climate change impact on animal sanctuaries relocation
climate change effects on animal sanctuaries migration.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Rescue and Recovery Efforts
About 18 months ago, Catskill Animal Sanctuary in Saugerties, N.Y., embarked on a mission to rescue 42 neglected and ailing sheep. Many of the animals were suffering from anemia and foot rot, a contagious bacterial disease that poses a serious threat if left untreated in damp conditions.
Kathy Stevens, the sanctuary’s founder and executive director, emphasized the importance of providing a clean and dry environment for the animals to facilitate their recovery. However, the sanctuary soon encountered a significant challenge as their pastures became saturated with water, leading to flooding in barn stalls.
Climate Change Impacts
The increased rainfall patterns, attributed to climate change, have pushed the sanctuary to seek a new location. The sanctuary’s current site has been prone to flooding and constant dampness, causing soil erosion and tree loss. Efforts to mitigate flooding, such as installing culvert pipes and curtain drains, have proven ineffective.
Ms. Stevens and the sanctuary’s board of directors have witnessed these changes accelerate in recent years, prompting them to search for elevated land with better drainage within a 30-mile radius of their current location.
Relocation Trends
The Catskill sanctuary’s dilemma reflects a broader trend among animal refuges facing climate-related challenges. Sanctuaries across the United States are increasingly relocating due to wildfires, droughts, hurricanes, and other extreme weather events linked to climate change.
The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries has observed a rise in sanctuaries strengthening their disaster preparedness plans in response to changing climate conditions. About a third of all sanctuaries seeking accreditation have reinforced their plans, indicating a growing awareness of the need to adapt to climate change impacts.
Search for Stable Ground
As the Catskill Animal Sanctuary seeks higher ground to ensure the well-being of its animal residents, other sanctuaries have also made strategic moves to regions less susceptible to climate change effects. Sweet Farm, for example, relocated from California to New York’s Finger Lakes region, attracted by the area’s stable climate predictions.
Happy Compromise Farm + Sanctuary, which moved from Oregon to New York’s Southern Tier, acknowledges the challenges of trading drought concerns for excessive rainfall. However, the owners recognize the global impact of climate change and the need to adapt to changing environmental conditions.
.
1. climate change impact animal sanctuaries relocate
2. animal sanctuaries move due climate change.
