ECOLOKIND

KINDNESS IN NATURE'S DEFENSE VOLUME 4 NUMBER 2 FEBRUARY 1975 Space-Age Blood Letting Must End!

way of "getting out the vote." In some ways our present civilization is no better. Today, some people still worship the pagan gods of power, prestige, publicity, political strength, and wealth. Hitler "got out the vote" by trying to sacri­ fice an entire race of people. He never finished his job but he left a mark on the Jewish people that cannot be forgotten. The ancients of South America also dealt in . The temple below was often the site of human blood spilling. Blood spilling for personal gain, power, and publicity has raised its ugly head again in the needless slaughter of baby calves in Wisconsin late last year. The cattle farmers that par­ ticipated in the ritual claimed that they had no choice. They said that the rising cost of liv­ ing made it impossible for them to continue to feed the calves. They wanted the Govern­ ment to step in and assist them through these

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Just imagine that you're riding down a country road and you see the sign above. Or, perhaps you saw the real thing on TV. What do you think about C: the needless inhumane slaughter of animals? 0 C: Down through the history of mankind runs a sad :::i C: tale of blood letting - war - hunting - and co .� sacrifice. Hunting was a natural enough way for E the ancients and the modern day frontiersmen and <( C: co frontierswomen to satisfy their appetites. 0... +-' C: War was often the outgrowth of expanding popula­ a., tions, diminishing food supplies, and plain old co D. greed. Sacrifices of humans and animals might be a., viewed as PR campaigns by ancient advertising men

:::, who had something to sell. More often than not, the 0 f- something they were selling was dependence upon � a certain leader or leaders. The sacrifices helped � :::, keep the people together. The sacrifices were used u0 I to appease the anger of the gods. Red blood helped Chichen ltza, the Mayan Temple of Kukulkan, on whose heights sell uncivilized people ideas and beliefs. It was a sacrifices were offered to appease pagan gods. 2 3 hard times. The slaughter was used to gain animals have also been ritualistically slaughtered national · attention for their problem. As you in public parks. There have even been occasional �ITTJ@u��------know, the bloody PR stunt failed. It may have reports of people found murdered in a ritualistic been that the farmers failed to take into ac­ fashion. Blood letting in the name of the Devil count that everybody is in the same boat. We're has continued through the stone age to the space age. Giant Snails all suffering from the effects of the rising cost It's amazing in a nation which gives mil­ of living. But we're not all destroying life. lions of dollars and millions of hours of vol­ Invade Florida There are other blood letting rituals going unteer time to worthy causes to find we still have on too. The reports of Satanistic animal slaughters people working the minus side of the street. 'V are on the increase. Little is known about these Stopping Devil worship and other secret rites " activities until after the rituals have been per­ that involve blood letting will be difficult. End­ formed. The reports by farmers in the midwest ing the needless slaughter of calves won't be have noted that young, healthy steers, often of so hard. Public opinion went against the farmers. breeding age, have been found slaughtered in the Some are now giving calves to poor people. field. During these ritualistic rites, the inner Killing of calves might also be prevented if the organs of the animals have been removed. Small anti-cruelty laws were invoked against such offenders. f

Who Really Needs Alligators? Third and Final Installment How they got there no one really knows. But the introduction of any non-native plant or animal into Or tigers, whales and wolves? We all do-because every time a species disappears our future on earth is a tropical type of environment such as Florida has jeopardized in ways we can't even conceive can be potentially devastating. Non-natives adapt readily to the mild climate and can wreak havoc on By Robert Bendiner all sorts of native flora and fauna. These giant African snails (Achatina fulica) were found in two Reprinted with permissionfrom the August 1974 Reader's Digest. Copyright 1974 by The Reader'sDigest Assn., Inc. places in Florida. Efforts of officials to destroy them have been reported to have been 95% successful. Beyond the ecological risks and economic folly of whose habitat is now threatened by the draining -- . wantonly eliminating an animal species, one must activity of would be developers, should at last die out finally take account of the benefits to humanity that after millennia of miraculous survival, what difference may well have been sacrificed. For example, if the fruit could it possibly make? Marching Flamingos Only this - that the world would have lost a fly, that seemingly dispensable insect, had been wiped Ardastra Botanical Gardens, Nassau-Hedley Edwards out a century ago by some early and successful matchless laboratory for the study of evolution. For has 21 flamingos trained to do intricate parade pesticide, it is doubtful that scientists would know some of these fish have been stranded in isolated steps, all in unison. On command to 'Muster!', they nearly as much as they do today about genetics. It just communities for thousands of years, and each com­ come running from their pool and assemble. They happens that the fruit fly has a life cycle of less than munity has had to adapt to different conditions. Some respond to such commands as 'Parade!', 'Halt!', two weeks, remarkable fertility, and other major ad­ have learned to live in water hotter than 100 degrees; 'About Turn!', 'Double Time!'. But the climax of vantages for laboratory study, enabling geneticists to others can tolerate a range of temperature from the show is when Edwards shouts 'Charge!', and they observe scores of generational changes within a few freezing to at least 100 degress. run around the parade grounds with wings extended. years. The natural world is still so full of such wonders, Edwards is 71, but he refuses to reveal his In the same way, whales and dolphins are proving with such potential for illuminating life, that when man 'military secret' on how he trains these shy birds. ro C of unexpected but inestimable value in the study of pushes any species to extinction, he jeopardizes his 0 ·;:a circulatory systems and heat-exchange mechanisms. own future in ways that he cannot even conceive. Yet ro z The swordfish has warned mankind of an unsuspected he is doing just that - not viciously as a rule, but overdose of mercury in seas. And the brown pelican mindlessly. -�Ql z and peregrine falcon have given us timely notice that It is a curious logic that lets him willfully club to C 0 ·;:a DDT can adversely affect reproduction. death, say, the last of the great auks, and half a century ro c In the Death Valley area, a few deep springs survive later reverently value an auk's egg in a museum at :); C 0 from those glacial days 20,000 years ago, when lakes $2000 as the awesome relic of a vanished past. And u and streams covered large areas of California and "awesome" is surely the right word. For, as the great � Nevada now given over to desert. These oases are the naturalist William Beebe put it: t::, 0 refuge of the tiny pupfish, spirited remnant of an "When the last individual of a race of living things u "' aquatic life that otherwise vanished by the time the breathes no more, another heaven and another earth 0

L valley dried up 4,000 years ago. If these creatures, must pass before such a one can be again." CL

©1975, The Humane Society of the United States, 100 L St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037. The ECOLOKIND newsletter is published monthly � _ Permission to reprint art and text is hereby granted to teachers for non-commercial educational purposes. Credit line should read "Reprinted by 4 5

��@]®��'------°\ It's Your Lucky Day! Review - All About Rabbits

Do you believe in good or bad ? Or, do you they could get for good luck charms. Watership Down a novel by Richard Adams MacMillan Co. $6.95 believe that success or failure is based upon other American frontiersmen started the whole thing. things such as effort, education, and knowing the But when the American businessmen got in on the they patrol, raid gardens, and, in some warrens they right person? scheme, they exported the idea to Europe. Pretty militantly control the residents. Whatever it is, luck has found a happy home in soon, the idea caught on there too. Frith is the Creator of the Universe, generally repre­ the American vocabulary (and mind). Animals are We've made light of it, but just imagine how sented by the sun. But El-ahrairah is the Prince of often associated with good and bad luck. A rabbit's many rabbits died in the pursuit of luck. Rabbits, and the upon him and his children is foot is said to bring good luck. are Black Cats represented by the many enemies that rabbits now supposed to bring bad luck. And let's not forget Because cats are mysterious and independent· have. Their life style has thus been altered, and now the good luck horseshoe over the door. How many and because black has often been associated with rabbits remain in their warrens during daylight hours, sports groups do you know that have a good luck mas­ evil, we get the age old myth that black cats and come out to feed only at night. cot? How about the Navy ram and the Army mule? are bad luck. The ancients even believed that Fiver is just a runt of a rabbit, but his special attri­ We wonder how many people are carrying rabbit's Satan himself frequently changed into a black . bute is his ability to sense danger. Fiver senses an un­ feet around with them. And, how many rabbits were There's also the story that black cats were known, unseen danger related to their warren and rab­ needlessly killed in the name of luck? How many seen in the company of the Devil. So naturally, bit community. He can't explain it; all he knows is that people run the other way when they see a black cat people didn't want black cats around. Medieval people the warren is no longer safe, and they must leave. for fear that it might cross their path? felt that the approach of a black cat meant doom Elil is anything evil, including the many predator We'd like to set the record straight. Here's the was right around the corner. enemies they must avoid. They learn the hard way background on a few of these good-bad luck stories. If a black cat crossed in front of you, it about the cruelties of the trap. The reader learns, too, meant that you should turn around and go home. Wttership that a rabbit must flee danger quickly. Otherwise he is Perhaps you can spread the word and end some need­ less fears and unfounded beliefs. And so it goes. O>wnn�elby liable to go 'tharn'. That's the strange stupefying There was a time when black were killed trance rabbits can fall into so easily. It's one of the for fear that they brought bad luck. We wonder if Richard Adams worst things that can happen to a rabbit. about cats may have been reflected With Fiver's urging, some of the rabbits start out on in the ways some people of one color feel about those It isn't often we feel a fictional novel is worthy of their journey. Along the way they are confronted by of another color? space to review. But this book is unique. It's strictly many hazards. The most notable one is being captured Horseshoe Over Door fictional and fanciful, because its heroes are rabbits, and held prisoners by a warren of militant rabbits. The This one's a beauty. The story goes that St. and the reader is introduced to their peculiar language, elaborate escape plan requires a lot of imagination to Dunstan the blacksmith was once approached by a to convey the story. It's an interesting language. In put together, and the telling of the actual escape keeps man who came into the shop and asked to be fitted fact you could call it picturesque. We find an Owsla is the reader spellbound. Anyone reading this best seller with horseshoes. Of course, St. Dunstan knew that a group of strong, two year old bucks, who surround the will develop a whimsical fascination and respect for the man was the Devi I. The blacksmith managed to Chief Rabbit and maintain law and order. Sometimes rabbits everywhere. tie up the Devil and put on the horseshoes. But he made it so painful that the Devil swore he wou Id never enter a place that had a horseshoe The Private Life of the Rabbit R.M. Lockley MacMillan Co. $6.95 over the door. Other variations to the story point to the fact Prompted by the instantaneous best seller success if her own mate is overpowered in a dominance that iron was also revered as a good luck charm by of Watership Down, this book, written many years ago, struggle, and evicted from his territory. medieval folk. And, early horseshoes were made has been published again. It was the major reference This study of rabbits was originally prompted of iron. source Richard Adams drew upon for writing Water­ by the earliest investigations of that most dreaded Rabbit's Foot We wonder if just believing that the horseshoe ship Down. It now contains a forward by him. of rabbit diseases, myxomatosis. Information on Rabbits are quick. And they change color with brought good luck changed the way some people Far from being fiction, this is a scientific report this disease is included in the book, therefore, the seasons. Years ago, hunters found that rabbits went about their business and thus made those people of the study of rabbits under control led conditions. as well as the many subtle factors influencing were hard to trap and kill. The hunter who came in more successful. It's food for thought. It demonstrates how rabbits are affected by stress its spread that had to be discovered before the with a rabbit made sure he told everyone about it. You can do your good deed for the day by telling conditions, how they maintain dominance and order, disease could be controlled. If you want to learn Pretty soon, people got the idea that the hunter your friends about the good and bad luck stories and the strong attachment the female displays to­ more about rabbits, this is a useful book, especially who killed a rabbit had good luck. So, some folks you've just read. You might even want to look up the ward the tunnels she digs for her young. Often she as it reveals what prompted Adams to write Watership bought rabbit's feet, ears, or whatever body parts origins of other superstitions. will accept another mate rather than leave her home, Down.

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D (11]� � �®� � [p(ll]UU @�------... fu@m V@M, ______

Dear KIND, Dear KIND, An Ecology Puzzle The editorial in the November 1974 ECOLOKIND I walked my dog every day last summer at 6: 00 A. M. really summed up what KIND means to me. The part (because it isn't smart nor safe to exercise an animal Bob Tatro has sent this Ecology Puzzle that is a which I can really relate to is - "We're part of the in extremely hot temperatures). While I exercised real brain stretcher. Of course, if you are really into truth seekers who want brotherly love, honesty, him I picked up many bottles and cans and brought ecology awareness, you might get all the answers and peace for the world. We are tired of war and them to stores for deposit money. I must have right. Every statement represents an important fact violence. We seek a new life style that does not violate washed hundreds of bottles and cans but I reaped to know for anyone interested in helping animals. Nature, but is in perfect harmony with Nature's laws. the harvest of $10.50 for my efforts. And, while I was And we intend to make it happen". making money from discarded bottles and cans, I was 1. The living space that an animal defends: __ A.___ ..0.. _ -· Here is my renewal because I believe we can make it also cleaning up some of my environment. All the happen. money I collected is going to worthy animal projects, 2. Dominance relationship in chickens: __ __C___- __ __D.__ . Love, Laura J. Carlson, age 15 because you in turn help many creatures of God. Sincerely, Eileen Barber, age 16 3. A highly organized type of population: ___ L __ Y. Dear KIN D, 4. Jane Goodall studies: __ _l______E.__. Dear KIND, I would like to pass along my appreciation and I am enclosing $2.00 for renewing my membership congratulations to the editor and all those people 5. The relationship of different species: __ _I_-___ - _l___ . for 1975. Please note and keep a record that I wi11 be that help publish the interesting and informative 6. Relation to other life forms in the community:___ j:f__. : fifteen in February of next year. So perhaps in January information sent to KIND members each month. I will be put in ECOLOKIND. I am most pleased with Again, my thanks and keep up the good work! 7. Place where organisms live: __ _I___ A_. your newsletters. For once, it seems like I'm in a real Yours very sincerely, Michele Bailey, age 16 club, and this is my newsletter! Bet you'll be surprised to learn there are only two 8. Many species that live and interact in an environment:_ 0 ______y_ Gratefully yours, Gary Brewer of us in the KIND Department, ye editor and editorial You were .automatically 'graduated' to ECOLOKIND on assistant. Other staff members of The Humane 9. A system of relationships between a non-living physical environment and a January 1, Gary, so you'll receive ECOLOKIND news­ Society helps us as we need it, though. At any rate, we living biological community: _ __t______S_____ . , letters from now on. Glad you like KIND.-Ed. appreciate your comments very much.-Ed.

10. The study of ecosystems: __ 0 __ _G___.

. I' 11. The study of life: _J_____ Y SToPTHAT n,. YoU'Ri. [l!Cr1N6 Llkl "PERSON ,r ' ... __ ('� -:.. , ___/· X 12. Early ornithologist and artist: _ _U___ _I__-· ( �,______..J ANSWERS

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One of our members has questioned whether or not cult thing to do, but it can be done. And it eliminates we really should have this editorial page, saying the middle man. It certainly is a simpler life, and one that younger K IND members may not know an editorial in which a person can get much closer to Nature. reflects the editor's opinion. And so it does. And • • • we want you to be sure to know what's written on We hope you'll get a chance to read "Watership this page is the opinion of your editor. We'd sort of Down". We really enjoyed it. Learning about the miss not being able to express our opinions, but we ways of rabbits helps give an insight into other want you to have your opinions, too. And express social structures that live on this Earth along with them. That's what page 7 is for. If you'll notice, this us. It's a part of understanding; the first step to­ issue also has a cartoon on page 7. That's be­ ward caring and helping to protect another life form. cause not many ECOLOKIND members had expressed Do rabbits express emotions? Richard Adams seems an opinion this month. Why don't you write and tell us to think they do. There are other species of animals just what you think? On this or any other subject. that go 'tharn', too, such as birds. It's just possible We'll be glad to have more letters from you to print. that there is a whole new field of fascinating science • • • waiting for us, in learning how Nature equips prey We may have started you to thinking with the animals to go 'tharn'. It's even possible that this article on page 1 this month. Do you agree with it? state of shock is a built in mechanism to reduce or Or disagree? We think there is a relationship there minimize the pain associated with death when a prey and that bloodletting has no place in a civilized animal is attacked by a predator. People often say that society. What do you think? Or do you think those Nature is cruel. Is She really? Or do we just think farmers got a raw deal? There were many other farm­ Nature is cruel, because we don't yet understand ers who didn't kill calves in protest, of course. exactly how Nature works in every instance. It's Those who maintained enough pasture and hay interesting to think about, anyway. Your editor would and grain to feed their stock through the winter prefer to vote for the 'tharn' theory, that might just weren't hurting like those farmers were. But the insulate a prey animal from the pain of being killed. 'feed-lot' type of farmers, who had to buy feed to How would you vote? fatten calves were the ones who got squeezed in the O. K. There's your editor's opinions, again this economic pinch. Perhaps the old time farmer who was month. Now, how about sending us yours? totally self-sufficient had the right idea, after all. There are a few people today who believe that was the right way to live, and some of them are R. Dale Hylton going back to self-sufficient lives. It's a rather diffi- Editor \ ------�------· ··· ··--····