Beastly

TWO enormous hippos battle it out in an epic dispute to protect their newborn babies. This brutal fight between two male hippos in South Africa’s iSimangaliso Wetland Park was captured by nature guide, Stacey Farrell at the end of a long safari tour. Known to be the most dangerous mammal in Africa, hippos have incredibly short tempers and will often fight to the death. Videographer / director: Stacey Farrell Producer: Crystal Chung, Ellie Winstanley Editor: James Thorne

An orphaned Kirk’s dik-dik antelope has become Chester Zoo’s newest arrival. The 7.5 inches tall baby lost his mother soon after his birth on Sunday 8 January and zookeepers have become his carers. Named Thanos, the precious calf is doing well with five bottle feeds a day until he is old enough to eat on his own. This baby <a href="https://rumble.com/v33z3y-just-an-orphaned-dik-dik-being-bottle-fed.html" target="_blank">dik-dik</a> was orphaned when his mom dies at birth, so assistant team manager Kim Wood and keeper Barbara Dreyer have both been playing mom to the adorable calf. Kim said: “The youngster is beginning to find his feet now and is really starting to hold is own. He is doing ever so well and is getting stronger by the day. “We’re hopeful that, in a few months time, we’ll be able to introduce him to some of the other members of our group of dik-diks. He may be tiny but he is certainly making a big impression on everyone at the zoo." Kirk's dik-diks have tiny teardrop markings just under their eyes which make them look four-eyed. They got their name from Sir John Kirk, a 19th century Scottish naturalist, as well as the sound they make when feeling from danger. Although he is already one of the smallest members of the animal kingdom, Thanos will not grow too much more as dik-diks grow to a maximum size of 40cm - making them one of the smallest species of <a href="https://rumble.com/v3f9ei-antelope-rescued-from-barbed-wire-fence.html" target="_blank">antelope</a> in the world. Videographer / director: ZooBorns Producer: Hannah Stevens, Ruby Coote Editor: Sonia Estal

Laying only a single egg, the spider wasp has a brutal method to ensure its young have a high chance of survival. With a striking red thorax, the spider wasp gains its name from paralysing arachnids with its large stinger. The spider is then dragged into the wasp’s nest, where it will lay one egg into the still-alive abdomen of the spider, which will act as a ‘host’ to the young. The wasp larvae will then feed on the inside of the spider, till it breaks free as an adult wasp. Videographer / director: Kenneth Gisi Producer: Shannon Lane, Ellie Winstanley Editor: Sonia Estal

A LUCKY tiger has escaped death after a cub breeding mill left her with a 20lb infection in her uterus.Priya was born at Big Cats of Serenity Springs and records show that she had four litters in under two years. In the wild tigers breed roughly every two to three years, so her forced breeding had a huge impact on her health. The majestic tiger was taken in by Big Cat Rescue in Tampa, Florida when the breeding mill was shut down. Videographer / director: Big Cat Rescue Producer: Hannah Stevens, Ruby Coote Editor: Jack Stevens

Believe it or not, the little heroine in our video, Krista Guarino is only nine years of age and she already is proving to be an expert snake handler. While most typical girls at her age enjoy spending their time playing with dolls, our brave schoolgirl from Michigan is one of a kind. She prefers snakes and lives with a staggering 30 reptiles, including anacondas and a 12 foot python at her home. She eats, sleeps and plays with the creatures - some of which are twice her size. And she's even been bitten a few times but none of the snakes are venomous - and courageous Krista says it doesn't hurt. Krista, the eldest of three children, was first introduced to the animals by dad Jamie, 33, who is a snake specialist. And she held her first snake when she was just two years old. The word ‘snake’ was among the first words she uttered and always used to point at whenever she saw one. A very good indicator for what was to come not much later in her life. She never shower fear of snakes, just on the contrary, her first instinct was to grab and play with them. Despite her young age, she has developed quite a natural talent for <a href="https://rumble.com/v3mlg9-snake-handling-on-korab-mountain.html" target=”_blank”>snake handling</a>. Krista even helps out in the reptile center where her father works and the feedback from the biologists there is that her knowledge surpasses what even they have come to learn through years of education and experience. Her love for these wonderful animals is so immense that she has already set her sights on opening her own <a href="https://rumble.com/v34ho6-the-reptile-zoo-is-coming.html" target=”_blank”>reptile zoo</a> when she's older. And she's determined to change perceptions about the misunderstood snake. Videographer / Director: Laurentiu Garofeanu Producer: Hannah Mouland Editor: Ian Phillips

This snake has perfected a cunning way of deterring predators - by playing dead. With an Oscar-worthy performance, the Eastern Hognose writhes around as if in sheer pain, whilst also emitting a disgusting smell. The snake even hangs its fork tongue out of its mouth to ensure the dramatic scene is fully believable. Texan local, Kenneth Gisi, stumbled across the distinctive snake when it was being confronted by a feral cat. Kenneth explained: "I was just coming home from the store and, while I was walking down my driveway, I noticed a feral cat in the tall grass staring down at the ground intensely. I had a feeling that this cat had found a snake so I went to investigate. Sure enough, it was this Hognose. I was extremely happy that I got to save it from the cat and got to experience this beautiful creature." The Eastern Hognose is famous for being able to deter its <a href="https://rumble.com/v3otvt-north-korea-vows-to-wipe-its-enemies-off-the-map.html" target="_blank">enemies</a> from attacking by doing the ages-old trick of playing dead. One really cool feature is that, when confronted with a possible foe, they spread their necks to imitate <a href="https://rumble.com/v35r0t-huge-cobra-drinks-from-bottle.html" target="_blank">cobras</a>. But if you don't go away, they will eventually throw themselves into fake spasms and simply play dead! Awesome! Videographer / director: Kenneth Gisi Producer: Shannon Lane, Ruby Coote Editor: Sonia Estal

A special teddy bear has been standing in as mum for a tiny baby anteater at ZSL London Zoo. Nicknamed ‘Beanie’, the youngster was born on December 28th 2016, however zookeepers quickly discovered the infant was unable to be cared for by her biological mother. Videographer / director: ZooBorns Producer: Shannon Lane, Ruby Coote Editor: James Thorne

Raising funds for animals can oftentimes be a very difficult task. In our modern society, we seldom have time or will to think about those without a voice or a home. But two Canadian photographers are making a difference for the animals in a very creative and unique way. Two creatives have a unique angle to their dog portraits - underneath them! Tania Ryan and Jason Kenzie, from Vancouver, have been at it again with The Underdogs Project to raise money for <a href="https://rumble.com/v3tdx3-spooktacular-contest-raises-money-for-dog-rescue.html" target="_blank">animal welfare</a>. This time around they’ve revealed their secrets to how they photograph the quirky canines. Tania said: "“We both not only share the love of pets but also photography, and while we were working on creating the first of these photographs it became clear to us that we needed to do something special with these photos to help raise funds and awareness for animal welfare.” Photographer, Jason, lies beneath a strong sheet of glass, whilst Tania entices the quirky canine with treats. The results are these awesome portraits that capture the pure essence of dogs - happiness, loyalty and endless love for humans. Each of these dogs has its own unique traits, and these photographers have done a lovely job in portraying that. So cool! Videographer / director: The Underdogs Project Producer: Shannon Lane, Ruby Coote Editor: Marcus Cooper

Animal lovers prepare to have your heart melted as this emotional yet inspiring video emerges! This precious elephant calf was saved from starvation after being separated from her elephant family on the dry African plains. Luckily The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT) stepped in after a call from a Big Life Foundation ranger who had spotted the calf wandering the Narraengolo area within the Amboseli-Chyulu ecosystem. Faith in humanity restored as this group of heroes save this elephant. This adorable elephant calf , now named Esampu according to the area she was found in, seems so happy after it got rescued. Although the calf was not in need of medical treatment, the sorrow over the loss of her family will take time to overcome. It is believed that the Masai practice of elephant spearing could be the reason behind her family’s disappearance. The DSWT really is an amazing group and organization as animals are precious to this planet and need to be saved if they ever get in trouble! They deserve a pat on the back! This adorable elephant looks so cute! Don't you wish that you could bring something like that home with you? Unfortunately you can't but you could always get an adorable <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-Toys-Games-Stuffed-Animals-Plush/zgbs/toys-and-games/166461011?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=rumble07-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=c749d02ee6f5a46ada4be12b22942a28&camp=1789&creative=9325" target="_blank">animal plush from Amazon</a>! Videographer / director: David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Producer: Hannah Stevens, Ellie Winstanley Editor: Jack Stevens

Come and meet two precious red panda cubs as they explore their new home. Born on June 24 at Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo, the endangered cubs are the second set in two years for breeding pair Leafa - female - and Phoenix - male. Female cub Waveland and male cub Sheffield spent the first few months of their lives behind the scenes in their nest box, but they have now ventured out to explore their ivy-covered habitat. Videographer / director: ZooBorns Producer: Hannah Stevens, Ruby Coote Editor: Marcus Cooper

An injured bat has been given a second chance after life-saving surgery. This Indian flying bat was rescued from predators in the wild following a vicious tussle in the wild. The tiny creature suffered a severely broken wing and came to his rescuers with the bone protruding from his flesh.His rescuers called various vets but none were able to help the delicate creature. After spending 15 days clinging to life the bat was brought to Dr V Madan Kompal, a veterinary surgeon and radiologist who works for Mysore Zoo in Kuvempunagar, India. Videographer / director: Dinesh Dubey Producer: Hannah Stevens, Ruby Coote Editor: Jack Stevens

THESE super heavyweights bring a new meaning to the term ‘head banger’ after they were filmed fighting by an eagle eyed game ranger. The fully grown male giraffes were snapped by field guide and YouTuber, Rob Vamplew, 39, during a safari at Idube Game Reserve, South Africa. The young males battled it out to exert dominance which would guarantee them mating rights in the area. A male giraffe can weigh up to 3000lbs and reach a dizzying height of 18 feet, and fights between males often end in death. Videographer / director: Rob The Ranger Producer: Bunmi Adigun, Nick Johnson Editor: Jack Stevens

AMAZING night cam footage has captured the birth of an Asian elephant at Chester Zoo. Following a 22 month gestation, and a short 20 minute labour, the male calf was born to two-year-old mum Sithami Hi Way. Zoo keepers stayed up to monitor the birth via live CCTV and watched in awe as the baby dropped onto soft sand and scrambled to his feet in minutes. Videographer / director: ZooBorns Producer: Hannah Stevens, Nick Johnson Editor: Joshua Douglas

ANIMAL lover Jeff Lowe provides care and shelter to more than 220 big cats - and they live in his back garden. 51-year-old Jeff owns the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park in Oklahoma, one of the largest private zoos in the world that rescues and protects over 500 wild animals, from tigers and lions to bears and crocodiles. Jeff, a multimillionaire, spends his days closely interacting with the most dangerous animals, walking them on leads inside his cabin house and laying in and around their enclosures – he even takes his smaller tigers to the vets in his Ferrari. Lauren Dropla, Jeff’s 25-year-old fiancé, offers a helping hand with looking after their exotic pets and maintaining the park on a daily basis. Videographer / director: Ruaridh Connellan Producer: Danny Baggott, Ruby Coote Editor: Marcus Cooper

Remote nomadic families are supporting themselves using one unconventional method - hunting with golden eagles. In 2015 and 2016, videographer and photographer Joel Santos travelled for several days across Mongolia to reach their remote homes of the Kazakh nomads and witness the stringent training they endure to bond with their eagles. With only around 400 traditional eagle hunters left in the world, the custom is precious and unless your father was an eagle hunter, you cannot become one. Videographer / director: Joel Santos Producer: Hannah Stevens, Nick Johnson Editor: Joshua Douglas

In an unusual sighting an unfortunate jellyfish was snapped up for dinner by two peckish green turtles. While searching for leopard sharks off the coast of Byron Bay, Australia wildlife photographer and videographer Craig Parry came across this odd feeding frenzy. Adult green turtles are a herbivorous marine turtle but juvenile green turtles will feed on invertebrates like crab, sponges and jellyfish if the opportunity arises. Videographer / director: Craig Parry Producer: Hannah Stevens, Ruby Coote Editor: Marcus Cooper

A PAMPERED pig who lives the life of luxury is helping the sick and elderly - and is looking incredibly stylish as she does it. In recent years, pigs have become more known in the home, than on a farm. Pet owners, and meat eaters alike, are beginning to realise how intelligent these misunderstood animals are. And a particular porker called Blue, from Wellington, Florida is just that. The potbelly lives with her owner Jahaira Zamora, and is both a therapy worker at a nursing home and part-time fashionista. Blue makes frequent visits to the home to bring joy to the residents, who pet and play with her. Videographer / director: Jahaira Zamora Producer: Shannon Lane, Nick Johnson Editor: Joshua Douglas

MONKEY MUM Pinky Janota is raising six monkeys at her home - and even dresses them up. The 53-year-old owns three rescued Rhesus Macaques, one Bonnet and two Marmosets monkeys, all with with names influence by cosmetic brands including; Maybelline, L’Oreal, Avon and Max. The primates have all proved the truth behind the phrase ‘monkey see, monkey do’ by mimicking their owner’s behaviour. Pinky spends her days teaching her monkey kids sign language, feeding them on a high chair, changing their diapers, bottle feeding them and bathing them. Videographer / director: Ruaridh Connellan Producer: Nora Hakramaj, Ruby Coote Editor: James Thorne

This sea turtle was almost split in half by a motor boat propeller - but local rescuers managed to bring him back from the brink of death. Jose the turtle was found on Torre García beach in Almería, Spain by locals walking on the beach. Luckily they contacted Equinac - a nearby non-profit organisation who specialise in helping sea turtles and cetaceans on the coast. Equinac volunteer Juan Cruz D’Amico said: “Jose was hit by a motor boat and a family who were walking on the beach saw him and called us. They thought Jose was dead because he wasn’t moving, but he was still breathing. Videographer / director: Equinac Producer: Hannah Stevens, Nick Johnson Editor: Sonia Estal

A SOUTH AFRICAN family are living in an isolated trailer - so they can provide their tigers and lions a home. The Fernandes family once owned the luxurious Jugomaro Predator Park, which was home for their pet tigers and lions for seven years.The beautiful enclosures and fields the size of football pitches meant their beloved big cats had a five-star complex and were even allowed to go inside the family house. But sadly, in November 2015, the luxurious retreat was demolished when owner Rosa and her children, Justin and Maxine, ran into financial difficulties and the liquidators gained control of their home and dumped their possessions in a waste pile - leaving their six lions, 10 tigers, three caracals and one jaguar with no home. This detrimental change of circumstance forced the distraught family to flee to a section of land in Krugersdorp, South Africa, where they are currently living in a trailer and have to wash and go to the toilet in the nearest bushes. But despite all of their loss, the trio put everything they have into their beloved pets that now live in smaller enclosures just 50 metres away from their trailer home. Videographer / director: Paul Hugo Producer: Danny Baggott, Ruby Coote Editor: James Thorne

Before his rescue from an illegal circus this tiger had never wetted his paws - now he swims in his own lake every day. Animal Defenders International (ADI) were on track to rescue Hoover and one other tiger from the circus during a nationwide law enforcement operation in 2014, but the circus went underground and Hoover was lost for almost a year until a member of the public tipped off ADI to the location of the Peruvian circus. Together with Peruvian wildlife officials, ADI seized Hoover from the circus - he later became the sole survivor of up to 12 tigers who were kept by Circo Africano - and took the emaciated, parasite infested tiger to their temporary holding facility. Finally, in April 2016 BCR received the green light from United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), in time for Hoover to arrive at his new one-acre enclosure on his twelfth birthday. Videographer / director: Big Cat Rescue Producer: Hannah Stevens, Ellie Winstanley Editor: Sonia Estal

CHESTER Zoo is celebrating after a rare breed of giraffe was born on Boxing Day. The Rothschild’s calf, which would have fallen more than 6ft during its birth, is the product of Chester Zoo’s endangered species breeding programme. The Rothschild’s giraffe is one of the worlds most at risk animals due to poaching and habitat loss, with experts estimating numbers of less than 1,600 left in the wild. The newest addition to Chester Zoo - who is yet to be sexed and named - is already standing at an impressive 6ft and was up and bonding with his mum Tula within minutes of entering the world. Videographer / director: ZooBrons Producer: Eve Wagstaff, Nick Johnson Editor: Joshua Douglas

A pod of humpback whales has been photographed underwater for the first time in Britain. The rare moment was witnessed off the Shetland Islands, Scotland, by coastal and marine photographer Richard Shucksmith and Brydon Thomason. The Shetland Islands’ locals spotted the whales feeding in the area over the previous three weeks, and was anticipating an opportunity to photograph them up close. Richard said: “I had been waiting for a weather window to go and try to get underwater images of the humpback whales. Videographer / director: Richard Shucksmith Producer: Shannon Lane, Nick Johnson Editor: Joshua Douglas

The dapper dogs in clothes are back with a second series, and they’re feeling festive. Earlier this year we were introduced to UCAPS' well dressed canines available for adoption. Photographer Tammy Swarek came up with the idea of dressing up rescue dogs to draw attention to their stories and help potential owners personally connect with them. Tammy, from Arkansas, drew her inspiration from Facebook after spotting another portrait project for sheltered animals. So she contacted her local dog shelter, the Union County Animal Protection Society (UCAPS) and has worked closely with shelter manager Tanja Jackson ever since. Videographer / director: Tammy Swarek Producer: Shannon Lane, Ruby Coote Editor: Dan Cousins

An ADORABLE baby orangutan and her doting mum clamber freely through the lush green jungle after being released back into the wild. Mum, Ah Foo, 25, and her 18-month-old baby, Kebaco, swing joyously from the trees after a three-month stint in quarantined captivity. The pair were rescued from an oil palm plantation after a concerned farmer raised the alarm amid preparations for the harvest – which would have destroyed their home and put them in serious danger. The team took the mum and baby to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Malaysia to screen them for disease before being released to set up their new home amongst fellow great apes. Gilbert Woolley, a photographer and editor from Bristol, UK, now living and working in Borneo, captured the young family’s adventure on film.