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Illinois Zoo Welcomes Birth of Endangered Amur Leopards

Two leopard babies, part of an endangered species, have been successfully born in an Illinois zoo, prompting celebrations. Scientists across the globe have been clamoring to both protect and increase the species.

The Amur leopard cubs were born at Niabi Zoo located in Coal Valley, Illinois, according to a Facebook announcement.

The Amur leopard is a subspecies of leopard that is found in the southeastern corner of Russia as well as northern China, respectively. As of 2007, just 19–26 wild leopards remained in SE Russia as well as NE China, making it a Critically Endangered species according to the IUCN Red List.

As per the zoo, the Amur leopard is the planet’s most severely threatened big cat, with fewer than 100 individuals left in the wild.

According to the zoo, just seven more were born in the United States in 2021. In 2019, the Niabi Zoo collaborated with the Amur Leopard Conservation Initiative.

The Amur leopard “Jilin” was brought over from Europe and confined with the other leopards from European zoos for breeding purposes. Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens of Great Britain gave the wildlife park “Iona” in July 2021.

They claimed to have had a third cub, but it only survived for a few days. Remarkably, the two remaining pups, a male and a female, are doing well.

As of 2015, it was estimated that less than 60 people were left in China and Russia. Between 2014 and 2015, camera-trapping inspections mostly along the Russian-Chinese border found 92 animals in a transborder region of 3,242 sq miles. A total of roughly 90 leopards were counted in the habitat in 2019. In the year 2021, the population was recorded to be around 110 people.

Since the leopard population in this part of Eurasia is genetically related to leopards throughout northern China and Korea, it is reasonable to assume that population fragmentation began in the early twentieth century. In 2017, the North Chinese leopard, a separate subspecies, was removed from the Amur leopard.

The Amur leopard is currently found in an area of around 2,700 square miles in the Russian Far East. It is well-suited to the region’s frigid environment and copious amounts of snowfall. There is evidence that the leopard prefers mountainous terrain (especially sun-drenched south-facing rocky slopes) throughout the winter.

Wild sika deer and deer husbandry are the two most common habitats for this disease. Despite a high and long wire barrier, leopards traverse the Tumen River between Russia, China, and probably North Korea.

For the first time, an Amur leopard has been captured by a camera trap in the Changbai Mountains of Jilin and Heilongjiang provinces in 2010. As the name implies, this environment is made up of broadleaved and coniferous trees, and the average yearly temperature there is 1.5 degrees Celsius (34.7 degrees Fahrenheit). From January 2013 through July 2014, camera traps established up in this area captured leopards on up to 4,858 square kilometers (1,876 sq mi).

The Amur leopard’s distribution in China is highly fragmented, with populations concentrated in a few isolated areas. Camera trapping surveys in Shanxi Province between 2007 and 2014 found leopards in 16 conservation areas as well as six nature reserves, such as Foping National Nature Reserve.

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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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