WildCreatures

There is a beautiful forest in Ontario, Canada where the deer cannot be hunted. They have no reason to fear humans and they will occasionally watch them curiously from a distance. But someone who is exceptionally still and quiet may be lucky enough to get a closer look as the deer will sometimes graze without concern. This man sat quietly on a log and munched away on apples. Before long, he heard the crunching of the leaves underfoot as a deer ran through the trees and passed within a few feet of him. Initially startled, the deer picked up the pace and continued along. It must have been curious because he was sitting quietly, or perhaps it smelled the apples he was eating. It stopped and walked back in his direction. Cautiously, it approached and watched him munching away. As he threw some slices of apple on the ground, the deer came up and began munching away. For several minutes, they both quietly shared apples. Deer are naturally curious animals and they react with concern to anyone who looks directly at them or behaves like a predator, but they are not sure what to make of somebody who doesn't react to them. This deer eventually came close enough to hand feed, although it did not take food right from him. After several apples, the deer casually walked away. The antlers that are barely visible tell us this is a young buck who is not full grown. By next season, he will have large antlers and he will be looking for a doe. Spending time in the forest with wild animals like this is a magical and unforgettable experience.

Indie is a cheeky, but adorable elephant who lives at the Elephant Nature Park in Chang Mai, Thailand. He is not yet the big elephant that he will soon be, but he has the big appetite of a full grown elephant. Growing rapidly, he will soon be almost four times his present size. Indie is among dozens of elephants that were rescued from street performing roles or horrific zoos where they were forced to endure painful and unsatisfactory conditions. Rehabilitation and rescue centres such as this one bring these gentle beasts to this compound in the mountains where they are given a second chance at life. Elephants are among the most abused animals on the planet. Due to their great strength, they are exploited for labour and for rides. Tourists unwittingly pay for a ride or a performance, not knowing that behind every submissive elephant is a long history of torture and pain. The elephants allow the human contact out of fear. But sanctuaries like this are becoming more popular among tourists who want to see the animals up close while funding the industry that helps the elephants, not the industry that enslaves them. One of the world leaders in this effort is WildlifeSOS in India. They have promoted the "Refuse to Ride" movement, educating the public about the need to boycott any facility that engages in forced behaviour such as riding and submission. These gentle beasts are intelligent and full of compassion and emotions more complex than we have given them credit for. They deserve only our respect and proper treatment. Anyone seeking interaction or a chance to observe elephants can research and find the facilities that promote proper care and provide humane conditions. WildlifeSOS.org - please visit their website and consider helping them.

Sloth bears, also known as dancing bears have been among the most horribly abused animals on earth. Exploited for their ability to perform and earn money for their handlers, they have been forced into a life of torture to make them submit and dance on their hind legs. They avoid beatings and earn food rewards in a tragically painful life of slavery. A nomadic people in India had engaged in this practice for many decades, taking the bears as cubs and breaking their teeth to render them defenseless. They used a hot poker to pierce the snout and insert a rope through the hole. The rope was used to inflict pain and force the bear to stand on its hind legs, performing a dance that appeared to be motivated by treats, not pain. Unwitting tourists paid to see the performances, not realizing what the bears had been subjected to in order to make them so compliant. But rescue organizations such as Wildlife SOS in Agra, India, campaigned for laws to make this practice illegal. They provided homes for the bears where they could be free of pain and abuse. Provided with proper care, nutrition and space to roam, the bears thrive. Allowed to interact socially with other bears, they even learned to play, such as these two sloth bears have. In addition, WildlifeSOS has provided training and employment for the people who once knew no other way to provide for their families. Now, instead of exploiting the bears, they seek other forms of employment. This important step breaks the cycle of abuse and also provides a living for people who once lacked the skills to survive in other jobs. WildlifeSOS is home to many elephants, sloth bears and other creatures who have finally found joy and peace. Please consider visiting their website wildlifesos.org to find out how you can help these beautiful animals and the people who have given them a second chance at life.

Fiona is a wonderful cow with a very sweet disposition. She loves the farm where she lives, grazing happily in the sunshine, wandering freely over many acres of lush, green pasture. She has ponds full of fresh water and some forested area for shade. She enjoys the company of a small herd of very relaxed and happy cows. There is even a large bull named Gus who watches over the herd protectively as he grazes among them. Life on this farm is as close as possible to what nature intended for these gentle souls. Spring is calving time and Fiona has had her first calf, Hope, just three days earlier. Like Fiona, Hope is friendly and gentle natured. She is curious and affectionate, and like her mother, she enjoys being petted like a family dog. Dave, who lives near this farm often visits and spends time in the meadow, helping the farmer with caring for the animals or checking fences. He has gotten to know the cows well and they are quite used to seeing him in the meadow. Fiona greets Dave like a trusted friend and she enjoys having her ears scratched or her head rubbed. She also enjoys corn as a treat and Dave often brings her a few handfuls. On this warm, spring day, Dave walked into the meadow and watched from nearby as Hope nursed and Fiona chewed on fresh grass. Hope eagerly approached Dave and demanded some attention. She was followed closely by Fiona who wanted some attention of her own. Normally, it would be very unsafe to approach a calf when the mother was likely to become protective and even aggressive, but Fiona is exceptionally tolerant and she has demonstrated that she is not concerned at all about Dave spending time with her baby. Even still, Dave waited for both of them to make the approach, just to be on the safe side. This farm in Millbrook, Ontario is what is referred to as an "ethical" farm. The farmers place a greater importance on herd health than on profit and they treat their animals like family, carefully looking after their welfare and ensuring that they have the best living conditions. There is no crowding and the cows have never been treated with anything but kindness. As a result, they have no fear of humans and they respond well to being handled. Farms like these can be found in almost all areas. It is well worth the time to seek them out when looking for food. Supporting those farmers who do things right might cost a little more, but in doing so, we reduce the cruelty associated with larger, factory farms.

Pileated woodpeckers are giants in the North American bird world. They are the largest of the woodpecker species, previously being second to the ivory billed woodpecker that, sadly, is now believed to be extinct. Pileated woodpeckers delight nature lovers and bird enthusiasts with their gorgeous red plumage. Pileated woodpeckers are large and heavy birds. They use their great strength and enormous bills to fragment dead trees rapidly to get at insect larvae inside. They have long tongues which they use as spears to pull the grubs and larva from their hiding spots. A full grown pileated can smash through a dead tree trunk in minutes if it finds food inside the wood. Healthy trees are rarely infested and woodpeckers have no reason to peck holes in a tree that is not already in trouble. For this reason, they are beneficial to the forest, speeding the decay of diseased and rotting logs. They also create habitat and nesting sites for other birds such as small owls, by creating large holes that are used for shelter. The male and female both have red heads, but the male also has red cheeks. Being territorial, a male will chase away a rival male from his area. To see two of these woodpeckers in the same area usually means that they are a nesting pair. To attract pileated woodpeckers to a back yard feeder, it is good to have suet and a variety of seeds and peanuts. They are delight to see up close!

Groundhog babies (often called gophers) are among the cutest little furballs on earth. They are born in an underground burrow in the winter, kept warm by their mother as she hibernates in her den until the snow melts. She has eaten constantly throughout the summer to store enough fat for herself and her babies to feed on for several months. The babies nurse on her milk and grow quickly in the den so that they are ready to emerge in spring and join their mother in the sunshine. These groundhogs are now starting to eat grass and other foods, following their mother as they venture out and around their little meadow. They will no go far from the entrance to the burrow and they will run for cover at the slightest sign of trouble. They still rely on her for milk, but they will also begin to eat the same foods she does as her milk supply, and her tolerance for their nursing diminishes. Many have associated groundhogs with the arrival of spring and folklore tells us that the warmer weather will only come if the groundhog does not see its shadow. Although groundhogs and gophers are actually different species, many use the names interchangeably. They look similar and have many of the same behaviours, although they are different ion many ways. These little cuties are snacking on apple slices that were left by their burrow entrance. You can actually hear the little one smacking his lips as he munches away happily. When he sees the camera posted by the snack, he cannot help but investigate as curiosity gets the best of him.

Itès not a common thing to witness animals fighting and it is especially rare to see it happening on the road in front of a moving vehicle. But these Canadian motorists were witness to two large Ravens rolling around on the road like two drunken bar patrons exchanging punches during an argument. And while the driver reacted with surprise and slowed down to see, the passenger reacted like a Canadian in the most hilarious fashion. Check it out!

Owls are beautiful and highly intelligent birds. They are graceful in flight and majestic while perched in a tree. They are a rare and memorable sight for any bird lover or nature enthusiast. These motorists were thrilled to see a barred owl swoop down in front of them, but their amazement turned to horror as they watched the owl dip low if front of a large pickup truck. They saw the owl miss the front grill by mere inches. It would have been certain death for this beautiful creature if it had been even half a second later or if the truck had been going any faster. This wonderful bird cheated death on this occasion, barely making it to the trees along the road. One of the occupants in the vehicle with the camera is a veterinarian. The couple made their way back to ensure that the owl was not actually struck and in need of help. To their surprise, the owl had perched in a tree and it watched them curiously. It allowed them to walk up to it within only a few feet. It watched them curiously as they came to the conclusion that it was uninjured, They took some brief video and made their way back to their vehicle, relieved that the bird was ok. Owls are appearing in southern Ontario and other parts of North America in greater numbers this year than usual. They often migrate south in search of food during the harsh winter months. This year, there is a much greater presence and bird watchers are thrilled to see them in greater numbers.

Johnson is a two year old ringneck parrot who lives in a loving home in India. He has free range of the house and enjoys his flights and free time. But one of his favourite things to do on a sunny day is to spend time eating sunflower seeds on the patio. For his safety, he is kept protected in a cage as he sings and whistles and calls to the other birds. Johnsonès voice has reached the trees around his home and has attracted wild parrots to see what is happening. Each day, they have ventured closer and eventually they began perching on his cage and peeking at him through the bars. They rub his beak with theirs and seem to be inviting him out to play. Johnson is a very polite bird and he happily entertains his guests and shows them hospitality by passing them sunflower seeds through the bars. They eagerly take the seeds as fast as he shares them. The parrots have come to see Johnson for months now, always at the same time in the morning. After exchanging pleasantries and some snacks, the parrots fly off to the trees and continue their day. Johnson chirps and calls out happily. Johnson also speaks and it seems that he is trying to engage them in human conversation at times. He has shown off his impressive vocabulary and one of his friends has tried to repeat a few words. Johnson speaks Punjabi, which is very fitting for an Indian gentlemen such as himself. Imagine seeing your parrot making friends, sharing snacks, and engaging in conversation with new friends. This is very similar to watching our children as they interact on the playground at a new school!

The first step in protecting a species is to understand it and promote the benefit of conservation. This requires an in depth look at the role the animal plays in the ecosystem in which it loves. These researchers got closer than they expected to hungry sharks in the remote waters of Kimbe Bay in Papua New Guinea. They chartered the FV FeBrina with Captain Alan and set out to record silvertip sharks in their natural habitat. They had hoped to witness the sharks feeding but they did not expect to have such a close look. The sharks swam excitedly around as the photographers and videographers placed themselves carefully on chunks of the volcanic rock that rise for the ocean bottom. The structures here are spectacular and the animal life thrives where the upwellings have stretched up toward the shallower waters where the the light penetrates and supports the growth of coral and algae. These structures also support plants and small fish that attract larger ones. Sharks are the apex predators that are crucial for keeping the delicate balances in check. They prey on the sick and the weak and they prevent the overpopulation of many other species. The silvertips here are strikingly beautiful. They are also formidable and they are bold enough to test any animal in their territory, including humans. Their curiosity brings them close to the researchers and they make attempts to bump one of them. If unchallenged, this can lead to aggression and it may quickly become a dangerous situation. Although each species differs in their behaviour and the correct response to aggression is very different for each. The best approach with a silvertip is to not show fear. A quick jab sent this one on its way. Although the contact was light, and harmless to the nine foot shark, it sent a clear message to move away. Papua New Guinea is home to one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. The animals are unique and fascinating. They are crucial to the health of the ocean, and even the planet. When we learn to respect their complex and valuable role, we will then learn how to protect them. PNG offers world class diving and unforgettable sights. An excursion aboard the FeBrina is the best way to see the ocean life up close.

This gigantic iguana is a lizard with a gigantic appetite. These animals inhabit almost all rocky areas and even well treed locations throughout the Galapagos Islands. They are intimidating with their large jaws full of sharp teeth, and their spiny bodies. But they rarely approach humans and they pose no threat unless they are harassed. This iguana has found a cactus pear and is devouring it with enthusiasm. IN the juvenile stages, iguanas are carnivores, eating insects and small lizards or snakes. They will even occasionally eat a small bird or rodents. But as they mature, their diet becomes largely vegetarian. They eat all sorts of vegetables or fruit, especially brighter coloured fruits. This iguana is being observed by an excited group of tourists being guided by a resident of the Galapagos Islands. These registered tour guides are well educated and able to pass along vast knowledge of the plants and animals, as well as the history of the Islands. The guides not only provide an opportunity to learn about what is being seen, they also ensure the safety of visitors. Not all animals or even plants are safe in such a harsh world. A little understanding of what to avoid or how to act around the animals is a valuable thing. But the Galapagos Islands are a safe place to visit if proper behaviour is maintained. It is also beautiful beyond description. It is truly one of the most wild and fascinating places on the planet.

Snowy owls are beautiful birds of prey, and one of the largest of the owl family in the entire world. They breed in the far north and migrate south during winter months to extend their feeding range. Many areas of southern Canada see a great increase in snowy owl populations during winter. Their primary source of food is tundra lemmings, although they eat many rodents and even small birds. The population of snowy owls is declining precipitously. It was once estimated that there were 200,000 of these birds on the entire planet, but experts now believe that there are only 100,000 and that there are only 28,000 breeding pairs globally. Experts believe that global warming may be one of the biggest reasons for the decline. Male snowy owls are a distinctive white colour but females and juveniles have mixed plumage with white and brown markings. They generally hunt at night but can occasionally be found hunting by day over open fields and especially near farmland. This mature female was sighted on a telephone pole near a farm in Southern Ontario. It kept watch of an open field near a barn and then swooped gracefully to make a short flight over the corn field for what appeared to be a small rodent foraging for food. It is survival of the fittest in such situations and the owl's keen eyesight and silent flight allowed it to take advantage of this opportunity. Snowy owls like this one have large, powerful talons and razor sharp beaks that allow it to quickly kill animals. Even an animal almost as large as the owl is often no match for the talons if the owl is able to pierce a vulnerable area such as the base of the skull. Owls are a beautiful sight for bird watchers and these lucky enthusiasts were thrilled to capture this one on video as it made its flight over the field.

Loggerhead seat turtles are one of the largest of all turtles. And during mating season, they are the most amorous. Watch as this one decides to swim right at a scuba diver!

Hawksbills are the most beautiful of the sea turtles, and this video is proof! Check it out!

Cardinals are among the most beautiful of all songbirds in North America. Their distinctive bright red coloring and black mask makes them instantly recognizable. They are so pleasing to the eye that they have been featured on Christmas cards and it paintings for decades. In contrast to the white snow, they are vibrant and eye catching. This is the male of the species and he has found a fresh supply of seeds that appear every day at this back yard feeder. The female is also red, but her plumage is more rust colored and she is not as bright. The male has a distinctive call and he can be heard for long distances. They are a welcome sight in any back yard for bird enthusiasts. This bird lover stashed a GoPro in his feeder, among the seeds and let it record the activity. When he looked at the footage later, he was delighted to see that this male and a few friends had perched and feasted right in front of the lens. Cardinals are so well loved that many believe that when they receive a visit from a cardinal, it is the reincarnation of a lost loved one, sent from heaven. The word cardo in Latin means hinge, and many believe that this is because cardinals are the hinge between the earth and the spirit world. Others believe that when a cardinal appears, it is a sign that they are about to find a new romance. Whatever we believe, these beautiful little birds do make a perfect picture or video.

Bernice is a beautiful cow with a wonderful personality. She lives on a gorgeous farm in the hills of Millbrook, Ontario. Its one of the most perfect farms in Canada, with hundreds of acres of lush, green pasture, ponds full of fresh water, forest to take shelter in and all the freedom to wander that Bernice and her herd could ask for. Her baby could not have chosen a better place to be born. Life on this farm is as close as possible to what nature intended for these gentle creatures. Bernice chose a quiet spot away from the herd, lay down and gave birth like a pro. She's a seasoned mother who is familiar with how things should go. Her baby entered the world smoothly and lay quietly in the meadow while Bernice got back on her feet and began grazing as she kept watch over him. Bernice instinctively knows that calves need a few minutes, but she expects him to be walking as quickly as possible. She licks him clean and then moves a short distance away. Cows are prey animals and they know that it is important for a calf to be walking and even running as soon as they get their balance. She knows her little one is hungry and he will follow her for some milk. As expected, he gets up and wobbles over to her. Within a few minutes, he finds her udder and latches on. This first milk is crucial for his immune system as it is full of antibodies. Between licking and nursing, the two will bond and become inseparable. Over the coming months, Bernice will eat as much as possible and she will supply him with the food that he needs to grow rapidly. This is an ethical beef farm. The farmers here value herd health and wellbeing over profit and they care for their animals like they are family. The cows have enough space and food to be happy and they are protected from predators. They even have a large bull in their herd and he watches over his ladies protectively. Those who choose a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle have made a commendable choice, but for those who still choose to eat beef, they do not have to source their food from a factory farm with poor conditions and animal cruelty. Ethical farmers are not difficult to find. The cost might be slightly more, but it is important to support those farmers who insist on doing things correctly for their animals.

Baby gorillas are hilariously playful and curious. This youngster does his best to get some fun going while the older gorillas look on, unamused. These are lowland gorillas who live at the Toronto Zoo in Ontario, Canada. They have a huge enclosure with structures and netting for climbing and exploring. They also have an outdoor area with lots of structures and trees, as well as two smaller indoor areas that are used for feeding. Here, the gorillas know that it is time to move from one enclosure to another and they can hear the activity on the other side of the door that tells them food is about to be served. They wait patiently for the door to open so they can go through a short tunnel. But while they wait, one gorilla wants to play. He is young and he does not want to sit quietly, even for a moment. He jumps and postures as if challenging his mother to wrestle with him or chase him. He must sense her reluctance and he sits down and cuddles with her until the door opens. He follows the group into the tunnel where the food waits in the next room. The Toronto Zoo puts tremendous effort into creating habitats that are roomy and stimulating for their animals. They are also heavy supporters of education and conservation efforts that help gorillas in the wild. The populations of gorillas have been declining rapidly as habitat loss pushes them closer to extinction every year.

India is a fascinating world full of rich culture and history. It is a land of beautiful and exotic animals, and landscapes that take your breath away. Jungles, mountains, farmland, bustling cities, and forest stretch as far as the eye can see. And among all of this, there are usually monkeys not far off. They inhabit the wilderness around the cities and they venture into populated areas in search of food. They know that where there are people, food is not far off. They roam freely around the edges of cities and marketplaces. They come down from the trees daily to gather near these roadside vendors. Tourists and locals show compassion and offer them nuts and fruit. The people here seem to have a genuine respect and fondness for the monkeys as well. They represent religious and spiritual significance for many, and generosity toward these animals is believed to bring rewards and good fortune. These tourists stopped on their way along a busy road near Agra. They purchased some bananas when they saw the hungry creatures waiting hopefully. Kristy took some pity on a mother with a baby who was being left out as the others quickly grabbed up the food that was being tossed to them. Being a mother herself, she was sympathetic to the needs of this young mother. Kristy made sure that the mother also got some bananas. As we can see in the video, the larger male monkey is quite eager to bully her and discourage her after she takes her banana. By the time they were done, all of the monkeys, including this little mother got a good share.

Raven is an 11 month old Great Dane puppy who doesn't know her own strength. She is full of energy and enthusiasm but she is adorably uncoordinated. She has been enjoying long walks with her owners in a remote and beautiful forest in Ontario, Canada. She has been working very hard on her recall training and she has been rewarded with lots of off leash time every day. Every morning, Raven's humans take her walking for 5km through endless trails over rolling hills. She walks on leash for the first part so that they are away from the road. When the leash comes off, she can't contain her joy. She affectionately bumps and leans on Kristy when she is happy and she gazes up adoringly at her during this display of love. But when she is trying to show her affection in the middle of a walk or a run, it resembles a hipcheck from a professional linebacker. Kristy is normally very coordinated and sure on her feet, but walking in deep snow makes keeping her balance more difficult. When Raven collides with her playfully with her full 60kg (135lbs), it sends Kristy sprawling into the snowbank. Luckily, it's a soft landing and it doesn't hurt. Kristy finds it difficult to get back up when she is half buried in the snowdrift, and laughing makes it all much harder. Raven seems happy about this new game and the excitement gives her a serious case of the zoomies. Kristy's husband Dave tries to help Kristy up but he's very amused by all of this too, and he can't decide whether to rush to Kristy's rescue or hold the camera and record this gigantic dog running with sheer joy all around them. Without a doubt, Raven has a sense of humour and she enjoys this prank because she continuously knocks Kristy over throughout the entire walk. But Kristy also has a sense of humour and she too enjoys this game, so she gives Raven a hipcheck now and then too. Great Danes are one of the most loveable and loyal breeds in the world. Anyone who has owned one has completely fallen in love with the breed. Raven's family has been loving their daily walks and occasionally they go for a second hike in the afternoon. Not only is Raven a ton of fun, but she's helping to keep her people healthy and young at heart!

It wasn't their intention, but this Canadian couple caught images of their own reflection in the eyes of a wild barred owl. Dave and Kristy had been out delivering food to a family member in rural Ontario on a snowy day. Their son suggested that they should bring their camera and join him for a walk where he knew a snowy owl liked to perch during the day. They combined the two errands and had a wonderful experience being able to see the snowy owl from a respectful distance as it looked out over nearby farmland, waiting for a mouse to wander out in the open. But as Dave and Kristy drove home, they were shocked to see a barred owl swooping down and over the road right in front of them. This beautiful bird passed right between two oncoming trucks and they were afraid that it might have even been hit. It landed in a tree at the side of the road and they turned around and pulled over to make sure it was okay. Barred owls are less timid than some owls and they will often watch people curiously, but this one seemed completely unconcerned as they slowly approached. This made them even more concerned about it so they walked up as close as they dared and watched it carefully for signs of an injured wing or other problem. As they zoomed in with their camera on the owl's face, they were amazed with the stunningly detailed look at its eyes, beak and feathers. These birds are incredibly beautiful and its beautiful face and intelligent gaze left Dave and Kristy in complete wonder. After a few moments, they decided that the owl appeared uninjured and they left it to continue with its business of finding food. When this couple looked at the video footage later, they were shocked to see that they had actually captured their own images reflected in the eyes of the owl as it looked down upon them from its perch in the tree. Their incredible close up encounter with the owl was a complete thrill for these two nature lovers and the images that they captured will help them to remember the experience for years to come. Owl experts have been very excited by the increase in sightings of these beautiful animals throughout Ontario and the rest of Canada during this winter. Bird watchers are eager to gather and photograph one of nature's most photogenic creatures too. But we are reminded that these owls cannot store fat and that harsh winter weather creates a need to hunt for food that is nearly constant. With them being perilously close to starvation each day, one or two missed meals could have serious consequences for the owls. Some bird experts suggest that the owls we see are only one or two feedings away from death at any given time. If we are not careful enough, our presence might distract the owls and cause them to miss a feeding opportunity. We can help the birds by keeping our distance, making our interactions extremely brief, and limiting the effect that we have on their focus and attention. Not only are these birds beautiful, but they are crucial for keeping rodent populations in balance.

Monkeys in India roam free in the jungles and woodland areas and they come and go in the cities as well, especially where the wilderness meets the edge of the populated areas. The city of Agra has a large monkey population. The residents here keep a respectful distance but many actually feed the monkeys bread, bananas, and other fruit. This mother monkey wanders along the sidewalk in an area where people bring food from the market and share it. She has her two young with her and she finds a spot behind a parked motorcycle. Check out what happens next!

Johanita is a 4 year old child who has fought cancer like a true champion. She has had numerous surgeries for a brain tumor and and several shunts to be placed to relieve the swelling in her brain. She has kept her beautiful smile and showed her fierce determination through radiation and chemotherapy and the hardest part is behind her now. She is doing very well now that she is able to play and focus on her learning and development. Johanita's family are equally exceptional in their ability to face the challenges that were presented since her diagnosis at 18 months. Her father has worked two jobs with extreme hours and he has spent weeks away from home to make the finances manageable as they dealt with overwhelming cost of her care. Johanita's parents have researched and learned about nutrition, cancer, and everything else they needed to know to make the difficult decisions regarding her health care. And her two older brothers have been supportive and unselfish in an effort to help their sister. Johanita's father knew that the children adored animals and he also knew that loving and caring for a new puppy would be a great opportunity for learning and growth. Johanita could benefit from the interaction and interest that a little dog could provide. And then he saw the perfect little face of Nena, a schnauzer puppy who also needed a forever home. He made the decision to surprise his daughter and his two sons so he brought Nena home and put the puppy on the floor. Johanita's reaction was heart warming as she looked at Nena and then held out the little dog brush had come home with her. Nena shows all the curiosity of a puppy and tries to sniff the toys. Johanita begins to play with Nena and she looks around in surprise as she seems to understand that Nena is now a member of the family. As this sinks in, Johanita begins to stroke Nena and then she leans over to put her face close for a hug. It's a beautiful moment and her brother, Johan comes over to share the joy. Johanita cannot decide whether to play with her puppy or smother her with love. She and Johan giggle with delight as Nena tries to play with their hands. Johan gets to his feet and runs across the room with Nena following close behind. Feeding and caring for Nena will provide all of the children with the ability to learn about responsibility. They will enjoy the interaction of this furry little soul who is filling their home with even more love than ever before. Despite their hard work and tireless efforts, this family has accumulate crushing medical debt. They struggle to pay their bills for the expensive treatment that has kept Johanita alive. If anyone wishes to help them, this gofundme has been set up: https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fgf.me%2Fu%2Fy99vdr%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2jJr-Oy7aH6xvCWyFZO6WIKU9HML9zzf17elGmxWah-i1J1AZeY4Z1Kig&h=AT1r5PYfbPq5JfJOopS_j4K4qhO7gHZ28n5KunHKrQbKHjT-62WUktD8v8fTMO1S_93SHXB41rxvCPbe8oKGzVvvqQE0DIO6QTnxTjgWpwOIV3mPqabaTlT2PESIUAyS6g&__tn__=H-R&c[0]=AT1_GBYS5eU2k6YgUScVeIpjZIvlZZO8OSM_6CnnUoCu9zsAiwCWDJVm7xW6UIEox2O3vxEIH4FUU3ajMMEqqNX8TPspOctj9Sr1x5zJfgTGfHJ7VHjoqEdRHuVB8tMIU4NllNVwylqhjyBnzLtNkzvJFKU Any questions can be directed to David McNab at mojo_videos@hotmail.com

Orangutans are beautiful animals with intelligence that places them at the lead for all of the primates. They are curious and thoughtful animals. Like we do, they have complex social structures and needs. Yet, their habitat is being destroyed at an alarming rate and their populations are declining rapidly. They are critically endangered and we are at risk of losing them forever in the wild. This is Puppe, a female orangutan who lives at the Toronto Zoo in Canada. She is at least 53 years old, and she is one of six orangutans who live there. But unlike the others, Puppe is the only one who was born in the wild. She has lived at the zoo since 1974 when it opened. The Toronto Zoo is one of the most highly rated zoos in the North America for providing living conditions and overall care that far exceed the standards. They treat their animals more like family and they strive to create an environment that meets their physical needs, but also their intellectual and emotional needs. Food and play items are provided in a way that stimulates and challenges the orangutans in new ways. The Toronto Zoo also plays an impressive role in educational programs and conservation efforts around the world. Because orangutans are being hunted by humans and being shot by farmers, life in the wild is becoming increasing dangerous for them. As their habitat decreases, they are forced to seek food where farmland borders their jungles. This creates conflict with farmers who are intent on protecting their crops. Driven by consumer demand for food that is grown on what used to be the orangutan's home, we are capable of adding to this pressure on the animals without realizing it. By educating ourselves and avoiding food products that contain palm oil, we can reduce the need to cut down trees in distant lands. This is just one example of how our purchases can negatively, or positively, affect the creatures on the other side of our planet. Puppe is a true performer and she seems to love people. She is engaged with those who visit her and sit near her favourite spot at the glass barrier between her enclosure and the public. She reacts to facial expressions or interesting objects and she will even use a squeegee and bucket of water that is provided for her, to wipe of the glass in what seems to be her imitation of human behaviour. Whether it is for her own entertainment or for ours is difficult to know, but Puppe seems to have a sense of humour as her imitation of the cleaners is surprisingly good.

Cuttlefish are incredible animals in many ways, yet we know so little about them. When we thing of cephalopods, we typically picture octopus, or even squid, yet this animal is equally unique and impressive. It is possibly the most intelligent of the invertebrates; animals that do not possess a backbone. We usually think of invertebrates as being less complex and less intelligent than vertebrates. They are cold blooded and they lack the bone structure that many animals possess. But these animals possess an extremely complex and impressive ability to change their colour and texture to match their surroundings. As a self-defense mechanism, it's brilliant. They blend in perfectly with their surroundings at will. And while we once believed that this was an automatic process that occurred without intention, researchers have found that a cuttlefish can actually change it's appearance for a food reward, even when it contrasts with the environment. This suggests that the cuttlefish exerts more influence on these changes than it once seemed. Cuttlefish have a unique and complex visual system that allows them to detect and process differences in the polarization of light. This allows them to see shades in great detail and provides them with a visual acuity that more than compensates for their inability to detect colours in the usual way. Their "W" shaped pupils and sophisticated ability to focus by manipulating their eye lens allows them to look forward and backward with ease. Their optic nerve position and concentrated areas of receptor cells eliminate the blind spots that all vertebrates have. Their stereopsis, or depth perception is also superior to ours, an extreme advantage in hunting. But most incredibly, the cuttlefish has such well developed eye function, even before birth, that it is able to see its surroundings while it is still in the egg, waiting to hatch. After birth, they are influenced by what they had been able to see from the egg, and food preferences may be affected by their early experience before they hatched. This also shows sophisticated and advanced recognition at an early age. This cuttlefish can be seen using its long and rubbery tentacles to catch a small fish. The two arms shoot out quickly and grasp the fish with their suckers, then pull the fish in to the beak to be eaten. It's rare for this behaviour to be observed as cuttlefish will normally shy away from humans, especially when hunting. It's even more rare to capture an event like this on video. The researcher noticed that two cuttlefish were following him and they made what appeared to be an intentional effort to use the diver's lights for hunting. It is possible that they recognized the distraction that the lights presented, enabling them to sneak up on their prey more easily. At the end of this clip, we also see the colour change that occurred when the rival cuttlefish passed in close proximity. Males will darken their faces, even while contrasting with their surroundings, as a threat display to competitors. As the passing cuttlefish continued farther along, the colours of both reverted to a display that camouflaged them. The underwater world is full of creatures that bear little resemblance to land animals and to ourselves. It would be easy to mistakenly underestimate these animals simply because we do not understand them. We are only beginning to learn about life on the planet that we share.

India is a country full of incredible beauty, mixed with severe hardship. It is described as "the land of contrasts" because of the extreme differences in advantages from one area to another and the fact that the line between each is often very fine. This is true for the people and it is also true for the animals here, as we see in the case of these wild monkeys. Monkeys in India inhabit the forests and jungles, and also the cities, particularly on the edges where they are free to come and go easily between wilderness and populated areas. Attracted to the markets and restaurant areas where food can be found, they boldly walk down streets and climb buildings, often venturing very close to people. Many people here feed the monkeys, out of kindness, and the monkeys have grown accustomed to being in close proximity with humans. These monkeys come daily to this section of Agra and they feast on bananas and other fruit that is tossed their way. But one particular monkey caught the eye of these Canadian tourists with the video camera. Fascinated by the sight of these clever animals eating bananas, they filmed and took pictures. But as they did so, they noticed that one of the monkeys had a very severe problem with all of its limbs. The hind limbs were misshapen and short, with deformed feet that made walking and climbing difficult. Its hands did not have the five digits that all the other monkeys have. Instead, it had two larger digits that it used awkwardly in an attempt to manage the banana that it was eating. The baby monkey seemed to be well cared for by its mother and the other monkeys allowed it to eat in peace. Often, animals can be cruel to those with any weakness, and competition for food can mean that the weak die of starvation while the others eat their share. Despite the obvious deformities, this little monkey dealt with the difficulty like a champion.