Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Ridge 2 River Animal Haven & Humane Education @ridge2river.bsky.social · 1d

Fun Fact Friday!

Ducks can sleep with one eye open - turning off only half of their brain - when they feel unsafe. This is thought to be a way to protect themselves from predators.

#Ducks #FunFacts #AnimalFact #Education

Ducks can sleep with one eye open to help keep themselves safe!

2 2

Ridge 2 River Animal Haven & Humane Education @ridge2river.bsky.social · 5d

Today we celebrate and honor the histories, traditions, and culture of Native Americans and Alaska Natives.

At Ridge 2 River, we are on indigenous lands of the P'Squosa tribe. How will you honor Indigenous history and perseverance today?

2% of the U.S. population identifies as Native American or Alaska Native.

Today, and every day, we celebrate and hour the histories, traditions, and cultures of the tribes that first inhabited these lands and continue to persevere through historical and ongoing discrimination and threats.

1

Ridge 2 River Animal Haven & Humane Education @ridge2river.bsky.social · 9d

Fun Fact Friday!

Peahens (female peafowl) have a wingspan of 31 to 51 inches!

#Peahen #Peafowl #AnimalFact #FunFacts #HumaneEducation #Rescue #Sanctuary

1 1

Ridge 2 River Animal Haven & Humane Education @ridge2river.bsky.social · 16d

Fun Fact Friday!

Chickens are the closest living relative to the Tyrannosaurus rex 🦖

#Chicken #Rooster #AnimalSanctuary #Rescue #Trex #Dinosaurs #AnimalFacts

A brown rooster with a white stomach in a sanctuary barn

Ridge 2 River Animal Haven & Humane Education @ridge2river.bsky.social · 23d

Fun Fact Friday!

Pigs have approximately 15,000 taste buds, quite a bit more than humans.

#Pigs #Rescue #AnimalSanctuary #AnimalFriends #PlantBased #FunFacts

A close up of a smiling rescue pig with hay on his nose.

2

Ridge 2 River Animal Haven & Humane Education @ridge2river.bsky.social · 26d

Happy Rosh Hashanah! From food to music to rest, all of these Jewish New Year traditions can be honored with compassion. And, don't forget to enjoy some rest. Shana Tova!

From food to music to rest,
all of Rosh Hashanah’s traditions can be honored with compassion.

Apples & Honey are a symbol of sweetness for the new year. For a cruelty-free alternative to honey, try kosher options of sugar cane or golden syrup, date sugar or syrup, molasses, coconut sugar, agave, or maple syrup.

Challah is a braided Jewish holiday bread. Ashkenazi versions utilize eggs, but for a compassionate and traditional alternative, try a Sephardic Jewish recipe. These historically use oils instead!

A shofar is a musical instrument traditionally made from the horn of a ram. Its sound is a key feature of Rosh Hashanah and a reminder to look inward and repent. One easy option? Buy used! Buying used animal goods does not increase the demand for new products. Or, try one made with natural materials, like wood.

1

Ridge 2 River Animal Haven & Humane Education @ridge2river.bsky.social · 29d

Fun Fact Friday!

Most cats favor a particular paw over the other. Female cats are more commonly right-pawed, and males are more commonly left-pawed.

#FunFactFriday #Cats #CatFacts #Sanctuary #Rescue #AdoptDontShop #Animals

A photo of two rescue cats laying together.

1

Ridge 2 River Animal Haven & Humane Education @ridge2river.bsky.social · Sep 16

We may think of elections as something that happens every two years, but voting season is every season.

This #NationalVoterRegistrationDay, make it a priority to check or update your status, or register for the first time, so when your time to cast a ballot comes, you'll be ready. 🗳️

Are you registered to vote? Register for the first time.
Verify your registration status.
Keep your information up-to-date.
Make your voice heard.

1 1

Ridge 2 River Animal Haven & Humane Education @ridge2river.bsky.social · Sep 15

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! This month offers a chance to celebrate the influence of this culture, their traditions, accomplishments, and positive impact on society as a whole, as well as remind ourselves of the threats they continue to face, and how we can celebrate.

Celebrated annually in the U.S. from September 15th to October 15th, these dates cover anniversaries of Independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Chile.

The U.S. Hispanic/Latino population is over 60 million, a 50% increase in just over a decade. This is one in five people in the U.S. and the largest group in five states and one territory.

Throughout history, violence against Latin Americans has occurred - from colonization times to mob violence during the California Gold Rush, throughout the 20th century, and onward to today, where racially-driven discrimination unfortunately continues.

Despite this, Latin culture continues to thrive. Today:
30% of MLB players are Latino
Latin cuisine - like tacos, sweet corn, and tamales - is the second most common ethnic cuisine in the U.S.
The percentage of Hispanic chief executives continues to grow, and much more!

Ridge 2 River Animal Haven & Humane Education @ridge2river.bsky.social · Sep 12

Fun Fact Friday! 🐐🐐

Like humans, goats adapt their vocalizations when they join a social group. This means that, yes, goats have regional accents!

#FunFactFriday #Goats #TheMoreYouKnow #Goat #Animals #Sanctuary #Rescue

1 2

Ridge 2 River Animal Haven & Humane Education @ridge2river.bsky.social · Sep 5

Fun Fact Friday!

Rabbits have ‘open root’ teeth. This means that they are constantly worn down and never stop growing throughout their lives!

#Rabbits #Bunnies #Sanctuary #Rescue #FunFact #Animals

Rabbits have ‘open root’ teeth that constantly wear down and grow throughout their life.

Ridge 2 River Animal Haven & Humane Education @ridge2river.bsky.social · Aug 29

Fun Fact Friday!

Did you know that peacocks are only male?

Peacocks are a type of peafowl. A female peafowl is known as a peahen.

#Peacocks #Peafowl #Sanctuary #Rescue #Education #Birds

A photo of a rescued peacock at a sanctuary.

Fun Fact Friday!

Peacocks are a type of peafowl. A female peafowl is known as a peahen.

2

Ridge 2 River Animal Haven & Humane Education @ridge2river.bsky.social · Aug 22

Almond, Coconut, Flax, Hemp, Oat, Rice, Soy...we could go on and on. Milk can come from a lot of places. 🥛

Plant milk is lower in fat, contains no cholesterol, is lactose-free, lacks bovine hormones, is better for the planet, and, of course, does not harm any animals.

What is your favorite?

1

Ridge 2 River Animal Haven & Humane Education @ridge2river.bsky.social · Aug 9

We were so happy to have Eastmont Summer School join us for two field trips this summer! Students learned about what all species have in common, ran around in the fields, and enjoyed giving our pigs some belly rubs (they love them!).

🌟🌟 Thanks for visiting! 🌟🌟

#FieldTrip #Education #Fun

A group of young students and their teachers at the entrance to Ridge 2 River

Young students and their teachers discussing what humans and animals have in common with Ridge 2 River volunteers

A group of young kids and an adult in a field with rescue goats and sheep

Students getting on a bus at Ridge 2 River at the end of a field trip

Ridge 2 River Animal Haven & Humane Education @ridge2river.bsky.social · Aug 7

Do you love animals and good food? Are you a high school student looking to learn how to make a difference in the world? 🌎

Join us for LEAP at Ridge 2 River! This program is free, but spots are limited.

Learn more and apply at Ridge2River.org/LEAP.

Ridge 2 River Animal Haven & Humane Education @ridge2river.bsky.social · Aug 6

Huge thanks to Wenatchee Sunrise Rotary for providing us with a grant to help with our 2025 summer camps! Because of their generosity, we were able to offer camps without any price increases this year, and provide four scholarships for campers who otherwise wouldn’t have been able to join. 🎒🙏🏼

A thank you banner for Wenatchee Sunrise Rotary featuring seven photos of school aged campers interacting with the animal residents of Ridge 2 River.

1

Ridge 2 River Animal Haven & Humane Education @ridge2river.bsky.social · Aug 5

Globally, least 10 billion oysters are consumed annually. And the pearl industry is a 20 billion-dollar-a-year industry and growing. But, these ocean filters are essential for so much ocean life.

This National Oyster Day, we encourage you to think about your choices and how they align with you.

Ridge 2 River Animal Haven & Humane Education @ridge2river.bsky.social · Jul 24

Happy International Self-Care Day! 🪷

👐🏾 It can be easy to get lost in obligation and put ourselves last, but self-care is no longer considered a luxury. Instead, it is a necessity for our physical and mental health.

What will you do for yourself today? ☀️

1 1

Ridge 2 River Animal Haven & Humane Education @ridge2river.bsky.social · Jul 16

Applications are open for high school students to join us for LEAP at Ridge 2 River!

Leaders for Ethics, Animals, and the Planet is a free program that teaches young leaders how to advocate for a better future for all who inhabit our planet.

Learn more and apply today at LEAPforanimals.org!

An image of a teen girl feeding a rescued animal at a ridge 2 river animal haven.

Ridge 2 River Animal Haven & Humane Education @ridge2river.bsky.social · Jul 6

More than 60% of currently known infectious diseases are zoonotic, and globally, 2.5 billion humans get sick from them every year. 🦠

Adding more plant foods, buying used clothing, and maintaining habitat-friendly practices all reduce the growth and spread.

Together, we can all stay healthier.

A zoonosis is an infectious disease that has spread from a non-human species to humans, or in the case of reverse zoonosis, vice versa.

More than 60% of known infectious diseases are zoonotic, and up to 75% of new and emerging infectious diseases have zoonotic origins.

Examples of zoonoses: Avian (bird) Flu
Covid-19
Ebola
Lyme
Malaria
MERS
Mpox
Rabies
SARS
West Nile
Yellow Fever
Zika

Try adding more plant-based foods, opting for second-hand or faux fibers and decor, and developing habitat-friendly home and personal habits.

Don’t forget to
be alert to signs and symptoms, and take care of yourself if you suspect you’ve been exposed.

6 10

Ridge 2 River Animal Haven & Humane Education @ridge2river.bsky.social · Jul 4

Fireworks are often thought of alongside July 4th. But, these celebratory booms have a darker side. Animals of all kinds, from dogs to birds to even humans, can show frightened, and often dangerous, behaviors induced from these loud booms. Bu, kinder alternatives exist. How will you celebrate?

Approximately 50% of dogs are scared of fireworks; More pets go missing on the July 4th weekend than at any other point during the year; Horses exhibit unusual and self-damaging behaviors; Wild birds flee in groves during firework explosions, often so franticly that they crash and die or fly so far out they can’t make it back to land alive; Other wild animals run in panic out of their habitats and into dangerous areas, including roads

Celebratory explosions can trigger PTSD in veterans, refugees, and others; Fireworks injure over 10,000 people in the U.S. every year, in addition to about a dozen deaths; Costs vary, but a fireworks show can cost taxpayers thousands to millions of dollars; Fireworks contain and release pollutants into the atmosphere, soil, and water; On an already warming planet, fireworks can ignite structure, vehicle, and outdoor fires

Alternatives exist and are becoming more common: Concerts, Drone shows, Daytime parades, Light or laser shows, Water shows, Staying home with pets. These are much more sustainable; can avoid frightening wildlife, pets, or humans - if the location and volume are properly planned; adapt better to cloudy or rainy weather; have the potential to be more customizable and more affordable

2

Ridge 2 River Animal Haven & Humane Education @ridge2river.bsky.social · Jul 1

July is National Blueberry Month, and peak blueberry season in the country's largest producer - Washington!

Filled with nutrition and great at fighting disease, blueberries are great fresh, frozen, blended, or baked. How will you enjoy some this month? 🫐

#Blueberries #Fruit #PlantBased #Healthy

1 7

Ridge 2 River Animal Haven & Humane Education @ridge2river.bsky.social · Jun 23

Good catch, thank you and added!

1

Ridge 2 River Animal Haven & Humane Education @ridge2river.bsky.social · Jun 23

Are you looking for a way to help animals in NCW? Come volunteer at Ridge 2 River!

🌄Our most pressing need is regular, morning, hands-on help at the sanctuary, but if mornings are not an option but you still want to volunteer with us, please complete an interest form anyway!

1 1

Ridge 2 River Animal Haven & Humane Education @ridge2river.bsky.social · Jun 21

Are you or someone you know between the ages of 12 and 16 and looking for something outdoors to do this July?

Join us for our third annual Camp Solutionary! Spots are still available for July 7th-11th. Learn more or sign up at Ridge2River.org/events!

1