WildCreatures

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.

While scuba diving in the Galapagos Islands, this thrilled diver had a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with a whale shark that was curious enough to swim straight up to him for a close inspection. The diver was part of a group that was exploring the waters near Darwin Island, a popular area for pregnant whale sharks to frequent during the autumn months. The whale shark was slowly cruising past the island and it was headed past the divers. It made a graceful arc and turned to come face to face with this surprised, but delighted diver. As if having a close and curious look at him, it slowed almost to a stop as it looked right into his eyes. It drifted past him so closely that he could have reached out to touch it. In complete disbelief, the diver turned the camera on himself to show the massive animal and its incredible tail as it passed so closely. The camera shows how magnificent this shark is as it dwarfs the diver and even the other large sharks around it. Whale sharks can grow to almost 20m (60 feet) in length and can weigh an estimated 45,000kg (100,000 pounds). They are the largest fish on the planet and second in size only to a few species of whales. As huge as they are, they are incapable of harming a human and they have no reason to try to do so. Whale sharks don't possess teeth. Their large mouths open to allow water to be filtered by giant combs in their gills. They feed on plankton, krill, fish eggs and small fish. As if the sight of this great beast were not enough, the scuba diver also had a very close encounter with several Galapagos sharks that were cruising the waters with the whale shark. They swam under and around the diver, but he was so in awe of the whale shark that he didn't pay much attention to the fearsome sharks that were so close to him. Galapagos sharks are the top predators here, growing up to 4m (12 feet) in length. They are occasionally aggressive and have been known to present considerable danger to scuba divers. These sharks were not displaying feeding behaviour and caused little concern for the group in this case. The Galapagos Islands are home to some of the most diverse and plentiful life on the planet, and in the ocean. For many scuba divers, seeing a whale shark is the ultimate diving experience. But to be approached by one who wanted a closer look is an experience that very few people will ever have.

Spending time with horses is good for the soul. They make great companions and they have personalities that surprise and delight us. Many even possess an obvious sense of humour and they are happy to interact with people in very amusing and heart warming ways. This is Dave and a few of his equine friends. An animal lover with a special fondness for horses, Dave doesn't own one, but he makes friends with any horse that will allow it. As he cycles around his home town of Millbrook, Ontario, he often stops to visit with familiar friends and he will even bring a treat or two. On a hot day, two of Dave's horse buddies were happy to share his granola bars but they also wanted to wash them down with a few swigs of his apple juice. Dave was happy to share. Dave also likes to visit a few horse friends at a magnificent farm called The Mane Intent. This is an amazing farm with a herd of exceptional horses that help provide therapy for first responders and people who have suffered from traumatic experiences. Dave won't pass up a chance to hang around with Harry in the meadow and feed him grass, or to give Sampson, a mighty Clydesdale a few scratches behind the ear. If the opportunity to hang around with a horse presents itself, it's a shame to let it go to waste!

Kristy has always been an avid gardener, able to make almost any vegetable thrive, and her husband, Dave has always been happy to do the shoveling. He is also happy to help harvest and eat all the good things that come from her garden. This year, they planted twice as much of everything, just in case it was needed. Their tomato patch is huge, and with it, comes a huge problem. There is a garden "monster, know as the tomato hornworm. They are gigantic caterpillars that devour tomatoes and potatoes in record time. A few hornworms can strip a tomato plant of leaves entirely, killing the plant, and they will even eat the tomatoes. These beasts are so large that you can hear their jaws clicking as they eat. When threatened, the worms will click their jaws as a warning. Capable of actually biting, they are intimidating when full grown. The worms have a formidable spike at the end of their bodies that serves as a deterrent for predators, but they don't have the ability to inflict any actual injury. Kristy and Dave wander through the tomatoes daily, picking the ripe ones and trying to spot the monsters but it is difficult to see these camouflaged invaders in the daylight. They blend in perfectly with tomato leaves. Amazingly, the hornworms glow brightly when illuminated in the dark with a black light. Kristy got her hands on a small black light and the two of them set out after dark to see what they find. Shocked at how many worms they have missed, they start collecting them by the dozens. Their imaginations are even more vivid than the garden pests, however, and they are spooked and giggly as they make their way through the darkness. With the aid of the small light, they can see only faintly. They are also equipped with a camera to record the fun and they do so with the nightvision activated. Dave follows Kristy, able to only see through the camera viewfinder. They are awkward, clumsy, and full of laughter as they try out their new toy and battle the beasts.

Gus is a 2,000 pound bull who roams this beautiful farm in Millbrook, Ontario. He is truly the king of the meadow as he grazes in the lush, green pasture with his herd of ladies. He has a vast expanse of countryside to explore, forested areas for shade, and ponds full of fresh water to drink. It's the best life possible for a bull. Gus is huge and powerful, but he's exceptionally gentle. He has been well treated by the farmers and he responds well to kindness, and even affection. He will ask for a face rub or a head scratch on occasion. But his favourite thing of all is when a visitor brings him bread. Many cows love bread and it is a nutritious enough treat for them. Even in large quantities, cattle do well when fed baked goods of all kinds. Gus has learned to spot a bread bag from far away and he trots over excitedly to see if it's for him. He sniffs expectantly and checks out each visitor. On this sunny day, Dave and Chris have stopped in and taken a little wander into the meadow. Gus takes a break from socializing with the cows and he heads right for Dave. It's a very daunting sight to see such a powerful beast coming toward you and Dave has one slice of bread to give him. As soon as it is gone, Dave tries to direct Gus to Chris, who has the rest of the loaf. Gus finds Chris and begins devouring the bread as quickly as Chris can stuff it in. Gus has an enormous mouth and a slice of bread fits in it like a bank card fits into an ATM. Each slice disappears in an instant and the entire loaf is gone in 45 seconds. After there is no more food, Gus has a sniff of everybody's hand and he makes sure the bag is empty. He wanders casually back to his herd after a little pat and a head scratch. Fiona and her young calf, Hope also came for a visit and Fiona eats the one slice of bread that Gus dropped on the ground.

Cows are far more social than we give them credit for. In a herd, they have close bonds with other cows and will seek each other out for social time and reassurance. Cows have personalities, and even emotions and a sense of humour. These two cows are living the good life on an ethical farm in Millbrook, Ontario. They wander freely across vast meadows from early spring until the snow falls in early winter. The calves are not separated from the mothers and the farmers refuse to produce veal. As the sun shines and the warm breeze blows, Mildred and Hazel take a break from grazing and Hazel lovingly grooms Mildred. These two can often be seen displaying affection and staying close to each other. Even their calves play together. They are true besties!

These cows are living the good life on a beautiful farm in Millbrook, Ontario. Life here is as close as possible to what nature intended. It's called an ethical farm and there are many important difference in how the animals are raised and treated. Ethical farms refuse to produce veal, they don't separate calves from the mothers, and they place herd health above profit, so tat the animals get medical care, proper nutrition, and lots of outdoor space to roam and graze. This is Fiona, a young mother and her first calf, Hope. Their friend is Dave, who lives near the farm. Dave became friendly with the farmers after he encountered a newborn calf on the outside of the electric fence. He helped get the calf back into the meadow and he met the farmers that day. It was then that he learned about ethical farming. Dave now comes to visit these cows and to record them as they go about their business. Fiona was just a calf when Dave began hanging out in her meadow. Friendly, and naturally curious, she always wanted an ear rub and a head scratch. It helped that Dave always had corn in his backpack to give her a treat. Now that she has her own baby, Fiona has taught Hope that she can trust Dave. Hope is even more affectionate and friendly than Fiona is. Hanging out in the meadow with a bunch of friendly cows on a sunny day is a relaxing and entertaining experience that everybody should try. Fiona is curious enough about the camera on a tripod that she actually knocks it over as she investigates it with a big sniff.

Elephants are among the most wonderful creatures on earth. Powerful, massive, and highly intelligent, they are a source of admiration and awe for most of us. Yet, as strong as they are, they are gentle souls with a beautifully peaceful nature. Many people dream of meeting an elephant close up and some will even live that dream by interacting with elephants at facilities where they can ride, bathe or even paint an elephant. But behind these seemingly magical experiences lurks a truth that is unthinkable and tragic beyond words. The elephant tourism industry is rife with cruelty, abuse, and neglect in many forms. Elephants that are exploited for profit have, without exception, been beaten into submission by cruel "mahouts" or elephant keepers. Their shackles and restraints are designed to inflict unbearable pain if the elephant resists. Often, the restraints cause wounds and infections. Because the wounds are rarely treated, long term pain is often the result. Walking on pavement for extended periods of time cause chronic foot pain and injury for more than half of elephants that we see in the cities. Elephants are often malnourished in the constant battle to keep expenses low and profits high. They are fed unhealthy foods and are usually in a constant state of hunger. Lack of socialization leads these beautiful creature to become depressed. Most elephants in captivity display neurotic behaviours and signs of extreme stress. Elephants have no natural desire to perform and to interact with humans. They do this simply because they have been taught that this is the only way to avoid torture and cruelty that is inevitable if they disobey. Even seemingly harmless activities like riding on the back of one of these great beasts, for the elephants, can only be associated with painful training. This wonderful sanctuary in Agra, India has provided many elephants and other animals with a safe home and a second chance at life. WildlifeSOS has ample land for the elephants to wander, pools for them to splash and bathe, a fresh supply of nutritious food, and a veterinarian and skilled medical team to take care of their wounds and health conditions that have been brought on by years of mistreatment. Their state of the art hospital is equipped to manage the unique needs of such massive patients. You can help end the abuse. Refuse to ride elephants. Refuse to support any industry that keeps elephants captive. And most importantly, please visit WildlifeSOS.org to find out more. Contributions to this facility will go to good use for feeding, housing, and caring for these gentle souls.

Calves are one of the cutest animals imaginable. They have personalities like large puppies and they are playful and curious in much the same way. Here we see a newborn calf drinking milk from his mother in the cutest possible way. Adorable!

Safaris are excellent ways to see wildlife without them being confined in cages or enclosures that limit their freedom. Part of a vast game preserve, these bighorn cows wander over meadows and through brush, as they please. But they are not unaccustomed to seeing cars pass through their territory and they react calmly when they see them. These cows are completely unconcerned as they graze by the side of this road, putting on a tremendous show for the tourists in the car.

Humpback whales are among the most beloved and awe inspiring animals on the planet. Their immense size, majestic presence, and haunting whale songs evoke intense emotion in all who see them. But to share the water with them and swim close to them is an experience that is moving beyond words. Hunted to near extinction, whales have never been fully appreciated or understood. The complexity of their social structure, their communication, and even their capacity for emotion is something we are only now beginning to understand. Scientists have discovered that many whale songs are a complex series of sounds, blips, and chirps that are repeated as they communicate with other whales. Some songs last for over 20 minutes and they can be heard from hundreds of miles away. If only we could understand the meaning behind their voices. The vibration of a nearby whale song is powerful enough to shake the chest and fill the ears of a person swimming near them. It brings the sense that the vibrations that echo back to the whale may be used by them to sense us in ways that we cannot comprehend. A humpbacks intelligence is exceeded only by humans and by dolphins, although barely. As recently as 100,000 years ago, humpback whales are believed to be the most intelligent species that were in existence. Their soulful eyes have a depth to them that suggests great understanding as they look at us closely, and it is impossible to not wonder what they might think of our species. Whales are essential to the overall health of the oceans and the planet. To lose them forever would be beyond tragic. And if that were not a good enough reason to want to help them, they are also extremely beautiful.

Zulu has been a loyal friend and companion for Daniel. Their bond started the moment that they set eyes on each other. Part of an unwanted litter, Zulu was in need of being rescued and Daniel knew that he could provide the perfect home. They became inseparable and their life of adventure together was one that any dog would envy. Zulu was Daniel's best friend and he told people that Zulu was like a son to him. Zulu accompanied Daniel everywhere. They ran on the beach, played in the surf, paddled through the waves and climbed mountains together. Zulu's legs carried him wherever Daniel went. Intelligent and eager to please, Zulu was easily trained and he learned everything quickly. He loved other dogs and other animals and he was always ready to play or chase anyone who would engage with him. Zulu was a fast runner and he was tireless. He especially loved long runs at full speed on the beach. But as he aged, his hips became weaker. As he neared the end of his fifteenth year, he lacked the strength to run and many owners would wonder if this was the end. Daniel saw that Zulu was still loving life, even if his legs had failed him, so he got Zulu a set of wheels that would allow him to walk, run, and even play just a little longer. Even as a very senior dog, Zulu still had some puppy in him. He was still an extraordinary dog. These wheels gave Zulu a second chance and he managed to still be the old Zulu for almost another year, because of them. Daniel's friends enjoyed the pictures, stories, and updates on social media over the course of this relationship between Zulu and Daniel, and then later, between Zulu and the rest of the family. When heart warming pictures of Zulu and his wheels were shared, one of Daniel's friends across the globe asked if he could produce a video that told this wonderful story. This inspirational friendship is exactly what everyone, and every dog should experience in life. Sadly, the same day this video was finished, Zulu took his final breath as he lay in Daniel's arms. It was a life well lived and a fitting end for this beloved soul. RIP Zulu. You were truly loved. Run free.

Sea lions are one of nature's most lovable creatures. Very much like our furry canine companions in both in personality and in appearance, they have captured our hearts. Watching sea lions play in the water brings a smile to everyone's face. They roll and dart up and down, even in circles, demonstrating the ability to enjoy the moment like no other. These young sea lions are in their first year. They will be dependent on their mothers for milk for up to three years. She will leave them on the shore as she disappears into the ocean to hunt for food for hours at a time. The pups are relentless in their demand for milk and she will need to eat a lot of fish, octopus, and eels to keep up her calories to produce that milk. The pups wait patiently, enjoying the protection of the colony, and sometimes the bull sea lion, as they play on shore and in the shallows. When they are bigger, they will also venture out into the ocean to hunt. Sadly, the mothers do not always return. Accidents can happen, and large sharks prey on sea lions in the deeper waters. A pup who finds himself without a mother will certainly starve as they will not be fed by another female sea lion. The cries of hungry sea lion pups are heart breaking, but in almost all cases, the mother returns from the sea to answer their cries, and the happy reunions on the beach are a joy to watch!

An octopus in Papua New Guinea gives a scuba diver a stunningly close look as he shifts colour and texture. Octopus are highly intelligent creatures with complex brains that allow them to do some amazing things. Seemingly made of liquid, they are able to change their shape to fit into small holes and crevices. They are also able to change their appearance at will to blend in with their surroundings. This ability to change allows them to evade detection by predators. It is the ultimate camouflage technique, making them almost impossible to see. It is also a very effective hunting technique, allowing them to smoothly creep up on unsuspecting fish and crustaceans. The colour change also serves as a method of communication between octopus that we are only now beginning to understand. This scuba diver in Papua New Guinea waited patiently for this male octopus to emerge from his lair. As he did so, the octopus was as fascinated by the diver as the diver was by him. He slowly made his way to a nearby female octopus and the two mated. Sadly, this romantic act is one of the last that the octopus will undertake. Soon after mating, the male will undergo metabolic changes that make it impossible for him to digest food, He will die within a few weeks. The female will also stop eating and she will live only long enough to care for her eggs and see them hatch. Without her efforts to keep the eggs clean and aerated, the young would not survive. Nature is a complex thing, and often it is as harsh and unforgiving as it is beautiful.

Hilton is a lovable soul with a face that seems to smile.

Scuba diving opens a door to an incredible world, full of beauty, wonder, and danger. The animals in this underwater domain are both fascinating and frightening at the same time. They have adapted to life in a hostile world where predators can become prey and the balance can shift in an instant. Barracuda are a good example of the creatures that can be frightening for some. These Great Barracuda are almost six feet long and they have powerful jaws full of formidable looking teeth. As large as those of a giant breed dog, but much sharper, and more numerous, the mouth of a Great Barracuda could easily sever a human's hand if it felt threatened. But barracuda attacks are extremely rare, and almost always the result of confusion rather than aggression. In most cases, human error is the cause. In the ocean, improper behaviour can have immediate and severe consequences. This scuba diver was exploring the reef in the the Cayman Islands when he noticed that two large barracuda were circling him and his wife curiously. With no sign of aggression, the two large fish swam around the divers and passed within inches, several times. At one point, the diver was unable to resist the temptation to touch one of the large fish. Surprisingly, this contact did not seem to disturb the barracuda at all. With a GoPro on a short pole, this diver casually swam beside and behind the barracuda for more than ten minutes. Capable of extremely quick bursts of speed, these fish could easily have left the area in a flash if the close encounter was not to their liking. Such a close encounter with two of the ocean's apex predators provides a scuba diver with an unforgettable experience.