If you've been following Jackie and Shadow, you've probably heard people mention Save Moon Camp. Moon Camp is a 63-acre undeveloped lakeside habitat in Big Bear, California, located less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's nest. It serves as one of their primary foraging areas, where they hunt for food for themselves and their growing family. For more than 25 years, people have fought to keep this land from becoming a luxury housing development and marina. Now, there is one final opportunity to protect it forever. Instead of developing the property, the landowner has agreed to give the San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust the chance to purchase it. To make that happen, $10 million must be raised by July 31, 2026. As of today, the campaign has raised $3,821,212 (38%), leaving about $6.18 million still needed. This isn't just about Jackie and Shadow. Protecting Moon Camp also preserves habitat for the San Bernardino flying squirrel, rare native plants, and countless other species that depend on one of Southern California's most biologically diverse ecosystems. The campaign has become a tribute to Sandy Steers, founder of Friends of Big Bear Valley, who devoted decades to protecting this land and helped negotiate this opportunity shortly before her passing in February. If you've ever watched Jackie and Shadow on the nest cam, this is one of the most meaningful ways you can help ensure future generations of Big Bear's eagles continue to have a place to thrive. ❤️ Learn more or donate at https://SaveMoonCamp.org Photo: SaveMoonCamp.Org

Sounds like the perfect job description for a turkey vulture. Most people think turkey vultures are disgusting. After working with them for a year, I happen to think they're one of nature's greatest creations. If you've ever wondered why you rarely see dead animals lying around for long, you can thank turkey vultures. Their stomach acid is so powerful it destroys bacteria that would make most animals seriously ill. They're nature's cleanup crew, helping stop disease before it has a chance to spread. Their bald heads have a purpose too. Without feathers covering their face, they can feed inside a carcass and stay much cleaner than they would otherwise. Not every animal is beautiful in the traditional sense. But every animal has a purpose. Turkey vultures just happen to have one of the messiest and one of the most important. What's your favorite misunderstood animal?

I got my skunk fix today from Helen at All Things Wild. This video features two sets of three orphaned skunks getting ready for their final journey back to the wild. Watching these little creatures stomping around like the little stinkers they are always makes me smile. I miss working with these babies. They fill me with such joy. Enjoy the entertainment. 🦨💚

One of my favorite organizations is the Jaguar Rescue Center in Costa Rica. Several years ago, I worked with their fundraiser while they were trying to solve a heartbreaking problem. The only specialized goat milk formula they use for ALL their orphaned wildlife isn't available in Costa Rica. Importing it wasn't as simple as placing an order. Every shipment required health certificates from the manufacturer that met Costa Rica's Ministry of Health requirements, and for years I tried to help put the pieces together, but I could not swing it. Before JRC found a reliable way to import it, visitors would often carry cans of formula in their luggage. Friends of mine did it. I did what I could to help connect people. It was always hit or miss whether enough would make it through. So seeing this fundraiser fills me with hope. This isn't just about feeding baby sloths and monkeys. This particular goat milk formula is the only one they've found that can safely be fed to all of their orphaned wildlife without risking digestive upset that can lead to dehydration and, in fragile babies, even death. They also need specialized food for the rescue center's flamingo, which isn't readily available locally. The $1,900 only covers about two months of formula and flamingo food. Every couple of months, they have to do it all over again, so this fundraiser is evergreen. If you'd like to send a little love to some very hungry wildlife orphans, here's the donation link: Feed Rescued Wildlife Babies Fundraiser Every donation, no matter the size, helps give these babies the nutrition they need for a second chance at life. ❤️

A few days ago I shared that Baby the elephant had begun her journey to Global Sanctuary for Elephants in Brazil. Yesterday, she arrived. I watched the video of her stepping out of her transport crate, and within minutes she was exploring her new surroundings. First came a dust bath, then some water play, fruit, and more exploring. Today I watched Baby's first day at Global Sanctuary for Elephants, and she is doing great. Like many of us in a new environment, she seems a little unsure of her newfound freedom and is using her barn as a safe space. But she is getting out, exploring, and doing what an elephant is meant to do. The sanctuary team will be leaving her barn open tonight so she can come and go as she pleases, including taking a stroll under the stars if she chooses. One thing I learned from Scott's update is that only about 16 days passed between the final judicial decision and Baby's arrival at sanctuary. That's incredibly fast for an elephant relocation and helps explain why there wasn't the usual fundraising campaign beforehand. If you'd like to follow Baby's journey, I highly recommend watching Scott's live/recorded updates here. He is amazing, knows the elephants well, and shares so much about their personalities, needs, and progress. And if you would like to send a little love her way through an adoption, a fruit basket, or help with transportation costs, Global Sanctuary for Elephants is still raising funds to support her move. https://globalelephants.org/🐘