VIEW - Veterinary Initiative for Endangered Wildlife

14/01/2025

Gibbons in the Garo Hills of Meghalaya face multiple threats—from deforestation and illegal wildlife trade to hunting for bushmeat and electrocution from power lines. Yet, they hold deep cultural and ecological importance. As seed dispersers, they help maintain healthy forests and mitigate climate change through carbon sequestration. For centuries, the Garo people have protected gibbons through ‘asi namja,’ a strict ban on harming them, believing that breaking this taboo invites curses on the land.

Despite these cultural bans and wildlife laws, gibbons remain vulnerable. The HURO Programme works to reverse their decline by enforcing protections, rescuing illegally kept gibbons, and restoring them to the wild. Their efforts blend traditional beliefs, legal action, and scientific conservation to help protect India’s only non-human ape.

Learn more about these initiatives and Garo traditions in this StoryMap by IUCN Section on Small Apes → https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/7c4001863dad423ab72bb92959b11e62

Sharing the traditional stories of the singing, swinging small apes

02/01/2025

This is absolutely heartbreaking news, and it serves as a stark reminder of how crucial it is to keep a close watch on bird flu and its devastating impacts. Our hearts go out to everyone at the sanctuary who is mourning these incredible animals.

03/12/2024

This Giving Tuesday, your impact can be doubled! A generous donor is matching gifts up to $25K, meaning every dollar you give will go twice as far.

At VIEW, we’re tackling wildlife health challenges through training, innovative research, and policy advocacy to protect habitats for wildlife, people, and domestic animals.

From mentoring students in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem to researching wildlife diseases in Africa, your donation helps us improve the health of wildlife populations—and create a healthier planet for all.

Give Now → https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/pJFgIvm7HYhIXk6e7f-SqQ

28/11/2024

This season, we’re incredibly grateful for each of you—our supporters, partners, and team members—who make our mission to protect wildlife and empower conservationists possible. Your dedication and generosity drive real change for some of the world’s most critical species and ecosystems.

Together, we’re creating a future where wildlife thrives, and communities are strengthened. Thank you for being part of our VIEW family.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and peaceful Thanksgiving!

Warm regards,
Dr. McCauley & the VIEW Team

27/11/2024

Dr. Rutagengwa is leading a baseline study to assess the potential exposure risk of pesticides to wildlife, including elephants and rhinos, in Akagera National Park. As farming expands around the park, chemicals used in agriculture often make their way into the park's waterways, like Lake Ihema, putting wildlife—such as elephants, rhinos, and vultures—at risk of exposure. This research is made possible thanks to the invaluable support from our partners Conservation Nation and Yale University .

Read more about the study in our latest blog --> https://www.viewildlife.org/post/dr-rutagengwa-investigates-pesticides-exposure-risks-in-akagera-national-park

Dr. Charline Rutagengwa, is leading a study on pesticide exposure in Rwanda’s Akagera National Park (ANP).

19/11/2024

Mark your calendars for Giving Tuesday on December 3rd! Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we’re excited to share a special matching gift opportunity:

💚 $50,000 for the Greater Yellowstone Project

💙 $10,000 for the East Africa Health Center Project

💛 $50,000 for the General Fund

Every dollar you give will be matched, supporting our work to protect endangered species like Yellowstone’s grizzly bears and Kenya’s black rhinos.

Save the date or donate early using the link below—let’s make a lasting difference together!

07/11/2024

Recap: The 2024 Gibbon Husbandry, Health, & Conservation Conference in Malaysia brought together veterinarians, rehabilitators, and husbandry experts to address critical health challenges facing endangered gibbons. VIEW was represented by Drs. Dawn Zimmerman and Jennifer Yu.

A conference highlight was the donation of two microscopes and accompanying supplies to the Gibbon Conservation Society, along with an additional microscope from Project AnimalAid for the Tasikoki Wildlife Rescue Center, to support their gibbon rehabilitation efforts. Dr. Zimmerman and Dr. Yu also led a Gibbon Health Working Group workshop on standardized protocols for gibbon health.

Conferences like this help push our mission forward by strengthening collaboration among gibbon centers and addressing knowledge gaps in gibbon medicine and welfare.

Read the full conference recap on our website: https://www.viewildlife.org/post/recap-2024-gibbon-husbandry-health-conservation-conference-in-raub-malaysia

The Gibbon Husbandry, Health, & Conservation Conference convened in Raub, Pahang, Malaysia

30/10/2024

Catch up on all the latest with VIEW’s October newsletter!

This fall, VIEW’s conservation work is in full swing! Giving Tuesday is right around the corner, making it a perfect time to support our mission. We also have a brand-new brochure highlighting our projects across three continents—check it out and learn how VIEW is making a difference.

Stay connected and subscribe for more updates: https://viewildlife.us7.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=38d8a9fd6fa2f083ddddf3d18&id=cb7bf47161

Check out past newsletters here: https://www.viewildlife.org/newsletters

As the seasons change and we move deeper into fall, we’re reminded of the vital work we do at VIEW to protect endangered wildlife across the

22/10/2024

Avian flu has devastated wildlife, with over 280 million birds dead since October 2021. But it’s not just birds—fur seals, elephant seals, and penguins in the Antarctic have been affected, and more than 20,000 South American sea lions died this year. The virus has now spread to US cattle and even humans.

Understanding these disease dynamics and increasing surveillance is critical to protecting both wildlife and people. At VIEW, we’re committed to tackling these emerging threats.

Learn more about this evolving crisis in The Guardian’s article ➡️ https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/sep/04/forgotten-epidemic-with-over-280-million-birds-dead-how-is-the-avian-flu-outbreak-evolving

New data reveals the virus has spread to endangered species in Antarctica – yet the H5N1’s risk to biodiversity, farming and human health is little explored

16/10/2024

At the edge of Yellowstone National Park, the cougar waits in silence.
©️ 2024 Vernon Smith

08/10/2024

As Avian Influenza sweeps across the planet, endangered wildlife are particularly vulnerable. Tigers, polar bears, and elephant seals are just a few examples of mammals that have died from this global epizootic (a pandemic affecting animals).

Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/bird-flu-deaths-tigers-lions-panther-vietnam-zoos-state-media/

The World Health Organization says there have been increasing reports of deadly outbreaks among mammals caused by influenza viruses, including H5N1.

04/10/2024

Today, we celebrate by highlighting some of the incredible species we are working to protect at VIEW. Each of these animals faces unique challenges, but with your support, we are making a difference.

Swipe through to learn about the incredible animals we work with and the unique challenges they face.

Every small action counts. Together, we can create a future where wildlife thrives.

These animals—and so many more—are counting on us to act now. Join us in protecting wildlife health for generations to come. Visit our website to learn more about our work → https://www.viewildlife.org/

30/09/2024

Yearling white tail deer for a morning frolick at the river bed in Montana. 🦌🍂 📽️: ©️ 2024 Holly Pippel.

23/09/2024

Yesterday was , but VIEW's commitment to protecting these incredible creatures is year-round. We are fortunate to have the support of amazing organizations like Conservation Nation fueling our progress. Together, we’re working to ensure a future where rhinos thrive.

17/09/2024

Elephants are faced with a dangerous virus that is taking the lives of young elephants and threatening both Asian and African elephant populations. When a calf is stricken with this disease, they can die suddenly, often within hours. The research into this deadly virus EEHV (elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus) is urgent for their survival.

VIEW veterinarian and PhD student Jenn Yu has been working with partners this summer to better understand the epidemiology of this disease and to investigate underlying risk factors. Thank you for helping to support Jenn's efforts.

For a comprehensive overview of EEHV and its impact, we highly recommend this excellent article from the Smithsonian National Zoo: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/news/how-do-you-stomp-out-elephant-disease.

How do you monitor disease in Asian elephants? By building their trust and teaching them to voluntarily participate in medical exams! Get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into caring for our herd.

10/09/2024

Two wise watchers in the cottonwood grove.

©️ 2024 Derek DeYoung of DeYoung Gallery in Livingston, MT .deyoung

04/09/2024

Missed our August newsletter? Don’t worry, catch up here!

This summer, VIEW has been buzzing with activity! We welcomed Sydney, our new intern, who’s contributing to wildlife health projects in Yellowstone. Our Rwandan vets also took their first trip to Kenya as part of our expanding East Africa Wildlife Program. Plus, don’t miss Dr. McCauley’s Matter of Fact interview where she discusses the impacts of bird flu!

Check out past August 2024 newsletter here: https://www.viewildlife.org/post/august-2024-points-of-view-newsletter

Stay connected and subscribe for more updates: https://viewildlife.us7.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=38d8a9fd6fa2f083ddddf3d18&id=cb7bf47161

📷: @ 2024 Holly Pippel

22/08/2024

Our Rwandan-based vets, Drs. David Murnezi and Charline Rutagengwa, recently embarked on their first trip to Kenya, gaining valuable insights for future conservation efforts. Funded by Conservation Nation's People & Pachyderms Collective, their primary goal was to expand their understanding of elephant and rhino health while sharing knowledge with our Kenyan-based project at Ol Jogi. This journey also served to bridge our conservation efforts between Rwanda and Kenya.

From hands-on wildlife care at Ol Jogi Wildlife Conservancy to exploring conservation innovations at Ol Pejeta Conservancy and witnessing sustainable development at Twala-Tenebo Cultural Manyatta, their trip highlights the importance of ongoing education and knowledge sharing in conservation. Discover more about their experiences and lessons learned!

https://www.viewildlife.org/post/bridging-conservation-across-borders-drs-david-and-charline-s-first-journey-to-kenya

Our Rwandan-based vets, Drs. David and Charline, share their insights from their first trip to Kenya.