In 2024, the Planet has witnessed extraordinary moments thanks to conservation efforts and surprising discoveries in the animal kingdom. This year, stories of resilience, recovery and discovery have shown us how every creature, big or small, you play a vital role in the fabric of life on Earth. Here are twelve episodes that have captured the imagination and hearts of people around the world, demonstrating the never-ending wonder of nature.
The return of the Hawaiian crow (Corvus hawaiiensis)
On the slopes of the Mauna Loa volcanoin Hawaii, five Hawaiian crowsa species once on the brink of extinction due to habitat loss and disease, were released into the wild. This event, the result of a decades-long captive breeding program, marks a significant step in the conservation efforts to restore the population of these birds intelligent and playful, fundamental for the Hawaiian ecosystem as they contribute to seed dispersal and insect control.
New Zealand: stop greyhound racing
There New Zealand took a strong stand against greyhound racing, banning this cruel practice which often involves abuse, injury and killing of animals. This historic decision, welcomed by animal rights organizations such as the SPCA and GREY2K USA Worldwide, places animal welfare at the forefrontpaving the way for other nations that still allow this activity.
Goodbye to Marineland
After years of protests by organizations such as PETA and Sea Shepherd, and awareness campaigns, the Marineland marine park in France has closed its doors. The decision represents a victory for animal rights activists, who have long denounced the inadequate living conditions of dolphins, orcas and other marine animals held captive in concrete tanks, resulting in physical and mental health problems.
A second chance for Flash
Flasha sea turtle of the Caretta caretta species found with a broken shell following an accident with a boat, she was saved and cared for at the Sea Turtle Recovery Center of Lampedusa. Thanks to the loving care of the vets and her incredible willpower, Flash made a full recovery and was released into the sea, ready for a new life.
The little snail who came home
A species of land snail endemic to Hawaii, the Tornatellides boeningithought to be extinct for over a decade, it was rediscovered in nature during a botanical expedition. This unexpected find offers hope for the conservation of other endangered species and demonstrates nature’s resilience in the face of environmental challenges.
Beached whales find freedom again
Over 30 whalesprobably pilot whales (Globicephala melas), stranded on an Australian coast near Cheynes Beach, they were saved thanks to the timely intervention of volunteers and rescuers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA). Working tirelessly for hours, they managed to bring the cetaceans back into the sea, giving them a second chance at life.
Return to Antarctica for 14 penguins
Fourteen Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus), rehabilitated at the Fundación Mundo Marino recovery center in Argentina after being found sick or injured, were released in Antarctica. Equipped with satellite tracking devices, the penguins will help scientists collect important data on their migratory routes, feeding behavior and living conditions in the wild, contributing to the conservation of the species.
The largest coral in the world discovered
In the Solomon Islands, off Santa Isabel Island, A record-breaking giant coral has been discovered. Belonging to the Porites lobata species, this coral, which is estimated to be hundreds of years old, highlights the importance of protecting marine ecosystems and the biodiversity they contain, threatened by pollution and climate change.
Buffaloes return to populate the prairies
In the prairies of North America, the buffaloes (Bison bison), once decimated by indiscriminate hunting, they are thriving again. Thanks to reintroduction programs in national parks like Yellowstone and sustainable management by indigenous tribes, these iconic animals are regaining their vital role in the ecosystem, contributing to grassland health and biodiversity.
New species discovered in the heart of Congo
A scientific expedition to the Congo basin led to the discovery of 742 new species of plants and animalsincluding a vampire hedgehog (Hystrix brachyura) and a leafless orchid (Gastrodia agnicellus). This incredible biodiversity, hidden in the heart of the rainforest, highlights the need to protect these unique habitats from deforestation, mining and poaching.
Building igloos for pregnant seals
In Finland, hundreds of volunteers build snow igloos to provide shelter for Saimaa ringed seals pregnant women who, due to global warming and melting sea ice, no longer find safe places to give birth. A gesture of solidarity that demonstrates how man can act concretely to mitigate the effects of climate change on wildlife.
Vampire hedgehog and leafless orchid: new creatures in the Mekong
The Greater Mekong reveals 234 new speciesincluding a vampire hedgehog and a leafless orchid. These findings, the result of years of research by WWF, highlight the importance of protecting this biodiversity hotspot from human threats, such as deforestation, dam building and illegal wildlife trafficking.
These stories, just some of the many that have characterized 2024, remind us of the importance of protecting our Planet and all the creatures that inhabit it. They are a hymn to the resilience of nature, to the dedication of those who fight for the conservation of biodiversity and to the hope for a future in which humans and animals can coexist in harmony.
