Hay hay! A good day... for penguins on the ice, sheep on the roof and chickens on the farm. Someone forward this to Old MacDonald (Island)! - Amanda |
|
|
Penguins protest."What are you going to do, deport us? We've been dealing with ICE for centuries." Penguins… …are now subjected to a Trump tariff of 10% (to import to the USA) with the rest of Australia (but 29% on Norfolk Island, population 2,200.) The Heard and MacDonald Islands form a territory over 2,400 miles south-west of Australia, only accessible via a seven-day boat trip from Perth - and entirely uninhabited by humans. They haven't been visited by humans in almost a decade. "There's nothing there." University of Tasmania Professor Mike Coffin studies the undersea geography of the islands and has made the seven-day journey to the surrounding waters seven times to conduct scientific research, and is sceptical about the existence of major exports from the island to the US. "It's heavily colonised by penguins, elephant seals and all kinds of sea birds," and he recalls observing from afar what he thought was a beach, only the sands "turned out to be probably a few 100,000 penguins". Now those penguins have a very popular Threads account! PenguinsAgainstTrump has over 83,000 followers with the bio "not sure why we're being tariffed. We love fish and hate fascists." The US defended their move to close "ridiculous loopholes" - to prevent other countries trying to "arbitrage America" by going through remote islands to avoid paying tariffs. "The President knows that, he's tired of it, and he's going to fix that," said US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick. The US noted imports of US$1.4million from the external territory - all of it unnamed "machinery and electrical" products. But The Guardian analysis of US import data and shipping records found shipments had been wrongly labelled - suggesting the tariffs are based on incorrect data. "Poor old penguins, I don't know what they did to Trump." Australian trade minister Don Farrell said the tariffs were "clearly a mistake". World Penguin Day in April was "a day for appreciating penguins and their unique role in the global ecosystem. This day also helps promote awareness of penguin conservation and the unique challenges we face due to climate change and unfair tariffs." |
|
|
Penguins possess super-poop.But penguins perhaps have something more valuable than any imports… their poop! Penguins colonies are contributing to the fight against climate change as their waste (guano) reacts with microbiology to initiate particle formation for cloud condensation. These particular clouds reflect the sunlight, thereby cooling the planet and slowing down the melting of ice in coastal Antarctica. Studies* present evidence that dimethylamine, originating from penguin guano, boosts aerosol formation rates up to 10,000 times faster (compared to other sources in the Southern Ocean). The strength of NPF events (new particle formation in pristine marine and polar environments) has considerable relevance given accelerated changes in Antarctic ecosystems - within the past decade, sea ice extent has started declining and ice shelves are shrinking. These changes impact penguin colonies, which will result in changes to ecosystem-atmosphere exchanges, and ultimately the regional climate - the global climate. Some species of penguins are already threatened - it is imperative to understand these ecosystem-atmosphere interactions that contribute to climate-relevant processes, especially now as environmental conditions in coastal Antarctica are rapidly changing. "The cycle of life and nature" Upekha Vidarshi *Boyer, M., Quéléver, L., Brasseur, Z. et al. Penguin guano is an important source of climate-relevant aerosol particles in Antarctica. Commun Earth Environ 6, 368 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-025-02312-2 |
|
|
[AD] A business to believe in: Nature whispers, Jen takes notes.Do you feel the longing to slow down, feel more connected and hear the wisdom of life beyond the noise?
Jen Thomas felt trapped on the hamster wheel of her life - stressed, exhausted, depressed, and lost. In 2020, at an event with the sacred White Lions of the Global White Lion Protection Trust, Jen was called to write a book - to help humanity come back to itself and Mother Earth. Nature’s Wisdom - Life Lessons From Mother Earth is a guide, a companion, and a reminder that we are never alone. It's an invitation to hear the whispers of Mother Earth, and to awaken to a brighter, more connected life. Jen Thomas shares her personal healing journey through life-changing corporate burnout to spiritual awakening, healing, and the unexpected discovery of my interspecies communication, healing and intuitive skills. The e-book has powerful teachings from the natural world. The e-book is not available in print because: "Trees were my first love and so it didn't make sense to me to bring a book into the world on paper. Commercial foresting isn't something I want to support either as it upsets the natural balance of nature, one of the very aspects I am wanting to help restore." Through the voices of the Earth - the trees, animals, rivers, even the land and the sky - you’ll discover life lessons to support your own journey of self-acceptance, healing, and spiritual connection.
|
|
|
|
|
Baa-rilliant rescue of rooftop sheep.A sheep and three lambs dodged the police by clambering up a lower section and up onto the roof of a two-storey house in Cumbria. They had escaped their field on a nearby farm.
"We are called to a lot of animal rescues, but sheep on a roof was the first," fire station manager Darren Wright told BBC Radio Cumbria. "We couldn't fathom out why there would be sheep in that area in the first place and how they even got on the roof - there was a lot of confusion." Amused firefighters arrived to rescue the animals, but not before taking a picture of them looking down from up high. "An un-baa-lievable sight greeted our firefighters… and found two sheep and three lambs on the roof." With ladders and reaching poles, they managed to bring them down to safety and back to their field - and a very grateful farmer. The picture of the sheep on the roof on Penrith Fire Station's Facebook Page has over 2,500 reactions, over 640 shares, and over 590 comments such as: Linda Hebson: “Ewe turned a baaaa'd situation into a good one.” Rob McWilliams: “I've never herd of this before!” Jonny Wills: “Baaarilliant rescue.” Margaret Lowrie: "Ewe must be joking 😂"
|
|
|
Chickens cage-free in Sweden.“After decades of determined work, there are no longer any hens kept in cages in Sweden.” Project 1882. Sweden is the only country in the world to farm chickens cage-free without a legal mandate. “Since the 1980s, more than 85 companies, from retail to foodservice, have taken a stand against cage eggs following our discussions,” said Benny Andersson, CEO of animal welfare group Project 1882. "Corporate commitments have played a crucial role in eliminating cages from Swedish egg production." 1988 ~ A new animal welfare law in Sweden promises a ban on cages. 95% of hens are kept in battery cages. 10 years later... Battery cages are banned, but "enriched" cages are allowed. (Egg labels introduced for consumers). 2008 ~ Project 1882 launches its first corporate campaign against the keeping of hens in cages. Hemköp becomes the first retailer to say no to cage eggs. 40% of hens are still in cages. 2013–2017 ~ Coop, Willys, Lidl, Netto, and City Gross in Sweden phase out caged eggs, resulting in a rapid decline in the number of hens kept in cages. 2019 ~ The three largest wholesalers in Sweden adopt cage-free commitments. 8% of hens remain in cages. 2020–2021 ~ The European Commission promises a ban on cages following the End the Cage Age citizens’ initiative co-led by Project 1882. The last retailer ICA goes cage-free. 95% of municipalities in Sweden exclude cage eggs in their public procurement. 3.5% of hens are still in cages. 2024–2025 ~ Wholesaler Martin & Servera completes phase-out of caged eggs. In total, over 85 companies adopted commitments after dialogue with Project 1882. Less than 1% of hens remain in cages. June 2025 ~ Project 1882 confirms - through regional and industry data - all cages are empty. “This demonstrates NGO animal welfare advocacy drives real change,” Benny Andersson emphasized. “It also proves retailers, restaurants, and food companies can make a difference for animals, even when politics fails.” Sweden sets a powerful example for the rest of Europe: Sweden already has stricter legislation than EU law on how many chickens farmers can have per plot of land. Project 1882 has collected over 50,000 signatures for the European Citizens' Initiative End the Cage Age, expected to lead a comprehensive cage ban across Europe. (Delayed) The European Chicken Commitment urges global food companies (e.g. KFC, Nando's, Burger King) to commit to a 6-point welfare policy for better standards in chicken care.
|
|
|
[AD] A business to believe in: Humans can learn unity from animals.Anita Pye looks after animals at Orchard Farm Sanctuary in Farnham, Hampshire (UK). She offers a permanent home for animals, especially those at risk of being slaughtered. Anita first rescued 20 chickens affectionately called "the Fat Club" due to their size and they enjoyed a cuddle. She has rescued hundreds of chickens over the years, from backyard keepers and farmers. From there, more requests came to rescue more animals - goats, pigs, and even a horse. "Such a special magical place made so by the animals but also by the love Anita Pye pours into the land and all who visit there 💛✨" says Jen Thomas. For 13 years, looking after all the animals supported Anita's mental health recovery (bipolar depression) and she manages the farm every day (with the help of loyal volunteers). What's your favourite thing about looking after the animals? "I look at the pigs and the goats and the ducks all bumping along together in one place. Sure, they have their quarrels, but they often sort it out between themselves. And yet they are different species! With all the divisiveness in the world, humans could learn a lot from observing these animals." All this is only possible with the incredible support of volunteers and donations from the amazing Orchard Farm Animal Sanctuary supporters. Anita also hosts open days, sells produce, and makes beautiful crystal ornaments and handmade crafts. (I have a few - they're gorgeous! - Amanda). |
|
|
|
|
"Sitting outside listening to the birds is its own kind of medicine. Life is good." Jennifer Ann Falandys Certified Trauma & Resilience Coach, Consultant & Educator |
View this email in your browser. Advertise in Pawsitive News If you are a business to believe in... with my marketing-journalism expertise and your business materials, we could make one heck of an ad for the readers of Pawsitive News. You can now choose the theme of the issue! Reply to meee Amanda Copyright © {{right_now.year}} {{location.name}}, All rights reserved. Not so pawsitive? >> unsubscribe |
|
|
|
