Animals

The Smithsonian National Zoological Park has announced a five-year, $4.5 million gift from David M. Rubenstein to help fund its panda program.

The gift will be used to fund conservation efforts in China, reproductive science, professional training programs, giant panda care and upgrades to panda habitats at the zoo, and public education. In addition, young conservation biologists in the United States and China who are awarded National Zoo fellowships for their work to save the endangered species will be named David M. Rubenstein Fellows.

In another move to privatize some longtime city functions, the Los Angeles City Council voted Tuesday to hand over management of a Mission Hills animal shelter to a nonprofit group.

Under the plan, Best Friends Animal Society will provide adoption and spay and neuter services at the Northeast Valley Animal Care Center, built three years ago for more than $19 million but never fully staffed because of budget cuts.

Seth MacFarlane, creator of the hit animation series "Family Guy," "American Dad" and the "Cleveland Show," is paying tribute to his mother by teaming up with Heaven on Earth Society for Animals, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit.

On the year anniversary of his mother's death, Seth MacFarlane and Heaven on Earth Society for Animals announce the establishment of Perry’s Place — The Perry MacFarlane Sanctuary at Heaven on Earth.

It's difficult to resist petting these hard workers. But Freedom Service Dogs have a job to do. And the Englewood, Colo.-based organization that trains the canines and pairs them with people with disabilities who can benefit from these working dogs' help ensure that they're able to do that job.

Bills aimed at blocking the release of videos taken by activist groups of conditions in confined animal feeding operations are being considered by state legislatures in Iowa, Minnesota and Florida.

At issue are undercover operations by activist groups like the Humane Society of the United States, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and Mercy for Animals and documentary filmmakers that produce videos showing cattle being bludgeoned to death, baby chickens being shepherded into grinders and unsanitary conditions.

PETA, known for its graphic stunts with bleeding carcasses and naked models, is shifting its strategy. Its new approach is less about disrupting events from the outside and more about educating the fashion industry from the inside, says Dan Mathews, PETA senior vice president of campaigns.

PETA's move comes at a time when the high-end fashion industry is pushing fur heavily. A parade of pelts strutted down the runways of New York, Milan and Paris in recent weeks.

One of the best ways for fundraisers to get new ideas is by learning from their peers in the nonprofit sector. And despite the economy and continued budget cuts, 2010 saw no shortage of successful fundraising campaigns.

Jane Hoffman, president of the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals, discusses her organization and its fundraising initiatives.

In a webinar last month, Jeff Patrick and Sarah Desilets discussed the fundraising capabilities of Facebook Causes and tips on how to use the application for your organization.

AFP CEO Paulette Maehara shares her thoughts on Convio's positive 2010 Holiday Giving Survey findings.