When leaving New York City more than a year ago, I knew matters were going downhill for city parks' wildlife.
But I never imagined the amount of destruction and loss that would occur in just one short year, especially in the park with which I was most familiar: Central Park.
Last summer, virtually all of Central Park's raccoons sickened and died. I have constantly asked friends, but not one has seen a raccoon since last August.
NYC Parks claimed some of the raccoons died from Distemper.
But how does any disease kill virtually all -- especially animals living in different locations of a 843 acre park?
At the same time raccoons were dying left and right in Central Park, 8 of the 9 only goslings to hatch in CP last summer also perished. This is something highly unusual for Canada geese (who are exemplary parents in protecting their young), especially in a place with few natural predators.
It seems no one questioned deaths of the goslings and so no press releases were issued on them.
Then there is the question of declining duck and squirrel numbers in Central Park as their numbers too, are dropping without noted question or cause.
Many who are familiar with NYC parks claim that fruit, nut and seed-bearing trees and plants have been cut down in favor of more ornamental flora.
I can't personally speak to that, but for certain, ALL the vegetation, trees and foliage that surrounded the Jackie Onassis Reservoir was completely demolished with nothing in its place. (The plants and grass were important food sources for goslings who cannot fly, and other waterfowl and animals.)
One Manhattan resident I recently spoke with about the Reservoir said, "Don't worry. The foliage will all grow back in the spring."
We are well into spring now and the Reservoir is as bare as it's been for the past year.
I don't know what park goers tell themselves when witnessing all the destruction, disappearances and deaths happening under their noses (more than 300 raccoons perished in CP last summer). But as much as we are advised to "think positively" and " never judge or criticize," there are times when people need to start paying attention and opening their mouths to question and critique.
That time is especially now considering the hideous and cruel "proposal" that the Mayor seeks to make law: Criminalization of all Bird and Squirrel feeders in city parks. A rule that could potentially land senior citizens and others feeding birds in jail.
Really important for people to find voice to oppose this bitter and draconian measure that appears to be designed to starve remaining wildlife out of city parks and punish people of compassion.
Yesterday, my friend, Laura Taylor shared with me, report and photos from the Jackie Onassis Reservoir in Central Park:
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=369765413879986&id=100025395917812
Despite barren surroundings and mounds of trash and debris in water, four Canada geese have once again returned to their nest site. But only one of the pair (John and Mary) so far have eggs.
Last year was disastrous for both pairs.
John and Mary lost their first batch of eggs, nested again and then lost 3 of 4 of their month-old goslings.
Hansel and Greta lost all five of their babies who were also around a month old.
For all the (previously healthy) goslings to die at that age makes one suspect starvation as cause under the circumstances.
And yet, despite the deliberate gassings and slaughter of more than six thousand NYC geese over the past decade, the harassment and egg destruction of many hundreds more, hope and determination spring eternal.
But not without effort, action and sacrifice.
It is hard to imagine positive outcome for the eggs and potential goslings, Mary now sits on at the barren Jackie Onassis Reservoir based on last year's losses.
But if she and her long time mate, John (as well as Hansel and Greta) are not giving up, neither should we.
Hoping for a huge turnout for Tuesday's anti-proposal rally and loud voices.
The people who support park wildlife are not mindless criminals -- and they have voices!
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