Amidst Chaos, New Life!

On the same day a devastating report was issued from the UN regarding animal and plant extinctions, new life was hatched at the Jackie Onassis Reservoir in Central Park.  The symbolic irony should not be lost.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2019/05/06/one-million-species-face-extinction-un-panel-says-humans-will-suffer-result/?utm_campaign=FB_Org_Action&utm_content=20190506&utm_medium=social&utm_source=Facebook&utm_term=.dcbb0303bb3c

Although all the major newspapers covered the extinctions report in which over one million animal, plant and insect species face extinction due mostly to human activities, one can bet the critical issue won't even be mentioned during next year's Presidential campaigns and debates  (unless people demand that it be).

We are a species that for the most part, likes to close its eyes to hard and uncomfortable realities -- especially those that compel us to make changes in our lives.  In many ways we are drowning in our own over-consumption and consumerism -- and we are taking the rest of the planet and animals with us.

But that is not to say matters are completely without hope. 

 "Think globally, act locally."

 This was the original mantra of the Environmental movement and it is so true.

It is vital to be aware of what is happening around the world and how even small, everyday decisions we make have impact. But nowhere is our power stronger for change than in our own backyards and communities.

When noting wildlife disappearing in local parks and communities, it is critical to observe, question why and when necessary, take proactive action to stand up and speak out to officials and those in charge of so-called, "wildlife management."

That is in fact, what this entire struggle to protect what little wildlife remains in NYC parks has been about.

Alterations in and destruction of natural habitat, heavy use of pesticides, insecticides and rodenticides and now, a proposed ban on all feeding of wildlife are succeeding in virtually emptying NYC parks of existing wildlife.

Such should be unacceptable in a world that is in the midst of the "Sixth Great Mass Extinction ."

So far, a final decision on the proposed "Wildlife Feeding Ban" (though expected in early April), has not yet been issued for NYC parks.  That is hopefully a possible sign that all the calls and letters are having some impact. It's important to keep them coming:

https://www.facebook.com/326231281077113/posts/819191245114445/

Yesterday, friend and fellow wildlife advocate, Laura Taylor went to the Jackie Onassis Reservoir in Central Park and discovered that the nesting Canada goose we named, "Caroline" hatched three perfect goslings. 

Caroline and her mate, Charlie are first-time parents at the Reservoir. It is suspected she is likely a daughter of Greta who is currently nesting at the East Side of the watercourse.   (Female geese choose nesting sites and usually in locations where they themselves hatched several years before.)

There is also new foliage attempting to grow in between the rocks surrounding Reservoir.

All hopeful signs.  But hope alone means little without consistent action.

Whether these goslings ultimately survive -- and the world's wildlife as a whole -- depends upon the actions that we as humans take over the ensuing weeks, months and years.

Environment, climate change and animal extinctions need to be pushed to the top of priority lists during all upcoming elections.

And in the meantime, we need to be not only allowed to support city parks wildlife, but welcomed to do so.

   
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