By JGM

On Friday, "professional marksmen" in Canada gunned down almost 400 ostriches. Birds that were clearly disease free; just more victims of the Canadian government's totalitarian overreach. Deja vu- "the truckers rally."

As most of you know, Robert and I have a soft spot for ratites, which is the family of flightless birds that lack a sternal keel (as did dinosaurs) that ostriches belong to. In fact, our pet emu is another member of that ancient lineage of birds. There are only five groups of ratites left in the world (ostriches, emus, kiwis, cassowaries, and Rheas). They have a special place in the animal kingdom. Ratites may be the closest living relatives to the dinosaurs and truly are fascinating.

The ancestors of modern ratites originated in the Northern Hemisphere (Laurasia) during the late Early Cretaceous, approximately 105-115 million years ago.

The oldest undisputed fossils of modern forms, such as ostriches, are from the Miocene of Africa and are about 20 million years old. These birds should be cherished, they are the living heritage of the ancient past.

In truth, Ostriches are sweet, goofy birds- who are times may be a bit hormonal, but they are beloved by those who choose to be their keepers in captivity, as are emus.

Our emu is a cherished member of our family. I feel honored to be her caretaker.

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X journalists have now posted photos and careful eyes viewing these photos note that there are vultures sitting on the carcasses.