A good question, lonely cats, resilient crabs & a shelter event

Chinese Horseshoe Bat

With Covid-19 numbers dropping and the country breaking free from pandemic precautions, one giant, worrisome question remains: How did the coronavirus start? 

Did it spill over to humans from animals – was it “zoonotic”? – possibly through contacts between the two at the infamous Wuhan wet market?  Or, was it the result of an accidental laboratory leak?  The work at two rival scientific institutions in Wuhan includes studying such viruses in hopes of avoiding or treating new ones.  

Palm Civet

Although a “zoonotic spillover” is still in the lead, the lab-leak theory has gained ground recently, accompanied by talk of leaks that infected workers whose illness was hidden as part of China’s overall secretiveness.  

Because great research depth and detailed evidence would be required to decide between these possible causes of the coronavirus, President Biden’s hope for an answer after a 90-day study is unlikely to happen so swiftly, if ever.  Infighting among scientists themselves, the punditry and the media will probably extend the debate indefinitely.

Meanwhile, fingers have been pointed at bats, civets, pangolins and others, each as the likely infected animal whose condition spilled over to humans – which is the usual path for the spread of viruses.  This NYTimes summary of the situation may be the most clear and definitive look at both possible coronavirus origins and where different experts stand.  https://tinyurl.com/3n5pjj.    

Deserted cats on desert island

Desert islands don’t attract cats, especially when there’s no fresh water and they’re loaded with spiders and snakes.  Yet off the coast of Brazil, Ihla dos Gatos, or island of cats, is home to hundreds of felines who were abandoned by their owners.  And their number has risen with “pandemic abandonments.”

Some of the cats are adoptable, while many others, born there, are feral.  They’re unkempt, and worse: uncared for.  A municipal veterinarian recently boated to the island to take a look and do an informal study that confirmed the cats’ great need.  

Until the pandemic hit Brazil hard, sympathetic people brought food and water out to them.  Some fishermen left part of their catch for the felines.  It’s different now, much worse.

Yet the great uncertainty about what to do about the cats continues.  Until decisions are made, animal suffering and ecological problems will continue on Ihla dos Gatos.   https://tinyurl.com/5jnbjsxm

Hooray for horseshoe crabs!

It started last month: shorelines mobbed with horseshoe crabs who had migrated from the continental shelf to Delaware Bay’s sandy beaches.  Females bury skazillion eggs in the soft, moist sand, while males stay as close as possible to fertilize the eggs.

Horseshoe Crab

This ritual has gone on for 400 million years, and just look: horseshoe crabs are still with us, despite overharvesting and other human challenges to their existence.  And children on the beach still scream shrilly and try picking them up by their tails when they encounter these prehistoric-looking creatures.  

Animal shelter’s new facade

If you’re into art and animals, and most of all, adopting animals, plan to drop by the Trenton Animal Shelter (TAS) this Saturday, 11am-2pm.  You’ll easily spot the building, now spiffed up with a colorful giant mural in front showing dogs and cats, and inviting pet adoptions.

Jose Munoz, shelter manager/division chief, credits the volunteer group “Trenton Animals Rock” – who work on behalf of the shelter’s dogs -- for its successful grant to install the mural, painted by area artists Leon Rainbow and Sophie Ban.   

Trenton Animal Shelter

Besides a shelter tour, the “Shelter Open House & Painting with Pups” event will include music and an ice cream truck (12-2pm).

After turning into Escher St., you’ll see bright turquoise coming up on your left.  That’s the place you’re looking for – and where resident animals are looking for you!

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