WildCreatures

This sanctuary in the Galapagos Islands takes in goats, horses, donkeys, chickens and any other animal that need a safe home. It provides the animals with food, shelter, safety, and a chance to interact with guests who come here. The sanctuary relies on donations and the money generated from the tours so they can give the animals the care they deserve. This family has brought their Canadian friends for a tour and the girls show them how the goats go crazy for bananas. The animals get lots of hay and other food, but the bananas are a special treat. The bananas hang outside the fence to allow guests to interact and feed the animals. This goat has learned how to stick his head out over the fence and show his pleading eyes for the maximum effect on the soft hearted guests. Goats will eat almost anything and these ones are no exception. They are particularly fond of the banana skins as well as the fruit inside.

The beaded sea cucumber is one of the most bizarre animals in the ocean. They resemble giant worms more than they do sea cucumbers. When stretched out, they can reach a length of more than one meter (3 feet). Beaded sea cucumbers move along the ocean floor, extending their 15 feeding tentacles in front of them. The feathery appendages collect their food and pull it into their mouth opening. in the center of the tentacles. They consume algae, aquatic invertebrates like plankton, and waste particles that are found near the bottom. They are omnivores. Sea cucumbers are like mini ocean janitors that clean and filter the waste and debris out of the water. Beaded sea cucumbers have no internal respiratory system. They have no feet or appendages capable of locomotion. They contract and expand muscles on the body wall, moving forward through these actions. Beaded sea cucumbers come in many different shapes and sizes. With their unusual movement and alien looking tentacles, the beaded sea cucumber looks like a creature from another world.

The Galapagos Islands are a remote and isolated part of the world where animals and people have reached an understanding for each other. People here have a healthy respect for the wildlife. The wildlife has also learned to trust the humans. They coexist with an ease and beauty that all the world could learn from. And although the people and even the visitors here do their best to avoid interfering with the animals, the wildlife has learned that they can occasionally find an opportunity for food where humans can be found. These tiny finches have taken up residence at the airport that serves Santa Cruz Island. They find their way in and out at the airport restaurant and they wait patiently for people to leave uneaten food on their tables. As soon as the coast is clear, these daring little birds swoop in and scramble to get their share. They seem to understand very well that time is of the essence as they peck at these pizza crusts. We see the restaurant staff coming to get the table cleared before they've had their fill. But the next meal is only minutes away as the guests constantly come and go, usually leaving something delicious behind.

Smooth green snakes are a brilliant emerald green. Born brown or bluish gray, they begin life with a drab coloured skin until the first shed. They emerge from this shed with the vibrant colour that this young snake displays. Found on a small island in Ontario, Canada, this snake enjoys life in a beautiful location with access to insects and spiders, ants, slugs, and caterpillars. But life on the this island comes with the same risks that other snakes face. It will have to avoid predation from foxes, hawks, herons, raccoons, and even bears. Another risk for this snake is overcollection for commercial sale. The appealing colour makes it highly desirable for the pet trade, but these snakes do not survive well in captivity. One of the greatest threats to these beautiful snakes is the application of pesticides. Because the snakes rely completely on insects for food, they are greatly affected by the toxins in the food chain. They are also greatly affected by the reduction of available food. When the smooth green snake hunts, it turns its head from side to side, finding prey with its tongue. The flicking of the tongue gathers air near the snake's head. It has an organ on the roof of its mouth that it uses to detect airborne pheromones and chemical signals. The green snake has no ears, relying on vibrations to figure out its surroundings. Due to the stretchy ligaments in its jaw, it can swallow prey whole, even prey that is larger than its own body diameter. The smooth green snake sheds its skin as often as every four to five weeks to allow for growth. Understanding the importance of animals such as these to the delicate balance of nature is the first step in helping us avoid losing them forever.

Emperor sea urchins are inactive and nearly invisible by the light of day, but when the sun sets, they come out on the coral to to graze on the algae that grows there. Algae would overpower the coral if it were not kept in check by the animals that feed on it, such as sea urchins. These emperor sea urchins were found on a night dive in the waters of Indonesia, near Komodo Island, the land known as the home of the largest and most deadly lizards in the world. The urchins are highly venomous to humans, inflicting a considerable wound and searing pain if they are handled or stepped on. Their light sensitivity allows them to sense a threat and angle their spines defensively. The bright colours and the large size make these urchins very obvious and accidental contact is uncommon. The spines of the sea urchin are used for locomotion, as well as defense. The mouth of the sea urchin is on the underside, centrally located. Five sharp teeth converge in the centre of the mouth, allowing the urchin to scrape surfaces to remove coral. Emperor sea urchins are a sepctacular and welcome sight for scuba divers due to their colour and ornate appearance.

Olive baboons are large, solid primates that can reach 70cm (28 inches) in height and an impressive weight of 50kg (110lbs). They are one of the largest monkey species and one of the most widely spread. Not surprisingly, their teeth are also among the largest of the monkeys. These two olive baboons engage in a friendly playfight in the sunshine, possibly vying for dominance in the troop. As they do so, they display a fearsome set of teeth that are obviously capable of causing severe damage, if the baboon chooses. They have elongated, dog-like muzzles and powerful jaws. The social structure of these baboons is complex, and fascinating. The troops consist of 15-150 individuals with more females than males. There are dominant males within the troop, and also higher ranking females. The higher ranking females are more likely to reproduce, but the whole process of reproduction involves surprising behaviours. A female who is pregnant is highly likely to be harassed by males in an apparent attempt to cause miscarriage of offspring that do not belong to the male perpetrator. This creates an opportunity for the male to mate with that female earlier, as well as a higher likelihood of passing on his genes. Following delivery of an infant, males in the troop will protect her and the infant, especially those who are allowed to mate with her. This means that the male is better to focus his attention on pregnant females who do not have the protection of their male allies. Male olive baboons are highly aggressive with each other in their attempts to mate with females. Younger males are constantly trying to increase their rank in an effort to gain breeding rights. Baboons will often form alliances and coalitions within the troop, This display could be a matter of complex social interaction for many reasons, but it is clear to see that a fully grown baboon is a force to be reckoned with for any animal.

Hawksbill sea turtles are the most ornate and beautiful of the sea turtles. They are so beautiful that they have been hunted for their shells and they came perilously close to extinction in the past century. Conservation laws and education have helped to stop the slaughter of these peaceful animals and their numbers are slowly increasing now. Hawksbills feed on soft corals, sponges, and the algae that grows on them. They cruise over the reefs looking for places to feed. They are carnivores, unlike many other sea turtles, although the sponges that they feed on are misunderstood and not always recognized as being animals. These scuba divers were lucky enough to see two of these beautiful animals in one spot. The turtles slowly circle each other before one swims off in search of another area to graze. Capable of diving to considerable depths for food, these turtles grazed on the vertical wall and the top of a coral head. Scuba divers are delighted to see one of these endangered species on a dive, and even more so when they see more than one. Having the turtles act so casually while they were feeding made for a very peaceful and memorable experience.

Naomy is a farmer who lives in Kenya, Africa. She works hard to support her grandparents who raised her, as well as Emmanuel, her adopted son. Life in Kenya is full of challenges and Naomy struggles to grow enough food to feed the family. She sells any extra produce for needed supplies and also to pay for Emmanuel's school fees. Naomy became friends with a Canadian named David who was fascinated with life in Kenya. As Naomy and David compared their experiences and shared pictures and videos, the two began to understand the cast difference in their worlds. They began to work together to share Namoy and Emmanuel's videos. The small income that these two make with the uploads helps to pay for Emmanuel's education and it brings the world an inside look at life on the other side of the globe. Naomy lives with her grandparents but the soil and climate are not conducive to growing crops. She rents a small plot in an area that is many miles away. It takes her several hours to travel each way on the public transportation that makes this crossing weekly. Naomy works and stays at the farm and comes home when she can. Naomy told David that she was about to journey back home with Emmanuel and she mentioned that she had seen a few animals on the last journey. David asked Naomy to have Emmanuel record the sights and send them to him in Canada. These are the highlights from the bumpy and dusty ride across Kenya as young Emmanuel documents what catches his eye. This young businessman is ten years old and he is building his future with his camera work. If you care to help him, any donations are gratefully accepted. https://gofund.me/2df5dc08

Sea anemones are predatory animals that anchor to the coral and sway in the ocean current as they search for food. Their tentacles can resemble the long leaves of a plant as they grasp at fish and small animals that serve as food for the sea anemone. In some species, the tentacles are much shorter. The tentacles contain stinging cells that are equipped with an external sensory hair. When triggered, the cells fire a harpoon-like barb and inject a toxin. This can be used as defense or for hunting. Small fish and other marine animals become paralyzed and are then devoured by the sea anemone. But there are fish that are immune to the sting of the sea anemone. Clown fish and anemone are well known exceptions, with their mucous that prevents the activation of the sea anemone's stingers. Clown fish are the best known, but not the only fish with the ability to produce this mucous. There are a few other species that are referred to as anemone fish. These two are the Fiji anemone fish. They live among the deadly anemones, taking cover at the slightest sign of a threat. Predators don't dare follow the anemone fish into the tentacles and the small fish are safe within. These fish continuously rub up against the tentacles, even when predators are not near. The contact with the anemone helps them accumulate mucous which combines with their own mucous to produce the substance that masks their presence from the stinging cells. The anemone benefits from the fish in a perfect example of a symbiotic relationship. The anemone fish becomes aggressive and chases other fish away that might nibble at the tentacles of the anemone. The fish excrement provides the anemone with nutrients. The entire arrangement is a win-win situation for both animals. Anemone fish are loyal to an anemone, remaining in the same location and protecting their host. Often found in groups, there will be one breeding male and one breeding female. If the female dies, the male will turn into a female and the largest non-breeding male will assume the role of being the male breeder. Anemone fish feed primarily on zooplankton that drift past on the ocean currents. As expected, these fish were found on the reef surrounding an island in the Republic of Fiji.

Johanita is a seven year old child who greets the world with no fear or hesitation. Every day is an adventure and she smiles and laughs readily. Even though she has faced some medical challenges, she embraces life and all of the joy that each day brings her. Here in Ecuador, Johanita visits a beautiful waterfall in a place called Cascada El Manta de la Novia (Waterfall Veil of the Girlfriend) with her family from Ecuador and her extended family from Canada. They stopped to take in the breath taking view from the top of the canyon. But the experience of flying over the canopy along the zipline was too beautiful to pass up. Strapped into a harness that took them out over the treetops and the river, Johanita extended her arms like a bird. Her emotions flow naturally and beautifully. She is overcome with joy as she soars more than one kilometre on the thin cable. Her laughter tells us that she is loving every moment. This is how Johanita lives her life. She captures the heart of everyone who meets her. We should all approach life as Johanita does.

Life on a farm like this one is a wondrous thing. The miracle of birth is a frequent one and a calf entering the world on a sunny day is something unforgettable. Daisy is a lucky cow who lives on this beautiful farm in Ontario, Canada. It's acres of lush pasture on rolling hills, ponds full of clean water, and trees for shade. The "girls" here graze freely and lie in the sunshine when they are relaxing and chewing their cud. It's as perfect a life as a cow could want. There is even a bull here who does his duty in the natural way and watches over them protectively. Daisy is a seasoned mother who has had a few calves and she knows her time is coming again. She picks a spot on the hill and lies down to let nature take its course. Her herd mates seem to know what's happening and they line up and take a spot in the grass beside her. Their calm presence seems to comfort Daisy as she begins her labour. The other cows look on, unconcerned, but seemingly there for a show of support. They have all given birth a few times themselves and they must understand that a calf is on the way. Daisy begins giving birth and works quickly, with her calf emerging over the course of ten or twelve minutes. A healthy and chunky male, he slides out smoothly and waits patiently as his mother licks him clean. Slowly, he will gain the strength to stand and nurse. The licking and grooming is important for the bonding between the mother and the calf. It is also imperative that Daisy cleans up anything that could attract predators such as wolves or coyotes. Daisy's new baby will need to get to his feet as quickly as possible and stay close to the herd for protection. He will also need to get a dose of the first milk which contains colostrum, the antibodies that will build his immune system and nourish him in the first day. Calves are able to walk within a few minutes of birth and they are highly mobile in a day or two. Nature looks after the healthy and gives them the ability to care for themselves early in life. This young calf gets to his feet and begins drinking with enthusiasm. The birth of a calf is a wonderful part of nature and a true joy to watch.

Canada is a vast country with some of the most beautiful scenery on earth. The landscape is very different as you move from one coast to the other. Everything in between is unique and beautiful too. These images were captured as a team of Canadians drove from one side to the other in a Lamborghini to raise funds for a small child fighting cancer. Stopping briefly to rest and plan, they launched a drone at various points to record the beauty of this incredible country. From Cape Spear on the easternmost point of North America to Vancouver Island, this journey spanned the country from one ocean to the other and 7,500km (nearly 4,700 miles) in between. Historic lighthouses, salt flats, rock cuts, mountains, prairie, pronghorn bucks, waterfalls, deep river gorges, towering trees, horses, and much more. Just a tiny fraction of Canada's beauty is recorded here. Enjoy the scenic wonder as seen by this team of adventurers on a trip that will never be forgotten.

Jack Daniels is known throughout the world as one of the greatest whiskey producers to have ever lived. His life is the stuff of legends, and and it is also filled with mystery and intrigue. His legacy was passed down to two of his nephews when he died in October of 1911 and they continued the tradition of making Jack Daniel's whiskey according to the original recipe and in the traditional methods. Most people in North America, and in most countries around the world have sampled this whiskey, or have at least seen it served. But few people know the incredible story behind Jack's final years, ad his death in 1911. The Jack Daniels distillery is set on a beautiful piece of property in Lynchburg, Tennessee. Jack arrived for work before anyone else on a morning in 1909, or 1910. There are conflicting stories about the date and poorly kept written records in that era have made it difficult to be precise. But Jack needed documents from his steel combination safe in his office. He struggled with the combination and could not open the safe. Frustrated, he kicked the safe and broke his big toe. Infection set in and Jack was forced to have his toe amputated. But the infection had spread and gangrene began to form in his foot. The foot was removed, followed by a leg amputation and it was eventually clear that Jack was losing the battle with gangrene. Beyond the full leg amputation, there was nothing that could be done. Blood poisoning set in and Jack knew he was dying. Legend has it that Jack led the life of a ladies man, with love and romance at every turn, but he had never married or had children. With no heirs, Jack passed on his distillery and his fortune to two nephews who continued the business as Jack would have wanted. Tours of the property are conducted, showing guests the operation and the method for producing this beloved whiskey. There are few secrets here, and guests can see the entire process. Grain is ground and fermented. Maple is charred precisely to create the charcoal pellets that are used for the filtration process. Storage buildings are open, and samples are provided. A knowledgeable tour guide explains the entire operation and shows guests the different steps. The tour is a fascinating one, full of interesting sights, smells, and facts. The legend behind this distillery, and behind the man who created it is well worth the time. Jack Daniels died because he didn't have the right combination for the safe, but he sure had the right combination of ingredients to create a whiskey that lives on, more than 100 years after he was gone.

This bull is a Texas longhorn cow that lives in a sanctuary near Banos, Ecuador. He has incredibly long horns and the look of him is quite intimidating. He sees a guest at the fence of his pen and he comes over to get the alfalfa sprouts that are being offered. The horns poke out over the gate and swing menacingly close to the guests head, whose wife warms him to watch his eyes. Many cows have an itchy spot behind their horns that is impossible to scratch. The cow seems to want his head petted and the guest obliges. But it becomes clear immediately that the bull wants his head scratched more than he wants the treats. He jams his horns against the gate to get his head in the best position for the guest to reach. The bull stands very still as he gets a good scratch. He looks at the guest with pleading eyes and when the hand is extended again, he sniffs and then slams his horns down to expose the top of his head once more. It is clear that these two have reached an understanding and the bull knows that his friend will scratch some more. This sanctuary takes in animals that could no longer be cared for where they were. It is here that they find a new home and a new life with proper care and food. Guests are invited to tour the sanctuary which helps fund the purchase of food for the animals. They are happy here and they get the love and the attention that they deserve.

Naomy is an exceptional woman who lives in Kenya, Africa. She works incredibly hard on her small farm plot to feed her family and to make ends meet. She does all of this in a world where weather, water shortage, harsh climate, and poverty create challenges that most of us would not even understand. Naomy and Emmanuel have also been using videos to tell stories about their home and their life across the world. These videos have generated enough income to pay for Emmanuel's yearly school fees, his shoes, his school uniform, and even a few groceries. Naomy and Emmanuel have made videos about food, farming, water gathering, animals near their home, the local market, and almost anything that would be interesting to people in other areas of the world. Naomy narrates and explains the challenges of water scarcity, the difficulties in the farming business, and the hope that comes with the sprouting of the crops. Emmanuel shows us his fire building skills as he cooks for the family and he sorts beans from the harvest. But farming alone won't pay for all of the expenses in Kenya. Emmanuel's school fees are difficult to manage. Emmanuel and Naomy have been using the small income from uploading videos to pay for the fees. They have even managed to buy Emmanuel a new pair of shoes, a school uniform, and a backpack. Emmanuel proudly shows us the shoes that they bought with his earnings. Naomy recorded a small girl fetching water at a roadside drainage ditch. When that footage was originally uploaded, Naomy took some of the money that she had earned and she found the child in the neighbouring village. Naomy bought a school uniform and shoes for this child as well. There was enough money left in the young girl's share to also buy the family a basket of groceries. It was important to Naomy to share some of her good fortune. Naomy and Emmanuel will continue to upload videos, assisted by a Canadian friend, so that Emmanuel will be able to receive the education that he deserves. If anyone has questions or would like to assist Naomy and Emmanuel in any way, they can do so through this channel or by email at mojo_videos@hotmail.com (David McNab)

Scuba divers in the Cayman Islands explore the waters gazing at beautiful coral and enjoying a peacefulness that is beyond description. Occasionally, they see spectacular animal life as well, such as fish, eels, sharks, and sea turtles. A close look at these animals is always an unforgettable experience. This diver was drifting along looking below him at the sea fans and corals when he noticed a curious hawksbill sea turtle tagging along just behind him. Hawksbill turtles are critically endangered and a rare sight, especially so close. But this prolonged encounter went on for more than ten minutes. The diver turned his camera around and continued to swim. The turtle seems to be keeping an eye out for sponges, one of their favourite foods, but he also seems to enjoy the companionship. Perhaps he was curious about the awkward human making his way over the reef, or maybe he was thinking it was safer to stay close to avoid predators. This is a young hawksbill and a large shark would make an easy meal of it. Hawksbill sea turtles are one of the most beautiful turtles. It is their beauty that brought them top the brink of extinction as their shells were collected for ornate brushes and jewelry. Their numbers plummeted as they were over harvested for shells, meat and eggs. Eggs on the beaches were dug up for consumption for centuries while their numbers dipped almost to the point of terminal population decline. Due to conservation efforts, changing laws, education, and changing attitudes, the hawksbill sea turtles are starting to make a comeback.

Leopards are huge, muscular cats that inhabit many of the grasslands and forests in Africa. They are powerful animals that can prey on ungulates many times their size. Known to take down young giraffes, antelopes, and even fully grown elands, the leopard is highly adaptable to take advantage of available prey. When larger food is unavailable, they will feed on hares and dung beetles. Occasionally, primates and porcupines are consumed by the leopard. During studies, evidence of gorilla consumption was found in leopard scat, although this would be rare due to the ferocity of adult gorillas. Leopards are known for caching food in trees, high off the ground. They are capable of hoisting a carcass that is several times their own body weight. This takes an impressive amount of strength to accomplish. Leopards are swift and formidable hunters, but during observation, it was learned that the majority of hunt attempts are unsuccessful. Leopards often go 1-2 weeks between successful kills. Leopards are vulnerable due to habitat loss and competition with farmers, as well as persecution for their perceived and actual threats to livestock. As human populations increase and development progresses, competition between man and nature will increase the conflict.

This wrasse lives in the waters surrounding the Galapagos Islands. It has caught a glimpse of a small crab hiding among the rocks. Quick to scurry under cover, the wary crab believes it has found safe refuge under the chunks of lava that scatter the ocean floor. But the fish is not deterred and it is not afraid of a little hard work to get a meal. With surprising coordination, the fish grasps the stones in its mouth and tosses them aside quickly. When the stones are all moved and there is nowhere left to hide, it lunges forward and pins the crab, inhaling it along with a mouthful of crushed sand and stone. As it adjusts and spits out the stones, the crab makes a brief escape. But the crab has been injured and the fish easily catches it as it slowly sinks. The crab is grabbed again and swallowed as the fish swims off, victorious.

Galapagos Flamingos are wading birds that can be seen feeding in the shallows and mud flats around alkaline or saline lakes. Flamingos are found in tropical and subtropical areas. They have long legs and a long, curved neck. Galapagos Flamingos reside in the salt-water lagoons hidden in the lava fields behind the coast of the Galapagos Islands. These beautiful birds have a unique bill that allows them to filter the mud and extract the brine shrimp, their primary diet. Their beaks are specially adapted to separate mud and silt from the food they consume. They use their bills in a uniquely used upside-down manner. They filter the mud using hairy structures called lamellae which line the mandibles and the tongue. Flamingos also feed on small crustaceans. The Galapagos Flamingo reaches 140 centimetres (4.5 feet) in length. Males can weigh up to 2.8 kilograms and females are slightly smaller at 2.2 kilograms. Most of their plumage is pink. Their colour is more vivid than that of the European species. Flamingo calls resemble the honking of a goose. These majestic birds are a beautiful sight to see, especially when they gather in large flocks.

These two lions are young males, born in the same litter. They are growing quickly and learning how to hunt and survive in this beautiful, but harsh environment. They greet each other with playful affection but there is also a subtle test of the other's resolve as they engage in dominant behaviour. They will soon have to compete with the alpha lion, and each other, or else leave the pride and begin their own pride. Life here in Kenya, and elsewhere in Africa is complex, and it follows a pattern. As the lions grow old enough to challenge the leader of their pride, he will chase them out. But for now, playing in the sunshine and enjoying the companionship of the brotherhood is all that matters. Few things are as majestic as powerful lions, the apex predators on these plains. These lions roam freely on a large swath of land that is protected from hunters and poachers, one of the few threats to a full grown lion. Hyenas will challenge a sick or solitary lion, but even they know that they must be great in number and ready for a ferocious battle to take down one of these big cats.

Daisy is happy bunny who has just arrived at her new home after being rescued. She had been dumped in an industrial area near a business. There are no homes in this area and it seems impossible that she had simply escaped or wandered off. She seemed to be in need of help and she was wandering around the business and looking for discarded food. One of the workers there, a young man with a soft heart decided to feed her. She eagerly ate the vegetables that he left out for her and she came back daily looking for more. Although she was a little wary, she seemed comfortable enough with humans that it was obvious she had been a pet. With a little food and some time, the young man gained Daisy's trust and he was able to catch her. He took her home and she quickly adapted to her new family. Daisy can be seen here enjoying a carrot treat as she gets settled in. It looks like she is more than happy with the new arrangement. The close up footage of her eating is possibly one of the cutest things you will see today. There are a lot of carrots in Daisy's future!

Ostriches are the tallest birds and heaviest of all living birds. They lay the largest eggs of any land animal. They can reach 2.8m in height (9 feet) and weigh up to 150kg (330lbs). They are formidable animals, capable of delivering a kick that will deter even the hungriest of predators. They can run at speeds of 70km/h (43mph), giving them the ability to avoid capture by almost any land animal. The mating ritual of the ostrich is a complex and fascinating sight. They flap their wings rapidly, vibrating their outstretched feathers while swaying rhythmically and vocalizing for the attention of the female. This male ostrich tries as hard as possible to get the attention of his love interest nearby. He wiggles and calls and hopes she will swoon and crouch down on the sand to receive his amorous advances, but she simply ignores him and walks away. Undeterred, he continues his impressive display for more than a minute before walking away defeated. The other females in the areas will surely see that he is rejected and he is best to walk away and try to work on his routine.

The easternmost point in North America is a rocky outcropping near St. John's harbour in Newfoundland, Canada. Cape Spear has a history that is as magnificent as the lighthouse that marks it. During the second world war, a gun battery was installed here to guard the significant convoy route and entrance to St. John's harbour. Disappearing gun carriages, barracks, and underground passages were essential for the defence of this harbour. This point was a United States Army General Surveillance Ground Radar Early Warning Station during the second world war. The lighthouse has lit up the entrance to the harbour since 1836. Prior to its completion, a dense fog enveloped the point and the harbour and threatened the safety of an approaching warship with an important passenger. The Governor sent out several pilot boats, one containing a young harbour pilot named James Cantwell. When he successfully guided the warship into the harbour, he was asked to name his reward. He requested the position of lighthouse keeper at the Cape. A keeper had already been hired, but he passed away after ten years of service. Cantwell was given the position at that time and he served proudly for 35 years. Cantwell's son took over next and the tradition of the Cantwell family being the keepers continued for over 50 years. This is now the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland.

Whale sharks are massive creatures that can grow to a whopping 18m (57 feet), topping the scales at an estimated 44,000kg (100,000lbs). To see them in real life creates a sense of awe and wonder. They are giants, but they are truly gentle beasts, virtually incapable of harming a human. Scientists believe that the whale sharks come to the waters near Darwin Island in the Galapagos to give birth. Almost all are pregnant females. But exactly where they do this is a mystery. Very few baby whale sharks have ever been seen. Three ocean currents collide in these waters, bringing an upwelling of nutrients from the deep ocean. This brings the larger fish and the apex predators like sharks. Although the water here is full of plankton and krill, the whale sharks are not here to feed. They are rarely seen with their mouths open as they swim around the island. This whale shark casually cruised through this group of awe-stricken scuba divers, making them look small and insignificant. These giant sharks are truly magnificent.

Dolomedes spiders, also known as fishing spiders, dock spiders, and "cottage monsters" are unique predators with amazing hunting abilities. They wait by the edge of a lake, pond, or river to ambush small fish that come to the surface. The spiders can detect ripples and then quickly run across the surface of the water. They use their forelimbs that are equipped with claws to hook their prey and inject their prey with venom with their hollow jaws. Fishing spiders are also capable of climbing beneath the surface of the water. The hairs on their bodies trap air bubbles that encase the spiders as they hunt underwater. Because they breath through openings in their abdomens, they can use the trapped air to breathe and stay submerged longer. The fishing spider hunts for mayflies and other insects on the surface of the water, using the water as a web. They can detect ripples and vibrations which indicate where their prey are located. The spider can estimate distance and direction, as well as discern the vibrations given off by predators such as trout. Powerful predators, they are capable of eating fish as large as a small goldfish. They will prey on tadpoles as well. These spiders are similar in appearance to wolf spiders and are often confused with them. They differ in their markings, their eyes, and the fact that wolf spiders carry their young on their backs. Although frighteningly large, they rarely bite people and they help keep the insect population in check. Seeing them around the cottage is actually a good thing for people who don't want to be bitten by horseflies or mosquitos.