One of our distinguishing characteristics is a tuft of brown hair that grows from the base of our horns to our forehead. Then we have what looks like a white letter X across the bridge of our nose and around our eyes. We addax have a stocky build, similar to horses. Our diet is 100% plant-based. Although males are dominant in many species, we have the highest regard for our females. But due to habitat loss and humans’ inconsiderate activities over the years, our population in the wild has been drastically reduced. Humans must understand the impact that their values and lifestyles have. Each person who changes to a plant-based diet generates a wave of positive and benevolent energy that touches all living beings on the planet. Supreme Master Ching Hai is a cherished champion of compassion for us all. She tirelessly conveys to the world’s citizens that killing and eating animals are acts of fundamental immorality.

I am Alvin, a vegan chamois from the magnificent Swiss AIps. Our distinctive features are a whitish head, black markings below the eyes, and a pair of hooked horns. Originally, we chose the rocky and rugged mountains as our habitat to avoid predators. This also explains why chamois became fast runners and high jumpers. By nature, we have very good eyesight and a keen sense of smell. In the wild, we normally have a life expectancy of 15 to 17 years. Nowadays, we are threatened by other kinds of human activity, as well as the climate crisis. Please allow me to point out that the underlying problem we face is human greed. For example, even though certain chamois subspecies are protected under the European Habitat Directive, that doesn’t stop some individuals from hunting illegally. And even though the United Nations has called for an urgent reduction in meat consumption - to address both the climate crisis and human health problems - some people still deny the facts and continue to eat animals.

The name “orangutan” is originally from the Malay and Indonesian word, “orang,” which means “person,” and “hutan,” that translates as “forest.” So, the name orangutan translates to “person of the forest.” We are considered closely related to humans, as we share 97% of human DNA. We are also considered a Great Ape, along with gorillas and chimpanzees. An orangutan’s lifespan is around 40 to 45 years in the wild. Orangutans are one of the most intelligent primates in the world, ranking even above chimpanzees and gorillas. Orangutans are well known as the “gardeners of the forests” as we help to shape and preserve the lush rainforest areas of Borneo and Sumatra. Being the largest arboreal animal, our fruit-eating diet and how we travel through the greenery makes us excellent seed dispersers. Sadly, orangutan populations are quickly diminishing. The main reason for this is oil palm tree cultivation! Our land is being rapidly cleared for oil palm tree plantations. Changing temperatures, wildfires, and rain are altering the areas where we search for food. Climate change also plays a large role in the destruction of the orangutan habitat.

Gold-colored animals are relatively rarer, so they are admired by humans, just like the precious metal! Regarded by some as the world’s most beautiful equine, our breed is famed for our toughness, resilience, and endurance, in addition to our legendary speed and intelligence. Some of our breed looks as if they had been dipped in gold! Another animal with a radiant, golden coat is the Golden Retriever, which is one of America’s most popular dog breeds. A domestic cat known for having a golden coat is the ginger cat or tabby. The golden jewel scarab beetle of Central America is one of the world’s most brightly colored insects. The goldenrod crab spiders, native to North America, make flowers such as goldenrod and daisies their home. The Panamanian golden frog is a type of toad. This species is cherished by Panamanians and is the national animal. Banana slugs are often bright golden yellow and sometimes spotted with brown blotches, thus resembling a ripe banana.

Today, we will share with you about the bird species’ vocalizations, which include both calls and songs. Generally, our calls are brief and serve as alarms or to keep a flock together. Our songs are longer and more complex and may serve as signals of courtship. The songs are also more melodious. Both chicks and human infants build sound templates in their brains by listening to their parents’ voices. Then they start to strengthen their vocal muscles by making nonsensical sounds. In the last stage, young birds will practice the same tune thousands of times and compare it with the template they memorized until they achieve a perfect match. Our vocalizations are made possible by a voice organ, unlike any other. The organ that birds use to vocalize is called a syrinx, and it is lower down, just before the windpipe enters the lungs. The syrinx has two sides, which our most-gifted singers can use to simultaneously produce high-frequency and low-frequency sounds, plus at different tempos and volumes. For us birds, the better we can vocalize, the more likely it is that we will have fulfilling lives.

There have been many stages in our evolution that contributed to our ability to fly. For example, we had to develop delicate wings, strong chest muscles, and several different kinds of feathers. Humans have long admired and envied our ability to fly. They have experimented and invented all kinds of means to duplicate what we do naturally in the sky. Since we birds are often far above the ground, we needed a number of adaptations to give us great eyesight. First, we have the largest eyes in the animal kingdom, relative to body size, which helps us to have very keen vision. From the outside, our eyes may appear small, but on the inside our eyes are so big that most of us cannot move them. Among warm-blooded animals, our ability to regenerate retinal neurons is outstanding. Scientists are trying to understand how it works, and believe there may be a way to unlock this ability in humans. If so, it would open the door to treatments for a wide variety of eye diseases.

Today we will showcase several unusual relationships between animals that are very different from each other. In 2004, a massive earthquake beneath the Indian Ocean caused tsunamis that devastated the surrounding coasts. The high waters swept a hippopotamus family in Kenya down a river and into the ocean. The only survivor, a baby, ended up on a reef off the Kenyan coastline. They named him Owen and arranged for him to be transported to Haller Park, a Kenyan wildlife sanctuary. Owen was put in an enclosure that contained an Aldabra giant tortoise known as Mzee. The two began sharing food, swimming, and sleeping together, and sometimes Mzee would stretch out his neck so Owen could lick it. The next story rather reminds me of a fairy tale. One day in 2013, Mr. Berge and his German shepherd companion Tinni were taking a walk through the woods near their home. They came across an amiable red fox who Mr. Berge named Sniffer. Amazingly, the domesticated dog and the wild fox took a liking to each other.

I’m Aina, a vegan miniature horse from magnificent Germany. People are more relaxed when they spend time with animals because we give unconditional love and do not judge them in any way. Research has shown that caring for animals increases overall human well-being in many respects. Dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, pigs and other species serve as therapy animals. Many agree that simply being around their dog companion fills their heart with a sense of happiness, contentment, and peace. Those with cat companions also express how much fun, peace, and happiness these amazing beings bring into their lives. Daniel is an Indian Runner duck and a registered emotional support animal. We beautiful and intelligent miniature horses also serve as therapy animals. We have aided many, including survivors of tragedies and disasters. Animals give tremendous love and can help meet people’s physical, behavioral, and emotional needs.

Hallo, My name is Lucas, and I’m a vegan American pika from Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada. There aren’t many other mammals in Canada or the US who can survive in mountains above the timberline the way we do. We are related to rabbits and hares, but we’re smaller. Our extraordinary hearing and eyesight allow us to be constantly aware of our surroundings and ready for unexpected events. Though maintaining separate homes, pikas like to live together as a group, so we can help protect each other. We are not picky eaters and enjoy a variety of plants, including different kinds of grass, sedge, bayberry, clover, thistle, and weeds. Some humans have begun to use our activity as an indicator of global warming in western North America. Other species that live in mountains can move up higher if the climate gets warmer. Pikas are already so close to the top that we would have nowhere to go. Please awaken your loving kindness, not only for American pikas, but for all of Earth’s inhabitants.

This year, 2020, is the “Year of the Golden Rat” and an exceptionally significant event as we return to the first sign of the Lunar Zodiac cycle! We are going to introduce some interesting Lunar New Year customs from several nations to our splendid viewers today. Around the world, more than a billion people celebrate the Lunar New Year and participate in various vibrant festivities. Within Korea itself, millions of people travel to be with family during this special time called Seollal or Korean Lunar New Year. Also, the breakfast on Lunar New Year day is traditionally rice cake soup or tteokguk. The act of eating this soup signifies that one is now a year older. What are some of the Lunar New Year traditions observed in China? People will put up spring couplets written on red paper inside and outside the home and conduct a thorough house cleanup, which represents replacing the old with the new. Also, after the meal, everyone comes together to usher in the New Year which also includes bidding farewell to the current year. This is a moment of cherishing the present time and welcoming the hopeful new year. It is called Tết and celebrated for an entire week! A notable tradition of the Aulacese or Vietnamese people is to thoroughly clean and then furnish their homes with all sorts of special decorations in anticipation of the most important annual event in Aulacese or Vietnamese culture.

Today we would like to share with you some amazing stories of animals who turned their selfless concern into loving action for the benefit of others. Let’s start with a cat named Kuu. Cat Assists Dog with Dementia. Cat Saves Baby from Danger. Dog Keeps Lost Child Safe and Warm. Cat Saves Caregiver from Fire. Dog Saves Family from Fire. Let’s now meet a bull calf named Oliver. Bull Calf gives Love to Blind Bison. Just like humans, we animals are beings that have feelings. There are times when each of us needs some support, and these are the opportunities for those close to us to let their nobility shine and give selflessly. I trust you have enjoyed today’s stories and are perhaps even inspired to lend a softer heart and a more generous hand to all of Earth’s inhabitants.

Winter is the coldest time of the year, when the days are shorter and the nights are longer. It is a season of rest, and a period to conserve, rather than expend, energy. So, what is hibernation? It is like a long, deep sleep for animals and a time. Animals prepare to enter this state by eating a lot during the summer and autumn seasons to store fat to last them throughout the winter. Did you know that a pregnant American black bear could give birth during hibernation? She does not even need to wake herself to take care of her cubs. Instead, she can nurse her babies for months from the stored fat she has on reserve. Did you know that some animals in hot climates also undergo a form of hibernation? This is called estivation. Supreme Master Ching Hai spoke about the spiritual purpose of hibernation for animals during an August 23, 2009 lecture given in France. “There are some spiritual reasons. You see, because every day, animals, they’re also busy looking for food and taking care of their family, and so during wintertime, they take advantage of the natural cycle and they go into hibernation; they sleep in winter to recover their spiritual strength, apart from other things.”

Today, you will see what makes us ostriches such a unique and exquisite bird, and one to be treasured here on our loving planet. Our incredible eyesight is a great advantage for detecting anything suspicious. Although we can’t fly, we can sustain a running speed of over 50 kilometers or 30 miles per hour for more than an hour. We are the fastest bird on land and the speediest animal on two feet. We use our wings like a rudder, adjusting them to help us turn at high speeds, giving us a dainty running style that any ballerina would envy. Oregon State University, USA, has also seen the potential of our superior leg design and developed a stable, all-terrain bipedal robot. We lay the largest eggs in the world! In the Guinness Book of Records, the biggest recorded egg weighed 5 pounds and 11.36 ounces, or 2.6 kilograms. We can live for over 40 years, and are very adaptable, eating many types of seeds and plants, with the ability to travel long distances to forage for food.

My name is Nora, and I am a polar bear from Spirited Alaska, USA. In honor of the brand new year, the animals of our world would like to share some good news, warm wishes, and blessings with you. “We dogs are praying every day that there will soon be a vegan world! And we are doing our part to make it happen!” “Every day, we whales bless the ocean and fulfill our role in sustaining our planet.” My little cubs asked me to say “hi” and let you know that they are counting on you to do you part to save their polar habitat! “I know that 2020 is going to be a terrific year because I hear so much great news as I fly overhead!” “I live quietly in my burrow, and I didn’t know that so much was happening! This is certainly a Golden Era, and our world will soon be filled with abundance and peace. The future generations, both human and animal, will be living in a true paradise.”

On today’s program, we will show you some examples of animals assisting other animals, regardless of their species. Macaque Monkeys Adopt Stray Puppies. In January 2016, people in the southern Indian city of Erode observed a macaque monkey caring for a little stray puppy. She acted like a mother, defending him from unfriendly dogs and removing fleas and dirt from his coat. The loving bond between the two animals melted many people’s hearts. It certainly seems true that love knows no borders. Many times, when there is an animal in need, another animal will provide assistance without hesitation. Our next story demonstrates the compassion of a dolphin for two stranded whales. A big hip, hip, hurrah for all the noble animals featured today! We are very proud of what you have done and you truly are excellent examples of your respective species’ inherent kindness.

My ancestors were wild donkeys who lived in Africa 6,000 years ago. We are genetically related to Nubian wild asses and were domesticated to assist with transporting food and goods. We can also adapt to all types of terrain. Our long, narrow hooves enable us to walk steadily on rugged trails. This allow us to sometimes join rescue operations in mountainous areas. Being social animals, we closely bond with other donkeys. Cleanliness is valued by us and we assist each other in grooming. With a strong instinct for self-preservation, donkeys stay away from danger. That’s why we're often considered stubborn when actually we're only following our instinct. We can be your most loyal and reliable companion once you have earned our trust. By nature, we’re gentle, kindhearted, loving, and brave in the face of challenges. For thousands of years, we've generously served humanity by offering our labor and tirelessly working hard.

We chipmunks are the smallest members of the squirrel family and are known for our burrowing habits and love of nuts. We are identified by our pudgy cheeks, bushy tails, and white and black stripes that run down our backs. We can come in various shades of brown, yellow, and gray fur. Chipmunks like to be alone and we normally ignore one another and are only seen in pairs during the mating season in spring. In short, like hermits, we like to keep to ourselves! As we are not very social, each chipmunk has his or her own burrow. Chipmunks construct expansive underground abodes which can be between 3 to 4 meters in length, with several well-hidden entrances. Though chipmunks like staying in forest areas, we’re also comfortable in other settings, like urban spaces. You can find us in city parks, around hedges, and in backyards. We are quite flexible and can adapt to a wide variety of living surroundings!

Surge is a UK-based group, Surge's noble goal is a new era in which all animals are free from suffering, oppression, and violence. Surge's team focuses on promoting plant-based living as this is the path to bring all animals peace. With these combined efforts, in September 2018, London Fashion Week became 100% fur-free! Another well-known organization which promotes veganism and the banishment of fur is the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA. PETA has adhered to a simple principle since its inception, "Animals are not ours to experiment on, eat, wear, use for entertainment, or abuse in any other way." Also, we shouldn't forget about Mercy for Animals (MFA), a Shining World Compassion Award recipient, that is striving to construct a compassionate food system by reducing animal suffering and ending the exploitation of animals for food.

Do you know that December 10th is our day, International Animal Rights Day? In 1998, the organization Uncaged launched, on the same date as Human Rights Day, the first-ever International Animal Rights Day. Uncaged was founded in 1993, by Angela Roberts and Lynn Williamson and is now known as the Centre for Animals and Social Justice (CASJ). which acts as a voice for animals by carrying out pioneering research and furthering just animal treatment by promoting reforms that could better our welfare. Another UK-based group called Surge. Surge started “The Official Animal Rights March” in 2016 that has since become an annual event held not just in London, UK, but also around our world. The gathering’s purpose is to spark vegans everywhere to speak up for the animals and become active in driving positive change in their local communities.

“December 4, 2012, will be the first-ever Wildlife Conservation Day. Our goal is to inform more people about this global conservation crisis. Attacks on elephants and rhinos are multiplying at an alarming rate. Species around the globe, such as tigers in Asia, are endangered. By some estimates, the black market for wildlife trafficking is rivaled in size only by the illegal arms and drug trade. The slaughter of endangered species robs communities of income from tourism, reduces biodiversity, encourages corruption, and undermines good governance.” In addition to elephants, rhinos, and tigers, dozens of other endangered and threatened species are victims of wildlife trafficking. As today is Wildlife Conservation Day, I’d like to suggest six things you can do to honor it….