Tag: conservation

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Discovering Orlando’s Discovery Cove

Orlando, Florida, remains one of the world’s top family travel destinations and as this outdoors guy discovered, Orlando’s Discovery Cove is the perfect place for adventurous types like me.

I have visited Central Florida so many times I consider it almost a second home, as it offers a welcomed diversion for Canadian travellers when the weather turns chilly. On my most recent trip, I had the opportunity to visit Orlando’s magnificent Discovery Cove with the VIP Package no less, and what an opportunity it was. Outdoor enthusiasts are in heaven interacting with dolphins, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters with sharks and rays all around, or hand feeding tropical birds in the free-flight aviary.

I even had a chance to try Sea Venture for the first time, and what a blast it was. Feeling like Jacques Cousteau on a magnificent undersea voyage, my wife and I donned our 70-pound dive helmets for a 45-minute stroll of Discovery Cove’s Grand Reef. It was like walking on the moon but surrounded by sea creatures, much different than snorkeling and a unique experience to be sure.

Exotic paradise in the city
Relaxing with Mrs. Outdoors Guy in the spender of this exotic ‘paradise in the city’ was just what we needed, and the all-inclusive meals and drinks, private cabana and VIP tour host (also named Jeff) was icing on the cake. Discovery Cove’s Jeff made sure our needs were met and questions answered. He guided us through an incredible interactive dolphin swim and ushering us to an ‘up-close-and-personal’ wildlife encounter called Animal Trek, where we handled exotic creatures like macaws, screech owls and even a sloth.

Cabana time
After bobbing and weaving along the expansive lazy river, it was time to chill. We enjoyed a tasty breakfast and lunch, both included in the package and then kicked-back in a private cabana – once the hang-out spot for Mr. August Busch himself, back when the Busch family owned SeaWorld/Discovery Cove. One aspect that really amazed about Discovery Cove is how the property never felt crowded at any point. They restrict attendance to 1,300 people per day which certainly offers a more intimate, resort-like experience for its guests, something rarely experienced in other attractions. Mrs. Outdoors Guy and I were a tad melancholy when our adventure came to end, but departed with memories to last a lifetime. Thanks so much to Randy Anger, Suzanne Pelisson-Beasley and Abraham Lopez.

Do yourself a favour during your next Orlando vacation, visit Discovery Cove: https://discoverycove.com/orlando/

Winter vacation plans
Living in one the coldest, most northerly national capitals in the world, folks like me from the Ottawa Region generally head south for vacation during the colder months. After the hunting equipment has been placed in storage, where do you like to spend your winter travel time? You read how I enjoy Orlando, but I enjoy the Caribbean as well. There is a plethora of tropical locales calling-out at any given time. Drop me a line with your family winter vacation plans. I will feature reader’s travel tips and ideas right here in the next Outdoors Guy. Message me at: [email protected]

Safety first this winter
For those brave outdoor enthusiasts who plan to stick around the great white north for some winter angling, there are things you should remember. Appropriate clothing and equipment are vital to safety and comfort. Some winter anglers prefer to wear survival suits and carry a set of ice picks, while others go so far as driving modified ice vehicles with all the doors removed, in case of an untimely plunge. Remember that ice does not freeze at a uniform thickness across most lakes and rivers; especially at the start of the winter season when near-shore ice is always thicker than ice further out. Safety first, please!

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Misguided protestors wreak havoc in Westboro

 

Has anyone noticed a commotion outside the NRML store in Westboro?

You can thank the Animal Defence League(ADL)  for that commotion!

Last week I received a very disheartening letter from a shop owner on Richmond Road in Westboro, who owns a store very close to the NRML store.

In case you didn’t know what the ADL’s beef(pun intended) is with  NRML, the store happens to sell the popular Canada Goose parkas which happen to have coyote fur trim along the hood. 

The Animal Defence league is protesting NRML for carrying this product, and have even start a petition online. According to the ADL, “Animals killed for fur are trapped, skinned alive, and anally electrocuted.  They encourage the public to sign a petition to stop this cruelty.

The fact of the matter is we have a real coyote population control issue in Canada which the ADL evidently is unaware of.

Perhaps the ADL might do some ‘Googling’ to understand the difficulty conservationists have in managing this predator population, especially the Urban coyotes of  this country.

But noooo, the ADL would rather hassle innocent business owners as a way of ‘furthering their cause’ in protecting animals from the dreaded fur industry.

(Speaking of Google, perhaps the ADL might also consider researching the FUR INDUSTRY in this country while they are educating themselves on coyotes.)

The shop owners along Richmond Road have tried reasoning with these people too but to no avail.

Instead the Shop owners were verbally attacked!

They called the police repeatedly but were told that law enforcement couldn’t do anything because these protestors have a permit to demonstrate issued by the City of Ottawa, therefore they are not breaking any criminal laws.

What???

Oh yes, and police also explained that the ADL’s right to protest – as covered in the Charter of Rights & Freedoms – supersedes any by-law or criminal law.

The group has been protesting the NRML store every Saturday & Sunday for almost 1 year, and I’m told they’ve even added bullhorns to their arsenal.

The group has also been seen writing derogatory material in chalk in front of the NRML store, and in front of other stores down the street.

How can one group of ignorant, misguided individuals systematically run small business owners into the ground based on their own twisted ‘perceived animal cruelty’?

You know why?

Because not only do we LET IT HAPPEN, by doing nothing to stop it we are essentially furthering their cause against the trapping industry, and conservation as a whole!

I feel for these business owners who are simply trying to make a living and because one of their products happens to have sustainable, ethically harvested, fur on it it’s a problem?

The real problem here in my opinion is ignorance, of which the ADL evidently wrote the book on.

Outdoorsguy

 

 

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Wildlife Speaker Series this week – Whitetails

Thanks to my pal Gary (Star Whisperer) Boyle for the following information on this week’s City of Ottawa wildlife speaker.

Back in February, the City held another Speaker Series featuring an Urban Coyote expert and I suggested to them  they give me the heads-up next time a speaker comes to town. Evidently the message still never got through!

White-tailed Deer – September 18, 2014

 

Thursday, September 18, 2014
7 to 9 p.m.
Ben Franklin Place
101 Centrepointe Drive

The City of Ottawa will be holding its third Wildlife Speakers Series event on Thursday, September 18 at 7 p.m. at Ben Franklin Place, 101 Centrepointe Drive. This session will address white-tailed deer.

White-tailed deer

People and deer have a long history together. White-tailed deer are valued as a game species, and for their grace and beauty, but they can also become a pest to farmers and gardeners. Motor vehicle collisions involving deer are a major safety concern, especially during the fall.

The City has invited experts from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry to present information on white-tailed deer ecology and biology to improve our understanding of these wild neighbours.

Michael Gatt is the Ministry’s Senior Wildlife Biologist for our region. He has worked with a variety of public stakeholders to develop key strategies for the prevention and management of conflicts with deer and other wildlife.

Dr. Brent Patterson is a research scientist with the Ministry, and an adjunct professor with Trent University. He has spent many years exploring the ecology of deer and their canine predators (wolves and coyotes).

In addition to the presentation, there will be a nature slideshow and an environmental exposition from 6 to 9 p.m. at Ben Franklin Place for residents to learn more about Ottawa’s wildlife, natural environment and local environmental initiatives. The City will also provide information on traffic safety (Speeding Costs You Deerly) and public health (Lyme disease).

The City will hold one more event in the Wildlife Speakers Series this year. The series is intended to increase residents’ knowledge and appreciation of wildlife and promote coexistence through understanding and respect. All of these events are free of charge.

For more information:
Amy MacPherson
Planning and Growth Management
613-580-2424, ext. 14873
E-mail: [email protected]

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SeaWorld invests $10 Million in Killer Whale Conservation

SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. recently announced its plans to build new, first-of-its-kind killer whale environments and that it will fund new programs to protect ocean health and killer whales in the wild.

The new projects will build on SeaWorld’s legacy of providing state-of-the-art, innovative homes for its animals, and will offer park guests unique and inspiring killer whale encounters for generations to come.  As part of its vision for the future, the company also pledged $10 million in matching funds for killer whale research and is embarking on a multi-million dollar partnership focused on ocean health, the leading concern for all killer whales and marine mammals.

“For 50 years, SeaWorld has transformed how the world views marine life. The unprecedented access to marine mammals that our parks provide has increased our knowledge of the ocean and inspired generations,” said Jim Atchison, Chief Executive Officer and President of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. “Our new killer whale homes and research initiatives have just as bold a vision: to advance global understanding of these animals, to educate, and to inspire conservation efforts to protect killer whales in the wild.”

Transformational New Environments

The first of the new environments will be built at SeaWorld San Diego where the killer whale environment is planned to have a total water volume of 10 million gallons, nearly double that of the existing facility. With a planned maximum depth of 50 feet, surface area of nearly 1.5 acres and spanning more than 350 feet in length, the new environment will also have views exceeding 40 feet in height, providing guests with the world’s largest underwater viewing experience of killer whales. 

Named the Blue World Project because of its size and scope, the new environment will allow for increased engagement with SeaWorld experts through new enriching experiences and other interactive programs. The environment will enhance the educational experience for guests, foster deeper knowledge of killer whales and their ocean environment and inspire them to celebrate and conserve the natural world.

Expanding on SeaWorld’s legacy of leading-edge animal environment design, the enlarged environment will provide killer whales with even more dynamic opportunities.  It will support the whales’ broad range of behaviors and provide choices that can challenge the whales both physically and mentally. 

Among other things, it is planned to include a “fast water current” that allows whales to swim against moving water, thus functionally increasing speed and diversity. Innovative features focused on husbandry and animal care will offer SeaWorld’s animal health professionals and independent scientists unique access to the whales that can lead to a better understanding and care of the animals both in the parks and in the wild.

The San Diego environment is expected to open to the public in 2018 with new killer whale homes to follow at SeaWorld Orlando and SeaWorld San Antonio. 

Killer Whale Research

 As part of the Blue World Project, SeaWorld has committed $10 million in matching funds focused on threats to killer whales in the wild, especially those identified by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration related to the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whale.  That includes new projects already funded this year: one that will help to understand the hearing ranges of killer whales and the other that will provide insight into nutritional status and reproduction of the Southern Resident Killer Whale.  The matching funds will be in addition to killer whale research conducted by SeaWorld’s scientists, which includes nearly 50 studies to date. 

 Recognizing that ocean health is a leading concern for killer whales and all marine mammals in the wild, the company also announced it will be embarking on a major multi-million dollar partnership focused on protecting the ocean.   

Advisory Panel

SeaWorld will also engage an Independent Advisory Panel to bring new perspectives and ideas to the project. The panel will focus on the creation of an environment that maximizes the health and wellbeing of the animals. Given the particular expertise of current panelists and those expected to join, the panel will further advise on integrated research projects that can be conducted within the new environment and foster partnerships within the science and academic communities working in the wild. 

 

Current Advisory Panel members include:

  • Dr. Paul Boyle, Senior Vice President for Conservation and Education, Association of Zoos & Aquariums
  • Dr. Heidi Harley, Professor of Psychology, New College of Florida
    • Dr. Dorian Houser, Director of Conservation and Biological Research, National Marine Mammal Foundation
    • Dr. Linda Lowenstein, Professor Emeritus Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine
    • Dr. Shawn Noren, Associate Research Scientist, Institute of Marine Science, University of California Santa Cruz
    • Mr. Tom Otten, Chief Executive Officer, Reef Experience
    • Dr. James F.  Peddie, DVM, Distinguished Faculty Chair, Exotic Animal Training and Management Program, Moorpark College
    • Dr. Paul Ponganis, Research Physiologist, Scripps Institution of Oceanography
    • Dr. Kwane Stewart, Chief Veterinary Officer and National Director, Film and Television Unit, American Humane Association
    • Dr. Pam Yochem, Senior Research Scientist and Executive Vice President, Research, Hubbs SeaWorld Research Institute

For more information on the Blue World Project, please visit www.seaworld.com/blueworld

 

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Safety expert wants deer cull for Eastern Ontario

Roy Khabbaz
Roy Khabbaz

 

Following a terrible accident involving a deer near Kemptville on Christmas day, the Canada Safety Council’s past President is speaking-out on the status of Eastern Ontario’s whitetail herd.

The freak accident which claimed the life of 31-year old Roy Khabbaz, was just that, a freak accident, but Emile Therien once head honcho of the Canada Safety Council feels it’s time to thin the herd through a cull.

Therien was quoted as saying;

“There’s a heck of a lot of deer out there and they’re not going to go away, and I think at some point governments are going to have to decide how big the herd is and how many do they want to cull”

An article on the subject appearing this weekend in a local publication pointed-out, among other things, deer collision statistics for Ontario as well as the “Speeding Costs You Deerly” awareness campaign – a program run by the City which I’ve not heard of until now.

Yes, we do have a solid number of deer in this Region, there’s no arguing that…

It will be interesting to see how this recent call for a ‘deer cull’ is perceived, with someone from the Canada Safety Council bringing it to light. Anytime a hunter or conservationist mentions that dreaded four-letter word (Cull) Antis are all over us, like Oprah on a baked ham! (sorry Oprah)

The truth of the matter is, the deer herd in Eastern Ontario is actually in rebuild mode; still down substantially in numbers from 5-6 years ago. You see, Central Canada delivered its own style ‘cull’ at the time in the form of two wicked winters in a row; wiping out as much as 1/3 of the deer in some areas. Fact is, we are a piece off the number of deer this region boasted some 8-10 years ago.

Please don’t get me wrong, the accident on Christmas day is a terrible loss of a young life and my heart goes out to family and friends. As does my heart for the victims of the awful accident along the 148 in 2011 where a large black bear claimed two lives.

But is now the time for an all-out deer cull in eastern Ontario?

My opinion is that sustained white-tailed deer harvest is required; based on sound population surveys where available, along with hunter harvest statistics to help control and manage the herd. (Hunter’s harvest statistics are not currently being heavily utilized in Ontario, as the MNR do not have the resources to do so.)

Managing deer in our region has always been a conundrum and it seems nothing has changed. We’ll see if the Canada Safety Council has any pull in that regard.

What do you think?

Outdoorsguy

 

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Happy New Year from Safari Club International

BobV

Thanks to Bob Valcov(above) – Director of Safari Club International (SCI) Canada for the great letter he sent, on behalf of all hunters across the country!

Cheers Bob and keep up the great work!

 

 

January 7, 2013

 

Hug a Hunter

 

To Jeff Morrison – Outdoors Guy

 

As we go forward into this new year, it is time to recognize and show appreciation for everything Canadian hunters do to promote wildlife conservation across our great country. It is time to hug a hunter. I borrow the term from an ad campaign in Colorado.

 

Hunters have been and continue to be willing to pay the price in terms of volunteer time and in hard cash to protect wildlife and its habitat while others either pay lots of politically-correct lip service or, even worse, simply take the outdoors for granted.

 

Hunters do more for conservation than any other group. In fact, hunter-founded conservation organizations are principally responsible for bringing back North American wildlife that was almost extinct a century ago.  Modern hunters in North America have never caused a wildlife species to become extinct, endangered, or even threatened.  The truth is, every game species that is hunted has increased in number. Hunters most probably saved deer, elk, bear and waterfowl from extinction.

 

Payments for hunting and fishing licenses are the main method of financing the management and protection of wildlife and their habitats. Hunting and fishing are essential tools in wildlife management to maintain healthy and diverse populations of wildlife. Hunting and fishing develop a sense of personal accountability for Canada’s natural resources within individuals.

 

Hunter-based conservation organizations contribute millions to conservation projects. Last year, SCI Foundation alone granted $400,000 to North American wildlife projects; more than $4 million over the last ten years.  One of these worthy projects, for example, is the Newfoundland Caribou Strategy. Over five years, the SCI Foundation has granted $250,000 to investigate the decline of woodland caribou in Newfoundland & Labrador; in other words, to establish the sound scientific evidence upon which intelligent future management decisions can be based.

 

It would be a serious mistake to discount the huge contribution made by Canadian hunters to the conservation of our wildlife and its habitat. So give a hunter a hug and thank them for their support of nature.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Bob Valcov.

Director: Safari Club International-Canada.

Suite 200, 440 Laurier Ave. W./Ave. Laurier O.,Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1R 7X6; Tel: 613-683-LYNX (5969); www.SCI-Canada.ca

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Ottawa most wildlife unfriendly City in Canada?

Beaverinpond

According to the Animal Alliance of Canada, our Nation’s Capital is one cruel place indeed – when it comes to beavers anyway.

In a media release, the animal rights group pleads with Mayor Jim Watson that the City can no longer keep “crushing, strangling, gassing, poisoning and shooting wildlife.”

If you click on the link, you’re led into the group’s website and what I would refer to as the ‘back story’  on this issue –  a letter from Donna DuBreuil of the Ottawa-Carleton Wildlife Centre regarding a family of beavers in Stittsville.

In Ms. DuBreuil’s letter entitled; Ottawa’s Shame…a Death Sentence for the Stittsville Beavers, she recounts the story of a mother beaver and her kits  removed from Paul Lindsay Park and relocated to a new area.

In  the letter, Ms DuBreuil notes that a relocation of this nature would likely mean death to one beaver family…(I mean Lily and her kits, sorry)

Ottawa, the most wildlife unfriendly City in Canada?

Is it me or has the Animal Alliance of Canada totally lost their mind??

I know it may sound like cruel and unusual punishment but in the real world the only logical & ethical  way to manage a beaver population is through trapping, which is exactly what should have happened in this situation.  (But I do understand that trapping is not always a viable option within City limits.)

We Conservationists  are not being heartless or mean, and it may come as a shock to many but there are actually more beaver in North America today than when Pioneers first arrived at this country! Reason being: their population is no longer trapped to manageable levels.

But calling Ottawa a ‘Wildlife Unfriendly City’ after they went through the effort of relocating a family of beavers instead of trapping them,  is the most preposterous thing I have ever heard!

By the way, I have some raccoons at my place that need relocating…

Outdoorsguy

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Vote Memories2DVD as Small Business of the Year

Keeblerpic

(Keebler accepting his 2011 Small Business award)

Ok folks, our friend Keebler (aka Brian Houle) has been nominated again for a Grammy Award, I mean Kanata Chamber of Commerce Business Award, sorry about that.

As you may recall, Keebler won the 2011 Small Business Award for his company Memories2DVD- a small business specializing in Video & Audio Transfers, Photo Slideshows & Photo Restorations.

Yes, Keebler is one of those specialized geeks you don’t meet everyday – by that, I mean one who’s an accomplished hunter and is as dedicated to conservation and wildlife as anyone I know! (And besides that, just look at the guy..he’s as cute as a button)

I invite all you hunters and fishermen out there to support a great local business owner and a personal friend. Brian did some incredible work for me a couple of years back. He somehow took a handful of old 5-minute 8mm film reels from a 1974 family trout fishing trip to Northern QC, and transformed them over to modern DVD.

Keebler’s work is impeccable and he deserves accolades again this year. My Outdoors Guy avatar is, incidentally, a screen shot from that video put together through Memories2DVD.

So if you frequent any of the Kanata Chamber businesses, this is how you can help:

The first step is to register your email  http://pcba.kanatachamber.com/en/pcba/register.php 

You receive an email confirmation. If not, be sure to check your spam or junk folder.  If you do not receive the confirmation, please refresh your browser to try again.

Then you go to this link http://pcba.kanatachamber.com/en/pcba/loginVote.php to vote. 

Keebler is listed under Small Business [Goulbourn] – Memories2dvd

Vote for our pal Keebler today…

Outdoorsguy

(This has been an unpaid and unsolicited announcement by Jeff Morrison)