Web Exclusive Discusses Why Wildlife Health Matters, Features Joan Embery

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Morris Animal Foundation Videos Illustrate Connection Between Humans, Pets and Wildlife

Denver/November 2, 2009 — Wildlife animal health affects our world in a myriad of ways. To connect the dots between wild habitats and your backyard, Morris Animal Foundation created an online wildlife health exclusive, which features veterinary professionals, animal health advocate Joan Embery and adorable examples of wildlife. The exclusive has six short videos that illustrate how wildlife animals affect you and your pets, articles with additional information and a list of helpful resources.

Morris Animal Foundation, a Denver-based nonprofit, is a world leader in funding wildlife health research that helps animals escape extinction, extend life span and repopulate.

Foundation executives and veterinarians Patricia Olson and Wayne Jensen talk about the importance of establishing medical markers for wildlife and ensuring survival of unique and ecologically valuable species. They are joined online by University of California–Davis researchers who are using Foundation funding to study seals, sea otters and endangered Santa Catalina Island foxes.

Embery, who is known for her appearances on the "Johnny Carson Show," celebrates many species on her Pillsbury Ranch in San Diego and introduces Yoda, a fennec fox that is sure to steal hearts. She talks about the concept of "one health" and the importance of wildlife research and conservation efforts.

"Increasingly, as we crowd this earth, we will be affected more and more by wildlife diseases," says Dr. Barbara Wolfe, DVM, PhD. Wolfe is a former chair of the Foundation’s Wildlife Scientific Advisory Board, which reviews hundreds of Morris Animal Foundation grant submissions from around the world.

About Morris Animal Foundation:
Morris Animal Foundation (MAF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 1948, is dedicated to funding animal health research that protects, treats and cures companion animals, horses and wildlife. MAF has its headquarters in Denver. Charity Navigator ranks MAF as a four-star charity, the highest rating. MAF is a BBB Wise Giving Alliance Charity Seal Holder. For more information, call 800.243.2345 or visit MorrisAnimalFoundation.org.