WildCreatures

Mantis shrimp are believed to have the most sophisticated and complex eyes in the animal kingdom. They have the most complex visual system ever discovered. Humans have three photoreceptors that allow us to see red, green, and blue light. In comparison, the mantis shrimp has an astonishing 16 photoreceptors. They are able to see visible light, UV light, and polarized light. They are even capable of detecting circularly polarized light, being the only animal on earth that can do this. Mantis shrimp are capable of depth perception using only one eye, a task that requires two eyes for any other animal to accomplish. The eyes of the mantis shrimp are made up of rows of specialized cells, with each row having unique structure and capabilities. The mantis shrimp is constantly moving its eyes and scanning its surroundings to obtain an accurate picture of what is around them. This movement also gives them a very large field of view. The mantis shrimp is famous for its ability to strike with incredible speed and power. Its strike is the fastest of any marine creature and it happens so fast that it actually cavitates the water around it, creating a second impact that is powerful enough to stun or kill its prey if it misses with the actual strike. But, as astonishing as this is, the visual powers of the mantis shrimp are even more remarkable. Despite the knowledge that these little animals have such amazing visual superpowers, there is surprisingly little research on the matter. This is yet another example of how little we understand the world around us.

Naomy is a hardworking farmer who lives in Kenya, Africa. She rents a small plot of land where she grows corn, beans, carrots and a few other crops. She uses the harvest to feed her family and she sells the extra vegetables at the market to make a few dollars. She also raises a few cows, goats and chickens to put food on the table. This is a good way to use any of the scraps or spoiled vegetables that cannot be eaten by her family. Here, we see what happens when the chickens are set free in the morning and their breakfast is set out. The chickens know the routine and they run for the food to get their share as quickly as they can. They squawk and peck happily at the beans, corn, strawberries and greens that she provides them. Noamy lives with her grandparents who raised her from childhood. She cares for them and also for her adopted son, Emmanuel who helps Naomy with the chores. Ten year old Emmanuel records the sights and the animals around his home with an old phone and his videos are uploaded here, providing the family with a few extra dollars per month. The average wage in Kenya is less than $100 per month and this resourceful family works very hard to stretch each dollar as far as it will go. Emmanuel is currently attending school, which is a luxury in his village because the cost of schooling is unaffordable for most people. Emmanuel's videos have been helping him keep up with the cost of lessons, meaning that this 10 year old is actually running a little videography business to pay his way through school. If anyone would like to assist Naomy and Emmanuel, donations are gratefully accepted through this link. https://gofund.me/2df5dc08 Further info is also available through David McNab at mojo_videos@hotmail.com

Orioles are adorned with beautiful orange and black plumage. The bright orange contrasts sharply with the dark wings and head. The males are brighter orange and starker black than the females. The females have patches that are almost brown. Their beauty makes them a welcome sight at back yard bird feeders. Each year, orioles migrate to warmer climates, returning each spring to the northern climates.

Life in Africa is a complex balance. Each day, the sun rises and paints the landscape with golden sunlight. The dawn brings with it, promise and hope, but also danger. The predators here wake up hungry and ready to chase down their meal in order to survive. If they fail, they may weaken and die of starvation. For the prey animals, the sunrise signals threat and the need to run to survive. If they falter, it may be their last day. Such is life here, and all over the world. Life is never easy or guaranteed. This deer saw its last sunrise as the scene unfolded on the plain. A leopard snuck up close enough to catch the deer unaware and it made the kill with speed and precision. But the leopard cannot waste time, even after securing its meal. Other cats and hyenas smell the blood and close in on the carcass, threatening the leopard in their eagerness to steal the food. The leopard eats as quickly as it can to fill its belly before the predators and scavengers team up to rob it. The leopard knows that the hyenas cannot climb the trees. Even the lions are not as capable of reaching the higher branches. Leopards have adapted for climbing. They are strong cats with muscle attachments designed for puling heavy weights up high in the trees. Here, they will be able to defend the meat more easily, keeping the uneaten portion safe for their next meal. It is a tragic day for the deer, but victory for the leopard. It will possibly be a week or more before the leopard has its next successful hunt. Consuming dozens of kilograms of meat in this feeding is essential to survival between feedings. This incredible footage was captured on a wildlife refuge in Kenya, Africa. Safe from poachers, these animals live as nature intended. But nature does not promise anyone an easy life, as we see here.

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

Pelicans are incredible birds with unique skills and unique physical characteristics that make them very good at catching their prey. Pelicans lunge at fish and scoop them up, along with a beak full of water. They allow the water to drain out of their beaks, leaving their food to be swallowed. The pelican has the largest beak of any bird. Clumsy on land, yet graceful and smooth in the air and in the water, pelicans are bulky looking birds. But the pelican is lighter than it appears, due to the air pockets in its bones and the air sacs beneath its skin. Air pockets make bones lighter, yet sturdy. The air sacs make the pelican extremely buoyant, giving it the ability to float higher in the water. The air sacs may also act as cushioning, protecting the bird as it impacts the water while diving for prey. The pelican is a beautiful sight when it skims just above the surface of the water. This low level flight is more efficient, as well as spectacular. Pelicans can fly up to 150km in search of feeding grounds. Pelicans are endearing in their appearance and their behaviour. They are found in many warm climates around the world, following schools of fish along the shoreline.

Humpback whales are beautiful creatures. They are immense animals, larger than anything that has ever lived on earth, with the exception of a few larger whale species. They never leave the water, but they breath air, using a vent hole in the top of their heads. Humpbacks can hold their breath for long periods of time, resting on the ocean bottom and surfacing for a breath or two approximately every 11-12 minutes. This thrilled swimmer was enjoying the warm waters of Tonga, between the islands when a bull humpback rose beside him and took a few breaths. It looked curiously at the small and clumsy human as it nonchalantly bobbed on the surface. Humpbacks have no reason to fear people and they will often regard swimmers with interest. They even seem careful around people, as if they are aware of their power and size and the possibility of hurting someone. This gentle nature is beautiful and touching and something that we have not returned in kind. Humpback whales come to the waters of Tonga to mate and to bear their young. They are safe from predators here, especially orcas, one of the biggest threats to humpback calves. Females spend several months feeding their calves before leading them north to colder waters for feeding in the winters. Males follow the females, competing for breeding rights and providing a safety escort during their vulnerable times. To see humpback whales in their own environment is a breath taking and unforgettable sight.

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.

Every spring, yellow-spotted salamanders migrate to vernal ponds to breed. The result is a frenzy of activity that lasts only 2-3 nights each year. It is a spectacle to behold. The salamanders make their long journey from the surrounding forest under the cover of darkness, usually after a rainfall. The males arrive at the pond first, depositing spermatophores on the leaves and branches in shallow water. The females come soon after, gathering up the spermatophores to fertilize the eggs that they are waiting to deposit. Soon after the eggs are fertilized, the female will attach herself to a submerged plant stem or twig and she will release the eggs. The eggs are protected by a sticky, gelatinous mass that deters predators as the eggs develop for approximately 30 days. The eggs hatch into tadpoles, similar to frogs and toads. They spend their first few months in the water, breathing through gills. Salamanders are amphibians. Once they leave the water, they spend most of their lives underground, occasionally coming out of their burrows to feed and also for breeding season in March to May each year. They are rarely seen, although they are plentiful in the forests that they inhabit. Salamanders excrete a toxic, milky fluid when they are threatened. Salamanders are a major food source for birds, raccoons, foxes and other animals. Salamanders feed on earthworms, spiders, slugs, snails, and other insects. They have the amazing ability to grow a new tail and new limbs if one is severed. A salamander has the unique ability to lay two different types of egg masses. One type has a water-soluble, protein-based gel. The other type has a hydrophobic protein-based gel. This is believed to prevent predation by wood frogs. These eggs are combined with an algae that produces oxygen and removes carbon dioxide and nitrogen waste from developing embryos. The complex relationships between organisms are only beginning to be understood. The health of our forests and our ecosystems depends on the survival of all species, no matter how small.

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

The badlands of Saskatchewan, Canada are full of breath taking scenery, unique geographic features, and salt flats that appear like something from an alien landscape. A drone, taking flight over the area surrounding Chaplin Lake filmed the salt and the Saskatchewan Mining and Minerals plant that collects salt here. Chaplin Lake is a series of lakes that makes up the second largest saline lake in Canada and the fourth largest in North America. Sodium sulphate has been mined here since 1947. In the 1980s, the importance of this area was recognized when migratory bird populations were declining. Chaplin Lake is an important stopover for birds in the spring. Researchers approached Saskatchewan Minerals about preserving habitat for the migrating birds. Water levels are maintained so that drought does not cause the lake to dry up and flooding does not cause elevated lake levels. Thirty species and more than one hundred thousand individuals visit the lake each year. One hundred and fifty species make this area their home. Populations of brine shrimp attract the birds to this area. Preservation of the grasslands around the area is also an important part of protecting the bird populations that rely on this part of North America. The mining operation produces sodium sulphate which is used as a filler in the manufacture of powdered home laundry detergents. It is also required for paper pulping. Saskatchewan Mining and Minerals is one of the world's largest producers of anhydrous sodium sulphate. Seen from the air, this salt reservoir looks like a frozen ice field, or the surface of an alien planet. Water from the the factory lagoons flow outward along a river, with crystals on the banks that appear like ice crystals. The encrusted flats resemble lakes frozen in the dead of winter. These salt flats are as stunning as they are crucial to the animals, and to our own existence. The preservation of habitat amid the mining emphasizes understanding of the delicate balance involved here.

Lake Ontario is one of North America's five Great Lakes. It is a massive body of water that stretches out past the horizon. Just like the ocean, storms form and grow over the water on Lake Ontario, pressing toward land with a force that cannot be ignored. Thunderheads roll in and lightning cracks, reminding all those on the water that it is foolhardy to delay heading for shore. This is the marina harbour in Cobourg, Ontario. As the thunder boomed and the pressure dropped, the winds increased their strength. Boats were suddenly racing for shelter as the storm threatened to strike. When rain comes down hard on the lake, visibility becomes so poor that finding shore is challenging. The waves can appear out of nowhere and small vessels can be tossed without mercy. These fishermen knew that time was running out. Even the geese flying past seemed to sense the need to find shelter on the shore. While this storm was brewing, a drone was capturing the sights, recording lightning, thunderheads, and a dramatic sunset. The wind was strong enough that flying the drone was difficult and rain threatened to begin at any moment. Weather like this can easily knock a drone out of the sky, but the colour and the spectacle was too beautiful to ignore. As the sky darkened suddenly under the looming clouds, the last fisherman reached safety in the harbour and the drone was brought in for a landing. Within minutes of the final clip, rain pelted down, making it impossible to see even the breakwater from the beach. The wind bent the trees. Lightning cracked loudly and the skies opened up for almost an hour. These last moments truly were the calm before the storm.

Lion fish are an invasive species in Caribbean waters, having been introduced by accident to a world where they have no predators. They destroy reefs by devouring huge quantities of small reef fish, upsetting the delicate balance that keeps everything in check. But here, in the waters around Fiji, lion fish like this one are part of that balance. This lion fish can be seen extending its highly venomous spines to coral small fish in its attempt to inhale them. It is following this scuba diver as she makes her best effort to photograph some of the small fish on a night dive. The lion fish is a crafty fellow and he knows that he can use the diver to help with the attempt to back the small fish into a corner. He is also hoping that the lights give him an advantage as they make it difficult for the prey to see him closing in. The scuba diver must be careful to avoid the sharp points on the fins. Each one can deliver enough venom to cause intense pain, swelling, and possible respiratory difficulty. In most cases, the sting is not life threatening, but in rare cases, it can require immediate medical treatment to avoid dangerous complications. Lion fish are beautifully ornate when their fins are extended. Their markings are striking, with contrasting orange, white and black stripes. In the Caribbean, the fish are a menace and scuba divers are encouraged to kill them whenever possible. The meat of the lion fish is delicious and flaky, making them a very appealing source of food. Harvesting lion fish in many places is necessary for the survival of the reef.

The Maldives are one of the most magnificent destinations of the planet. The beauty above the waves is striking, and the scenery is magnificent. But what most people don't get to see is the phenomenal world under the waves. These divers from Canada take you on a journey into a magical and mystical world beneath the waves. Scuba divers are among the most fortunate people on the planet. They strap on air tanks, allowing them to venture into a world where humans were never meant to go. They see things that humans were never meant to see. The animals are bizarre. Gorgeous. Ferocious. They are beautiful and spectacular and they live in a world where the balance between being predator and prey is delicate and can change in an instant. From tiny fish to gigantic manta rays, this video shows you magnificence and colour that is beyond what we can see on land.

In the midst of our bustling lives, there are moments of serenity that remind us of the delicate beauty that surrounds us. One such moment recently captured the hearts of nature enthusiasts worldwide: a mesmerizing video showcasing a bluebird's graceful landing at a bird box nest. The video, shot by avid birdwatcher and amateur videographer portrays a scene straight out of a tranquil woodland dream. Set against the backdrop of lush greenery, the bird box nest stands as a sanctuary, a safe haven for the bluebird family. As the footage begins, anticipation hangs in the air like a soft breeze. The camera focuses intently on the bird box, its wooden frame weathered by seasons past. Suddenly, a flash of azure appears—a bluebird, its wings outstretched like sails catching the wind. With precision and finesse, the bluebird navigates the airspace, each movement a testament to its aerial prowess. It approaches at the perfect angle before gracefully alighting upon the edge of the bird box entrance. The moment of landing is nothing short of magical. The bird's slender legs extend, delicately grasping the wooden perch, while its azure feathers shimmer in the gentle sunlight. For a brief instant, time stands still, and all that exists is the quiet elegance of this avian visitor. As the bluebird settles into the nest, a sense of tranquility washes over the viewer. It is a reminder of the intricate dance of life that unfolds in the natural world—a dance in which every creature plays a vital role. Moments later, the bird leaves the nest, off in search of another meal for its babies inside the box. Witnessing moments like these reminds us of the profound beauty of nature. It's a privilege to capture such intimate glimpses into the lives of these remarkable creatures. Indeed, the video of the bluebird's gentle landing serves as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of all living things. In a world often dominated by chaos and noise, it is moments like these that beckon us to pause, to breathe, and to marvel at the simple wonders that surround us.

Groupers are intelligent fish, and capable predators. They ambush their prey or actively hunt fish, octopus, and crustaceans. They create a powerful suction as they open their mouths and inhale their prey. Small fish are wise to avoid the powerful jaws of the grouper. But the ocean is a complex world with many unusual relationships that exist between the inhabitants here. The grouper has found a resting spot in a large barrel sponge. The sponges are animals, although they are rooted in place, unable to move. They draw sea water in and pass it out, filtering nutrients that they consume as food. The gentle water flow may be enjoyable for the grouper as it also enjoys the concealment from predators and their intended prey. Barrel sponges are the longest living animals on the planet, occasionally reaching 2500 years. This grouper is involved in a mutually beneficial arrangement with the small wrasse that darts in and out of its mouth. The wrasse is known as a cleaner fish and they hide among the corals and sponges until they are called into action. A larger fish such as this grouper signals the wrasse by tilting upwards and opening its mouth wide. The wrasse trusts the grouper in an age old contract that provides the wrasse with food as it cleans the teeth of the grouper. This benefits the grouper by preventing rotting material from remaining in the mouth, causing infections and sores. The grouper gets free dental care and the wrasse gets a meal. The grouper will not break the trust of his little friend.

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

The eclipse of 2024 created a path of darkness across North America that created lineups and traffic jams, but also awe and wonder. In the space of several minutes, broad daylight turned to near darkness as the rays of the sun were blocked out by the moon passing between the sun and the earth. A drone was sent up to a height of 124m to capture the event. The clouds prevented a view of the sun or the moon, but the darkness sweeping over the shore was dramatic and unsettling. As the light dimmed, the video is sped up to 7.5x. Part of the darkest period is edited out for brevity. The daylight reappeared as quickly as it left, leaving everyone in awe. These events are spectacular from the ground, but even more so when filmed from a bird's eye view

Pacific green turtles are truly beautiful animals. They are among the favourite creatures of all that scuba divers encounter in the ocean. This is a Pacific green sea turtle, one of the larger sea turtles. It spends a good part of its day eating the aquatic vegetation that grows around the corals. But they also spend a good part of their day sleeping. They descend to the bottom in shallow areas, approximately 10-15 metres (30-45 feet) in depth where they seek a good place to rest. They can hold their breath and slow their oxygen consumption, allowing them to stay down more than 30 minutes before they rise to the surface for a few breaths of air. Often, before settling down for a snooze, green turtles will scratch their shells and their belly on the coral. They can be found under ledges or on coral protrusions, rocking back and forth, scraping their hard shells or leathery armpits as if they are itchy. Sea turtles also find their food at depth and they happily munch away on sea grasses and algae. This turtle lives on the reef near Komodo Island in Indonesia. Scuba diving here requires that all people keep a respectful distance away from the animals. A responsible scuba diver will avoid startling or affecting any of the creatures in the ocean. The largest recorded green turtle reached a weight of 395kg (871 lbs). The females of the species nest in the sand on beaches along many coasts in tropical and subtropical waters. They venture ashore during the night, dig a deep hole, deposit their eggs and then make their way to the sea, never seeing the hatchlings when they emerge. Baby turtles dig their way out of the nest after several months incubation. Only a few survive the treacherous trek to the water, and many more are eaten by predators before they reach shelter in the ocean. Sea turtles are among the most beloved of all the creatures in the ocean. Truly gentle creatures, they are a beautiful sight to see. #greenturtle #Komodo #Indonesoia #animal

Hippos are massive animals that live in Africa. They are the third largest land mammals on earth. Only elephants and white rhinos are larger. They can reach an incredible 4.9m (16 feet) in length and a mass of 1500kg (3,300lb). Due to their aggression and their size, adult hippos are rarely preyed upon. Young hippos are occasionally taken by lions or crocodiles. Surprisingly, the hippo's closest relatives are whales and dolphins. Aquatic mammals like whales evolved from land animals that were very similar to the hippo. Originally, it was believed that hippos were closely related to pigs due to molar structure and other similarities, but DNA and fossil records have c hanged this line of thinking in the past century. Hippos are most active at night, roaming the shallows along riverbeds in Africa. They are herbivores, eating aquatic vegetation, and occasionally farm crops, which contributes to conflict with humans. Known to be aggressive, even when not provoked, hippos will occasionally charge humans or boats. The hippo produces a red oil, as can be seen on these sunbathing adults, which acts as a sunblock, protecting them from UV rays. Fascinating creatures, they are best regarded from a distance as they can be ferocious and deadly.

A fire dancer's sensual performance on a beach in Roatan is a captivating sight, blending the raw energy of fire with the serene beauty of the ocean and the soft sand underfoot. As the sun set over the water, casting warm hues across the sky, the fire dancer's movements became a mesmerizing dance, each flicker of flame casting shadows that swayed with the rhythm of the waves. Moni Noo appears to forget the crowd as she becomes immersed in the music, carried away by the feeling it gives her. Her movements are graceful yet intense, weaving intricate patterns of light in the air with her flaming torches. The fire itself seems to respond to her every motion, twisting and twirling in sync with Moni's body, creating an otherworldly spectacle against the backdrop of the sea. Spectators gather around, drawn by the hypnotic allure of the performance. The atmosphere is charged with excitement and awe as the Moni moves with fluidity and precision, lost in the moment and completely absorbed. The combination of the sultry beach setting, the hypnotic dance of fire, and the sensuality of the performance creates an experience that is both exhilarating and enchanting, leaving spectators spellbound long after the final ember fades into the night. Moni is a captivating young woman in Roatan who claimed this beach as her stage to perform for spectators. During her dances, she becomes completely lost in the music and carried away in the moment. Her dance is hypnotic and powerful. Her love for her art is contagious and her charm over the crowd is obvious as applause erupts when she finishes her dance. Find Moni Noo on Facebook, or on Instagram (wanda.full)

Roatan is an island in the Republic of Honduras. It is home to more than 41,000 people. It is also one of the world's most beautiful tourist destinations. A group of Canadians made their way to Roatan to experience the magic and the mystery of this unique place. They were not disappointed. The warmth of the people is one of the first things that grabs you in this little piece of paradise. The food, the smells, and the abundance of culinary choices make exploring this island a pleasure that doesn't stop. This video provides a close up look at the mystery and wonder of Roatan, filmed on land, underwater, and from the air. The beauty is unrivaled and the magic is unforgettable. Roatan should be on everybody's bucket list. The animals in Roatan are fascinating. An indigo hamlet darts about, showing off the brilliant blue colour that gives it the name, divers exploring with Native Sons Dive Centre carry their tanks across the beach, hop on a boat and depart on an adventure they will not forget. Two giant porcupine fish frolic over the coral, curious about the divers. An orange spotted file fish changes colour in seconds to blend in with the reef, a spotted eel hunts for food, a school of squid glide past, and a grouper lurks in the soft corals. A great barracuda shows its menacing teeth, a blue spotted file fish regards the divers as it eats algae, and dog tooth snappers follow the divers, hoping for a handout. A grouper hides in a barrel sponge, getting a teeth cleaning from his little wrasse friend. An upside down jellyfish pulsates on the sand, creating a flow of water to filter nutrients. A basket star expands in the darkness to reach out for its meals, and a moray eel patrols the sea bottom, hoping to ambush an octopus or a fish. a string jellyfish, almost invisible drifts on the current, and a massive channel clinging crab walks along, eating algae. A giant midnight parrot fish turns around in its crevice. A moray eel investigates the camera. A queen angel fish shows off her stunning colours, a school of surgeon fish provide a beautiful display, and a peacock flounder blends in on the sand with impressive camouflage. Creole wrasses dance over the coral head. Scuba divers explore a mysterious swim through, a box fish nibbles, and hungry sharks compete for fish scraps in a controlled feed. Guests visit a sanctuary and get a close look at parrots, sloths, and monkeys. A fire dancer gives a mesmerizing performance on the beach (Moni Noo). Amid shouts of taco taco taco, one of the locals performs as he cooks his wares. A boat takes us on a tour of the mangroves, home to thousands of species that come here to hide until they are big enough to survive in the ocean. A visit to Roatan provides memories that will last a lifetime.

Copinaco's Floating Bar is a unique and ingenious business that brings the pina coladas right to you as you wander the beach. Roatan is home to some of the most beautiful shorelines in the world. Tourists come here for the beauty and for the island warmth. The sun and the sand make this beach a pleasure to stroll and a sight to behold. What makes it even better is the fact that this gentleman, Sammy delivers one of the world's best pina coladas as you dip your toes in the ocean. He paddles his kayak up and down the shore, starting his day at 10:00 and ending it when the last pineapples or coconuts are sold. Loading the kayak with hundreds of pounds of fruit, rum, pina colada mix and straws, he sets out along the shallows, searching for thirsty tourists who need some refreshment. Dave, a visitor from Canada heard the call for drinks as he strolled. Eager to support a hardworking businessman, he rushed down to greet this mobile bartender. In his hurry, Dave almost took a few beanbags in the head as he barged through a game in progress. Sammy threw out his anchor, a small concrete block and he set to work preparing a very fresh drink for Dave. At $10, this monstrous drink was a bargain and the experience added to the value. Sammy earned his money and a tip. In a world where it is hard to make ends meet, this brilliant entrepreneur has created a solid business model and developed a niche market that makes him very comfortable. Sammy is a huge hit among the locals and the tourists in this little paradise, and it's easy to see why.

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

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