, and are endangered due to hunting and habitat loss.
Hippos bask on the shoreline and secrete an oily red substance, which gave rise to the myth that they sweat blood. The liquid is actually a skin moistener and sunblock that may also provide protection against germs.
Guidance on animal fostering
Finally, Peter welcomes Seth Hutson with Animal Behavior College who gives practical advice on starting successful pet fostering programs.
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