Ida-May Jones

This week, on the 20th August, we hit Earth Overshoot Day. 

This is an approximate date which each year calculates the moment when we have used more natural resources than the planet can re-absorb/reproduce in a year. This means that from now until the end of the year we are using "borrowed" resources from the future. 

After writing my previous post ("My Struggle with Zoos Part Two: A Zoo that is good for Wildlife) I had a wonderful message from Rick Jones at Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust which I wanted to share on this blog. For me it really underlines what Durrell is (whilst correcting some of my errors) and the incredible difference that they have made to our wild world. So read, enjoy and then visit Durrell Wildlife Park if you ever get the opportunity... I sure will when I can! 

Last month I wrote a post about my struggle to decide whether zoos do more good or harm to wildlife - despite their conservation promises many do not live up to actually preserving the species that need saving, and many more of animals kept in zoos are in little danger or extinction. You can read that post here: 

MY STRUGGLE WITH ZOOS: ARE THEY GOOD OR BAD FOR WILDLIFE?

However since having written that post I have discovered a zoo that really does appear to stick to its promises, and it's main focus above and beyond money making is:

"Saving Species from Extinction" 

This is the Durrell Wildlife Park based in Jersey.

On Monday 5th August 2013 the first ever laboratory grown burger was put to the test:

"There's some quite intense flavours... It's close to meat... It's not that juicy but the consistency is perfect."

This was the response of Hanni Rutzler - the Austrian food researcher who was the first to take a bite of the £215,000 burger. 

Today is officially "World Lion Day" - a day to think about these magnificent creatures and spread the word... 

The King of the Jungle is under a serious threat. 

When most people think of Africa the first creature that comes to mind is the lion... He is an indestructible strength and beauty. None can overpower him. 

When most people think of threatened species they think of pandas, elephants, rhinos... Herbivores... Relatively defenceless.  But lions? Lions are fierce,powerful, predators! How can lions be under threat?