President – The Dalai Lama Foundation
Today’s Date: 19 December 2007
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I used to ride a horse called Tara for many years in Darjeeling, India, when I was young. Even then I would sense that Tara knew me and we “communicated” somehow.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Up in high mountains on rocky perches
Now? Just in the backyard with a little bit of nature
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Dogs & horses because they seem so close to humans and because they interact & communicate.
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
-water shortage, waste, & misuse
-car pollution & industrial pollution
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
-each person & every small unit, a shop, a school, a business has a big role to play
Received via postal mail
Tenzin Tethong is the founder of key Tibet initiatives in the U.S. including the Tibet Fund, Tibet House-New York, and the International Campaign for Tibet. He is a former Representative of H.H. the Dalai Lama in New York and Washington, D.C., and former Chairman of the Kashag, the Tibetan Cabinet. Mr. Tethong currently serves as Chairman of the Committee of 100 for Tibet and as a visiting scholar at Stanford University.
Taken from http://www.dalailamafoundation.org/members/en/founders.jsp#tethong
Thanks to my sister Michelle McIlroy for designing the logo!
December 31, 2007
Cosmas Nguya
Executive Officer - Wildlife Conservation Society of Tanzania, Arusha Branch
Today’s Date: 18 December 2007
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
-Through study tours to the national parks
-Looking at various pictures and movies about animals and nature
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
No! I did not have a favorite place in the great outdoors.
Now? Yes! Now I have such favorite places.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
My favorite animal is a giraffe. Giraffes are very polite and are rarely heard although they have a variety of sounds. Giraffes sleep for a very short time – hardly for 12 minutes in a day and they normally sleep standing up (interesting).
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
The greatest environmental challenge facing us now is global warming/climate change. The greatest challenge in the future will be the environmental destruction.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
People especially youth should be aware of and respect and care for the environment to make the world a better place for living. The spirit and dedication to making this world a better place for all of us to live is an essential or a must. Good environment for good living.
Received via postal mail
Today’s Date: 18 December 2007
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
-Through study tours to the national parks
-Looking at various pictures and movies about animals and nature
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
No! I did not have a favorite place in the great outdoors.
Now? Yes! Now I have such favorite places.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
My favorite animal is a giraffe. Giraffes are very polite and are rarely heard although they have a variety of sounds. Giraffes sleep for a very short time – hardly for 12 minutes in a day and they normally sleep standing up (interesting).
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
The greatest environmental challenge facing us now is global warming/climate change. The greatest challenge in the future will be the environmental destruction.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
People especially youth should be aware of and respect and care for the environment to make the world a better place for living. The spirit and dedication to making this world a better place for all of us to live is an essential or a must. Good environment for good living.
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Besoeker
Private Citizen
Today’s Date: 30 December 2007
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Dogs probably. Farmer's boy so we had cattle, sheep, chickens, pigs etc.
But the dogs get your trust and yours theirs.
Send a brace over a hill out of sight and they come back with the flock. Time after time.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Mile Hill.
Now? The Sahara. Remote and desolate, but indescribible as an experience. The Great Karoo gets runner up for me.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Dogs for the reasons in point 1.
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
Warming.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Go nuclear.
Posted at http://www.theenvironmentsite.org/Forum/viewtopic.php?p=111400#111400
Today’s Date: 30 December 2007
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Dogs probably. Farmer's boy so we had cattle, sheep, chickens, pigs etc.
But the dogs get your trust and yours theirs.
Send a brace over a hill out of sight and they come back with the flock. Time after time.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Mile Hill.
Now? The Sahara. Remote and desolate, but indescribible as an experience. The Great Karoo gets runner up for me.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Dogs for the reasons in point 1.
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
Warming.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Go nuclear.
Posted at http://www.theenvironmentsite.org/Forum/viewtopic.php?p=111400#111400
Wowbagger
Private Citizen
Today’s Date: 30 December 2007
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I have a very neutral and emotionless relation with nature and animals, but I also have a very neutral and emotionless relation with myself and everything. Therefore, I give the same value to myself as I give to all other forms of life. This is this system of values that has the biggest impact on myself and in my relation with other forms of life.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
I've never really been aware of places, as I've always been watching at the ground when I walked. It sounds ridiculous, but it's true, I missed a lot of scenery because I was watching the ground.
Now? Now, I rarely move away from my computer, but the favorite places I go to happen to be in my dreams.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Squirrels are pretty funny. I like them most.
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
Without mentioning the catastrophic scenarios that could cause much environmental destruction like a nuclear war, I would would say that we aren't really facing any environmental challenge. Of course, human activity can be detrimental to us, but not enough to be challenging. When the water of or oceans will raise, we'll simply move away from it. Other species than ours are going to face real challenges however, and this is the real challenge for us, which s not environmental, but ethical. I'd be very surprised if humanity ever overcome this ethical challenge however.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Tell yourself that our existence today is only possible because during our long evolution in ancestral times, there wasn't a species like ourself that had great destruction powers but took no responsibility to restrain it.
Posted at http://www.theenvironmentsite.org/Forum/viewtopic.php?p=111400#111400
Today’s Date: 30 December 2007
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I have a very neutral and emotionless relation with nature and animals, but I also have a very neutral and emotionless relation with myself and everything. Therefore, I give the same value to myself as I give to all other forms of life. This is this system of values that has the biggest impact on myself and in my relation with other forms of life.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
I've never really been aware of places, as I've always been watching at the ground when I walked. It sounds ridiculous, but it's true, I missed a lot of scenery because I was watching the ground.
Now? Now, I rarely move away from my computer, but the favorite places I go to happen to be in my dreams.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Squirrels are pretty funny. I like them most.
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
Without mentioning the catastrophic scenarios that could cause much environmental destruction like a nuclear war, I would would say that we aren't really facing any environmental challenge. Of course, human activity can be detrimental to us, but not enough to be challenging. When the water of or oceans will raise, we'll simply move away from it. Other species than ours are going to face real challenges however, and this is the real challenge for us, which s not environmental, but ethical. I'd be very surprised if humanity ever overcome this ethical challenge however.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Tell yourself that our existence today is only possible because during our long evolution in ancestral times, there wasn't a species like ourself that had great destruction powers but took no responsibility to restrain it.
Posted at http://www.theenvironmentsite.org/Forum/viewtopic.php?p=111400#111400
December 28, 2007
Zoketsu Norman Fischer
Everyday Zen Foundation (www.everydayzen.org)
Today’s Date: 19 December 2007
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Solo backpacking in the High Sierras of California
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Open field behind my house
Now? The ocean & headlands north of San Francisco I can see out my window
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
My two cats, such lovely friends
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
Climate change – we will have to figure out how to be less selfish & to live with appreciation on the Earth
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Be less selfish. Think of how your life impacts other beings on the Earth. To do this you need to be more quiet.
Received via postal mail
Today’s Date: 19 December 2007
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Solo backpacking in the High Sierras of California
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Open field behind my house
Now? The ocean & headlands north of San Francisco I can see out my window
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
My two cats, such lovely friends
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
Climate change – we will have to figure out how to be less selfish & to live with appreciation on the Earth
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Be less selfish. Think of how your life impacts other beings on the Earth. To do this you need to be more quiet.
Received via postal mail
Mark S. Hanson
Presiding Bishop – Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Today’s Date: 20 December 2007
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Being married to a woman of the prairies has opened my eyes to the mystery and beauty of land and space. Now my travels throughout the world are a constant reminder of the intricate beauty and inter-dependence of nature and the tragic reality that we as human beings are putting the creation on the verge of eco-cide.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
In our early years of married life we loved to camp at the Upper Roughlock Falls in Spearfish Canyon in the Black Hills. As a child it was our summer trips to Mount Carmel Bible Camp on Lake Carlos in Alexandria, Minnesota.
Now? Driving across Montana beholding the majestic beauty of mountains and prairies
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Our 12 year old Tuxedo who challenges my patience yet is a constant companion
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
Our personal and national refusal to alter our consumptive living and develop alternate renewable fuels and live as stewards of the creation. We fail to live with a sense of accountability to God, to others, and to future generations.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
To paraphrase Joseph Sittler, “grace is the giftedness and wonder of life.” May we repent of living that is contrary to God’s grace and become stewards of the marvelous, fragile gift.
Received via postal mail
Today’s Date: 20 December 2007
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Being married to a woman of the prairies has opened my eyes to the mystery and beauty of land and space. Now my travels throughout the world are a constant reminder of the intricate beauty and inter-dependence of nature and the tragic reality that we as human beings are putting the creation on the verge of eco-cide.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
In our early years of married life we loved to camp at the Upper Roughlock Falls in Spearfish Canyon in the Black Hills. As a child it was our summer trips to Mount Carmel Bible Camp on Lake Carlos in Alexandria, Minnesota.
Now? Driving across Montana beholding the majestic beauty of mountains and prairies
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Our 12 year old Tuxedo who challenges my patience yet is a constant companion
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
Our personal and national refusal to alter our consumptive living and develop alternate renewable fuels and live as stewards of the creation. We fail to live with a sense of accountability to God, to others, and to future generations.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
To paraphrase Joseph Sittler, “grace is the giftedness and wonder of life.” May we repent of living that is contrary to God’s grace and become stewards of the marvelous, fragile gift.
Received via postal mail
December 27, 2007
David Richard Shepherd, OBE, FRSA, FRGS
Wildlife artist
Today’s Date: 17 December 2007
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
This is undoubtedly the year 1960 which was the catalyst in my life. I painted my very first wildlife painting and it had a profound impact on my career and changed my life. I have never looked back from that moment. More importantly, on that first visit to Kenya, I came across a waterhole which had been poisoned by poachers, finding 255 dead zebra on the ground. I suddenly realised at that moment what Man is capable of doing to his fellow creatures; we are without a doubt the most lethal and dangerous, stupid animal on Earth. A great thrill in my life as you may possibly know that through my efforts by donating paintings to the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (www.davidshepherd.org), I can put something back to the wildlife that has brought me all the success that my wife and family have enjoyed since.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
(long before I even thought about painting or wildlife) we used to go down to the Kent coast to build sandcastles on the beach. This is probably a very boring answer because in those days that is all most of us did do but I like to hang on to the past because I think that this modern age is getting more trashy and cheap as we make so called progress into the future.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Very easy, the elephant, the animal by which I am apparently known to some degree from my paintings of these marvelous gentle giants
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
No answer given
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
No answer given
Received via postal mail
To learn more about David Shepherd, visit http://www.davidshepherd.org/david_shepherd/ds_becoming_a_conservationist.shtml
Today’s Date: 17 December 2007
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
This is undoubtedly the year 1960 which was the catalyst in my life. I painted my very first wildlife painting and it had a profound impact on my career and changed my life. I have never looked back from that moment. More importantly, on that first visit to Kenya, I came across a waterhole which had been poisoned by poachers, finding 255 dead zebra on the ground. I suddenly realised at that moment what Man is capable of doing to his fellow creatures; we are without a doubt the most lethal and dangerous, stupid animal on Earth. A great thrill in my life as you may possibly know that through my efforts by donating paintings to the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (www.davidshepherd.org), I can put something back to the wildlife that has brought me all the success that my wife and family have enjoyed since.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
(long before I even thought about painting or wildlife) we used to go down to the Kent coast to build sandcastles on the beach. This is probably a very boring answer because in those days that is all most of us did do but I like to hang on to the past because I think that this modern age is getting more trashy and cheap as we make so called progress into the future.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Very easy, the elephant, the animal by which I am apparently known to some degree from my paintings of these marvelous gentle giants
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
No answer given
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
No answer given
Received via postal mail
To learn more about David Shepherd, visit http://www.davidshepherd.org/david_shepherd/ds_becoming_a_conservationist.shtml
Dr. Gerald Schroeder
Scientist and Author (www.geraldschroeder.com)
Today’s Date: 6 December 2007
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
My parents’ home was about 40 miles from NYC – a very rural area. We had an apple orchard. Pruning these trees each winter shows the helix, spiral nature of existence – each year comes the winter but each year existence has changed.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Our orchard
Now? The back porch that looks out on Eucalyptus trees and the sky (Israel)
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
We had cocker spaniels (3) in my youth. But my favorite animal are/is people.
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
Current challenge – warming and related pollution
Changing from petroleum driven vehicles to electric
Radioactive contamination due to nuclear war
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Be modest in your demands for items & comfort. Cut back on owning stuff just because you “want” it even though no need.
Received via postal mail
Today’s Date: 6 December 2007
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
My parents’ home was about 40 miles from NYC – a very rural area. We had an apple orchard. Pruning these trees each winter shows the helix, spiral nature of existence – each year comes the winter but each year existence has changed.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Our orchard
Now? The back porch that looks out on Eucalyptus trees and the sky (Israel)
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
We had cocker spaniels (3) in my youth. But my favorite animal are/is people.
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
Current challenge – warming and related pollution
Changing from petroleum driven vehicles to electric
Radioactive contamination due to nuclear war
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Be modest in your demands for items & comfort. Cut back on owning stuff just because you “want” it even though no need.
Received via postal mail
Silvia Geser
Scientific Assistant – World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (www.waza.org)
Today’s Date: 26 November 2007
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
10 days training course in a reserve in Switzerland during my studies
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Yes, forest
Now? Yes, the same
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
I don’t have a favorite animal, but like beetles and saurians very much.
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
There are, and will be, too many people on this Earth, and the challenge is and will be to feed everyone properly without destroying or exploiting our environment.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Learn!
Received via postal mail
Today’s Date: 26 November 2007
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
10 days training course in a reserve in Switzerland during my studies
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Yes, forest
Now? Yes, the same
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
I don’t have a favorite animal, but like beetles and saurians very much.
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
There are, and will be, too many people on this Earth, and the challenge is and will be to feed everyone properly without destroying or exploiting our environment.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Learn!
Received via postal mail
Dr. Richard E. Leakey, FRS
Chairman - Wildlife Direct (www.wildlifedirect.org)
Today’s Date: 7 December 2007
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Watching elephants in the wild
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
The Serengeti Plains
Now? Northern Kenya
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Elephant – the complex behavior
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
Climate change
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Reduce your own carbon footprint.
Reduce waste – water, energy, and food.
Received via postal mail
About Dr. Leakey: Internationally reknowned paleontologist and conservationist. Formerly Director of the National Museums of Kenya and the Kenya Wildlife Service, Secretary to the Cabinet and Head of Public Service, Kenya. Kenyan, residing in Nairobi.
Taken from http://www.wildlifedirect.org/about.php
Today’s Date: 7 December 2007
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Watching elephants in the wild
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
The Serengeti Plains
Now? Northern Kenya
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Elephant – the complex behavior
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
Climate change
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Reduce your own carbon footprint.
Reduce waste – water, energy, and food.
Received via postal mail
About Dr. Leakey: Internationally reknowned paleontologist and conservationist. Formerly Director of the National Museums of Kenya and the Kenya Wildlife Service, Secretary to the Cabinet and Head of Public Service, Kenya. Kenyan, residing in Nairobi.
Taken from http://www.wildlifedirect.org/about.php
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