A new relationship with animals, nature and each other.

Posts by Michael Mountain

  • Introducing the Whale Sanctuary Project

    This blog is taking a break for the next few months so that I can devote my energies to the Whale Sanctuary Project. Here's why.

  • Is the Sloth Sanctuary a Zoo?

    The Sloth Sanctuary in Costa Rica was the first of its kind for these wonderfully engaging animals, and it was a model for others that followed. But questions have arisen. And…

  • Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary

    Tafi Atome looks like a typical forest in Ghana. The monkeys have been revered in this village for two centuries. But being “sacred” is no guarantee of survival.

  • The Great Irony of Animal “Rights”

    The great irony of the animal rights movement is there is still only one species that has any rights at all: humans. But the Nonhuman Rights Project is setting out to change that.

  • Why Mass Extinction Is Part of Human Nature

    Why would a supposedly “intelligent” species behave in a way that’s bringing about a mass extinction – one that will likely take us down along with so many other animals?

    Is the Stock Market a Global Ponzi Scheme?
    Sacred Activism in the Service of Animals
    Of Humans and Persons

    Sealed with a Birthday Gift

    Seven-year-old Risa dedicates her birthday to Garland, an injured seal. When it’s time for Garland to be returned to the ocean, Risa is there to open the door. Garland heads off down the beach, then turns to bid Risa a fond farewell. Watch the video

    Caught in the Custody Crossfire

    Did Norton the parrot belong with the family he now lived with? Or with the neighbors who had given him away but now wanted him back? Companion animal custody cases are becoming more common. Check out the judge’s ruling in this one, and tell us if you agree.

    Taking the Global Temperature at Cancun

    Climate change conference kicks off in Mexico with the quixotic goal of trying to unite the 194 participating nations and reach consensus on how to address global climate change. Delegates hope to make progress, but there are huge challenges

    This Week in Green – Nov. 22, 2010

    Paper or plastic? Parts of Los Angeles County have joined the movement to ban single-use plastic bags at the checkout counter. A conservative Congressman warns his party not to ignore the climate change issue. And more from This Week in Green.

    Text 911 to Elephants!

    Elephants sending text messages? Sounds like an advertising stunt. in fact, it’s a groundbreaking attempt to save their lives in parts of Africa where they come into conflict with farms and villages

    Giving Thanks for Water

    An American teacher spends a year overseas. “We had a comfortable apartment, but it’s tough pumping water by hand and carrying it home. If you need anything to be grateful for this Thanksgiving, consider the humble glass of water.”

    Creating Your Own Wildlife Preserve

    Arizona resident replaces water-thirsty lawn with native plants. She saves water and money, and soon birds and other welcome wildlife are gracing her backyard. “It’s a riot of color in spring when everything is blooming,” she says

    Big Discoveries from an Epic Ocean Census

    The new Census of Marine Life took 10 years and is full of amazing discoveries. “We’re finding what we expected,” says leading scientist, “the utterly unexpected.’’ But the discoveries also come with an urgent warning

    This Week in Green – Nov. 12, 2010

    What do sunburned whales, deformed beaks, rice, chocolate and beer have in common? They’re all in the environmental news this week. Rice may be the highlight, with strategies in the offing to help combat both hunger and poverty