WildCreatures

These tourists in the Galapagos Islands were on a tour around the bay when they witnessed one of nature's spectacles close up. An orca was hunting in the bay where Pacific sea turtles had come to feed. The orca had no fear of the humans in the tiny, inflatable boat, passing very close to the tourists and even under the boat as it went on about it's business. Nature can be beautiful but it can also be harsh. The orca is a perfect example of this contrast. One of the most sophisticated and intelligent animals on earth, it is capable of hunting cooperatively with other orcas, communicating and planning as it does so. Although it is not the largest creature in the ocean, it is undeniably the most formidable. Even great white sharks avoid contact with these super predators. Orcas in the Galapagos Islands are known to eat sharks, sea lions, penguins, and even giant sea turtles. The seemingly impervious shell of the Pacific green turtle is no match for the frighteningly powerful jaws of the orca. With unbelievable crushing force, this orca cracked the shell of an enormous turtle with ease. A group of scuba divers from Canada had been exploring the undersea world from their liveaboard tour boat but they ventured out in two of the inflatable pangas to enjoy a close look at the creatures on the shore line, in between their dives. It was then that they saw this unbelievable sight. Thrilled to witness the dorsal fin of this giant and see it surfacing nearby, they eagerly shot video and pictures of the once in a lifetime display. It was only after a few minutes that they realized that the orca was hunting in the bay and that they were witnessing the results of an underwater battle for survival as the orca ate a magnificent turtle right in front of them. As the orca surfaced, the split shell could be seen hanging off the dorsal fin of the killer whale. The guides explained that an orca will crush the shell of a turtle and then lodge it between rocks to allow them to scrape out the meat with their jaws. These scuba divers have experienced conflicting emotions on many occasions as they have encountered animals fighting beneath the waves. For both the predator and the prey, these battles are about survival and it is not the place of humans to meddle in the struggles. Their guides have taught them that nature does not need our help. This is especially well understood in the Galapagos Islands where the balance of nature can be more precarious and interference from people can have unthinkable consequences. While it was difficult to witness the end of this beautiful turtle, it was a privilege to be present to witness the spectacle of such a powerful animal in its natural environment. These scuba divers entered the water here an hour later to swim with marine iguanas. While they are well aware that orcas have never killed a human in the wild, the image of the turtle and the immense power of the orca was on their minds as they dove, reminding them that humans are visitors in this unforgiving domain. When people enter the water, they are clumsy and awkward and always at the mercy of the animals who thrive in this world. We must respect those animals that call this home.

Hell's Gate lies at the bottom of a steep canyon carved out of the mountain by the Fraser River in British Columbia, Canada. It is the narrowest portion of the mighty Fraser River, originally known by other names. The Tsilhqot'in name for the river is ʔElhdaqox, meaning Sturgeon. The river is home to gigantic sturgeon that feed on the bottom in slower running sections, but the river is also Canada's greatest source of salmon and the Indigenous peoples who inhabited this nation first relied on the salmon for their survival. This strikingly beautiful section of the Fraser River has a fascinating history. At these narrows, the current rages through a steep canyon, making it impossible for boats to navigate the river. Indigenous people gathered here to harvest salmon as the fish rested in the eddies before continuing upriver. The rapids and steep banks made it a treacherous and dangerous area to fish, yet the opportunities to catch the salmon were plentiful. Rope and wooden structures helped the local fishermen make their way along the sheer rock faces to fish. In the middle and late 1800s, European settlers began to gather and fish here. The gold rush and fur trade brought even more settlers and people passing through. This area became a busy trade corridor. A railway was built and the area saw more traffic and people than ever before. In 1911, a second rail line was built along the south and east bank of the Fraser River. During construction of the second rail line, a catastrophic rockslide poured huge boulders into the river. This decreased the depth by 5m (15 feet), increasing water velocity by more than a third. Very few salmon made it through and they perished in the attempt, before spawning, or they found other rivers to spawn in. The salmon populations plummeted. Commercial fishing was already putting heavy pressure on the salmon and the Indigenous people faced famine. Fishing restrictions were put in place, but commercial fishing continued in the areas south of Hell's Gate. Intense debates raged over the causes and the solutions, with harsh criticism from many angles. From 1947 to 1951, two corridors were built along the banks of the river. These structures created tunnels with reduced current, allowing the fish to pass through and avoid the worst of the turbulence. Other conservation efforts were also put in place. As a result, salmon populations rebounded. In the 1970s, an airtram was built to allow people to traverse the river and view the fishways from both banks. The site hosts a restaurant, giftshop, along with educational films and plaques to explain the history of this canyon. The Fraser River is named after the explorer, Simon Fraser. He wrote in his journals that this passage was: "a place where no human should venture, for surely these are the gates of Hell." It was known thereafter as Hell's Gate. Without the benefit of roads or rail lines, explorers were forced to find a way through these treacherous and dangerous waters. What was once seen as a foreboding and treacherous place is now appreciated for its magnificent beauty and interesting history. It is also an undeniable demonstration of the potential consequences of human intervention in our attempt to battle or conquer nature.

Harrison is a small town in beautiful British Columbia, Canada. This province is home to mountains, waterfalls, and the legendary Sasquatch, or Bigfoot. It is also the home of an incredible natural hot spring beside the picturesque Harrison Lake. Tourists from the Toronto area were out for a walk and an explore when they came across a family of tourists from China who had brought a dozen eggs with them for their visit. Considered a delicacy in their home, eggs boiled in a natural hot spring are highly prized and quite expensive. As a novelty, this lady was boiling her eggs in the hottest area of the spring. She told the Canadians that the eggs would be fully cooked in about an hour. She used chopsticks to turn the eggs as they cooked, so that she would not burn her fingers by dipping them in the water.

Bridal Veil Falls are tucked away in the hills near Hope, British Columbia. They are picturesque and beautiful beyond description.

Pacific green turtles are huge sea turtles with a gentle and mildly curious disposition. When a swimmer moves slowly and keeps a respectful distance, they will treat them with mild curiosity and allow them to drift with them and observe their feeding behaviour. These turtles were feeding in the shallows in a quiet bay on Floriana Island in the Galapagos. They come to the bay to feeb on sea weed and algae that grows on the rocks. The turtles can be seen in great numbers as they drift and munch contentedly. At this size, very few predators are able to harm them. They fear orcas and large sharks, but even those animals are generally discouraged by the nearly impervious shells of the turtles. These are gentle creatures, having no means of attacking other animals, or humans. Their defense to an attack would be to simply swim away. Graceful and powerful swimmers, they propel themselves by flapping their powerful fins. They stay near the surface or in the relative shallows, needing to breath air to survive. They can dive deep, when they wish to and hold their breath for up to thirty minutes but they prefer to be in areas where the light allows the most lush vegetation to grow. This lucky swimmer drifted on the waves and the current, recording dozens of these magnificent and peaceful animals as they went about their business. Occasionally, the waves and the surge would push the turtles within inches of him, which the turtles did not react to. It is never allowed to intentionally touch, harass, or swim too close to turtles of other animals. These turtles seem to understand the difference and they will swim away rapidly if they are uncomfortable. Swimming with such gigantic, gentle beasts is a memory that will not soon be forgotten.

These cows live a wonderful life on a beautiful farm in Ontario, Canada. They have lush, green pasture to graze, rolling hills, treed forest, and ponds full of fresh water to drink from. They have sunshine when they want and shade when they choose. It's life on a free range farm and it's as close as possible to what nature intended for these gentle souls. They even have a post with brushes at different angles to allow the cows to satisfy an itch if they have one. Here, we see Mildred using the brush, having a good old time, until she sees Colleen approaching. Colleen is a year or two older and enjoys a higher place in the pecking order among the girls here. Colleen asserts her seniority and Mildred moves away respectfully. Colleen then takes over the brush and scratches contentedly. It almost appears that Colleen is smiling as she has her turn at the scratching post.

When Farmer Dave badly injured his foot in a farming accident, he needed to check his cows and calves several times each day. But walking was difficult while he was on the mend. A large piece of machinery had shattered the bones in his foot and he needed several surgeries to put things back in place. He could see the pasture and the cows from his porch, but walking around and giving them the proper attention took more walking than he was able to do. But Farmer Dave has a drone and he started using it to watch his cows while they were in calving season. He could fly around and look at each heifer and each calf and he could make sure that none of them were in distress as they gave birth. He could tell when a new calf was born and he would know exactly where to find it without making laps around the meadow. Farmer Dave was able to recuperate and rest while still giving the cows the proper care. The drone camera resolution is shockingly clear and he can even read the ear tags from his seat on the porch. But in the name of fun, a little editing turned the regular video into a little spoof of something you might see in a science fiction movie. Special effects create the illusion that Farmer Dave is scanning the udders with a sensor to detect milk content and match full cows with thirsty calves. Although this is all in jest in this case, that technology won't be too far in the future as we see the advances in tech and everyday work saving devices.

Yellow spotted salamanders are a rare sight. Although there are great numbers of them in the area surrounding vernal pools in many forests throughout North America, they spend most of their lives burrowed underground. It is rare to catch a glimpse of one out in the open. But each year, shortly after the ice melts on ponds like this one, the salamanders migrate here in droves, ready to mate and lay eggs underwater. The males arrive first, dropping their spermatophores on the submerged leaves. The females come next, picking up the clusters and taking them into their bodies where the eggs will be fertilized. She then selects a stalk of vegetation or a stick to attach the eggs to. This videographer went to the local pond each night to watch the salamander migration, the mating frenzy, and the egg laying. It takes place each spring over the course of several days. This female gripped a plant stalk and lay her eggs over the course of 2-3 hours. The eggs emerged and clung to the stalk where they will remain for 6-8 weeks until they hatch. After the mating is all over, the salamanders leave the pond as abruptly as they arrived. They go back to their refuge under the leaves or the soil, living a solitary life, feeding on worms and insects, until it is time to gather again next spring. Spotted salamander eggs hatch in 4-8 weeks. The eggs are incredibly unique. The female lays two specific types. In one cluster, the gelatinous mass is a water soluble protein that allows oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange as the embryos develop. The other part of her cluster is surrounded by a gelatinous mass that is made up of a crystalline hydrophobic protein. It inhibits oxygen exchange but these eggs share a symbiotic relationship with an algae that grows within the eggs. The algae produces energy and oxygen through photosynthesis that the embryos use. The carbon dioxide produced by the embryos is consumed by the algae, as is the ammonia produced within the egg. This is the waste product that would harm the eggs. This is the only known true symbiotic relationship between an algae and a vertebrate animal. It is believed that the two types of egg masses will ensure survival in the presence of predators such as wood frogs. The wood frogs will not consume both types of eggs. Spotted salamanders play an important role in the food chain as they are a major source of food for foxes, raccoons and other forest dwellers.

Most people will go their whole lives without actually sighting a flying squirrel. They are nocturnal animals, rarely coming out on the open during the light of day. They are stealthy and quiet, moving quickly among the canopy where they feed on fruit, seeds, insects, and even bird eggs. They are capable of gliding an incredible 90m (300 feet) due to their skin flaps that stretch from wrist to ankle. Flying squirrels are not capable of true flight like birds or bats. Instead, they leap into the air and spread out their limbs. They have a membrane, called a patagium, that stretches and acts like a wing, allowing them to glide and even achieve some lift. Having longer limb bones that regular squirrels assists the squirrels because they are able to stretch their patagium membranes farther out from their bodies, effectively creating more "wing surface" area. The unique ability of flying squirrels assists in foraging by allowing them to cover more distance and area that their non-flying counterparts. They are also more able to escape predators by moving from one tree to another more easily, and over greater distance. Their ability to slow their descent and lessen impact with target trees prevents injury when landing. A beautiful animal to look at when perched, they are even more beautiful in flight. Quick and graceful, beautifully colored, and equipped with large eyes to assist in night vision, the squirrels are a delight to encounter. This cute little fellow was one of several that were sighted making their way across a small island in remote cottage country of Ontario, Canada. The cottage owners were thrilled to be sharing their space with a family of flying squirrels.

Camels at the zoo engage in affectionate behavior, as these camels show. How cute is that?

While on vacation in Istanbul, Turkey, a group of tourists were on a tour along the waterfront near the bridge across the Bosphoros Strait. They were surprised to hear a noise and see movement on the cables above them. From the ground, it wasn't clear what was going on. At first they thought that some daredevil had ventured out on the bridge's cable structure, or possibly that it was somebody experiencing a crisis of some sort. One of the tourists zoomed in with a powerful video camera and he was able to see the the person on the structure was actually a worker, apparently inspecting the structure. There were actually two workers up on the bridge. This one was equipped with clips and cables to secure himself to the bridge as he moved. One misstep might result in a fall if not for these safety cables. As we see when the camera zooms out, the cables upon which they walk are many hundreds of meters above the water. These workers have no apparent fear of heights, as evidenced by how confidently we see this one walk and move about. These workers continued to inspect the sections ahead, moving all the way across the river over the course of a few hours. This is a job that is not for the faint of heart.

Owls are amazing birds that appear to be wise and all knowing. Their huge eyes look at us with curiosity and a leave us wondering what they are thinking. This beautiful barred owl swooped down to look curiously at two people at the side of a meadow. It landed in a tree Barred owls are less timid than some owls and they will often watch people curiously, but this one seemed completely unconcerned as the photographers slowly approached. They walked up as close as they dared and watched it, fascinated. 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. The owl's ability to turn its head almost completely around kept them mesmerized. 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.

Fiji is a land of immense beauty, mystery, and magical sights. These islands were created by fire and lava as volcanoes erupted millions of years ago, spewing rock, ash, and steam into the air. The debris settled and formed immense piles that became the islands that we see today. Eons of rain, erosion, wind, and other forces created a soil that sustained life. Birds settled here. Animals drifted on the ocean currents and found their way ashore. The animal life thrived and people followed. The islands are dotted with lakes and waterfalls. Spectacular, roaring water falls from great heights, creating mist and lush stands of vegetation. The world underwater is equally breath taking. Corals, fish, turtles, and other wildlife thrive in the domain beneath the waves. Sharks of all kinds patrol these waters, keeping populations in check and preserving the delicate balance that is needed in this realm. Dolphins dance on the surface, delighting those fortunate to catch a glimpse of their antics. The people in Fiji are welcoming and warm, extending their hospitality and their kindness to visitors who venture to these islands to experience the beauty and adventure that awaits.

Komodo Island is a place that time forgot. It is remote and pristine, and it is home to more than 1700 Komodo dragons, the largest lizard on earth. Massive and powerful, they can reach a length 3m (10 feet) and can weigh up to 166kg (366lbs). On average, a large male will top out at 100kg (220lb). They are known for their ferocity and their ability to take down prey much larger than themselves. Komodo dragons hunt mammals and birds, often lying in wait to ambush prey as it ventures close. Capable of reaching impressive speeds, a Komodo dragon can outrun actually an adult human. They occasionally attack unwary or irresponsible humans if the opportunity arises. They are not as capable of quick turns or sharp maneuvers, so it is possible to avoid capture or injury by running in a zig zag pattern. Komodo Island is in the heart of Indonesia, a beautiful collection of 1800 islands that are home to some of the earth's most amazing wildlife. The islands jut up out of the ocean, beautiful and inviting. Komodo Island is one of five islands in Indonesia where these gigantic lizards live in the wild. The Komodo dragon uses its tongue to detect food. It has such a powerful sense of smell that it can detect carrion almost 10km (6 miles) away. Dragons attack their prey and try to bite the throat when possible. They prefer to attack and kill prey immediately, but their saliva is so laden with bacteria that most animals that escape with bite wounds will succumb to sepsis and die. The Komodo dragon will track and eat these animals. They rip their prey into pieces in the case of larger animals, but they are able to dislocate their jaws to swallow prey as large as a small goat. These dragons have been known to ram the carcass of their meal into a tree to help force it farther in the dragon's throat. A tube under their tongue allows them to breath while their mouths are full. It can take up to 20 minutes to swallow a large meal. Komodo dragons can eat up to 80% of their body weight in one meal. Their reputation as ferocious predators is well earned. These giant lizards are apex predators for good reason.

The orca is the undisputed king and top predator of the oceans. Fearless, powerful, and cunning, they possess enough skill and ability to take down even the largest of animals. Great white sharks abandon feeding grounds when orcas appear. Whales try in vain to outswim them for days before falling prey to these masters of the water. Their communication is sophisticated and they work together to problem solve and overcome almost any defense an animal puts up. They are intimidating and awe-inspiring at the same time. Yet, for all their ferocity and power, there has never been a fatal attack by orcas on humans in the wild. There have been very few reliable records of any threatening behaviour at all. Known as "killer whales", humans do fear them, and for good reason. They are enormous and they could easily crush a human in their formidable jaws. It is wise to maintain a healthy respect for what these creatures could do. It remains a mystery why they do not choose to attack people. This lucky scuba diver was exploring the waters of the Galapagos Islands, filming penguins, sea turtles, sea lions, and a beautiful school of salemas, the abundant fish that are a food source for many marine animals. As the camer focuses on a pair of large Pacific green turtles, a shadow appeared in the distance. Ominous and intimidating, the shadow moved with grace and purpose. The diver knew that there was only one animal in the ocean that it could be. He also knew that he would be at its mercy as it made up its own mind what to do next. There is no outrunning or outsmarting an orca. One must simply wait and watch, knowing that there is no reason for it to harm him if he acts carefully. The orca seemed to inspect the turtles, a common food for an orca. The thick shells crack easily under the pressure of their massive jaws. An orca will crush and separate the two halves of the shell and wedge the turtle between two rocks in order to scoop out the meat that lies within. But the turtles are spared and the orca swims around the scuba divers, inspecting them with interest. Quickly deciding that they are not on the menu, the orca leaves the divers in awe. Excited yells and squeals can be heard by all as they react to their brief and sudden close encounter with the ocean's top predator. They looked into the eyes of the orca and saw what very few humans will ever see. As we learn more about our oceans and the animals that live there, it is hoped that we can regard this world with the wonder and respect that it deserves. We are the guests in this domain.

Flo is a devoted mother who has had a few calves in her time. But on this occasion, she gave birth topo close to the fence that separated her pasture from the nearby highway. The slope of the ground and the small space under the wires combined to form a unique spot that allowed a slippery newborn calf to slide under the wires. The problem for Flo, and for her baby was that the fence was electrified, even though it was set quite low. This fence not only keeps the cows from wandering onto the road, but it also keeps out predators like coyotes that would love to come upon a calf that had just been born. Flo couldn't reach her calf and he had not gotten on his feet yet. Instinct seemed to tell him to lie silently in the grass, but Flo was distraught. A passing motorist happened along soon after the calf was born. Living nearby, he often watched these cows as he drove past, and he was particularly interested in the herd at this time because calves were being born. Dave had stopped at the fence in the days before this and he had used his GoPro to record a calf taking its first wobbly steps. He saw the cows in the pond and he stopped to get another close look and record the cows enjoying a bath in the sunshine. But Flo wasn't acting quite right. Dave put his camera on the fence and walked away to the right with his other camera. He knew very little about cows but he knew Flo was agitated. After a little while, Dave decided to go and look at what Flo was staring at. He found her new calf and decided it should be with the mother. The farmers' house is at the top of the hill across the meadow and the truck was gone. The cars on the road presented a danger if the calf wandered out into traffic. Dave decided to push the calf back under the fence the way it had come. Not knowing that some of the wires were live and some were not, he got himself a few shocks in the process. Flo tolerated the help, seeming to understand that the calf would soon be on her side of the fence. She encouraged Dave with a few "moos" as he worked away. The two walked up the hill and her baby had that important first milk that contains colostrum for a healthy immune system. As Dave was getting ready to drive away, the farmers returned and stopped to see if everything was OK. Dave helped tag the calf and give the umbilical cord a little iodine treatment. Because the calf had received a few shocks himself, he was known as "Sparky" from that day forward. As Dave kneeled down in the meadow to have a good look at Sparky, he and Flo wandered over for a sniff and a long look. It almost seemed like the two were curious about this stranger that had stopped to help them. For Dave, this was the day that he learned from the farmers, the importance of free range grazing and ethical treatment of cows, as well as the surprising capacity for emotion that these animals have. Supporting farmers like these seems very important for everyone's benefit, but especially for the wellbeing of the animals.

Drone enthusiasts are able to see the world from a vantage point that few people can. The world is beautiful face on, but it's absolutely breath taking when viewed from above. The horizon extends forever, the sunsets seems more magnificent, and the planet is a rich mixture of blues, greens, and browns when seen from the sky. This amateur drone pilot has been capturing these images for several years but the amazement is no less now than it was at the beginning. Tiny, lightweight, but powerful in their ability to film high resolution images, these drones are a marvel of technology. Miniature cameras are propelled upwards to record almost anything the imagination can think of. This video starts with a high speed, low level flight over a well tended lawn, a meadow filled with grazing cows, followed by a banking turn with a tapestry of colour as the sun sets low over the countryside. Next, the drone parallels a huge construction crane, almost one hundred metres in the air. The sky in the backdrop is ablaze with orange as the sun rises to meet the dawn. A steep dive brings us from high above the forest, through a train bridge and out onto a backwoods trail. Dipping down low to skim over a creek, we see Canada geese feeding on the water below. The drone squeezes through a narrow space beneath the bridge over the creek. Windmills turn as the camera gives us a look at them from their level, 150 metres above the earth. The camera skims over cows again, this time so low that we can see one happily chewing her meal. The resolution is so sharp that the drone pilot actually recognizes this cow as "Pam", one of the matriarchs in this familiar herd. We return to the creek for a low level skim so close to the water's surface that the ripples beneath are visible. The drone takes us around a country garden and through the trees on "sport mode", an insanely fast way to fly these new drones. A water spout in Peterborough creates a vivid rainbow. The camera then circles the "Arenui", one of the most beautiful liveaboard dive boats in existence, as the boat drifts in the bay in Indonesia near Komodo Island. The rice fields of Bali are next. They are one of the most iconic panoramas on the island of Bali. Another view of the giant wind turbines at sunset provides us with a glimpse of that distant horizon, aglow in the late evening. Circling around Darwin's Arch, we are able to see one of the most spectacular sights of the Galapagos Islands. No longer standing, this arch was a sight that brought tears to the eyes of many explorers and adventure seekers. The arch fell in May 2021, due to erosion, and scuba divers around the world mourned its loss. Rarely filmed from above, this view is breath taking. The drone takes us on a slow flight through snow laden branches that hang heavy after a winter storm in Canada. We follow a herd of horses galloping free in their meadow. Their joy at running on a sunny day is heart warming. The video finishes with another look at the Arenui at full sail, a sight to behold. Taking a camera to the sky provides images and sights that are beautiful beyond belief. Our fascination with this world we live in makes us want to see it from all angles. This vantage allows us to see the world the way a bird would see it.

This dive boat in the Maldives had moored for the night near the coast of one of the many islands. Awaiting dawn to press on to a new location, the boat was silent and still. But the world beneath the boat was anything but still. The lights of the boat attracted krill, plankton, and small fish that fed on the abundance of nutrients. Larger predators were attracted by the smaller animals and the water was alive with action. Slipping quietly into the water, these tourists floated and watched the spectacle beneath them. Mobula rays danced, played, and fed on the plankton. Gigantic manta rays performed loops as they inhaled and filtered their meal from the water around the lights. Nurse sharks cruised through, hoping to scavenge anything they could. A playful dolphin appeared and checked out the swimmers, as well as the chance of catching one of the fish that had come for a meal. For almost thirty minutes, this breath taking sight continued for these lucky tourists. The ocean is a world full of mystery and wonder. It is a world that has barely been explored or understood.

Tiger snake eels are beautiful creatures with striking colouration and markings. Their bodies are cream coloured with dark brown spots and stripes. They are not snakes, although they appear to be, at first glance. Eels are fish. They breath through gills and they spend all of their lives underwater. Unlike snakes, they have fins for swimming. This tiger snake eel was hunting small fish and crustaceans in the shallows around Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos. Willing to jam his head completely into the crevices in search of a meal, this eels is committed to finding food at any cost. While hunting, this eel will need to keep an eye out for cormorants, diving birds that prey heavily on the eels. Eels are also a favourite food for seal lions that inhabit these waters. It is fascinating to watch the balance of nature as animals in the ocean struggle to survive every day. Some are predators and some are prey. The balance can change in an instant.

The clown trigger is a stocky fish that grows up to 50cm (almost 20 inches) in length. It is found in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. Usually solitary, the fish will shy away from scuba divers and larger creatures, although it can become notoriously aggressive when defending a territory. They have powerful jaws and teeth that can cause a serious injury if the fish is threatened. Like all triggerfish, agitating them should be avoided. This fish was casually swimming over the coral in search of mollusks and crustaceans, its primary diet. The unique patterns and colours of the clown triggerfish make it a delight for underwater enthusiasts to see or record.

This lion is not afraid of anything, and for good reason. He is truly the king of beasts. Out here on the plain in Kenya, Africa, there are few animals that would dare to challenge his authority. A pack of very determined and hungry hyenas will occasionally try to chase a lion off a kill, but they will very rarely try to attack a full grown male, or a pride of lions. This lion is gorging himself on a freshly caught wildebeest. He looks around casually, but he has nothing to fear and he has no anxiety as he focuses on his dinner. He doesn't seem concerned about anything sneaking up on him. After eating his fill, he walks away roaring with content. Perhaps it is meant to tell the other lions in his pride that they are free to eat, or perhaps it is a challenge that tells the other scavengers he is asserting his dominance and intent to return to the carcass. Either way, he is a majestic and powerful beast that has earned the right to walk these plains fearlessly.

Raven is a giant Great Dane puppy who tries her best to behave well. She comes when called, as long as there is a treat involved, and she stays off the furniture, sometimes. Raven has just been for a 3 mile run in the forest with her humans and she has come home exhausted from chasing chipmunks and investigating smells of the woods. She is a huge dog but she can move with surprising stealth when she wants to. With impressive silence, she has climbed up on the couch that she is not allowed on and she has stretched out from one end to the other. She takes up the entire couch when she makes herself comfortable. Raven appears to have put her paw to her ear as if to listen better, but it's clear that she has decided to pretend that she isn't hearing the reprimands that her owner is trying to dish out. It's hard to take things seriously when she is in such a comical position, pretending to be in a coma. Her eyes move back and forth, giving her away as she tries in vain to be convincing. It's hard to reprimand a dog as wonderful as Raven. She's been a loyal family member and protector and if she wants to relax on the couch after a morning of exploring, it's not so bad. Great Danes are an entertaining and affectionate breed. Anyone who has ever been owned by one falls in love with the breed.

The lion truly is the king of beasts. This lion isn't afraid of anything as he leisurely eats his catch. He belongs to a large pride of lions that make their home on the plains of Kenya. This protected area is where poachers are discouraged with active patrols and strict enforcement. These efforts are funded by guided tours with trained experts who will create opportunities for guests to observe the lions in their natural habitat. This leads to education and appreciation that help promote conservation and protection efforts. These lions have no predators here, except when large numbers of determined hyenas might try to threaten the lions, but that is a very rare and often unsuccessful endeavor. This brute eats in peace and contentment, not distracted by any fear of other animals. His prey, an adult wildebeest, was taken down earlier in the day by lionesses, the true hunters in the pride. In most cases, the dominant male will eat his fill before the females and junior males in the pride move in for their share. This is the law of the land, and the alpha male claims this privilege here. As he leisurely eats in the sunshine, he exudes power and confidence. Nothing in this territory will challenge him.

This monkey in Bali is a clever little fellow. He has learned that a water source is a good place to play and grind leaves.

Jellyfish strike fear in the hearts of anyone who has ever been stung by one. They drift on the currents in oceans all around the world. In most cases they are difficult to see, or even completely invisible. Their transparent bodies make them a danger that cannot be seen until it is too late. Jellyfish have tentacles that are equipped with barbs that fire upon contact with living creatures. These barbs inject a powerful toxin that can cause a severe burning sensation, rash and irritation, nausea, cramps, paralysis, and in some cases, death. Not all jellyfish cause such an intense reaction, but most are painful to some extent. These stings are used as a defence and also as a means of hunting for prey. This harbour in the Bosporus River in Istanbul was filled with millions of jellyfish that drifted in with no explanation. Some were as small as silver dollars while others were as big as a dinner platter. Tourists and residents were baffled at the sight, as were the local scientists. Such a massive number in one place defied explanation. One theory was that overfishing has depleted the mackerel and sprat fish populations, causing a decrease in predation on the jellyfish. The massive invasion could even be seen from the air. Local fishermen complained that it was impossible to fish in the Bosporus River while the area was clogged with these creatures. Overfishing has also resulted in the death of many Delphinus dolphins, an endangered species. Whenever humans take an excessive number of one species out of the environment, the results are complex and disastrous. It will take decades for this balance to return, if it ever does.