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Amazonian Manatees on the Increase, Researchers Say

The manatee inhabitants in the Amazon have been showing signs of growth following a period of extreme commercial fisheries from the 1930s to the 1950s. There are substantial manatee communities adjacent to residential areas in the Piagaçu-Purus protected zone in the province of Amazonas.

Calves that have lost their parents or have sustained injuries in these events go to rehab facilities. However, these facilities are underfunded and overpopulated. There are still threats in the shape of illegal hunting and unintended capture.

Observers soon discovered that one of the manatees released back into the wild from these treatment facilities was pregnant after being monitored since her return.

As soon as the sun arose, Diogo de Souza and a local manatee expert would sneak out of their home (where he went from 3:00 a.m.) to get to work among the carapanãs, giant Amazonian mosquitoes.

They sat still in their wooden rowboat under the blazing hot sun, pretty standard of the dry period, watching for indications of the existence of Brazil’s biggest mammal, which can sprout up to three meters (10 feet) in length and weigh 500 kilograms (1,100 pounds). Is there any way an animal this large could be so difficult to spot?

Known as the “ghost animal,” Amazonian manatees (Trichechus inunguis) are notoriously tricky to track down. Even cigarette ashes fall into the Amazonian waters, where the manatee quickly blends into the murky waters, say, fishers. Biologists also suggested that manatees developed their ability to hide from humans by sticking only their noses above the water’s surface to take a breath during the unregulated hunting that occurred between the 1930s and the 1950s. The clamor for manatee leather for commercial applications like hoses, transmission belts, pulleys, and loom parts was at its peak at that time.

De Souza, Vice President of Manatee Friends Association, performed a study assessing various methods for inferring the manatee’s central Amazon distribution range. Thirty-three lakes in the Piagaçu-Purus protected area, established in 2003 and located just over 120 miles from the capital of Amazonas state, were under survey for 44 days by the researchers.

There are encouraging signs that the manatee population in the Purus River region is rebounding, according to their research. Even though they can’t count the number of manatees in the same way as porpoises, hints like fecal matter, the vegetation they eat, plus glimpses of the creatures themselves indicate growth. Residents agree that the community is coming back as well.

“It appears that setting up the reserve had a positive impact,” Souza said, adding that “the population may have rebounded in the region that we were studying. Manatee sightings have increased, according to residents and anglers we spoke to.”

The researchers cannot apply these findings to other Amazonian reserves, but the results of a 2004 genetic analysis in the Brazilian Amazon uncovered evidence of manatee population growth.

At the National Institute for Amazonian Research, Vera da Silva, a scientist and co-author of both the studies claims to have seen clusters of up to 12 creatures.

The Piagaçu-Purus findings show that several manatees live close to human communities, surprising the experts. The perfect location for the mammal to live is also the most excellent spot for humans to live, and they coexist peacefully within the sanctuary.

Both species prefer regions fertilized by nutrients floating down from the Andes, such as floodplains, zones with abundant streams, and areas linked to other waterways.

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Rescue Dog Leads Police to Injured Owner, Hailed as a “True Hero”

Renee Yates

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A loyal rescue dog named Gita is being celebrated for saving her elderly owner’s life after leading a police officer to a remote cabin where the man lay injured.

In rural Stevens County, Washington, Gita, a 13-year-old rescue dog, refused to leave her owner’s side after he suffered a serious fall. Police were unaware of the situation until Deputy Wright, on a routine patrol two weeks ago, spotted Gita sitting in the middle of the road with no homes in sight.

The Stevens County Sheriff’s Office shared the remarkable story on their Facebook page, emphasizing the critical role Gita played in the rescue. After attempting to coax the dog into his vehicle with no success, Deputy Wright sensed that something was wrong. He searched the nearby area within a mile radius but found nothing and trusted his instincts to keep following Gita.

“Gita is a 13-year-old rescue and best friend to the man in trouble,” the sheriff’s office stated. “Had it not been for her, the outcome could have been much worse. We owe this rescue to Gita’s loyalty and quick thinking.”

When the dog led the officer down a lesser-known roadway, Wright discovered a small summer cabin. It was there, not far from the cabin, that he found the 84-year-old man on the ground, injured and calling for help. The man had fallen, hurt his leg, and required his regular medication due to other health issues.

While the sheriff’s office hasn’t released further details about the man’s condition, they praised both the deputy and Gita for their actions, concluding their post with: “Thank you, Deputy Wright, for your dedication, and thank you Gita, for being a good girl and a true hero.”

A family member of the elderly man shared her gratitude online, noting that he is her 91-year-old mother’s cousin. “We are so thankful to Deputy Wright and the Stevens County Sheriff’s Office. And of course, Gita, for being there when it mattered most.”

The story quickly gained attention, with many applauding both the officer’s instincts and Gita’s heroic behavior.

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Utah Woman Donates Kidney to Man She Met on a Hike

Renee Yates

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In an inspiring turn of events, a Utah County woman donated her kidney to a man she had only recently met on a hike.

Krissy Miller crossed paths with Shiller Joseph while hiking on Y Mountain, near Brigham Young University, in September 2023. During their chance meeting, Miller, a 49-year-old mother of four, learned that Joseph was in desperate need of a kidney. Without hesitation, she offered one of hers. Following medical tests, it was confirmed that they were a compatible match.

The story took an even more heartwarming turn when, after their initial encounter, Miller presented Joseph with what appeared to be a box of rolls. But inside the box was a sign that revealed her incredible gift — she would be his kidney donor.

On Monday, the pair reunited at Intermountain Health in Murray after a successful transplant surgery. Their emotional meeting came after months of preparation and surgery that gave Joseph, 45, a new chance at life.

Joseph, who has lupus, had been on the kidney transplant waiting list for some time. The average wait time for a kidney transplant in the U.S. is three to five years, with more than 90,000 people currently waiting for a life-saving organ. The National Kidney Foundation estimates that around 20 people die each day while waiting for a transplant, underscoring the critical need for organ donors.

Miller’s decision to donate her kidney without hesitation showcases the profound impact one person can make in the face of overwhelming need. This act of kindness not only saved Joseph’s life but also shines a spotlight on the importance of organ donation.

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A Young Hero for Hens

Renee Yates

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Harriet, a 12-year-old from Chart Sutton, Kent, is making a difference in the lives of farm hens. Every Saturday morning, she volunteers with Fresh Start For Hens, a local charity dedicated to finding new homes for commercial egg-laying hens.

These hens, typically 72 weeks old, are often destined for slaughter when their egg production declines. However, Fresh Start For Hens buys them from farms and rehomes them as pets.

At collection points like the one in Aylesford, Harriet helps transfer over 100 hens from farms to their new owners. The charity ensures potential adopters provide suitable living conditions for the hens, requiring photos of coops and runs, along with a minimum donation of £2.75 per bird.

Many of these hens arrive in poor condition, sometimes even bald from stress-induced feather pecking. Harriet explains, “They get quite bored, so they peck each other and rip out their feathers.” Remarkably, after a few weeks in their new homes, most hens regain their feathers.

Harriet’s dedication earned her the BBC Young Reporter award. She hopes her story will inspire more farmers to choose rehoming over slaughter for their hens. As Harriet puts it, “It makes me feel proud that I can do something for these chickens, save their lives and give them to these happy families.”

The charity operates entirely on volunteer efforts. Petrina Thomas, who leads collection mornings, believes they’re all motivated by a simple principle: “the love of hens.”

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Social Media Miracle: Stranger’s Selfless Act Saves Baby’s Life

Renee Yates

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Amazing human kindness helped give a six-month-old girl named Helin Dinlera second chance at life. It’s all thanks to the generosity of a stranger who responded to an urgent online plea. Helin, diagnosed with a rare and life-threatening liver condition called Biliary Atresia, faced a grim prognosis without a liver transplant.

When no family members were found to be suitable donors, Helin’s mother, Anna Shushura, turned to social media in a desperate attempt to find help. Her emotional appeal caught the attention of Letty Fenlon, a 27-year-old show jumper from Yorkshire, who felt compelled to act.

Letty, already registered as an organ donor, underwent extensive testing and was confirmed as a match for Helin. Despite the risks associated with major surgery, Letty’s determination to help prevailed. In May, she underwent a six-hour procedure to donate a portion of her liver to the infant.

The transplant was successful, and now, at nine months old, Helin is thriving. While she still requires regular medical check-ups, her progress has been remarkable. Helin’s family expresses immense gratitude towards Letty, whose selfless act has given their daughter a chance at a normal life.

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Trust and Perseverance: The Remarkable Rescue of Lessie from the Boundary Waters

Shannon Jackson

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A heartwarming tale of survival and rescue has emerged from Minnesota’s Boundary Waters, where a German Shepherd named Lessie was found after being lost for 55 days. This story highlights the importance of trust-building and community effort in reuniting lost pets with their families.

Lessie’s ordeal began when she escaped following a car accident on the Gunflint Trail near Grand Marais in late June. The Retrievers, a non-profit organization dedicated to finding missing dogs, immediately mobilized to assist in the search.

After a month of uncertainty, hope was rekindled when Lessie was spotted near Ham Lake, miles from the accident site. A Minneapolis-based volunteer, familiar with the area, stepped up to help. Armed with guidance from The Retrievers and his previous experience, he set up camp to search for Lessie.

The volunteer’s patient approach proved crucial. Using food and a trail camera, he gradually gained Lessie’s trust over several days. His persistence paid off when he finally managed to leash Lessie and lead her to safety, facilitating an emotional reunion with her owners.

Jennifer Cadigan of The Retrievers emphasized the intelligence and resilience of dogs, noting that Lessie likely survived on discarded fish remains from nearby campsites. This remarkable story serves as an inspiring reminder to never lose hope when searching for a lost pet.

The successful rescue of Lessie after nearly two months in the wilderness underscores the effectiveness of combining community involvement, expert guidance, and unwavering determination in resolving missing pet cases.

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