Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo does a lot of work in remote regions, such as Malaysia’s Taman Negara National Park, trying to save endangered species.
It has joined with Panthera, a global wild cat organization, and Rimba, which is brings together biologists in Malaysia, to locate – and hopefully save – Malayan tigers, which are critically endangered. Remote cameras are one way researchers see what – and who – is in the wilderness.
One great thing about these cameras is how they are documenting that there are more than tigers to discover in this spectacular jungle,” the zoo notes in a new update.
The cameras did snap images of tigers. But also a whole host of other creatures.
There’s this elephant family.
And, OMG. Leopards!
Playful Sun Bears.
Some rather perturbed looking bushy-crested hornbills.
Sambar deer, which tigers love to devour. Sorry, Sambar deer.
And, while those photos may bring joy to conservationists and animal lovers, this photo will give you chills. A poacher holding a machete.
“These animals aren’t alone,” the zoo notes. “Seen here is a poacher caught on our camera, machete in hand and hiding his face. Sadly, we have more photos like this.”
It has posted the photos to help send a message.
The zoo is urging residents of Washington state to help end the trade in endangered species parts and products by voting yes in a state voters’ initiative that would hike penalties and ban the sale of such items. Ballots for The Washington Initiative 1401 (#YESon1401) will be counted on Nov. 3.
The campaign is being spearheaded by philanthropist Paul Allen, who along with the zoo, also has the Humane Society of the United States, the Seattle Aquarium and the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium on board.
“We all have a responsibility to protect endangered animals, and Washington state can serve as a model to lead the way in disrupting the market for these products,” Allen says on his website. “If we turn away from our responsibility to protect our planet, these species will become extinct.”
Photos Woodland Park Zoo/Facebook
