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June 2015
 Looking for some good resources to teach the connection between animals and the health of the overall ecosystem? Check out these videos.
While we might be inclined to think that low numbers of whales in our ocean would
lead to an overabundance of other sea life, How Whales Change Climate
shows why it is not only important to save the whales for their own survival
but for the survival of the entire ocean.
How Wolves Change Rivers
also looks at some surprising facts about the ecosystem and food chain.
 The Story of Three Whales
by Giles Whittell, illustrated by
Patrick Benson
The Story of Three Whales is a true story of three
California Grey whales who were trapped by the ice of an early winter, off the
Alaskan Coast in 1988. People from
around the world came to try to help the whales back to safe waters. A series
of holes were cut in the ice in the hopes that the whales would be lured to
these and led out to sea.
See actual pictures
and read excerpts about this rescue and the international efforts that led to
their safety. The story was made into a movie, The Big Miracle, in 2012. Note that the scene where Drew Barrymore’s character dives into the ice cold
water to untangle fishing nets is drama at its best but not part of the true
story!
The Story of Three Whales is an inspiring book can lead to discussion around compassion and
cooperation.
Read more BC SPCA book recommendations.
 This past May, the Scouts Canada 6th Peach Arch Cubs took Be Kind to Animals Month to heart.
The group used the instructions from the craft
section in MEOW! to make fleece blanket beds to be placed in the cats' Hide Perch & Go boxes at the shelter.
The Cubs didn’t forget the shelter dogs either. They made dog
cookies which were enthusiastically enjoyed by the pooches waiting for homes.
Let us know about groups of kids in your area who are making
a difference for animals. Send us a picture and a brief description of their
kind act and we’ll try to feature as many as we can in upcoming newsletters.
Right now is the time of year when baby seals are being born
and beaches along the coast turn into harbour seal nurseries. There are things
humans can do (and not do!) to keep seals safe this summer.
 It is important to give seals their space. If you see a seal pup alone on a
beach, it is not likely abandoned. Mother seals often leave their pups for
several hours while they go back to the ocean to feed, but adult seals will not
return to pups if they sense danger from humans, so keep your distance.
Keeping dogs on leash and picking up litter on the beach are other easy ways of
helping the baby seals survive.
There are times when seal pups do need human intervention, like if the seal is
seriously underweight, or appears distressed or non-responsive, but it is
important to only allow trained experts to handle a rescue.
Learn more about this
news item and other
BC SPCA news that you may want to include in class discussions.
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The BC
SPCA has classroom resources for grades K-7. The lessons integrate
animal issues and information into existing provincial learning
outcomes.
Click on a lesson plan below to learn more.
Kindness Counts
(for K- Gr. 2)
Companions for Life
(Gr. 3-5)
You Can Make a Difference
(Gr. 5-7)
Cluck - The life of an egg-laying hen (Gr. 4-6)
Bite Free (K - Gr. 5)
Bite Free is on the recommended resource list for Health and
Career Planning for grades K-5.
We would love to know what you think of this newsletter. Do you use it regularly? Is there a topic you would like us to cover? Do you share it with others?
Please email us your
questions and comments.
Informational DVDs and BC SPCA merchandise available at shop.spca.bc.ca
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