Look For The Helpers: Endangered Zoo Babies, Arts for Autism Benefit, and a Health & Human Services Announcement

2025-05-21

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Send us a text message to say hi! We’d love to hear from you. The animal kingdom delivers a profound lesson in resilience at the Philadelphia Zoo, where we witnessed history in the making. Four critically endangered Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoise hatchlings—the first in the zoo's 150-year existence—represent an extraordinary conservation breakthrough. The parents, century-old "Mommy" and "Abrazo," demonstrate that it's never too late to contribute to species survival. These tiny mirac...

Send us a text message to say hi! We’d love to hear from you.

The animal kingdom delivers a profound lesson in resilience at the Philadelphia Zoo, where we witnessed history in the making. Four critically endangered Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoise hatchlings—the first in the zoo's 150-year existence—represent an extraordinary conservation breakthrough. The parents, century-old "Mommy" and "Abrazo," demonstrate that it's never too late to contribute to species survival. These tiny miracles, initially weighing no more than chicken eggs, embody hope for a threatened species. Learn more about the Galapagos Tortoise Hatchlings at the Philadelphia Zoo.

Beyond the conservation triumph, we explored the zoo's sensory-friendly spaces that make wildlife encounters accessible for everyone. The Treehouse area provides a peaceful retreat for autistic members needing respite from stimulation. We share practical strategies for creating an enjoyable zoo experience: visit early on weekdays, utilize quiet zones for breaks, consider noise-canceling headphones, and embrace a relaxed pace rather than rushing through exhibits. The "Zootopiaries" – plant sculptures shaped as animals – offer a unique perspective on environmental stewardship and our relationship with nature.

Meanwhile, Broadway stars will gather for the Arts for Autism benefit concert at New Amsterdam Theatre on June 16th, with proceeds supporting autism organizations. Learn more at Arts for Autism.

The Muppets celebrate their 70th anniversary this May, with Disney preserving Jim Henson's final project, Muppet Vision 3D, for the archives. We recorded this before May 9, but you can celebrate every day. Learn more: Disney Filming MuppetVision 3D for Archival Ahead of Closure, Digital Future Possible

On a more concerning note, the Department of Health and Human Services plans to create a database using Medicare and Medicaid patient data to study autism causes, raising serious privacy concerns among experts and advocates. During challenging times, we find wisdom in Mr. Rogers' advice to "look for the helpers" – those dedicated individuals working to create a more inclusive world. Source: HHS plan to use Medicare and Medicaid data to study autism alarms experts, by Berkeley Lovelace Jr., Erika Edwards and Akshay Syal, M.D. for NBC News

Have you encountered someone making positive changes for the autistic community? Share their story with us for an upcoming episode!

Written and edited by Ted Harris.
Writing and editing assistance by Lindsay Harris Friel.
Music by Vincent Friel.