Posted By: Allison Sonfist | August 25, 2009 at 10:45 am
Shorty
The MSPCA at Nevins Farm is receiving a record number of surrendered equines and seeking adopters as well as donations for the homeless horses’ continued rehabilitation and medical care. The number of horses surrendered to the non-profit in 2009 will surpass last year’s total by early September, with 13 horses scheduled to be surrendered in the next few weeks. The boom in surrenders is expected to increase in the fall and winter months as the weather grows cold and purchased hay becomes a premium as grazing will no longer be a viable option.
Shorty
“Since Nevins Farm is the region’s only open admissions animal care and adoption center for farm animals and horses, we are experiencing a tremendous increase in surrendered horses due to the poor economy,” said Melissa Ghareeb, Manager of the Nevins Farm Equine & Farm Animal Adoption Center. “We spend months rehabilitating horses that arrive in all states of care, from healthy and strong to walking skeletons with a history of malnutrition. The growing number of horses in our care also strains our financial resources at an average of $320 every month to care for each horse.”
Posted By: Allison Sonfist | August 25, 2009 at 9:52 am
Spoonbill
Animals from SeaWorld & Busch Gardens were in the NECN studio this past Thursday for an appearance on The Secret Life of Animals. The first animal was a roseate spoonbill, a large wading bird with pink plumage. Spoonbills have distinctive spatulate bill and consume a varied diet of small fish, amphibians, and some plants. Spoonbills, along with killer whales, dolphins, walruses and penguins, can be found at SeaWorld Orlando.
The second animal that took the stage was a cuscus from Busch Gardens Tampa. Cuscuses are native to New Guinea and are found especially forests and scrubland. They make their burrows under trees, near streams and gullies or near caves. The tail is prehensile, which means it can act like an extra limb and grip things to help with climbing etc. They mark their territory using a strong smelling secretion which is said by some to smell of coffee. These cuscuses are hunted throughout New Guinea, and are important figures in local folklore in some areas. Cuscuses, along with giraffes, elephants and zebras, and more can be found at Busch Gardens Tampa.
Posted By: Allison Sonfist | August 25, 2009 at 9:48 am
Lumpini Park, a 200-acre escape from the frantic pace in Bangkok, enjoyed by Thais and foreign tourists alike, has an unlikely visitor — alligator-sized lizards. The well-stocked fish pond and lack of predators means the reptiles are thriving.
Posted By: admin | August 24, 2009 at 10:37 am
A kangaroo cousin hops into our “Secret Life” studios. Learn more about Vincent the wallaby, an animal ambassador at the Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, RI.
Did you know?
Young wallabies, like kangaroos, are called joeys.
Even after a joey leaves the mother’s pouch, it often returns to to the pouch in times of danger.
Posted By: admin | August 24, 2009 at 10:30 am
What’s the “key” to successfully removing a tick from your dog?
Looking to find the right companion for your cat?
Dr. Martha Smith tackles both questions in this “Ask Dr. Smithie” segment!
Interested in learning more about how The Tick Key works?
Check out a video demonstration on their Web site: www.tickkey.com.
Posted By: admin | August 24, 2009 at 10:24 am
Amid all the summer blockbusters this year is one small movie – making a big impact on animal lovers.
“The Cove” is a documentary following a team of filmmakers as they look to uncover an ongoing campaign of cruelty against dolphins in a hidden cove in Japan.
“The Cove” was one of the big winners at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.
Posted By: admin | August 24, 2009 at 10:15 am
Even if you’re not into messy bumper stickers – you can still make a bumper statement for animals in Massachusetts.
Learn more about how to purchase the “I’m Animal Friendly” license plate from the MSPCA.
Posted By: admin | August 24, 2009 at 10:10 am
Before you hit the road, let us help you navigate the aisles of your local pet store.
NECN’s Allison Sonfist looks at everything from booster seats for your beagle and car carriers for your cat.
Check out the complete list of products featured in this segment.
You can find them all at Especially for Pets stores!
Posted By: Allison Sonfist | August 21, 2009 at 7:20 am
NECN’s Allison Sonfist welcomes Sarah Anderson to the studio, who brings along with her Kenya, a gorgeous, loving rottweiler, who is looking for a wonderful home.
Interested in adopting Kenya or any of her furry friends? Click here for more information.
Posted By: Allison Sonfist | August 19, 2009 at 9:07 am
Photo by Brock Parker
Samudra, the Oregon Zoo’s baby elephant, will turn one on August 23rd. A birthday celebration is being planned in his honor. On his birthday, he will get a cake made by the zoo’s executive chef, Paul Warner. The zoo will throw a party in his honor and all zoo visitors are invited!
As part of the birthday festivities, the zoo’s Elephant Plaza will be filled with a village of inflatable houses and slides for kids to play on. Guests who really want to get into the swing of things can wear a pair of elephant ears with “Happy Birthday” printed on them. Decorate-your-own-cupcakes will be available for purchase.
Photo by Brock Parker
Born at the zoo Aug. 23, 2008, Sam had a rough start to life. His mother, Rose-Tu, became confused after giving birth and nearly trampled her baby before keepers quickly intervened.
