This sad news comes from Defenders of Wildlife. Manatees “perhaps the most loveable creatures you will ever see… are dying at an alarming rate.” Over 10 percent of the Florida manatees (that is 550 individuals) have died already in 2013. This is more than the number who died in all of 2012.

“This recent surge in manatee deaths was caused by toxic blooms of algae (the so-called red tide) and a huge dieoff of seagrasses, the manatees’ main food source,” says Defenders, but other major causes are boats hitting them and habitat destruction by human beings.

Let us hold these gentle and vulnerable beings close in our hearts and prayers. May they find safe waters, good food, and freedom from human exploitation, interference, and violence. And may the people of Florida whose carelessness is causing this tragedy suddenly awaken to the beauty and wonder of manatees, join manatee protectors everywhere, and stop their reckless driving of destructive powerboats.

Also, International Respect for Chickens Day is May 4—a day to pray deeply and powerfully for chickens, billions of whom are suffering on this day and every day. May each chicken on earth be loved, respected, and free!

Also, I wanted to make sure everyone knows about the Vegan Spirituality Retreat in Malibu on June 1. Details are at www.veganspirituality.com. It would be so lovely to see us all there.

If you haven’t already done so, please join us at the Prayer Circle for Animals facebook page.

With Love, peace, and gratitude from Judy, and Will, Madeleine, and the Circle of Compassion team.