WildCreatures

Papua New Guinea is home to some of the clearest waters and most incredible animal life on our planet. It is ranked as one of the top ten dive destinations for thrill seekers and nature lovers alike. Difficult to get to from North America, the trip requires several flights and a bit of time. But the beauty of this undiscovered world is breath taking beyond words. These two Hawksbill sea turtles are critically endangered. Hunted to near extinction in the last century, they are now making a slow recovery. Their numbers dwindled in the past 100 years as their shells were sought for ornamental items. They are the world's most beautiful sea turtle. They are generally shy and reclusive, preferring to swium away when they see see humans. But these two live on a remote coral head in a very unexplored part of the ocean. They were helped by a scuba dive master who assisted in a rehabilitation effort when they were young turtles, struggling with nutrition issues. They were nursed along and now they are thriving. The scuba dive master who helped these turtles returns to their reef a few times a year to check on the turtles and to lead clients on an educational dive over this unique coral head. The turtles seem to recognize him and they greet him eagerly. He checks them, observes them, and occasionally assists them in getting at a few pieces of yellow sponge lodged in the crevices. They are also curious about his guests and they will swim close to curiously investigate the people who visit with him. This turtle made its way over to the group, spotting them from a distance. As it approached, it made a trip to the surface for a few breaths of air. It then descended straight toward one of the thrilled divers. After looking him over, it turned and decided to nibble at the camera lens that was hanging from the front of his video equipment. The lens was red and the turtle was obviously checking to see if it was edible. Like playful sea puppies, these turtles followed the divers around the reef for most of the dive. An interaction with a beautiful and endangered animal is an experience that will never be forgotten by these scuba divers.

Seeing wild animals in a a natural habitat is a wonderful experience. Much different than in a zoo, these animals on this African Safari have vast expanses of land to roam and other animals to interact with. They have an abundance of food and a very natural existence. They have also become accustomed to seeing occasional visitors and they will often allow a close approach if the conditions are right. This lucky safari guest was parked in a vehicle watching the animals from a distance. Perhaps out of curiosity, the animals strolled closer over time and eventually walked right past the vehicle, allowing a spectacular view of both of the herds. Giraffes thrive in harsh, drought riddled climates of Africa due to their long necks that allow them to reach higher vegetation than any other animals can. This allows them to graze easily when food on the ground is in low supply. Their necks also provide them with a means of defense as they swing their bony skulls at predators like a mallet. Their short, but firm horns can deliver a stunning blow, if needed. Other animals benefit from following giraffe herds because their high vantage points allow them to spot predators from a great distance. Animals are able to see a reaction from the giraffes if lions or hyenas are on the prowl. Fortunately for the rhinos seen following them, there are no predators that would dare attack a full grown rhinoceros. Although they are gentle in disposition, they are one of the largest and most formidable animals on the planet.

We've almost all had the experience of getting money from an ATM that dispenses cash from our accounts. But the latest development is an ATM type of machine that dispenses pizzas! Customers insert their cards and make their selections as if withdrawing money from an account. The machine allows a choice of 7-8 pizza topping combinations. Within three minutes of placing an order, the pizza has been cooked, boxed and has popped out of the slot, piping hot and ready to eat. You might think at first that this is some sort of compressed restaurant with a tiny kitchen and a pizza chef inside, but it seems to be a giant freezer with an assortment of frozen pizzas ready to heat and serve. These customers had never even heard of such an invention and they were very intrigued. The family had been scuba diving in Tobermory, Ontario and they were hungry and chilled from the cold water. They were more than ready for a hot meal. With such a large group of scuba divers invading the town for the Float n' Flag diving event know as the "Tobermory Takeover", the local restaurants were overwhelmed. This pizza kiosk sprang up like a mirage for a thirsty desert wanderer. The family eagerly popped in their credit card, punched a few buttons, waited three minutes and then had hot pizzas in their hands. It turns out Pizza Forno hand makes their pizzas and delivers them to these machines. The taste experience rivals that of any high end wood-fired pizza restaurant. Available 24 hours a day in about a dozen locations, these pizzas can be cooked by the oven in the ATM or taken home frozen, to be cooked in your own oven. With the convenience and high quality, it's no wonder that these machines are quickly springing up all over Ontario. Originally a concept from France, these machines are a new thing for North America. The company has plans to rapidly spread across Canada and USA. The original plan was to assist people like truck drivers who struggled with finding proper food at odd hours in convenient locations. And when Covid 19 hit, this concept solved several problems that other food providers were facing. With minimal human touch and minimal exposure risk, these machines provide food and even cutlery in an extremely safe manner. And without the costly real estate required to run a standard restaurant, these pizzas can be provided for less money. If the idea of getting a pizza from an ATM seems strange to you now, it won't be that way for long! One taste of these 12" taste sensations will bring you back for more.

Common snapping turtles have a reputation for being vicious and dangerous animals. Rumors and myths tell us that they can snap a broomstick in half with their powerful jaws and many people claim to know somebody who has lost fingers, or even a hand, to these "monsters". But the truth is that they are gentle and curious when they are in the water, and defensive, not aggressive, on land. Most people only ever encounter these large turtles as they cross roads in search of a place to lay their eggs, or new feeding and breeding territory. Approaching one on dry land is likely to trigger a "strike" with their long neck and a "snap" as they clamp their jaws shut in the air. Unwary people can definitely experience a painful bite and they are capable of drawing blood. But this is only done when they feel threatened. They cannot fully retract their heads and the aggressive appearing display is a means of warding off predators. They cannot move quickly on land and they cannot actually eat on land, so they are never trying to capture food when they act in this manner. In the water, common snapping turtles are capable swimmers and they feel very little need to bite or snap, unless they are grabbed and handled. They will simply swim away. They are much more intelligent and inquisitive than people realize and they will occasionally approach swimmers for a close look. They might even swim up and sniff at a set of toes or fingers left hanging in the water, but they seldom bite people, and their has been no documented case of a finger or toe ever being bitten off by a common snapping turtle. Alligator snapping turtles are a much different species, being much larger, much more powerful and having very different behaviour. An alligator snapping turtle is very capable of inflicting serious injury and even amputation on human. This is a very large common snapping turtle who lives in a remote lake in Northern Ontario, Canada. It is unlikely that he has encountered many humans and even more unlikely that he has ever encountered a scuba diver. As these scuba divers were returning to their cottage from a deeper dive, they encountered this large male in the shallow water near their dock. They had seen this turtle a few times in years past, recognizing him from his missing front claw and extremely curious nature. He approached them eagerly as soon as he saw them swimming and he swam around them for several minutes. They saw that he had a large mass of leeches on his neck and they decided to try pulling them off. Ordinarily, snapping turtles would never allow a human to touch or pull on them, but this one seemed very content to allow the diver to tug on the leeches with his bare hands. The leeches held on tight and the diver had to pull hard to dislodge them. The turtle repeatedly turned and swam up to them, seemingly able to understand what they were doing. It is very possible that he was simply curious about them, but he let them pull on the leeches for more than 10 minutes before they ran low on air and had to surface. The divers were able to pluck at least twenty of the bloodsuckers off the turtle's neck and shell. Leeches are parasites that deprive animals of nutrients and can weaken them over time. A few of them would do no harm to a snapping turtle of this size, but a large number could have an adverse effect on the poor turtle. The divers have nicknamed this turtle "Todd (Terror of Da Deep) as a family joke since they do not share the common fear of these amazing animals. Common snapping turtles eat vegetation and dead and decaying animals and fish. They cannot catch a healthy fish. They are extremely important for keeping lakes and rivers clean and free of bacteria from rotting animals. A snapping turtle (or several) in your lake is a very good thing!

Destination weddings are beautiful for many reasons. This Canadian couple has invited their closest friends to Playa del Carmen in Mexico to support them as they exchange their vows. But there is one local guest who is extremely happy to attend their wedding, even though he has never met them!

Northern water snakes are a large, non-venomous creatures that live in eastern and central North America. Most people see these along the shores as they hunt for fish, frogs, mudpuppies and small mammals. They are capable underwater swimmers and they live on both land and in water, but they are always close to a body of water. This snake surprised a group of scuba divers who were exploring the Tugs, a group of wrecks in shallow water at the edge of Georgian Bay in Tobermory. The tip of the Bruce Peninsula is a top scuba diving destination in Ontario, Canada. The wrecks here are numerous and fascinating, and rich in history. The group noticed a large fish above them and they looked up to see that there was also a snake descending from the surface. The snake casually swam past them and began looking around the crevices and the gaps in the limestone, clearly hunting for fish or crayfish. This is a spectacle that scuba divers do not expect. In fact, the snake is documented as being occasionally found as deep as 3m (10 feet) below the surface, but this snake was filmed at a depth of more than 7m (23 feet). After almost a minute at the bottom, the snake returned to the surface and swam along the top of the water. Most scuba divers are true animal enthusiasts and they are always thrilled to see an interesting species while they are exploring. This was even more exciting for them because this is an animal that was very unexpected so deep under water. The group had been very fascinated with the tugboat wreck until that moment when the snake completely captured their interest. Ontario waters are cold, in comparison with tropical scuba destinations, but the structures and clarity, especially in Tobermory, are unequaled. This group was led by Float n' Flag Scuba Dive Centre, from Burlington, that takes its scuba family (clients) all over the world. They book such a large gathering for this event in August that it is actually named the Tobermory Takeover. Exploring the underwater world is one of the most exciting experiences imaginable.

Crayfish very closely resemble lobsters. In fact, in outward appearance, they are almost miniature versions of their much larger cousins. These ferocious crustaceans inhabit the fresh water lakes and rivers of North America and Europe. They have eight legs and large claws on strong arms. They have bodies and tails that are exactly like lobsters. But these animals rarely grow larger than 15cm (6 inches) in length. They live under rocks and among stumps, feeding largely on dead and rotting animals. They are very important for promoting cleanliness in bodies of fresh water, and they also provide a source of food for many of the larger fish, like bass. A family of scuba divers were exploring the depths of Georgian Bay, Lake Huron, in Tobermory, Ontario. Among the tugboat wrecks that were the focus of their excursion, they came across this epic battle on the sand, 30 feet below the surface. The crayfish were likely in competition for breeding and feeding grounds. They each had the other in a death grip. Fights like these will often result in one or both of them losing a claw. Although these limbs will grow back, they are often smaller than the original limb.

Hawksbill sea turtles are normally shy and reclusive. They are critically endangered and a rare sight for scuba divers to see on the reef. An important species, they are also the most beautiful of all the sea turtles. Their ornate shells have been sought for decades to make hair brushes, jewelry boxes and other souvenirs. Even their shells were used for decorations and the hunting of the turtles for commercial use pushed them to the brink of extinction. This turtle lives on an isolated reef in Papua New Guinea. He and another turtle here frequent this spot and feed on the yellow sponges that grow here. But, these turtles were injured or sick when they were very young and they were rescued by this scuba diver as part of a rehabilitation and conservation effort aimed at helping the hawksbill populations. Nursed back to health and provided food and a safe place to grow bigger, the two turtles thrived. They were eventually released back to the area where they were found. These hawksbills will not see humans often. But the divemaster who rescued them comes here, partly to check on the turtles and to see that they are doing well. They recognize him and they understand that he will not harm them. They also realize that he will feed them and help them get at the sponges that grow between the rocks and chunks of coral. Hawksbills feed on sea sponges for their nutritional value, but also for the algae that grows on them. The sponges and the algae would devastate the reef if it was left to grow unhindered. The hawksbill plays a vital role in the ecology of the reef in many oceans. But sea sponges grow in awkward places and some are hard to get. Ronnie, the scuba diver digs at the sponges carefully and breaks a few chunks off here and there to give the turtles a little help. As demanding as a hungry dog, the sea turtle wants the food immediately and she tries to stick her nose right in as he works. The little hawksbill swims around the divers constantly, as nosy as can be, barely giving them room to work. Having such an interaction with a critically endangered animal is a wonderful experience. Their trust is touching and a dive like this will never be forgotten by Ronnie's guests on this beautiful reef.

Iguanas are very large lizards that roam freely in many Central American and South American countries. They are very common in Mexico and they thrive around beaches, forested areas, and even among resorts, such as this one near Playa del Carmen. This beach wedding was a beautiful ceremony to celebrate the wedding of a couple who had traveled from Canada to tie the knot. Part of the ceremony involved throwing rose petals on the ground at the bride and groom's feet.

The Leviathan is the pride of Canada's Wonderland, the biggest theme park in the country. It is the tallest and fastest roller coaster in Canada and it is ranked number eight in the world. It peaks at 93.3m high (306 feet) and rockets thrill seekers around a track that measures 1.67km (1 mile) in length. The top speed is 148 km/h (92mph) and guests are treated to twists and turns as well as a section that is a banked to a near inversion. This is one of the world's most thrilling rides! The story behind the construction is quite a tale. The park was determined to have the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the country and the company that builds these tracks was tasked with a job that was bigger and more challenging than any that they had undertaken in the past. The honour of the first ride on the record-breaking thrill ride was auctioned off to participants willing to pay a price that was almost as steep as the first drop. The total raised was $40,000 which was donated to Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto, a world renowned medical centre that accomplishes small miracles every day. This generous act is as impressive as the feat of creating such a massive thrill ride for roller coaster enthusiasts who come here from all around the world.

Canada is not known for being the world's leader or superpower. Canadians don't have the biggest military presence, or the most money. But they are known worldwide for their easygoing approach to life, their kindness, their compassion, and their friendliness. They are proud of their reputation as simple, good people who treat others with respect and fairness at every opportunity. Canadians also love to travel and immerse themselves in the culture of any country that they visit. Quick to strike up a friendly conversation, and often willing to learn a few words of the local language in the process, they easily make friends on any continent. Dave and Kristy enjoy travelling as much as anyone and they were thrilled when they were invited to India for the wedding of a friend's daughter. The experience was moving, beautiful, and welcoming in a way that cannot be described. Indian weddings are famous for their ceremonies and their beauty. Treated like family themselves, this couple enjoyed a fantastic look at life in India and the importance of family. As Dave and Kristy continued their travels and adventure, they went to some of the historic sights in Jaipur. Along the path, they encountered a woman selling handmade crafts from a mat on the sidewalk. Her "storefront" was a bundle of reeds on the ground and a few souvenir rattles with dried beans inside that she had made on the spot. She had the appearance of someone who worked very hard for a limited amount of money. With a kind smile and a few words that were not understood, she greeted Kristy as her hands moved quickly to make her products. It's hard to not be impressed with such a determination and solid work ethic. Through their guide, Dave asked how much the souvenirs cost. He was told 100 rupees, but mistakenly heard 400. The guide translated and it seemed that this smiling lady understood enough to at least follow the English conversation. She did not take advantage of the misunderstanding and her price held firm at 100 rupees. This is the equivalent of less than $2 US and is approximately 2 Canadian dollars. It was a seemingly modest price for such effort and Dave decided it was time to haggle with her. But, instead of trying to drive the price down, he asked if she would accept 500 rupees. With her own strong sense of fair play, this kindly woman offered extra souvenirs, possibly because she assumed that Dave wanted several for his 500 R. It seems that bargaining to drive the price UP is not a commonly seen practice here. India is described as a world of contrasts. Unspeakable beauty can be found everywhere, and poverty and hardship can be found right beside it. Palaces of gold are surrounded by people dying of starvation. Gorgeous flowers and green space can be situated within only metres of concrete and rubble from decaying buildings. The people here are resilient in a way that would shock many of us. Despite the hardships, they find ways to squeeze pennies out of their surroundings to put food in front of their families. When travelling, especially in a country like India, it is helpful to remember that an extra dollar out of our pockets might not be noticeable for us, but to those who live here, it may mean the difference between eating and going hungry. Anybody from any country can do a little to earn the reputation as being compassionate and kind. All it takes is a little kindness and sharing.

Seagulls are crafty birds that will often engage in daring or intelligent behaviour to get food. They are known for swooping in and grabbing food from picnic tables, beach blankets, and even out of the hands of unsuspecting people who turn the other way for even a moment. This seagull is either after a snack or he is lazy enough to hitch a ride on a boat instead of flapping his wings to get where he is going. The bot in this video is a dive boat from Chuck & Robbie's Dive Instruction in Belize. They are making their way from a dive site to a snorkel location where they will take part in an educational experience geared toward shark conservation. Nurse sharks will be fed scraps of fish as part of the learning experience. It is likely that the seagull can smell the fish in the cooler and he knows the routine enough to know that sticking with the tour might get him a full belly. Surprisingly, as the divers climbed on the boat and the motor started, the little bird stayed right where he was. Even as they picked up speed, the boat held his position. As the waves rocked the speeding boat, the seagull swayed and bobbed and was content to stay on his perch. The guests were amused and delighted to see such persistence. As the boat reached its destination and slowed, the seagull lifted off and watched carefully for opportunities to swoop and gobble up the scraps. For his efforts, a few were tossed into the air to make it easier for him to get his share.

Scuba diving opens up a world of excitement and experiences like few other sports. Every adventure beneath the waves presents different things to see and fascinating things to look at. The animal life in this underwater domain is unique and beautiful beyond description. Sea turtles are among the most beloved of all the ocean's creatures. They are graceful, and gentle, and even seeing one from a distance will make a dive a memorable one. Usually shy and likely to venture away at the sight of a human, it is rare to get a prolonged close look at a sea turtle. This is a critically endangered hawksbill sea turtle, one of the rarest and most beautiful of all the turtles. Once hunted for their ornate shells, they were pushed to the brink of extinction. Scuba divers have fallen in love with these gorgeous turtles and they are thrilled to swim alongside one or capture photographs of them. But this lucky scuba diver is having the experience of a lifetime. The turtle has curiously approached her and is as fascinated with her as she is with him. Knowing that their favourite food is a yellow sea sponge, she has collected a chunk and has broken it into pieces for the little turtle. She literally has it eating out of her hand. Over a short span of time, she has gained the trust of the turtle. This is a dive experience that she will never forget.

Caramel is a wonderful cow who lives on a beautiful free range farm in Millbrook, Ontario. Her days here are happy as she wanders with her herd over lush, green meadows and grazes contentedly. She has ponds for water, a forested area to explore, and rolling hills that create a scene like a landscape painting. The farmers place the emphasis on herd health and happiness, refusing to cut corners for profit. They will not produce veal and they never separate calves from their mothers, which is a heart breaking part of the dairy industry. Every drop of the mother's milk goes to her new baby. Caramel is giving birth to a new calf. As instinct tells her to do, she finds a quiet spot away from the rest of the herd and she lies down on a slope, waiting as the contractions start. Her water has broken and her amniotic sac is bulging. She knows it is time. The birth was going smoothly for a few moments but then Caramel seems agitated and distressed. Her baby isn't moving and it is encased in the thick amniotic sac. Caramel begins to bellow loudly and she sniffs at her calf before it is even fully out. It's possible that this is a pain reaction, but it's also possible that she is trying to make the baby move so she is reassured that it is alright. With the baby almost all of the way out, Caramel shrieks and stands up abruptly, causing the baby to fully enter the world. The herd had been grazing contentedly until they heard Caramels cries. They began to call loudly and they ran in her direction. They seem concerned for both Caramel and the bay and they inspect it closely. This show of surprising intelligence and compassion is a clear demonstration that cows have more emotional capacity than we give them credit for. In the wild, cows are prey animals and they know that predators will be attracted to the smell of the afterbirth. For the safety of both, she frantically tries to eat all of the amniotic sac as quickly as possible. While the calf is unable to stand, she must be sure to avoid attracting any attention. Licking the calf clean is also for protection, but it provides stimulation and helps the mother and calf bond and recognize the scent of the other. Within 15 minutes the calf is much more alert and it tries to stand. Caramel is eager to encourage the calf and she licks and nudges the calf repeatedly. It needs the first milk that she produces for antibodies and high protein. This colostrum is very important for the calf's immune system and future health. Being highly social herd animals, some of their behaviour is protective. Some of it is curiosity and some of it may be their way of congratulating Caramel, relieved that the bay is healthy. Once on her feet, little "Holly" found her way to the milk supply and nursed greedily. She stood back legs first with an adorable clumsiness that resembled a newborn deer. Holly is one of more than 25 calves born in this herd this spring. She will grow quickly and have a wonderful life on this incredible farm.

The tomato hawkmoth is a beautiful creature and one of the largest moths in North America, but gardeners despise the caterpillars that wreak havoc on their vegetable patches. When Kristy planted 56 tomato plants in her garden, she was creating a tomato patch that smelled like a beacon for these creatures. Keeping the tomato hornworms at bay seems to be a full time job. The larva of the hawkmoth is a gigantic caterpillar that is perfectly camouflaged to blend in with the green foliage of the tomatoes. It has a large spike on its tail that deters many birds and other creatures from eating it. It can also spit out a vile, acidic liquid that helps defend itself from attack. They have large mandibles that they click when threatened, and their bite can actually be felt. The caterpillars can strip a plant of leaves in a few days and destroy a crop. Kristy has learned that it is harder to see them in daylight than it is at night. She uses a black light after dark and the caterpillars glow, making them very obvious. Her husband, Dave picks them off the plants before they can eat too much. The hornworms grow rapidly and eat hundreds of times their weight in leaves and tomatoes. Leaving them in the garden would spell disaster.

This is a Hawksbill sea turtle in Papua New Guinea. He's a critically endangered turtle, and one of the rarest sea turtles in the ocean. He's also a curious little fellow. As he was at the surface of the water, catching a few breaths of air, he spotted a scuba diver below who was filming him. He descended straight to the diver and swam up curiously to investigate the diver and his camera. Normally, shy and reclusive, this little fellow was actually rescued and cared for by a scuba dive master when he was very small. He was undernourished and in need of a little help. The dive master fed and looked after the turtle until he could be released. The turtle frequents a popular dive site and is always happy to see his friend return. The dive master will often dig out sponges from crevices to feed the hungry turtle. Divers who are on an exploration with the dive master are always thrilled to see this friendly animal and to interact with him on his own terms, in his own environment. The reef where he lives is extremely remote and it is unlikely that his fondness and trust for humans will actually do him any harm. At this size, the only serious threat to the turtle is a large shark and he seems well equipped for avoiding those. Papua New Guinea is rated as one of the world's top ten dive destinations. With clear water, abundant animal life, healthy reefs, and superb dive operations, this is a part of the planet that is unmatched for beauty.

Giant Galapagos Tortoises are unbelievably large animals. Fully grown, they would fill the passenger compartment of a small car. Weighing up to 227kg (500lb), they are slow moving, but very powerful. These tortoises are believed capable of living up to 200 years. This means that a large specimen like this one might have been alive when Charles Darwin made his famous voyage on the HMS Beagle in 1835, leading him to discoveries that shaped his theories of evolution. This is a wild tortoise that lives on San Cristobal Island. Part of a thriving population, the tortoises are well respected here. He is making his way along a trail in a wooded area. An environmentalist who is capturing footage of the tortoises left a small camera on the trail to see what it would record. This giant male walked up to, and right over the camera, showing that once moving, they are reluctant to deviate from their course. They lack agility and seemingly, the interest in taking the time to go around objects. But the tortoises choice made for some unique and interesting footage of his underside that would have been difficult to see otherwise. Tortoises lay eggs each year, although few survive, due to their vulnerability when they are young. They cannot outrun even the slowest of predators, and they are not equipped to fight. Their only defense is to retreat inside their thick shells and wait for the predator to tire and leave. Capable of going without food and water for up to one year, they can outwait any creature on the planet. What ensures the survival of this species is their longevity. It is only due to the fact that a mature tortoise has so many breeding seasons that it can lay enough eggs for an adequate number to survive the early years. Hunted almost to extinction for their meat, these tortoises are slowly making a comeback, largely thanks to protective laws and conservation efforts.

When a nest full of baby crows fell to the ground, the man who found them tried to put them all back in the tree. The parents did not return and he called a local veterinarian, Dr. Kristy Hiltz, who was known to help all creatures in need. She sent her husband to watch the nest carefully until nightfall. The parents did not come back and it was clear that they had been orphaned. They would not survive the night without protection and food. She took the nest and adopted the babies, together with her family. They were all called “Fred” because Kristy’s father’s name was Fred. It was hoped that they would learn to say the name. But they also became known as Baby Fred, Adventure Fred, Russell Crow, and Crow Magnon. The crows were demanding little souls, crying for food every 2-3 hours. They grew quickly on a diet of turkey mash, dog food, meat and vegetables. Soon, they were able to fly and they were released in Kristy’s back yard. The crows roosted in trees throughout the night but they returned each morning at sunrise, demanding their breakfast. The crows perched on their family’s shoulders and slept in their laps, looking for affection. The aim was to raise them with less interaction as they grew older, hoping that they would become independent. They were taught to eat berries, worms, and anything else that could be found in the wild. The crows learned to say the word “hello” and seemed to understand that it was a greeting to be used when they returned to their people. Soon, the crows were bringing worms and leaves as gifts. They even became protective when the family beagle growled at Kristy playfully in the back yard while tugging on a toy. Eventually, the crows were seen flying with wild crows, but they would still come back for food several times per day. This was decreased slowly and they disappeared in the autumn, along with the other crows who migrated south for the winter. Anxiously, Kristy’s family waited and hoped and then one day in the spring, they heard two crows calling out “hello” from the trees in the yard. The Freds would still take food left out and they would still perch near the kids to watch, but they no longer wanted to be petted or hand fed. Heart breaking as it was, this was what they needed and what their human family had worked for. A camera left at the back yard bird feeder actually caught footage of one “Fred” speaking politely to a squirrel as he waited patiently for some peanuts. There are crow babies in the trees each spring and their hungry cries remind Kristy’s family of that beautiful summer when they raised these wonderful birds. And occasionally, a crow still comes very close and lets out a very clear “hello” before flying off.

This is "Sparky" who is the newest arrival on this beautiful farm in Millbrook, Ontario, in Canada. Sparky's birth was very unusual, as he was actually born outside the fence that borders the meadow where he will spend his life. But Sparky's mother, Flo, was inside the meadow when this all happened. For some unexplained reason, Flo decided to give birth up against the electric fence near the pond. Her back end must have been in position to push this little fellow out into the grass in the ditch beside the farm. Flo's little baby was healthy enough but he couldn't get to his mother for that crucial drink of "first milk" that contains the antibodies he would need to begin building an immune system. He was also unprotected outside the fence, away from the herd that would keep predators from getting to the newborns. But most of all, this little calf could easily wander onto the busy road beside the ditch and cause a car accident. Coincidentally, a motorist (Dave) was driving past, on his way to his house nearby. He had been watching the cows and the new arrivals and he was an avid animal videographer. He happened to stop because the other cows were enjoying a wade in the pond and he wanted to capture it on video. While Dave was filming, Flo was along the fence to his left and she began to act agitated. Dave left a camera on the fencepost and moved away to give her space. He eventually realized that she was looking in the grass, looking at him, and mooing expectantly. After a few minutes, Dave went to the grass in front of Flo and he found her baby lying very still. Dave saw a small gap under the electric fence and he now understood that the baby had slid out through the wires, or under them. Flo seemed to relax visibly as he began to push the calf back through. Dave has very little understanding of cows, farms, or electric fences and he inadvertently touched the wire several times in the process of returning the calf. Although both of them received a few shocks, the voltage is turned down low on this fence so it wasn't enough to cause a problem. It was due to these shocks that the calf was later named "Sparky". As Flo and Sparky were reunited and they walked away happily, the farmer showed up and asked Dave what had happened. Dave explained the calf and he learned that the farmers had just left on an errand a few hours earlier. Flo had given birth in that time. The farmers invited Dave to come out on the field and record, as well as to assist with tagging Sparky and treating his umbilical cord with antibiotic. Amazingly, Flo and Sparky seemed to recognize Dave and they approached him curiously while he visited. In typical Canadian fashion, the farmers invited Dave over for a beer and a chat. Dave learned a lot about "ethical beef farming" that day, and the difference in treatment of the animals when compared with larger factory farming operations. It became obvious that sourcing food from properly run farms like this avoids the cruelty and abuse of animals that is inevitable in the bigger farm industry.

The miracle of a new life never seems to get old. Watching a cow give birth to a beautiful and healthy calf in the sunshine is a wonderful sight to behold. Eunice is a very dedicated mother cow. She has chosen a spot in the sun to give birth on this beautiful farm in Ontario, Canada. She knows that her calf is on the way and she settles down in the meadow at the edge of the herd. Often, a cow will pick a secluded spot to have her calf so that she can make sure it isn't stepped on and that she has some privacy to nurse and look after the new baby when it arrives. But Eunice seems unconcerned with the rest of the herd being close. They are curious, but respectful as she begins to deliver her baby. A seasoned mother, Eunice doesn't need much time from when her water breaks to the time that she pushes out her baby. Gladys slides smoothly out onto the grass and Eunice springs to her feet to check on her. A mother cow relies on instincts that tell her to quickly eat the afterbirth and lick the calf clean. This serves several purposes. Cleaning the calf and the area will prevent predators from smelling blood and the scent of a birth, signalling that a vulnerable baby has just arrived. The licking also helps stimulate the calf and make it more alert and ready to walk. A calf must be on its feet as soon as possible to nurse and to move with her mother to avoid any threats. The rest of the cows will also protect the young, but it's only possible if the calf is able to get its legs under it. Gladys is quick to try getting up and she is adorably clumsy in her first attempts at standing. Eunice waits patiently, encouraging her with soft moos and gentle nudges and licks. Eventually, Gladys finds the milk supply and begins to nurse. She will receive the colostrum that builds her immune system in this first milk. It's crucial to the calf's future health. The licking and early nursing will also solidify the bond between mother and calf, allowing them to find each other by voice and by smell, as much as by sight. Gladys will stay close to her mother in the early days and will gradually gain independence as she wanders farther away when she is strong enough to run quickly. Gladys and Eunice could not have picked a better place to live. They will wander over lush green meadows, drink from ponds full of fresh water, and roam through a forested area. It is an ethical farm where calves are not separated from their mothers. The farmers do not produce veal or dairy. Both of these cows will enjoy a long life that will be as close as possible to what nature intended for such gentle creatures. For those who commit to a vegetarian lifestyle, their choice is commendable. Those who chose to eat meat can source their food from ethical farms such as this one so that they are not contributing to factory farming. Supporting the farmers who do things right will mean a life free of the cruelty and suffering associated with larger, profit-driven operations.

Drones allow us to see things from a very unique perspective. It was once only possible to see the world from the air by going up in an airplane and looking down. But now, drones with ultra high resolution cameras are becoming very popular for capturing images from above. We can now view the earth below in real time or on a video with stunning colour and detail. Farms are interesting places to see from above. There is no way to fully appreciate the size of a hay field or other crop until you can see it all in one image. Standing on the ground, it appears completely different. As farmers on this operation in Ontario, Canada scrambled to get their hay rolled and stored before a coming thunderstorm, the drone operator decided to record the action from the sky. The drone is flying at full speed over two huge fields but the footage is actually sped up to three times normal to take it all in more quickly. The bales of hay are well over 2m (six feet) in diameter but they look tiny from this vantage point. Even the truck, visible in the distance looks like a small toy from so high up. This view also provides a full appreciation for just how much work farmers do to harvest the crop from such a large field.

The North Face Rally is a car club with hundreds from Toronto, Canada, that is full of supercar owners that go on rallies all over Ontario and USA. They have amazing machines that catch the eye and turn heads. Car enthusiasts show up when they arrive at destinations because they hope for photographs and videos of the performance cars. As they arrived in Montreal for their annual rally, they were greeted by a very keen group with their cameras at the ready. The paparazzi literally ran through the streets to get in position for just the right shot. More important than the cars they drive, this is a club full of guys with big hearts and a love for doing community work. Most of their events have a fundraising component and they provide charities and community projects with support and funding throughout the year. They hold one of the biggest Christmas toy drives in the country, raising money through their own members and through community donations. Then they deliver the toys to shelters, Sick Kids Hospital, and the Metropolitan Toronto Police for distribution. Having worked hard to be as successful as they are, most of the members know what it is like to have less. They get a big thrill out of putting smiles on the faces of children who might not have extra challenges over the holidays. North Face Rally recently held an event that allowed people to get into the front seats of Lamborghinis, Ferraris, Mercedes, Audis, BMWs, and other supercars to experience full throttle acceleration on a closed track. For a donation that went to the Canadian Cancer Society, people had a dream come true while they supported a great cause. Known for their generosity, as well as their love of beautiful and exotic cars, these members are a big hit wherever they go.

These puppies are eight weeks old and everything is a new and exciting experience for them. When they were given a new stuffed toy, the entire litter wanted it. The puppies spend their day playing, sleeping, and drinking milk. It's a good life that they live on this beautiful farm in the country. They roam through meadows, forest and explore around the pond. They are always under the watchful eye of the owners, as well as their parents. The puppies are the love children of a beautiful Maremma Sheepdog with a very sweet personality, and the father, a strapping Bernese Mountain Dog. The two of them found a stolen moment right before their planned trip to the veterinarian for some family prevention. The puppies are a beautiful accident that has brought a lot of joy to this farm. Each of these puppies has also found a carefully selected forever home and they will be on their way in a few more days. But for now, they are perfectly content to wrestle over a toy that is almost as fluffy as they are!

Nurse sharks are friendly and inquisitive creatures, likely to follow a scuba diver at a distance, or to come close for a brief inspection. But this baby shark in Belize seemed to want to follow these divers like a lost puppy would follow a boy home to stay. The marine animals in the underwater world are fascinating and beautiful. At times, they are even entertaining. This juvenile shark delighted and amused these divers who had just returned from a deeper adventure on the reefs off San Pedro Island in Belize. Coming back over the grass bed to their boat, they were met by this curious little fellow who made a beeline for the group. He nudged them and swam under and around them, even seeming to want a little back scratch or a pat on the head. Nurse sharks are carnivores, but their mouths are designed more for eating scraps or feeding on the bottom than they are for tearing off food from healthy prey. They pose little threat to divers, especially when they are so small. These divers were in no danger as the shark interacted with them. As tempting as it can be, touching marine life is rarely recommended as it creates a sense of trust and familiarity that can lead to unwanted behaviour. These divers just couldn't resist giving the poor little fellow at least a little love though!

Elephants are majestic and beautiful animals. They are gentle and peaceful giants with personalities that have captured our hearts. Watching them enjoy a peaceful bath in this river warms the heart. These are truly elephants as they should be. Tourists from around the world travel to India and Thailand to visit with these incredible beasts and to interact with them. Looking into the eyes of an elephant, or touching one is an experience that will be remembered forever. But sadly, what lies behind the elephant tourism industry is a world of cruelty and abuse that is possibly unmatched anywhere in the world. These gentle souls are beaten into submission to perform tricks for shows. They are shackled with painful devices to make them compliant. And their spirits are broken, without exception, to make them safe for tourists to ride. Interacting with elephants, and especially riding on them is a very unnatural behaviour for the elephants. The only way they will tolerate this is through fear and domination. For this reason, visiting facilities that allow these kinds of experiences will only support the cruelty and suffering that comes with them. Studies in India have found that more than half of elephants in captivity suffer from untreated injuries, infections, and disease. Almost every elephant that is forced to walk on pavement suffers from foot conditions that are left untreated. But fortunately, sanctuaries such as WildlifeSOS in Agra, India are doing what they can to rehome the elephants and provide them with a second chance at life. The elephants receive veterinary care, proper nutrition, adequate space to roam, mental stimulation, and most importantly, kindness. They are forgiving animals that have learned to trust their new keepers. Elephants deserve this second life as much as any animal on earth. Please visit WildlifeSOS.org and see how you can help support this beautiful sanctuary.