Saturday, January 31, 2009
Video: Starlings' spectacular show
A flight of 20,000 starlings has been performing a spectacular aerial display at a Wetland Centre in Gloucestershire.
Watch video
(via Cronaca)
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Today's awwww
Gentoo penguin chicks born on Dec. 12 and Dec. 19, 2008, at Moody Gardens in Galveston, Texas.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Sex pheronome will be used on vampire fish
A synthetic "chemical sex smell" could help rid North America's Great Lakes of a devastating pest, scientists say.
US researchers deployed a laboratory version of a male sea lamprey pheromone to trick ovulating females into swimming upstream into traps.
The sea lamprey, sometimes dubbed the "vampire fish", has parasitised native species of the Great Lakes since its accidental introduction in the 1800s.
The sea lamprey's natural life cycle takes it from birth in a stream to adulthood in the ocean, where it gains its vampirical appellation.
Circular jaws lock on to another, larger fish, and a sharp tongue carves through its scales.
From then on the lamprey feeds on the blood and body fluids of its temporary host, often killing it in the process.
Eventually, the satiated lampreys - both males and females - find a suitable stream to swim up, breed and die.
Unlike salmon, which seek out the stream they were born in, lampreys appear willing to take any stream indicating a suitable breeding place; and perhaps pheromones play a role in identifying streams worth selecting.
Source: BBC
Monday, January 26, 2009
Frog populations not helped by dinner menus
About one-third of all amphibians are listed as threatened species, with habitat loss the biggest factor.
But hunting is acknowledged as another important driver for some species, along with climate change, pollution and disease - notably the fungal condition chytridiomycosis which has brought rapid extinctions to some amphibians.
"Frogs legs are on the menu at school cafeterias in Europe, market stalls and dinner tables across Asia to high end restaurants throughout the world," said Corey Bradshaw from Adelaide University in Australia.
"Amphibians are already the most threatened animal group yet assessed because of disease, habitat loss and climate change - man's massive appetite for their legs is not helping."
Frogs are liquidised to make a "health drink" in parts of South America.
Frogs of the stream-dwelling Paa genus are among the most popular for hunting in China. But numbers in some areas have fallen 10-fold as a result of over-exploitation.
These frogs could be candidates for sustainable harvesting plans, where hunting is allowed but controlled. Image: Kadoorie Farm & Botanic Garden – KFBG
Rana chensinensis is declining steeply in some areas; a study in Heilongjiang found that the annual catch fell by 99% between 1971 and 1986. The main reason is traditional medicine.
Oil made from the female frog's oviduct is believed to be a tonic to the kidneys and lungs, and to cure respiratory ailments. Image: KFBG
Frogs and toads are also sold as tonics in the markets of Peru.
This stallholder in Cuzco sells "Extracto de Rana", a drink made from the extract of two to three frogs, which is blended with honey, malt and other ingredients.
Other recipes call for 30 frogs in a single drink. Image: Esteban Lavilla
In western Brazil and eastern Peru, frogs of the Phyllomedusa genus are used as a hallucinogen.
Chemicals secreted by the frog's skin and introduced into a human's bloodstream are said to lead initially to vomiting and incontinence, then deep sleep, and finally a period of enhanced sensitivity in sight and hearing. Image: E. Lavilla
Leptodactylus laticeps is exported from South America to the developed world. It can fetch prices of 600 euros in European pet shops.
In some areas where it lives, in Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay, people earn as little as 1,200 euros in a single year, giving them a real incentive to catch and sell it. Image: E. Lavilla
Mantellas are among the most popular frogs as pets. The principal source is Madagascar, from where many amphibians are exported into the pet trade.
This species, the black-eared mantella (Mantella milotympanum), is critically endangered. Habitat loss is also a major threat. Image: Franco Andreone/ARKive
Source: BBC
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Look, a necktie for your dog
Your pet will look irresistible wearing this charming accessory, let others know that if they get too close, prepare to get a little wet! Elastic loop fits your pet comfortably. Embroidered, machine-washable polyester, 6 x 2".
$7.98 at Taylor Gifts
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
How old is that in dog years?
This puppy was photographed in 1845, which would make it 164 years old.
The photo, "Harriet Farnie and Miss Farnie with a Sleeping Puppy, Brownie" is from the National Galleries of Scotland's photostream, now available on Flickr.
Robert Adamson, David Octavius Hill
1920 (original negative around 1845)
Accession no. PGP HA 390
Medium Carbon print
Size 15.40 x 20.20 cm
Credit Elliot Collection, bequeathed 1950
Ouch!
A chicken adopted by schoolchildren stunned the class by producing giant eggs nearly twice the normal size.
Little Lil, being cared for by pupils the Raikes Centre, in Kingsholm, Gloucester, lays eggs measuring 4.3in (11cm) rather than the usual 2.4in (6cm).
Teacher Kate Farminer said pupils were astonished when the Columbian blacktail cross began producing "supersized" eggs weighing 7oz (200 grams). The average egg is around 2oz (60 grams).
Source: BBC
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Way too cute!
This tiny, orphaned lamb, who is one of twins, was rescued by volunteers at Manor Farm Country Park, near Southampton, Hampshire. Concerned about the risk of the tiny new born perishing in the cold weather, volunteers at the farm found him a knitted baby sweater to keep him warm.
Source: Daily Mail
Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Dog
The story of Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog is a true, inspirational story about a dog whose life started out just like any other dog walking on all four paws until a spinal injury leaves her paralyzed. When Frankie is custom fit for a wheelchair she gradually learns to keep on rolling. Her zest for life will have you cheering her on and give you hope that all things are possible.
On Frankie's website, there are more photos of Frankie and some insights into what her life is like.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Rabbid Rabbits?
Don't they look yummy?
Found at Anna the Red's Bento Factory, where you can also find instructions for sushi and creative bento ideas.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Time to appreciate penguins
January 20 is Penguin Awareness Day.
Why is today Penguin Awareness day? No one knows.
What's so special about this day? No one knows.
So - celebrate in your own way ...
from Flickr, by ekpatterson
from Flickr, by moria
from Flickr, by rarewren(via Penguins!)
Monday, January 19, 2009
Looking back - origin of the 'Poodle Cut'
Jan at the Poodle (and Dog) Blog posted a great explanation about the origin of the canine hairstyle known as the "poodle cut."
Here's Jan's theory ...
Cute or not? Giant Frog Fish
This photo of a Giant frogfish - Antennarius commerson (commersonii) is from the Frog Fish website by Teresa Zubi
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Video: All night long!
Really - this could be me and my bed and my cat Bandit.
Watch video.
(via BuzzFeed / Sarah Morgan)
Friday, January 16, 2009
Anamigo online pet community
I found this cute picture at Anamigo.com which is an online community where you can find everything about pets and the people that love them. Aside from the tips and advice on pet care and the latest accessories, you will find adorable photos of member's pets.
Anamigo is holding a Pet Photo Contest
Is your pet cute enough to win you $300?
Enter the Anamigo Pet Photo contest and find out.
Entries that get the most votes will win daily and weekly cash prizes.
You could win:
- Daily prize of $25. (You have 7 days to win!)
- Weekly prize of $125
Get your camera out and email your friends. Your furry friend could bring you in cash!
It's crazy cold!
Al!
Al Gore!
Where are you, Al?
Where's that "Global Warming"?
This morning, my car's thermostat said that the outside temperature was -12 ! And that's without the windchill.
Photo from Flickr, by ekpatterson
What will happen to the dog bakeries?
Wendell Cox, at Newgeography, has written an interesting examination of what happens when discretionary spending is jeopardized in a tough economy:
In a Financial Crisis What Happens to the Dog Bakeries?.
The article makes some good points. In the 1950's through 1970's people did not have money to spend on "extras" like we have today. There were no Starbucks, specialty bath products shops, candle stores, and certainly no dog bakeries.
So what will happen to these businesses now when most people are tightening those purse strings?
As the owner of a business, Internet Pet Supplies, which some might consider to be one of these "discretionary spending" areas, i.e. rawhide chews and toys for dogs, I'm watching the economy very carefully.
~ Thanks, Alex
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Amazing moths
Simone Preuss has posted a wonderful collection of 10 Amazing Moths with Multiple Personalities at Environmental Graffiti.
These moths employ an interesting tactic when dealing with predators: frighten the hell out of them by putting on a scary face.
I love this one:
Image: aegle~busy shifting
Too cold !
This morning, my car's thermostat said that the outside temperature was -5 !
Even for Knut, that might be too cold.
Hey, Al Gore!
What happened to that global warming?
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Pet owners, beware!
Do you agree that this photo I found at No Ordinary Rollercoaster is cute?
I think it's cute, too, but fair warning:
the RSPCA (a UK animal rights group) is threatening to have people prosecuted for dressing up their dog.
Jo Barr, RSPCA spokeswoman, said that viewing animals as a fashion accessory is "quite humiliating and sends out the wrong message about pet care."
On the other hand, the owner of the following pet probably SHOULD be prosecuted:
and this poor little thing isn't even wearing clothes. But probably should be.
Photo from Reuters Pictures
Art by Leanne Wildermuth
This is a custom dog portrait of Josie.
There's much more at Leanne's website.
Thanks, Leslie
An excellent idea
AFP reports that economic times are so bad in Berlin that a soup kitchen has been opened for pets.
Pensioners and those on welfare qualify for the free pet food buffet which opened in the district of Treptow in mid-October, allowing those with no disposable income the chance to hold on to their beloved dogs and cats.
The soup kitchen is run by Tiertafel (Animal Dining Table), a pet welfare association. Tiertafel, launched two years ago, now runs 19 soup kitchens across down the country. With the looming prospect of the longest and deepest recession in Germany since World War II, the group is planning on opening 30 more.
I wonder, do we have these in the US?
I hope we do - what a great service.
Creatures who serve
We're all familiar with guide dogs for the blind but what about monkeys for quadriplegia and agoraphobia, guide miniature horses, a goat for muscular dystrophy, parrots for psychosis and any number of animals for anxiety, including cats, ferrets, pigs, at least one iguana and a duck?
The Americans With Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) requires that service animals be allowed wherever their owners want to go. But now the United States government is considering a proposal that would force people to give up their nontraditional service animals because a growing number of people think the whole thing has gotten out of control.
Rebecca Skloot, a freelance writer, has done extensive research on this topic. See her post at Culture Dish, and read the article she wrote for New York Times Magazine.
A recent example of this issue is the story of Estelle Stamm, of New York, who claims her 120-pound dog is protection from childhood memories of sex abuse. Stamm won $10,000 from the city after two cops gave her a ticket for bringing the pony-sized dog into a subway station.
Now she's going for $10 million in a federal suit that argues Wargas, her service dog, is protected under the Americans With Disabilities Act.
Transit lawyers have recently taken the position that Stamm - who has been diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder and has partial hearing loss - is not really disabled.
Stamm said her stress disorder causes extreme fear of danger, severe depression and confusion. The dog keeps her "in the present," warns her of sirens and horns, and provides a large, furry barrier in crowded places, she said.
Win a free movie!
"Life on a Leash" is about Stella - she has a new job, a new car, and the perfect apartment. But something's missing - other people. Enter Kong, a giant brown-and-black stray dog who shows up when Stella is changing a flat tire. Suddenly her life is being pulled into the world of dogs and the oddball crowd that lives with four-legged friends. She enjoys the companionship and the community but keeps pulling back as Kong literally drags her out of her shell. (imdb)
Jan, at the Poodle and Dog Blog, will give away the copy she received from the producers, and we'll add the one I received for the Pet Blog, so now two lucky people can get a free copy of this DVD.
All you have to do is visit : Jan's post, Win a free dog movie, and in the "Comments", state the name and breed(s) of the dog who had the most influence on your life. That’s it.
Winner will be chosen by random drawing.
Contest closes January 17.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Kennedy endorses "first dog"
The president-elect's family has only just narrowed down its choice for first dog to either a Portuguese water dog or a Labradoodle.
Massachusetts Sen. Ted Kennedy, in a written statement, said he supports the Portuguese pooches. He already owns two and just brought a third pup into the fold.
"I am proud to endorse the Portuguese water dog as the next First Dog of the United States," Kennedy's statement reads. "They have a can do and hopeful spirit. They are smart. They are resilient. They are determined. They are optimistic. And they are tireless. Sounds like a perfect fit for the Obama Family and the Obama Administration."
Source: WLKY.com
Photo of Ted Kennedy and his Portuguese water dog, Splash(Globe Photo / Chris Hartlove)
Click the play button below to hear Senator Edward M. Kennedy read from a children's book, "My Senator and Me," purportedly written by his dog Splash
Source: Boston.com
Wanted: Your Bloopers
Hallmark is holding an open call for everyone’s funniest photos – can be anything from pets, kids, family members, to an embarrassing moment caught at the right time, you name it – along with a corresponding “birthday” greeting.
These photos and the greetings will be judged, and the finalists will be turned into actual Hallmark cards.
Sixty finalists' cards will be printed and sold to the public both at hallmark.com and in stores. Finalists also will win $250 cash and become part of Hallmark’s new “top-secret humor card” review panel. One grand prize winner will win $2,500 and their card will become part of Hallmark's regular humor line!
Here’s the link to the contest page where the photos and greetings can be uploaded: http://www.hallmarkcontests.com/bloopers/index.cfm.
~ Thanks, Jon
Photo credit: Julie Corsi
Dogs may fly: art by Emily Valentine Bullock
Emily Valentine Bullock is an Australian artist and jeweler.
She has developed an unusual technique and style using feathers from road kill, cat kill and dead pets. Recently she moved into a new source of feathers - trapping and killing the registered pest, the Indian Mynah bird.
In case you're not into dogs made out of feathers, Bullock also produces lingerie:
See more at her website.
Do it yourself: Blender Defender
Brian has a cat that wouldn't stay off the kitchen counter. So he created the Blender Defender.
For about $200.00, Brian hooked up a motion detector to a computer programmed to turn the blender on when it is activated. The noise of the blender startles the cat, and he's gone!
Genius!
(via Cute with Chris)
Monday, January 12, 2009
Oh Mickey, you're so fine
"I’d like to thank all my dogs, the ones that are here, the ones that aren’t here anymore, ‘cause uh, when a man’s alone, that’s all you got is your dog."
—
Mickey Rourke
Photo from Reuters Pictures
Rare tree kangaroo species has twins at Neb. zoo
Nebraska zookeepers are seeing double and they're thrilled about it, with the birth of twins to a rare species of tree kangaroo.
Twin joeys were born last month at the Lincoln Children's Zoo to Matschie's tree kangaroos Milla and her mate Noru. They were found in Milla's pouch last month, and count as two of the four documented Matschie's tree kangaroo births last year.
Kansas City Zoo zookeeper Jacque Blessington says only about 50 of the animals exist in North America. In the wild, they live in the rain forest in northeastern Papua New Guinea.
She says the babies were likely the size of a lima bean at birth.
They are expected to begin poking out their heads or feet as early as May.
Source: Boston.com
AP Photo/ Lincoln Children's Zoo
Art by Carolien Adriaan
Dutch artist Carolien Adriaansche creates whimsical creatures from discarded plastic containers and other bits of trash.
See more at her website.
(via junk creation)
The first service monkey?
When the Cape Government Railways opened the first railway line to Port Elizabeth from Cape Town during the later part of the 1800’s the town Uitenhage was established. The railway station became world renown when the local railway guard James Edwin Wide had a working baboon Jack the Signalman that assisted him in his daily tasks.
Wide had lost both legs in an accident when fell underneath a moving train. His determination and his perseverance forced him to make his own pegged-legs from a piece of wood that was strapped onto his lower half of his body. He also made himself a trolley with an intricate hand apparatus that made him a little more mobile.
Wide acquired a young baboon, named him Jack, and proceeded to train Jack to perform all the duties required to run the station. Not only did Jack get his monthly rations from the government but he also received an employment number.
During 1890 Jack got sick and contracted tuberculosis and died, Wide was inconsolable to the loss of his friend as they were inseparable. Jack’s skull is on display in the Albany Museum in Grahamstown.
Source
(via Culture Dish)
Photo Source
Cute or not? Poitou donkey
This is a Poitou donkey from South West France. Only thirty years ago, less than thirty of these beautiful and friendly animals were left. Now, thanks to a conservation program, it looks as if the dread-locked donkey is set to stay awhile on Planet Earth.
Photo and story found at Purple Slinky
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Ferret movie stars
Jeanne Carley loves taking pictures of ferrets.
She said, "They are funny, sweet, and incredibly endearing. Ferrets amaze me with their intelligence and happy personalities. I can't imagine working with any other pet the way I do with ferrets. They inspire me with their exuberance, curiosity and adorable dance of joy. They are my muse."
Carley has created ferret-themed calendars for 15 years. Her latest, which took several years to create, pays homage to classic movies with a ferret in the pivotal role of each.
"It was a really hard issue for me," Carley said. "Trying to illustrate a whole film with a single picture – and using a ferret – is not easy! And they're hard to photograph. You can't say, 'Sit' to a ferret. Well, you can say it, but they won't do anything!"
Visit Jeanne Carley's Ferret Company
Shop for ferret merchandise
(via People Pets)
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Friday, January 9, 2009
Scotland calls for ban on monkey testing
A Scottish MEP has called for a proposed ban on primate testing to be extended to include monkeys used in Scottish laboratories.
Labour MEP David Martin said Scotland runs proportionately more tests on primates than any country in the EU.
He said testing on monkeys was immoral when other options could be developed.
But scientists funded by the Medical Research Council said primates were only used when there was no alternative.
Source: BBC
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Gu Gu 3, tourists 0
Gu Gu, a panda at the Beijing Zoo has attacked an intruding tourist for the third time.
In the latest incident Gu Gu went ga ga after mauling a visitor who jumped a barrier to retrieve a child's toy. The tourist leapt over barrier surrounding the panda's outdoor exercise area to retrieve the toy dropped by his 5-year-old son, said a zoo spokeswoman.
Gu Gu bit the intruder's legs and refused to let go until zookeepers pried his jaws open with tools.
Gu Gu first made news in 2007 when he bit a drunken tourist who jumped into his pen and tried to hug him. The tourist retaliated by biting the panda in the back.
In October, Gu Gu viciously bit a teenager who climbed into his exercise area out of curiosity.
Lucky in Seattle
This weekend the Cesar and Ilusion Millan Foundation is participating in an event in Seattle.
Winterfest 2009 event includes:
• Appearance by Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan
• Singing performance by American Idol Blake Lewis
• Fashion Show
• Talent Competition “Next Dog Star” to compete for the most talented Dog Star in America, kicking off the entire competition in Seattle, Washington
• Vendor booths displaying products and services
• Guest Speakers on Dog Related Topics
Mysterious illness affecting brown pelicans
How sad - I love these birds!
Wildlife experts in California, US, are concerned about a mysterious illness affecting brown pelicans from San Diego to San Francisco.
Dozens of the birds - bruised and disoriented - have been landing on highways, airport runways, farm fields and house backyards.
The pelicans have been coming down many kilometres from their normal habitats.
The International Bird Rescue Research Center, which is dealing with the sick animals, says the cause is unknown.
One theory is that the birds may have ingested chemicals from fire retardants used widely by emergency services recently to tackle severe blazes that ravaged the state.
Source: BBC
'Spookfish' has mirrors for eyes
The brownsnout spookfish has been known for 120 years, but no live specimen had ever been captured.
Last year, one was caught off Tonga, by scientists from Tuebingen University, Germany.
Tests confirmed the fish is the first vertebrate known to have developed mirrors to focus light into its eyes, the team reports in Current Biology.
"In nearly 500 million years of vertebrate evolution, and many thousands of vertebrate species living and dead, this is the only one known to have solved the fundamental optical problem faced by all eyes - how to make an image - using a mirror," said Professor Julian Partridge, of Bristol University, who conducted the tests.
Source: BBC
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Mules can be heroes, too!
Jolene Solomon of Tennessee is beginning the new year with her life, her mule named Lou and little else.
Solomon had just finished eating supper on New Year's Day when Lou's braying and acting up got her attention.
Solomon, 63, who lived alone, stepped outside, she saw her house was on fire. She called 911 and as she waited for firefighters, her home and everything in it burned to the ground.
Solomon said she has 'lost it all', but credits Lou with saving her life.
(Source: Yahoo News)
Beat this, Mrs. Duggar!
Button the Dalmatian has given birth to a bumper litter of EIGHTEEN pups!
Button gave birth by Caesarian section on December 23, stunning her owners Adam and Nicola Morley. (mail)
Button, God bless the poor thing, had all of her puppies at one time.
This, in my opinion, beats:
Michelle Duggar, who delivered a baby girl by Caesarean section on December 19, 2008 at Mercy Medical Center in Rogers, Arkansas. The baby, named Jordyn-Grace Makiya Duggar, is the 18th child for Michelle and her husband Jim Bob.
Jim Bob Duggar is 43, a year older than his wife. Their oldest child, Joshua, is 20.
The other Duggar children, in between Joshua and Jordyn-Grace, are Jana, 18; John-David, 18; Jill, 17; Jessa, 16; Jinger, 14; Joseph, 13; Josiah, 12; Joy-Anna, 11; Jeremiah, 9; Jedidiah, 9; Jason, 8; James, 7; Justin, 6; Jackson, 4; Johannah, 3; and Jennifer, 1. (AP)
Dogs Protecting Airline Passengers
Though expensive metal detectors and armed security officers abound at all United States airports, airways are also turning to simpler measures to protect the approximate 769 million passengers who fly each year.
They employ dogs, whose hunting and herding abilities come as naturally to them as flying does to the birds.
Sky, a 1-year-old Border Collie, routinely frequents the Southwest Florida International Airport to help keep the birds at bay.
Sky helps prevent bird strikes, which can cause major damage to an aircraft. Birds can get sucked into an engine or hit a windshield with enough force to cause a pilot to lose control.
Military bases were the first to utilize dogs to ward off stray birds. The Dover Air Force Base, located in Delaware, has employed dogs to prevent bird strikes since the early 1980s.
Southwest Florida International was the first commercial airport in the nation to pick up the idea nearly 10 years ago.
Source: zootoo
Famous cat lovers
I just found an excellent photo collection at The Catalyst, Famous people and their cats, which shows many people you would never have thought of as cat lovers, such as Frank Zappa, Truman Capote, Grace Kelly and John Travolta.
One of my favorites here is:
Jay Leno and his catBut wait, there's more at Famous people and their cats, part two! Sean Connery, and David Bowie are also cat lovers. So were John Lennon and Freddie Mercury.
Freddie Mercury and Bohemian RhapsodyGreat work, Jenny. Hope you can find more of these.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Rare pink iguana studied
A species of pink land iguana overlooked by Charles Darwin during his visits to the Galapagos Islands may provide evidence of the ancient animals' diversification in the archipelago, scientists have reported.
Galapagos National Park rangers first stumbled upon the striking land lizard a few decades ago, but this week's study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences is the first to officially document the iguana.
Source: msnbc
At last, the answer -
Thanks to Disapproving Rabbits, we finally know what Victoria's Secret really is! 
Monday, January 5, 2009
Walrus reproduction studied in CA
Arctic ice floes are shrinking because of global warming, which means the numbers of walruses could decrease.
That possibility makes the breeding behavior of Jocko and his two female friends, who live at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, fascinating to scientists - to the point that one researcher is creating an artificial vagina to entice the 2,200-pound Pacific walrus into sexual acts that can be measured and quantified.
"This would be the first semen sample out of a walrus in the wild or captivity," said Holley Muraco, a specialist in marine mammal reproduction who has constructed similar body parts for horses, cows and pigs.
She said the dramatic changes likely to occur in the Arctic would affect walrus breeding, an obscure activity about which little is known, partly because it happens underwater and partly because Pacific walruses live in a remote part of the world.
"It's extremely mysterious," Muraco said. "They're very inaccessible. But we're able to study the Six Flags walruses so intimately, and they participate so fully, that we can apply that science to wild animals if we need to."
If researchers can understand and demystify walrus sex, their findings will shed light on how environmental change can influence the conditions that hurt or help breeding.
Source: SF Chronicle
Cute or not? Pink fairy armadillo
The Pink Fairy Armadillo (Chlamyphorus truncatus) is the smallest species of armadillo (mammals of the family Dasypodidae, mostly known for having a bony armor shell). It is approximately 90-115 mm (3½-4½") long excluding the tail, and is pale rose or pink in color. It is found in central Argentina where it inhabits dry grasslands and sandy plains with thorn bushes and cacti. It has the ability to bury itself completely in a matter of seconds if frightened.(wiki)
The photo above was found at Nick Baker's blog. He is a naturalist and the star of a show on Animal Planet.
To see a short video of the pink fairy armadillo in action,
visit http://www.nickbaker.tv/Media/, select "Videos" and click "Nick Baker Video Blog."
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Great idea - a disposable litter box
The Critter Litter is a collapsible, disposable litter box, which allows for an improved way to change a litter box without the scooping, heavy bags or ambient odors associated with traditional litter boxes.
This innovative product offers many benefits to the cat owner such as; a convenient and easy means for dealing with cat litter boxes, 100% biodegradable, eliminates retention of odors, no more scooping litter or heavy bags, no more plastic trays, portable unit fits today’s busy lifestyles, collapses for convenient storage and disposal after use and offered in various designs to fit different tastes and holiday themes.
The "Order" link on the Critter Litter website is not functioning, so I have no further info on cost or availability.
(via Inventionhome)
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Friday, January 2, 2009
In the womb: Dogs
Using state-of-the-art visual effects and real-time 4-D ultrasound imagery, National Geographic follows the fetal development of one wolf and three different dog breeds.
From a single cell to a complex, self-sustaining organism, an infant goes through an incredible transformation before it even takes its first breath. With ground-breaking photography, computer graphics, and 4-D imaging, "In the Womb" reveals this amazing process.
"In the Womb: Dogs" will air on the National Geographic Channel on Sunday, January 4, 2009.
(via ohmidog!)
I thought it only happened at our house
Zoo managers have taken Brussels sprouts off the Christmas menu after the vegetable caused an attack of flatulence in their gorillas.
The staff at Chessington Zoo fed the giant apes on the seasonal favorite as they are filled with nutritional goodness. However, they hadn't reckoned with the gassy qualities of the tiny veggies.
Now the zoo has issued an apology after guests at the zoo expressed their horror at the potent smell that started emanating from the gorillas' enclosure.
Gorilla keeper Michael Rozzi said: "We feed the gorillas brussel sprouts during the winter because they are packed with vitamin C and have great nutritional benefits.
"Unfortunately, an embarrassing side effect is that it can cause bouts of flatulence in humans and animals alike.
"However, I don't think any of us were prepared for a smell that strong."
Source: The london paper
(via monkeys in the news)
China's Miracle Pig Becomes Fat and Lazy
The giant pig embraced in China as a miracle survivor of a massive earthquake in May has been voted the country's favorite animal.
The hog was trapped for over a month following the 7.9 magnitude quake that killed nearly 90,000 in Sichuan, survived on charcoal and rainwater for 36 days, and was then bought by a businessman who named him "Zhu Jianqiang," or "Strong Pig."
People come from all over to see the miracle pig, Reuters reported, but it was becoming increasingly spoiled, fed up with visitors even as it chows down.
"It's gotten fatter and lazier by the day," the China Daily quoted staff as saying. "We used to take it out for a walk every morning and afternoon, but it's too lazy — and too fat — to do it."
Source: FoxNews
Knut gets a substitute leg
A 37-year-old man jumped into the Berlin zoo enclosure of famed polar bear Knut on Monday, scaling over a fence and dropping into a water-filled ditch at the edge of the bear's enclosure, police said.
Zookeepers, who had just let Knut into his outdoor enclosure, were able to lure the bear back into his cage with a leg of beef.
Police said the man was less cooperative, initially ignoring instructions to leave the enclosure. He was led away unharmed, and before he was let go, he told police that he felt lonely and that the bear had appeared lonely, too.
Source: TampaBay.com
Vets fix feline's face
Veterinarians in Boston performed an unusual surgery to reattach the face of a cat they believe was injured by a car's fan belt, probably because she tried to stay warm under the hood.
Edgar, a 4-year-old long-haired feline, went missing from her home in Winthrop for three days. When she finally came home, her owner found her in her litter box — with part of her face dangling from her head.
Remarkably, Edgar suffered no major blood loss nor any permanent nerve damage from her accident. She just needed to have her facial skin stitched back on during an hour-long surgery
Source: AP
How did I miss this?
Martha Stewart had a New Years party for her cats.
Not being a viewer of Martha Stewart's show, I didn't even know that she had cats.
I guess she does. And don't they look thrilled?
More photos of Martha's cats celebrating.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
War dog joins Fox Lake American Legion
Fox Lake, Illinois, American Legion Post has a new member with four legs, a bite of about 1,200 pounds of pressure per square inch and a willingness to eat meat on a floor.
Dexter became the first military working dog to receive a membership card for American Legion Post 703 at a ceremony Wednesday. Post 703 Cmdr. Jerry Kandziorski said national Legion officials indicated it may well have been a first in the United States.
"He was a tried and true veteran," Kandziorski said. "He took his time in service and performed his duty. We think he deserves the recognition that should come to anybody."
Dexter is a Navy veteran who served in Iraq with his handler, Petty Officer 1st Class Kathleen Ellison. One of the 10-year-old German shepherd's heroic actions occurred in July 2004, when he detected explosives on the gas tank of a garbage truck that would have targeted a mess hall for U.S. troops at Abu Ghraib prison in Baghdad.
About 75 guests watched Dexter's membership ceremony at the Fox Lake American Legion hall, which was complete with an honor guard and invocation by Post 703 chaplain Bill Gordon.
Source: Daily Herald
Happy New Year
Even Google thinks animals are the best!
We wish all our readers a new year of peace, comfort and joy.
