Dancing Star Foundation
Encyclopedia
The Dancing Star Foundation is a U.S.-based non-profit organization
engaged in environmental, cultural and animal welfare
activities, including worldwide environmental education, global biodiversity
conservation
, animal protection, animal welfare
, and animal rights
.
Some of the various issues with which the Foundation is involved on an ongoing basis—with prominent ecologists, biologists, and other scientists, government officials, artists, museums and educators worldwide—include efforts in the arenas of ecological restoration; sustainability and non-violence, animal protection, spiritual ecologies, deep ecology, large-scale habitat protection, protection of endangered species
, and ongoing education via the media of filmmaking and publishing, lectures and symposia. Her Majesty the Queen of Bhutan
, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck
has described their efforts as being "invaluable for policymakers and scientists . . . (and) inspiration for the next generation of young ecologists wanting to make a difference in the world."
Tobias' academic resume includes a Ph.D. in History of Consciousness
from UC Santa Cruz, an Assistant Professorship in Environmental Studies
, and Adjunct Assistant Professor of English and the Humanities, Visiting Garrey Carruthers Chair of Honors at the University of New Mexico
-Albuquerque, Distinguished Visiting Professor, and Regents Lecturer at the University of California-Santa Barbara, and an Associate Professorship at Cal State Northridge. "As the author of 37 books and writer/ director/producer of over 100 films pertaining to environmental, cultural, social or scientific issues, he has been called 'the Carl Sagan
of the humanities'."
Jane Gray Morrison, Executive Vice President
An ecologist / filmmaker, Morrison produced 10-hour Turner Broadcasting series "Voice of the Planet," which chronicled the history of life on Earth; the project "involved filming for nearly two years in 25 countries." Morrison is also responsible for the production of a trilogy of documentary films titled "Mad Cowboy," "No Vacancy," and "Hotspots," as well as co-authoring books on environmental issues.
Don Cannon, Vice President, Finance and Operations
Cannon's background includes extensive tenures with both A&M records
and Elektra records
, as well as Hanna Barbera and other television production companies. Previous to joining Dancing Star Foundation, he was a Senior Vice President at ICM, a large talent management agency.
Via the conduits of print and film, Dancing Star Foundation seeks to increase awareness of environmental issues ranging from biodiversity and extinction
to non-violence and over-population. Examples are "No Vacancy," a book and documentary film combination which addresses the volatile issue of population stabilization in the U.S., China, and eight other countries; the book "Sanctuary," "a 338-pages compendium of full color photography showcasing twenty-four animal sanctuaries located throughout twenty different countries"; and the award-winning documentary film "Mad Cowboy," the story of cattle rancher-turned-vegan and animal rights activist Howard Lyman
.
Animal Protection
The foundation operates two sanctuaries in Central California
, one near the coastal town of Cayucos and one near Paso Robles. Founded in 1993, the foundation provides a refuge for rescued animals. The foundation also protects wild forest canopy and a multitude of native flora
and fauna
. The mission of the facilities is to provide sanctuary “for the benefit, solace, peace and quiet of the resident species."
Euthanasia controversy
In early 2009, a small number of former employees alleged that the Cayucos sanctuary was euthanizing animals
for economic reasons. A maintenance supervisor who made similar allegations claims he was dismissed due to speaking out, although the sanctuary says he was terminated for other reasons. Dancing Star denied the animal-care allegations, saying that they are “contrary to our most deeply held beliefs” and that the Foundation is “unwavering in our commitment to compassion.” San Luis Obispo County Animal Services determined that the euthanized animals were “either beyond treatment or had conditions for which euthanasia would be at least one of the considerations that could be responsibly made.” The general counsel of the Farm Sanctuary in New York State, who examined the Cayucos sanctuary following the allegations, said he was unable to confirm the process for selecting those who had been euthanized. But he noted, “It’s the best-funded place in the country for animals, and the staff appears to be caring.”
Biodiversity Conservation
"'Hotspots,' a new documentary . . . attempts to remind people of the greatness of the planet they inhabit and the importance of conserving life for medical purposes. It takes viewers on an adventure through a handful of the 35 most biologically rich life zones on earth."
In addition to the film, Dancing Star Foundation is involved in efforts to promote biodiversity conservation—mostly through education by putting a well-deserved spotlight on a myriad of ecological luminaries and initiatives—in the following countries:
Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Bhutan
Brazil
Brunei
Chile
England & Scotland
France
Ghana & Nigeria
Holland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Japan
Madagascar
Malaysia
Mexico
Namibia
New Zealand
Peru
Poland
Portugal
Singapore
South Africa
Suriname
Thailand
United Arab Emirates
Yemen
UCLA Medical School
Dancing Star Foundation created and funded an alternative oncology
program at the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center. "The Sue Stiles Program in Integrative Oncology has been established at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center under the direction of Dr. Richard J. Pietras. Dr. Pietras is a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Medical Oncology, and he is the principal investigator for numerous federally-funded basic and clinical-translational research efforts at JCCC. Dr. Lonnie Zeltzer is Associate Director for the Sue Stiles Program in Integrative Oncology. She is also Director of the Pediatric Pain Program, Associate Director of the JCCC Patients and Survivors Program, and a member of the National Cancer Institute
expert panel on complementary and alternative medicine
research." Consistent with the Foundation's convictions of non-violence, no animals are used in any funded research.
Non-profit organization
Nonprofit organization is neither a legal nor technical definition but generally refers to an organization that uses surplus revenues to achieve its goals, rather than distributing them as profit or dividends...
engaged in environmental, cultural and animal welfare
Animal welfare
Animal welfare is the physical and psychological well-being of animals.The term animal welfare can also mean human concern for animal welfare or a position in a debate on animal ethics and animal rights...
activities, including worldwide environmental education, global biodiversity
Biodiversity
Biodiversity is the degree of variation of life forms within a given ecosystem, biome, or an entire planet. Biodiversity is a measure of the health of ecosystems. Biodiversity is in part a function of climate. In terrestrial habitats, tropical regions are typically rich whereas polar regions...
conservation
Conservation biology
Conservation biology is the scientific study of the nature and status of Earth's biodiversity with the aim of protecting species, their habitats, and ecosystems from excessive rates of extinction...
, animal protection, animal welfare
Animal welfare
Animal welfare is the physical and psychological well-being of animals.The term animal welfare can also mean human concern for animal welfare or a position in a debate on animal ethics and animal rights...
, and animal rights
Animal rights
Animal rights, also known as animal liberation, is the idea that the most basic interests of non-human animals should be afforded the same consideration as the similar interests of human beings...
.
Some of the various issues with which the Foundation is involved on an ongoing basis—with prominent ecologists, biologists, and other scientists, government officials, artists, museums and educators worldwide—include efforts in the arenas of ecological restoration; sustainability and non-violence, animal protection, spiritual ecologies, deep ecology, large-scale habitat protection, protection of endangered species
Endangered species
An endangered species is a population of organisms which is at risk of becoming extinct because it is either few in numbers, or threatened by changing environmental or predation parameters...
, and ongoing education via the media of filmmaking and publishing, lectures and symposia. Her Majesty the Queen of Bhutan
Bhutan
Bhutan , officially the Kingdom of Bhutan, is a landlocked state in South Asia, located at the eastern end of the Himalayas and bordered to the south, east and west by the Republic of India and to the north by the People's Republic of China...
, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck
Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck
Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck is a former queen of Bhutan and first wife of former King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, who is married to four sisters all of whom were entitled to be called queen.Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck is the first wife of...
has described their efforts as being "invaluable for policymakers and scientists . . . (and) inspiration for the next generation of young ecologists wanting to make a difference in the world."
Principals of the Organization
Michael Tobias, PresidentTobias' academic resume includes a Ph.D. in History of Consciousness
History of Consciousness
The History of Consciousness program is an interdisciplinary graduate program in the humanities with links to the sciences, social sciences, and arts at the University of California at Santa Cruz....
from UC Santa Cruz, an Assistant Professorship in Environmental Studies
Environmental studies
Environmental studies is the academic field which systematically studies human interaction with the environment. It is a broad interdisciplinary field of study that includes the natural environment, built environment, and the sets of relationships between them...
, and Adjunct Assistant Professor of English and the Humanities, Visiting Garrey Carruthers Chair of Honors at the University of New Mexico
University of New Mexico
The University of New Mexico at Albuquerque is a public research university located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in the United States. It is the state's flagship research institution...
-Albuquerque, Distinguished Visiting Professor, and Regents Lecturer at the University of California-Santa Barbara, and an Associate Professorship at Cal State Northridge. "As the author of 37 books and writer/ director/producer of over 100 films pertaining to environmental, cultural, social or scientific issues, he has been called 'the Carl Sagan
Carl Sagan
Carl Edward Sagan was an American astronomer, astrophysicist, cosmologist, author, science popularizer and science communicator in astronomy and natural sciences. He published more than 600 scientific papers and articles and was author, co-author or editor of more than 20 books...
of the humanities'."
Jane Gray Morrison, Executive Vice President
An ecologist / filmmaker, Morrison produced 10-hour Turner Broadcasting series "Voice of the Planet," which chronicled the history of life on Earth; the project "involved filming for nearly two years in 25 countries." Morrison is also responsible for the production of a trilogy of documentary films titled "Mad Cowboy," "No Vacancy," and "Hotspots," as well as co-authoring books on environmental issues.
Don Cannon, Vice President, Finance and Operations
Cannon's background includes extensive tenures with both A&M records
A&M Records
A&M Records is an American record label owned by Universal Music Group that operates under the mantle of its Interscope-Geffen-A&M division.-Beginnings:...
and Elektra records
Elektra Records
Elektra Records is an American record label owned by Warner Music Group. In 2004, it was consolidated into WMG's Atlantic Records Group. After five years of dormancy, the label was revived by Atlantic in 2009....
, as well as Hanna Barbera and other television production companies. Previous to joining Dancing Star Foundation, he was a Senior Vice President at ICM, a large talent management agency.
Areas of Focus
EducationVia the conduits of print and film, Dancing Star Foundation seeks to increase awareness of environmental issues ranging from biodiversity and extinction
Extinction
In biology and ecology, extinction is the end of an organism or of a group of organisms , normally a species. The moment of extinction is generally considered to be the death of the last individual of the species, although the capacity to breed and recover may have been lost before this point...
to non-violence and over-population. Examples are "No Vacancy," a book and documentary film combination which addresses the volatile issue of population stabilization in the U.S., China, and eight other countries; the book "Sanctuary," "a 338-pages compendium of full color photography showcasing twenty-four animal sanctuaries located throughout twenty different countries"; and the award-winning documentary film "Mad Cowboy," the story of cattle rancher-turned-vegan and animal rights activist Howard Lyman
Howard Lyman
Howard F. Lyman - American farmer and animal welfare activist who is known for his actions promoting vegetarian nutrition and organic farming....
.
Animal Protection
The foundation operates two sanctuaries in Central California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, one near the coastal town of Cayucos and one near Paso Robles. Founded in 1993, the foundation provides a refuge for rescued animals. The foundation also protects wild forest canopy and a multitude of native flora
Flora
Flora is the plant life occurring in a particular region or time, generally the naturally occurring or indigenous—native plant life. The corresponding term for animals is fauna.-Etymology:...
and fauna
Fauna
Fauna or faunæ is all of the animal life of any particular region or time. The corresponding term for plants is flora.Zoologists and paleontologists use fauna to refer to a typical collection of animals found in a specific time or place, e.g. the "Sonoran Desert fauna" or the "Burgess shale fauna"...
. The mission of the facilities is to provide sanctuary “for the benefit, solace, peace and quiet of the resident species."
Euthanasia controversy
In early 2009, a small number of former employees alleged that the Cayucos sanctuary was euthanizing animals
Animal euthanasia
Animal euthanasia is the act of putting to death painlessly or allowing to die, as by withholding extreme medical measures, an animal suffering from an incurable, especially a painful, disease or condition. Euthanasia methods are designed to cause minimal pain and distress...
for economic reasons. A maintenance supervisor who made similar allegations claims he was dismissed due to speaking out, although the sanctuary says he was terminated for other reasons. Dancing Star denied the animal-care allegations, saying that they are “contrary to our most deeply held beliefs” and that the Foundation is “unwavering in our commitment to compassion.” San Luis Obispo County Animal Services determined that the euthanized animals were “either beyond treatment or had conditions for which euthanasia would be at least one of the considerations that could be responsibly made.” The general counsel of the Farm Sanctuary in New York State, who examined the Cayucos sanctuary following the allegations, said he was unable to confirm the process for selecting those who had been euthanized. But he noted, “It’s the best-funded place in the country for animals, and the staff appears to be caring.”
Biodiversity Conservation
"'Hotspots,' a new documentary . . . attempts to remind people of the greatness of the planet they inhabit and the importance of conserving life for medical purposes. It takes viewers on an adventure through a handful of the 35 most biologically rich life zones on earth."
In addition to the film, Dancing Star Foundation is involved in efforts to promote biodiversity conservation—mostly through education by putting a well-deserved spotlight on a myriad of ecological luminaries and initiatives—in the following countries:
Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Bhutan
Brazil
Brunei
Chile
England & Scotland
France
Ghana & Nigeria
Holland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Japan
Madagascar
Malaysia
Mexico
Namibia
New Zealand
Peru
Poland
Portugal
Singapore
South Africa
Suriname
Thailand
United Arab Emirates
Yemen
UCLA Medical School
Dancing Star Foundation created and funded an alternative oncology
Oncology
Oncology is a branch of medicine that deals with cancer...
program at the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center. "The Sue Stiles Program in Integrative Oncology has been established at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center under the direction of Dr. Richard J. Pietras. Dr. Pietras is a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Medical Oncology, and he is the principal investigator for numerous federally-funded basic and clinical-translational research efforts at JCCC. Dr. Lonnie Zeltzer is Associate Director for the Sue Stiles Program in Integrative Oncology. She is also Director of the Pediatric Pain Program, Associate Director of the JCCC Patients and Survivors Program, and a member of the National Cancer Institute
National Cancer Institute
The National Cancer Institute is part of the National Institutes of Health , which is one of 11 agencies that are part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The NCI coordinates the U.S...
expert panel on complementary and alternative medicine
Alternative medicine
Alternative medicine is any healing practice, "that does not fall within the realm of conventional medicine." It is based on historical or cultural traditions, rather than on scientific evidence....
research." Consistent with the Foundation's convictions of non-violence, no animals are used in any funded research.