The Last of Their Kind Project: Recent Episodes
The Last of Their Kind Project
According to the United Nations 1 million species are at risk of extinction.
In response to this ASL High School students are writing and recording words about species that could be lost forever.
The Last of Their Kind Project is a free cultural works. All episodes are shared under an Attribution 4.0 International Creative Commons license.
The spotted turtle
A slow moving reptile
Enjoying its simple life in whatever pond, bog, or ditch it can find
Basking in the warm sun with spotted turtle friends
A harmless, fascinating and beautiful creature
A smooth black shell
Speckled with hundred of stars
Roaming slowly throughout the world
Longing for a safe place to bask in the sun
But they are disappearing
Slowly but surely
Suffocating on the toxins
Strangled by simple plastics
But it’s not too late
There’s still so much to do
So do your part
And save at least a few
Image: Biodiversity Heritage Library
Orangutan, orangutan
High up in the tree
Making your nest wherever you please
You’re curious like George
And smarter than Abu
And strong like Donkey Kong
But how do I save you?
Human, human, I must ask of thee
Why do you steal the homes
Of whomever you please?
We’ve given so much
To feed your greed
I serve you in the circus, lab, and zoo
But can’t I just relax like you?
Image: Biodiversity Heritage Library
You’ll find the largest land mammal in Asia standing proud,
In all its glory.
With more than two-thirds of their day spent feeding,
The great Asian Elephant is always close to a source of water.
Commonly known as the remover of obstacles, wise and powerful,
These elephants are faced with an obstacle of their own.
Due to destruction caused by humans, Asian Elephants are facing:
Habitat loss, fragmentation, poaching,
And risk of extinction.
70% of elephants live outside of protected areas,
decreasing their chances of survival even more.
So please, think about this injustice,
And make a change.
Image: Biodiversity Heritage Library
Hummingbirds snack on
My sweet nectar, magenta
Entranced. Vibrantly.
A tropical flair
In the garden, I blossom.
I’m ever so rare.
Degrees tick upwards
And invasives push me out
Soon -- I will vanish.
But you can help me
Yes you, you can care for me
As I care for you
Protect our home, my
Forest, your sanctuary
Others will follow.
Image: Adapted from an image by David Eickhoff
You’ve probably never heard of me
I like to disappear in the shrubbery
I burrow down beside termite mounds
I eat the pests that keep you awake with nocturnal sounds
My scales protect me from nature’s threats
But not from wealthy bidders’ bets
My armour, its not meant for you
As an artefact in a city zoo
I need the land that your cows now graze
Or these could be my final days
I need the trees that burn in your fire
Or in a museum is the only place I will be admired
I am fast I am strong
If you don’t watch out
I’ll be gone