WildCreatures

It is a beautiful thing to see two dogs working together in a cooperative fashion. These two dogs are determined to both bring back one stick. When their owner, Tom throws it out into the frozen lake, they race each other to get it. They are Dia and Jaxx, a pair of Labradoodle sisters who are living the good life in Sault St. Marie in Northern Ontario, Canada. They love the water and they love the snow. They any of the games that give them an excuse to go in it or on it. Jaxx and Dia both run to get the stick when Tom throws it. Although she is slightly smaller, Dia is the dominant of the two and she won't let Jaxx win easily. This is a game that these two dogs love, and they will literally play it all day long. They happily bring the stick to Tom and hand it right to him. They wait eagerly for him to throw it out on the ice to replay the whole thing again and again. This age old game of fetch is one of the things that we love so much about dogs. It is an endearing game that helps people and dogs bond, although we usually end up asking ourselves what it is about this game that amuses dogs so much. Do we have them trained, or is it the other way around. Tom is an avid outdoorsman and nature enthusiast. These two dogs probably know that he is about the best owner in the world for taking them on adventures in the wilderness almost every day.

Tonga is a beautiful area of the world, and one of the few places where people can get into the water with humpback whales. These gentle giants travel here in July from all around the world so that they can breed and bear their young in waters where there are no orcas or large sharks. Humpbacks have few predators when they are full grown, but the calves are vulnerable to these predators when they are small. Swimmers were filming this incredible animal near the island of Vava'u, enjoying a spectacular display as the humpback rolled at the surface. But a blur of motion caught the eye of the swimmer with the camera as she they finished watching the whale. Too fast to be seen clearly, the swimmer was only aware of the fact that something large and incredibly fast had passed close by. Watching the footage later and slowing it down revealed that a large sailfish had passed between the whale and the swimmer. Sailfish are the fastest swimmers in the ocean. Their top speed is the topic of debate, with some sources citing that they can reach 125km/h (68mph), while others say that 35km/h is the highest recorded speed. They use this great speed to spear and injure fish with their long and sharp bill. Impaling or slashing fish causes them to swim much slower, allowing the sailfish to capture them. This is a particularly effective means of attack when more than one sailfish attacks a school of smaller fish, such as sardines. This swimmer was not in any serious danger, but the thought of such a large fish coming past like a torpedo with a harpoon on the front was intimidating. It is rare for a swimmer to catch sight of a sailfish as they will avoid humans, and it is even more rare for a person to capture an event like this on video.

Tonga is one of the few places in the world where people can get into the water with Humpback whales. To swim in the presence of such magnificent animals is beyond awe inspiring. This mother humpback has come to these peaceful waters to have her baby, safe from predators such as orcas and large sharks. A newborn calf would be easy prey for such animals. The humpback cow will nurse her calf for several months before he is big enough and strong enough to follow her north to colder waters where they will feed of small fish, krill, and shrimp. He will eat enormous amounts in this time to put on as much weight as possible. A large male, also known as a bull, can be seen with the mother and her baby. These males are known as escorts. They will often wait patiently, protecting the young family in the hope that it will secure him breeding rights when the time comes for the female to mate again. Humpback whales are enormous and majestic animals, growing to a length of 17m (56 feet) and weighing as much as 44 metric tons. Humpbacks migrate almost 16,000km (10,000 miles) each year between the polar waters where they feed and the tropical waters where they breed and give birth. Humpbacks use sophisticated vocalizations, known as singing to communicate with other whales. These songs can be heard as far as 10km (6 miles) away. The purpose of these complex songs has been the topic of debate. Once hunted to near extinction, the humpback populations are making a slow comeback. Pollution, net entanglement, and collisions with ships are still serious threats to these beautiful animals.

Jerry is a teppanyaki chef with extreme skills. He combines comedy and cooking skills in a presentation that involves juggling, samurai type spatula maneuvers, and flames. As he prepares the food, Jerry throws in a few jokes and one liners. Jerry reads the room well as he flings a shrimp onto the plate of one of the amused diners at the table. As Jerry mixes eggs, rice, seafood and vegetables, he converses with patrons and asks what has brought them to the restaurant. Dave and Kristy explained that it is their 25th wedding anniversary and that they are visiting this Benihana restaurant for the first time. Jerry quietly started working on an artistic presentation, arranging the main course in a heart shape and he added a message spelled out with salt on the grill. Jerry has some impressive moves as he spins the spatula and fork, mesmerizing the guests at the table. When he drops the spatula, he recovers quickly with a joke and a grin. He manages to fling an egg in the air and catch it on his chef's hat. When this brings laughter from the small crowd, he repeats this with the salt shaker and the shrimp tails. Jerry arranges the onion rings in a tower and drizzles oil into the centre, lighting it with a match that erupts like a flaming volcano. Gasps of delight can be heard as the guests remark that they had been hoping to see some flames during the performance. The experience was truly entertaining from start to finish, but the food was an experience in itself. Steak, vegetables, seafood, and rice combine to provide impressive portions and fantastic flavours. Part showman, part chef, part samurai, and part ninja, Jerry delivered more than the guests had bargained for on this memorable anniversary.

These Guineafowl eggs have been placed in an incubator to allow the chicks to remain warm as they get ready to hatch. After 26 to 28 days they emerge from their shells and greet the world. Strikingly beautiful birds, they are endemic to Africa. They eat seeds and insects, making them beneficial to farmers. They will feed on ticks, flies, scorpions, and maggots on carcasses and in manure. Guineafowl follow herds of larger animals in order to pick through manure and benefit from the abundance of flies that herd animals attract. Guineafowl also follow monkey troops, benefitting from food that is dropped from the canopy. Strong fliers, guineafowl are able to fly for relatively long distances if required. Grass fires pose a serious threat to these birds and the ability to fly will serve them well as it is often the only means of escape. Monogamous birds, these fowl do better when there is a cock for each hen, as opposed to one rooster for a flock of chickens. As a food source, guineafowl meat is slightly higher in protein and lower in fat than regular chickens. The eggs are richer and can be more desirable. As a means of pest control, guineafowl are a low maintenance and high benefit addition to any farm. When full grown, these birds have a striking appearance with ornate feather patterns.

The life of a captive elephant is forced labour, cruel conditions, poor nutrition, and severe beatings. They are one of the most intelligent and beautiful animals on the planet. Tragically, they are also among the most abused of all animals. There is hope for them though, because of an increase in awareness and the rise of more sanctuaries like this one, WildlifeSOS in Agra, India. This is Maya. Her story was a sad one. She is nearly 50 years old and most of her life had been spent as a broken animal with no hope and no joy. The statistics on these beautiful souls tell a tragic story. The elephants that are forced to walk on hot pavement suffer blisters and infections, yet they continue out of fear. They are managed by cruel handlers with hooks and sticks, reminding them that lack of submission is met with immediate pain. Some suffer from back stain and injury due to the heavy loads as tourists climb upon them for rides and pictures. Every captive elephant in Jaipur, India suffers from a foot malady of one sort or another. Some elephants are blind. Many suffer from malnutrition or obesity as they are fed unnatural foods like cheeseburgers or other fast food. WildlifeSOS has brought Maya to their peaceful sanctuary where she will live the rest of her days in a much different environment. Maya could never be released back to the wild. She will need ongoing care. She has responded well to the gentle touch of her caregivers and the positive reinforcement that allows treatments to take place. Treats and a kind voice have replaced the yells and prodding with sharp hooks. Maya has leisure time now and she can roll in soft dirt, wander by a river, or bathe in pools. She can socialize with other elephants which is crucial to their wellbeing. To watch Maya and the other elephants experiencing joy for the first time in decades is a heart warming experience. Please visit WildlifeSOS.org and see what can be done to help these gentle animals.

This octopus hunting on the reef shows an incredible ability to change texture and colour at will. But this ability is not the only reason that these animals are true super predators. They are the most intelligent invertebrates on the planet, capable of observational learning and problem solving. They have short term and long term memory. They are incredibly strong and more flexible than any other carnivore. They can shape shift to squeeze into impossibly tiny spaces to hide or to seek prey. They can extend their arms into the smallest crevice, using their suction cups to taste and smell as they forage on the reef. But what most people do not realize is that they are highly specialized hunters that can prey on creatures with seemingly impenetrable shells and exoskeletons. The octopus has a tooth on its tongue that helps it drill a tiny hole in the shells of mollusks and crabs. It can dissolve calcium carbonate, the substance that mollusk shells are made of, using its saliva. It can then inject a toxin or deliver a highly venomous bite, paralyzing and killing the animal in the shell. This makes it easy for the octopus to open the shell and eat the creature inside. Octopuses have sophisticated brains, but the nerve bundles in their arms are complex enough that they can control the movement of all 8 limbs without the need for input from the brain. Using the arms to reach into crevices and hiding spots and the hundreds of suction cups on each arm, it can detect prey without needing to see it. Pound for pound, there are few animals in the ocean that are such efficient and capable predators.

India is one of the most beautiful and complex countries in the world. It is the seventh largest geographically, home to the second largest population, and it is the largest democracy. The country contains 4 of the world's 34 hotspots of biodiversity. It has 22 recognized languages. India is a cultural wonder. But it can be described as a land of contrast. Immense beauty lies directly beside poverty and hardship and the line separating the two can be extremely thin. These Canadian tourists had the privilege of attending a large Indian wedding and being welcomed like family. The festivities continued for days with food, dancing, and celebrating carrying on without end. The couple and their family opened their doors and their hearts to these visitors from afar, showing them a breath taking view of their culture. While in India, Dave and Kristy visited markets and forts that were rich with cultural and historical significance. The colours, music, animal life, and food left these two in complete awe. A highlight of the visit was a trip to Wildlife SOS, an incredible elephant and sloth bear sanctuary that has been instrumental in freeing these beautiful animals from a life of abuse and slavery. These gentle souls have found the life they deserve. The streets of India are a fascinating place to see people selling merchandise of all kinds and food of every description. People peddle their crafts and offer their produce. Innovative and hard working, the people of India even sell sculpted chunks of cow dung that are burned for cooking and heat. The Taj Mahal is a monument that cannot be missed. Impressive in its precise construction as well as the story that inspired it, it is a magnificent and beautiful place. The inner market of Old Delhi with its narrow streets is a hustling and bustling centre for commerce and trade. The buildings are impossibly close together and navigating around requires skill and an impressive sense of direction. Affordable rickshaw rides are the best way to see this area without getting lost. A trip to India has something for everyone. It's beauty has to be seen to be believed.

The Chi-Cheemaun in Ontario, Canada is a very unique ferry. The bow is designed to lift up, allowing the vehicles to drive inside to be ferried between Tobermory and Manitoulin Island. The 40km (24 mile) trip takes one hour, forty seven minutes. Powered by twin 3500 hp engines, the ship reaches an impressive speed of 23km/h (14mph). At 111m long (364 feet) and 19m wide (62 feet), the Chi-Cheemaun has enough space for almost 600 passengers and 150 vehicles. The name was carefully chosen as a tribute to the Ojibwe people, the largest community of Indigenous people in North America. The name means "Big Canoe". A trip on the Chi-Cheemaun is a memorable experience and a fitting way to see a truly beautiful area of North America. The crystal clear waters of Tobermory are home to dozens of wooden shipwrecks that lay on the bottom as a haunting memory of more difficult times. Lake Huron was a hub of merchant trade and cargo shipping between Canada and the United States. But, without steel construction and the benefit of weather tracking technology, many of the wooden freighters ran aground during treacherous storms. Their beams are strewn about the rocky shoals. Scuba divers come here from all over the world to explore the mysterious and beautiful underwater ship graveyard. The stories and the physical evidence of the wrecks are as real now as they were more than 100 years ago when the ships sank to the bottom. The Chi-Cheemaun has been serving the needs of travelers since 1974. Ironically, the ship suffered a catastrophic equipment fire on March 16th, 2020, as this video was under production. The fate of the ship has yet to be determined.

Millie is a devoted mother who has given birth to a few calves in the past 6 or 7 years. A seasoned mother, she knows the routine now and she also knows how to care for her babies well. Millie has been grazing all day and her udders are producing more than enough milk for Jessie, her calf. She is growing uncomfortable with the heavy load and she encourages Jessie with a loving shower of licks and gentle nudges. This tells Jessie that rest time is over and that it's time for her to get to her feet and get some milk. Jessie obeys her mother after trying to sleep some more. She reluctantly gets up and nurses happily. This will go on every few hours until Jessie is about 4 months old. She will then start to rely more on grazing and finding her own food in the pasture. This is an ethical beef farm in Millbrook, Ontario. The cows here live a wonderful life, roaming many acres of lush, green meadow and exploring forested areas where they have ample shade. They even have ponds full of fresh water to drink from. It's life as close to what nature intended for these gentle beasts. Jessie is a spring calf who is just a few days old. She has been exposed to nothing but kindness from the farmers who run this small operation. As with the other cows, this has created trust and she seeks affection from anyone who visits. Millie is an especially friendly cow and her baby will learn that the people here will not harm them. Millie grazes contentedly as Jessie nurses away. Millie has enjoyed a good life here and she will stay here much longer, well into her golden years.

When a group of Canadian tourists ventured to Ecuador to spend a week in the Amazon rainforest, they were prepared to meet some of the world's most feared creatures, including caimans, snakes, and giant spiders like this tarantula. But what they didn't expect was to find one of them casually hitching a ride on their head. Tammy, Kristy, and a few other women in the group went into a bathroom at the location where they were meeting the tour bus. They had just gotten off the motor canoe and it was time to move on to the next leg of their journey. As Tammy finished up in the bathroom and went to the sink to wash her hands, Kristy told her that there was a gigantic spider on her hat, right above her face. Tammy looked in the mirror and saw the beast looking back at her. Although spiders like this one don't attack people, the shock of finding one so close to her face sent Tammy into shrieks of terror. Seeing the big spider, the rest of the bathroom erupted as Tammy flung the hat off and jumped back to escape. The poor spider was probably ready to scream as well because it was probably more scared than all of them. The guides quickly entered the bathroom, picked up the hat and the spider and brought it out to the foliage in the garden area. This is a bird eating tarantula, one of the largest spiders in the Amazon, and they can deliver a nasty bite if handled improperly. These guides have handled the situation very well, reminding everyone that these fearsome beasts deserve to be left in peace. Although it was best to remove the spider from the bathroom, it serves an important function in nature and it was sensible for many reasons to carefully and gently set it free. For Tammy, the experience is one that will never be forgotten.

Hummingbirds are beautiful, but tiny creatures. They are among the smallest of the bird species. Their miniature bodies are fragile. And yet, these gorgeous little birds trustingly perch on the hand of this gigantic human to sip nectar from a tiny cup in his outstretched palm. Such a wonderful interaction with these birds is heart warming. Hummingbirds are not only beautiful, they are also very fascinating. They have the highest metabolic rate of any warm blooded animal. They are able to enter a hibernation-like state during food scarcity or periods of rest to compensate for their lower caloric intake. During these times, their metabolism may be reduced to 1/15th its normal rate. There are 360 species of hummingbird found throughout the Americas, from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego. All species eat insects, although their primary source of food is nectar which they sip from flowers with their specialized beaks and tongues. Aptly named, hummingbirds make an audible humming sound as they hover, due to their rapid wingbeats. Some species flap their wings as many as 90 times per second. Swift flyers, they are also capable of reaching speeds up to 80km/h (50mph) during steep dives. Interacting with nature and observing animals on their own terms is an unforgettable experience. Having such a tiny animal perch contentedly on your hand is something that warms the heart.

These baby sea lions have a great time playing in the surf while their mothers are out hunting in the ocean. As newborns, they are among the cutest animals on the planet. Small and clumsy, they spend their days on the sand, playing and exploring tide pools. They patiently wait as their mothers go out into the ocean to hunt for octopus, eels, and fish. Sea lions this size don't dare venture out into the deep water because they would be easy prey for sharks and orcas. Even the larger sea lions must be wary of large predators. Occasionally, the mothers don't return from hunting and the orphaned sea lions almost always perish due to starvation and dehydration. The sea lion colonies are protected by a dominant male, known as a bull. Few animals will try to take a baby sea lion off the beach when the mother or the bull are present. These two happy pups are enjoying the warm sun and some playtime. They eagerly wait for the call of their mother as she comes out of the water. She will return with a full belly and a need for some rest. She will find a spot high on the dry sand where she will roll onto her side and sleep while her baby nurses happily. This will continue for 1-2 years before the sea lion babies become old enough to go hunting themselves. These youngsters have also taken an interest in the GoPro that has been left in the sand. They check it out curiously as they frolic in the sun. In the Galapagos Islands, sea lions inhabit almost every beach and rocky shore. As tempting as it would be to pet one, there are strict laws about coming close to wildlife. Beaches are patrolled by wildlife officials who keep a watchful eye on those who seem unable to resist the adorable babies. They are given a clear reprimand for approaching the pups. Even brief contact will almost certainly result in the mother abandoning her pup if she smells a human. Watching these little tykes from a respectful distance is a heart warming and memorable experience.

Scuba diving in the waters surrounding the Galapagos Islands is an incredible experience. Adventurers who slip into the water are likely to meet some of the world's most unique and fascinating marine animals. This scuba diver has captured video of a rare and fascinating sight. An adult peacock flounder can be seen swimming in the open. Flounder are bizarre fish that begin life looking and swimming like typical fish. As they mature, the right eye migrates around the head and situates itself on the left side of the flounder. Both eyes become elevated like tiny periscopes. The flounder swims on its side, flat on the bottom, rarely leaving the cover of the sand and rubble on which it hides. Flounder can change their pigmentation to mimic the surface they are on, requiring as little as 8 seconds to complete a dramatic change. They are masters of camouflage. In studies with flounders, they have even been able to mimic a checkerboard pattern. Flounders are mainly nocturnal, hunting for small fish and crabs that make their home along the bottom of the ocean. To see one like this in broad daylight, especially so far from cover is an incredible sight.

River is a beautiful dog with an incredible story. Due to medical complications, she needs custom made clothes for extra extra warmth so that she can enjoy what she loves most; a walk in the forest with her forever family. River is living a great life now, but she was literally seconds away from death when she captured the heart of Serena, a veterinary assistant who fell in love with her and rescued her from euthanasia. River has a condition that causes blood to flow between the chambers of her heart in reverse when her heart rate becomes elevated. Her first family loved her dearly and they tried their best to deal with River's medical trouble. She would become temporarily paralyzed due to lack of oxygen to her hind legs, caused by the improper blood flow. When River collapsed on Christmas eve and did not recover, they returned to the veterinarian for help. River was suffering from a few complications and her treatment was going to be complicated and extremely expensive. Even if they could afford the solution, managing River's medication and treatment simply wasn't a realistic possibility. River was one year old and she had been a wonderful family dog and companion for the children in the home. But River's people faced an impossible dilemma and they made the difficult decision to end her suffering. As River's IV line was placed and she was about to take her last breath, Serena came up with a plan. River had looked into Serena's eyes and connection formed in that moment. Serena and her mother, a veterinarian, could manage to keep River's heart issue under control with medication, a special diet, and carefully planned exercise. River is actually taking a liquid form of Viagra to regulate her heart and prevent long term damage. At 4 years of age, River has had an extra 3 years, with no sign of slowing down yet. Her life expectancy might not be as long as an ordinary dog, but River is enjoying a quality life for as long as she can. River dearly loves her daily walks in the nearby forest. At the right pace, an hour long hike daily helps River maintain her weight and fitness. But the cold temperatures in this Canadian winter decrease River's circulation. If River collapses and lies in the snow to recover, the cold will make things difficult. Ordinary dog coats don't provide the much needed insulation on River's legs and back end. Serena and her mother found a talented lady in Scotland who makes specially fitted dog pyjamas and coats. Her process involves a virtual fitting session with dozens of precise measurements being taken for each dog. The result is a fitted outfit that gives River the maximum warmth with complete comfort. It is even designed to allow River to complete her bathroom duties without a problem. River wasn't so sure about the new outfit at first, but she has learned to associate her winter coats with going to this beautiful forest. It wasn't difficult to get her to try this one on and she seemed to catch on quickly that she was now warmer than she had been. River's owners can't help but chuckle at how cute River looks in her outfit. It almost looks like she is wearing pants and a sweater. River has found a second family who love her dearly and they will spoil her and give her the best of everything for as long as she is able to take it.

Fresh snow hanging from the trees creates a winter wonderland that is as pleasing to the soul as it is to the eye. This Canadian forest is located in a remote area of Ontario. A few skiers, hikers, and snowmobilers know the beauty of this woodland paradise. And Raven, the Great Dane also knows that this is one of the most magical places around. She romps completely free on these quiet trails all through the year, and few other things make her so happy. Kristy has put on her cross country skis so she can take to the trails and keep up with Raven. This huge dog is like a child at Christmas when she is let loose in the snow. She spends half of the time sniffing the tracks of deer and other creatures. The other half is spent running at full gallop back and forth, showing off her incredible speed. He long strides take her down these packed trails as fast as a horse and she loves every minute. The loops in this forest twist and turn for miles before bringing Raven and her people back to the start. She doesn't miss many days and she logs 6-7km (4 - 4.5 miles) on the average outing. Great Danes love to run and then they love to sleep. Raven often collapses on the couch for hours after her forest exercise. This footage was captured by drone after an unusually heavy snow fell during a storm. The snow clung to the branches, creating a gorgeous effect as the sun shone through the gaps and bounced off the ice crystals. Boughs bent low under the weight and icicles formed as the snow melted and then froze. Winter is often a time when people hide from the elements to keep warm. But getting out in the forest can be truly therapeutic for the soul. Breathing in the fresh air and witnessing beauty like this has a lasting and positive effect. Even in the harshest conditions, there is magic all around us. Enjoy the beauty of nature and the joy of a Great Dane puppy who knows how to truly live in the moment.

The many banded aracari, also referred to as bumblebee toucans are striking birds. They have vivid yellow bands on black plumage, making them resemble large bumblebees. Their bills are black with bright yellow and their eyes are surrounded by a band of blue feathers that gives the appearance of wearing a mask over their eyes. This aracari is a primarily a fruit eater, although these birds will also eat insects, small birds, eggs, and even small rodents or lizards. He lives in the Amazon rainforest in Ecuador and he has perched near a large kapok tree in some branches that are visible to a bunch of bird enthusiasts. These nature lovers are from Canada and they are thrilled with the sight of this gorgeous bird. They have climbed high on a structure built onto the giant kapok so that they are able to view the top of the forest canopy, along with the birds that thrive there. As the bumblebee toucan sits in his perch, he coughs up a pit from a piece of fruit that he has swallowed whole. As the fruit digests, he is left with the inedible stone which he must regurgitate and discard. These are fascinating birds and the guide who is leading these tourists through the jungle explains that the birds are known locally as bumblebee toucans. He also explained that these toucans build their nests inside hollowed out trees with openings created by woodpeckers. Some toucans will seal the opening in the nest with mud, fruit, and saliva mixed into a compound that hardens and protects their young. The young will then break out of the nest after several weeks when they are ready to fledge. Toucans feed and protect their young for several weeks after they leave the nest. The males and females both share in the duties of nest protection and caring for their young. Toucans are among the most beautiful and the most recognizable of all the birds. This close up view of such a remarkable bird is something that these tourists will never forget,

Canada is the second largest country in the world and a trip from one coast to the other is a bucket list item for many. Seeing the splendor and the beauty of one of the most magnificent and varied nations in the world is like a dream come true. But it is even more like a dream to see this wonder from the front seat of a Lamborghini Hurracan. Dave has always wanted to see Canada from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and he secretly hoped that some day he might cross it in some way that raised funds for a good cause. As part of bicycle team that works hard to raise money for cancer research, the group had been planning and dreaming about such a trip for several years. Then, in an unexpected turn of events, Dave was presented with an opportunity to make the crossing in the world's first coast to coast tour in a Lamborghini. Dave knows a family in Ecuador who have been working incredibly hard to pay medical bills as their daughter battles brain cancer. Dave and his friend Kris have been supporting and helping this family with some of their struggles. Kris is a philanthropist who has been using his exotic cars to help deserving people and make dreams come true for several years. Together, they came up with a plan to drive the Hurracan from Cape Spear, Newfoundland, to Vancouver Island, British Columbia, more than 7,000km (4,350 miles) in 7 days. Sponsors made donations and a GoFundme was created to help raise money for the child's medical costs. At 5 years of age, Johanita has undergone several surgeries and there will be more to come, but her prognosis is good. Dave recorded the sights along the way as they took this beautiful machine through a varied and breath taking landscape from one ocean to the other. Johanita's medical costs are looked after for the near future and her family can rest assured that any upcoming emergencies will be manageable. Dave raises his arms in triumph as he stands at the edge of the Pacific ocean in Vancouver. This was a trip that made several dreams come true in one week.

When two men square off for their version of the world championship ghost pepper contest, the results are predictable and painful. Dave issued a bold challenge to the world over social media, claiming that he was the undisputed champion of ghost pepper eating. He dared anyone to try and dethrone him. He even offered to supply the ghost peppers, which were grown by his wife, Kristy in their back yard. Kristy had watched Dave try to eat the whole peppers before and she cautioned him against doing it again. But common sense and good listening are not Dave's strongest attributes and he went ahead with the challenge anyway. Dave's motivation was actually fueled by his desire to help a local charity, One City Peterborough in their fight against homelessness. He intended to raise pledges and also publish a video of the shenanigans, with all of the proceeds helping vulnerable members of the community who faced residence challenges. The pain would be short lived and the glory of the title belt would go on for years. Mark Smith is a man with a big heart who has been backing good causes for decades. His employer, Fitzsimmons Garage and Repair has been helping community causes for just as long and they agreed to sponsor the event. Spectators were invited to watch the antics and join in if they wanted to. Mark and Dave agreed to chew a ghost pepper for 30 seconds, swallow and then endure the heat for at least a minute. The first one to ring the bell and go for the milk would lose the challenge. Mark and Dave had been taunting each other for weeks leading up to the challenge, posting on social media that they were both determined to outlast their opponent. In the end, both realized that they had bitten off more than they could chew and they tapped out with milliseconds of each other to get some relief. Milk was supplied by Kawartha Dairy, and although it has a soothing effect, the pain subsides for only a few seconds. These peppers are rated as 1.2 to 2M scoville heat units, making them one of the 5 hottest peppers in the world. A few peppers are marginally hotter but scorched taste buds can't really differentiate between number one and number five on the heat scale. Mark and Dave sipped and gulped milk for more than twenty minutes to relieve the pain. Although this was not a hot day, sweat rolled off their faces and tears flowed from their eyes. Even their noses dripped as their entire faces screamed at them. Osmow's Restaurant in Peterborough donated gift cards for the sponsors, which was very appropriate considering the sauce choices that they offer for extreme spice on their delicious cuisine. Mark and Dave may not have really proven that they are champions of anything except being willing to go all out for a good cause. $850 was raised for One City Peterborough.

Jack is a beautiful and happy puppy who has a loving home and a wonderful family. But it hasn't always been this easy for Jack. Nobody knows how or where his life started, but it seems like he was abandoned by a heartless owner who left him in a Walmart parking lot to fend for himself. Jack was begging for scraps and sleeping in a corner until a concerned shopper called animal control the local animal shelter. Jack was taken to the animal shelter and housed with a gigantic Bullmastiff that took him under her wing like he was her baby. They slept together and played together with this gentle animal acting as his mother. Jack was relieved to find warmth and companionship, as well as food and water. He was a grateful little puppy and he truly loved the people who were caring for him. But Jack's life got even better when Elena and Dave walked into the shelter looking for a dog to make their family even better. These two kind folks heard Jack's story and they saw how he responded to the love of the bigger dog. It warmed their heart to look into his eyes, despite the extreme sadness of Jack's earlier days. It's heart breaking to think that a human could put Jack out and drive away, not caring what happened to him. The hurt and confusion that Jack would have felt is a tragedy. Dave and Elena fell completely in love with this beautiful little dog and they picked him up, knowing that they were going to take him home and show him what love truly was. Jack is part of their family now and he doesn't have to look back and wonder what he did to deserve being abandoned so cruelly. Elena went back to the animal shelter to check on the Bullmastiff and see how she was doing. To Elena's delight, the big dog had also been adopted by a loving family. This is a heart warming story that worked out for everybody. A dog is one of the most loving and loyal creatures on the planet. They ask for nothing but love in return. Good boy, Jack. You are now where you should be!

Sea turtles are among the most peaceful and beloved animals in the ocean. For most scuba divers, there are few animals that they look forward to seeing more than these beautiful creatures. This scuba diver was exploring a coral head in Papua New Guinea when she was lucky enough to swim with a pair of hawksbill turtles. These turtles are critically endangered. The two turtles that live on this remote coral head are quite accustomed to humans. They spent their first few years in a wildlife rehabilitation center before being released back into the wild. They were fed and cared for by humans and they learned to trust them. One of the rehab workers is a scuba diver who checks on these turtles often. They have no apprehension about approaching divers. This diver was thrilled to have such a beautiful encounter with two wild animals in their own environment.

Iguanas are large lizards that grow to an impressive 1.8m in length. They are commonly seen throughout the Caribbean and other tropical areas. They're very comfortable sharing their space with humans and they frequent almost all resorts in Mexico, as well as other sunny holiday destinations. This huge male iguana is the undisputed boss of the resort, wandering fearlessly through the trees and even the walkways. He is shown respect by the tourists here and they make way for him as he swaggers past. The tourists are also very fascinated with this photogenic creature and they can't help but stop to admire and photograph him on this sunny day. The iguana was on the lookout for berries and seeds that were falling from the trees above. One brave admirer decided to help him and she gathered up a handful of what seemed to be his preferred food. As if he had done this before, the iguana casually walked up and ate right out of her hand. Iguanas have a mouth full of very sharp teeth and they are capable of inflicting a serious wound if they are threatened, but like most animals, they have no desire to attack without provocation. Iguanas also have a powerful tail that they can swing in order to defend themselves from an attack. By the time an iguana reaches the size of this one, there are only a few predators that would risk injury by taking one on. For this tourist, allowing the iguana to choose the terms of the encounter paid off and she was rewarded with a close look and memorable experience.

Orioles are one of the most brightly coloured birds in North America. They migrate south for the winter, returning when the snow melts, and bird lovers wait anxiously for the first sight of them. They are so spectacularly coloured that social media pages and birder groups become filled with images and announcements as these beautiful birds make their way north. Bird lovers will have their feeders ready, able to predict the actual day that their beloved little friends will arrive. Orioles flock to backyard feeders with brightly coloured fruit and snacks. They love oranges cut open, grapes, and even grape jelly. They feed in a unique way, inserting their beaks into the orange and opening the beak to create a trough. This is referred to as "gaping". As juice fills the trough, they slurp it up. The orioles line up in the trees nearby, taking turns at the fruit or the feeder. For the most magnificent display, nature lovers will fill a tree or bush with orange halves stuck on the branches. The song of the oriole is striking as well, audible for a mile or more as the birds sing to attract other orioles. Like many backyard birds, the orioles gather around a water feature such as a pond and they delight in splashing around in the shallows. They will preen and soak for a few minutes as this happy little fellow is doing. Even though he is having a wonderful time, he is keeping a watchful eye on the skies above. Songbirds are well aware that predators such as hawks and kites will be keeping their eye on the feeders and ponds, waiting for a chance to snag an easy meal. This oriole is a male. The females are slightly orange, with more brown, and similar markings. Not as brightly coloured, the females are similar in size and appearance, with less vivid plumage. They are often more dominant at the feeder, chasing males away so that they can eat first. Orioles are easy to attract to a back yard and a wonder to watch. They are also very likely to return to a feeding spot for many years. It is well worth keeping them happy and well fed so that they show up year after year.

These cows are living a wonderful life on a beautiful farm in Ontario, Canada. They have acres of lush, green grass to graze on, rolling hills to wander, forested areas for shade, and ponds full of fresh water to drink from. They spend their days lazing in the sunshine, or cooling off under a tree. It's a world full of choice and gently blowing breezes. There is even a large bull named Gus who watches over his herd protectively. Life on this farm is as close as possible to what nature intended for these gentle creatures. Fiona and Flossey are the two cows here that compete for attention when Dave, the farm hand enters the meadow. These cows are well treated and they respond to kindness with trust and acceptance. They actually seek out human interaction and follow the farmers and Dave around the fields, curiously watching them work. Sometimes they even seem to want to help. These cows are brighter than most people realize and they have personalities and a gentle nature that make them extremely endearing. The cows form bonds with each other, preferring to spend time in the close company of their cow "friends". When given the chance to live like this, the cows develop a social structure and relationships. They even take turns caring for the calves, almost like aunties would do in our own families. Dave enjoys watching the cows and interacting with them during quieter moments. When it's break time, the cows will sometimes wander over and lie down beside Dave as he sits and takes a rest. And other times, the cows will ask for a scratch on the head or behind the ears, enjoying the petting the same way a family dog would. Surprisingly, these cows will also show a touch of jealousy if one of them gets more attention than they do. Flossey and her sister, Fiona keep Dave busy on this sunny day. He has both hands going and they let him know when he's not keeping up. These are large animals, each weighing more than 450kg (1,000lbs) but they seem to understand this and they take enough care to avoid knocking Dave over with their enthusiasm. It seems we are not the only beings with compassion and an understanding of the need to be gentle. Farms like these treat their animals with respect. When looking for a place to buy our food, there are a lot of good reasons to support the farmers like these ones who are doing everything right. Although it costs a little bit more to raise beef here than on a factory farm, it's worth spending our money at a place that avoids cruelty and poor conditions for the animals. Farms like this one can usually be found locally too, offsetting a lot of the added costs of transportation and retail. In the end, it doesn't cost much more and we can feel better supporting the farmers close to us while we encourage better care for such beautiful and gentle souls.

This Farm in Ontario is home to many unique animals. Among the most interesting of them all is Violet, a 4 month old Lamanche goat who seems to believe that she is a puppy. Since she was born, she has followed her people around the farm wherever they go. She also loves to chase and play with the dogs on the farm, just like she was one of them. She will wander up to people, even visitors, looking for affection and attention. She gently places her head against them, begging to be scratched and rubbed, just like a dog would. Violet is very smart and she quickly figures out everything on the farm, such as how to get food that she is not supposed to get into. But, with an adorable face like that, how can anyone ever be annoyed with Violet? After exploring and playing on the farm all morning, Violet is eager for her morning bottle. Violet has responded to the love and wonderful treatment that she gets on this beautiful farm. She is happy and trusting and she is incredibly affectionate. She is a perfect example of how animals respond so well to kindness.