WildCreatures

Swimming with sea turtles is on the wish list of almost every animal lover and nature enthusiast. They are beautiful and graceful creatures that inspire awe in all who see them. But to swim beside one in its own world or to have one approach on its own terms is an experience that is too beautiful to describe. This swimmer slipped into the ocean off Floreana Island in the Galapagos. It is a very remote part of the world with very few inhabitants and only occasional day visitors. The wildlife here has learned that they have no reason to fear humans. A respectful approach allowed this swimmer to get a close look at several huge Pacific green turtles as they drifted and fed on algae and other vegetation. Keeping his arms at his side and allowing the current to carry him, the swimmer found himself able to watch the turtles for a prolonged period. The turtles acted as if he was another turtle or at least something that caused them no concern. The surge of the ocean would occasionally bring the turtles so close that it was an effort for them not to bump into him. With so many turtles around him it was difficult to know how to avoid contact or where to look for the best view. The video footage captures a close up look at the turtles grazing contentedly. It is such a peaceful and magical experience that this swimmer will not likely forget this encounter. The Galapagos Islands are home to many unique and beautiful creatures on land as well as beneath the waves.

Kaila is an adventurous and fun-loving person who doesn't mind trying anything challenging. When she traveled to the Galapagos Islands with a group of Canadian tourists, they found themselves at a a giant tortoise conservation centre. Part of the benefit of these facilities is that they provide education and understanding through displays and materials that people can actually touch. One of the displays was a set of tortoise shells from animals that had died of natural causes. Guests were invited to touch the shells to see how solid and heavy they are. They were also invited to climb inside for a sense of how massive the tortoises really are. Kaila was interested in the shells and her group knew that her enthusiasm for things like this would leave her tempted to try one on. Being a good sport, Kaila stepped up and agreed to climb inside one of the shells. She easily slipped inside the enormous shell with room to spare. Kaila lifted the shell off the ground, remarking at the effort required to hoist such a weight. As she got to her feet, she realized that getting back down, or even out of the shell, was going to require assistance. After a pirouette, Kaila's husband and friends came to the rescue and lowered her back to the floor. She was able to crawl out of the shell after that. These tortoises are incredible animals that are seen as a symbol of the Galapagos Islands. Descended from the giant tortoises of Africa, they have evolved to survive in a dry climate with different vegetation. Their longer necks allow them to reach leaves on shrubs that their descendants could not. Through selective breeding, they have also developed shells with an indentation above the head that allows the neck to stretch up and back even more. The tortoises can live as long as 200 years and they can grow to a weight of more than 400kg (880lbs). They have no defense except to retreat into their shells and wait for a predator to grow tired and go away. Their shells and thick skin make them almost impenetrable. But, as a result of hunting by humans and habitat destruction, their numbers declined in the past few hundred years and the species was at risk of disappearing. Conservation centres like these are helping the tortoise populations increase again through captive breeding and habitat construction. They are now protected and the residents of these islands are making the effort to help the tortoises survive.

Channel clinging crabs are enormous and beautiful creatures that emerge under cover of darkness to hunt in the night. They inhabit reefs throughout Florida and the Caribbean and they are the largest of the crab species in these parts of the ocean. Their shell, or carapace measures at least 15cm (6 inches) across and their legs reach another 60cm (2 feet). Too large to hide in the usual crevices, they spend the day hiding under ledges and in small caves, relying on their camouflage to help disguise them as rocks and chunks or coral. They come out at night to feed on algae and decaying plants and animal matter. Janitors of the reef, they clean up organic material that would rot and cause bacterial growth. This keeps the water clean and also helps reduce the impact of rotting matter on the corals and sponges. They play a role in keeping algae growth in check as well, which benefits the reef. These crabs are an important food source for larger predators such as octopus and even some stingrays. Scuba divers on this reef in Belize waited until nightfall to slip beneath the waves. They navigated by lights and explored what is a different world after the sun sets. These gigantic crabs are numerous as they comb the reef and sandbars in search of their food. They are fascinating to watch as they use their giant claws to pick up food and pass it into their mouths. Resembling mechanized robots, their movements are mesmerizing. Not much is known about these crabs. Researchers know that they are omnivores and that they are nocturnal, but there is still a lot to be learned about how they breed, how long they live, and their whole role in the complex web of life that exists in our oceans.

Hogfish are large fish that roam over the sandy areas on reefs throughout the Caribbean and other areas in the Atlantic ocean. It is a shy and reclusive fish that prefers to avoid being approached by humans or other animals. Scuba divers who are patient enough to close the distance slowly will occasionally get a close look at one, but the encounters are usually brief. They seem to be aware that they are prized for their food value and they are considered to be excellent for spearing and eating. This hogfish seems to be very comfortable being filmed and he casually picks through sand and plants on the surface of a mooring block in Belize while he is filmed. He casts a wary eye toward the cameraman now and then but he boldly swims straight up to the lens and even puts himself between the diver and the mooring block at one point. Turning his back on the diver as he looks for tiny crabs and mollusks, he shows complete confidence that he is in no danger. The hogfish goes a step further though when he comes across Peter who is intent on capturing a photograph of a juvenile French Angelfish. The elusive little fish is darting back and forth and Peter is remaining still to wait for the little fish to position himself for the shot. As if he wants to be the star, the hogfish casually swims right in front of the camera, photobombing the angelfish. For a fish that is normally shy, this lack of concern is remarkable. Several scuba divers who were exploring around this mooring block watched with complete fascination, laughing later as they talked about this event back on the boat. It seems that the hogfish wanted to "hog" the spotlight and be the centre of attention. This video was filmed at a depth of 10m (33 feet) on a sunny day with perfectly calm conditions. The sand bar between the two coral reefs provided a perfect spot to explore and observe fish, octopus, crabs and reef sharks. Scuba diving is a sport that opens doors to a magnificent and awe inspiring world. The animals are unique and the scenery under the waves is beautiful beyond words.

This reef shark is a well known character in Belize. He lives on a reef that is a favourite spot for scuba divers and he has a habit of following the liveaboard from one dive site to another over several days. His name is "Patches" due to the two large scars on his head just behind his eyes. It is believed that he received these scars when he was younger as he fed on the surface of the ocean. The frigate birds pecked at him, causing wounds on his head that healed, but left scars. The locals speak fondly of Patches, having become very fond of him over recent years. He is 9 feet long with a mouthful of teeth, yet they are not afraid when he shows up to accompany them as they drift over the coral. Scuba divers in Belize are combatting the problem of invasive lion fish by spearing them as they dive. These fish were never meant to be in the Atlantic ocean. They were released by accident and they have over populated and destroyed populations of native fish, risking the overall health of reefs throughout the area. The lion fish are beautiful, but they are also deadly predators and they have no natural predators of their own. It is hoped that spearing lion fish will decrease their numbers and that feeding them to the sharks and eels will create a recognition that they are food to be hunted. Patches is not following the divers out of affection. It may be curiosity, but it is largely his interest in the possibility of a free meal as they capture and kill the lion fish. Once injured, the sharks are able to eat the lion fish without being stabbed by their venomous barbs. There are different schools of thought on feeding the wildlife. Some experts maintain that it is a bad practice to have animals associate humans with food. Others believe that the benefit outweighs the negative. In the meantime, scuba divers throughout the Atlantic are being encouraged to harvest the lion fish and remove them from the reef. As it turns out, they are a delicious fish to eat. Perhaps when we also see them as an excellent food source, hunting them for profit will be the solution that we are looking for.

Spotted salamanders are fascinating creatures that live in most forests throughout central and eastern United States and Canada. They are abundant yet we rarely see them. Like other salamanders, they live under leaves and logs, and in the burrows of small rodents and mammals, spending a great deal of the year underground. They eat worms and insects and keep to themselves. But every year, these salamanders move in unison in great numbers, seeking the closest pond or vernal pool for breeding. They prefer small bodies of water without fish, which would eat their eggs. The salamanders can journey considerable distances to find their breeding grounds. This migration takes place at night in the early spring when the snow and ice have just begun to melt. Signaled by their hormones, they wait for the first rainy night that is more than 7°C (45°F) to make their trek to the water. The males arrive first and deposit sperm on the leaf litter in the pond. The females arrive soon after and gather the sperm pouches, taking them inside their bodies to fertilize their eggs. They lay the eggs in masses of up to 100 eggs, attached to submerged sticks near the water's edge. Salamanders have an amazing regenerative ability that allows them to regrow limbs, organs, and even portions of their brains if they are injured. Scientists are particularly interested in understanding this ability and how it might benefit humans. Spotted salamanders are unique from other species in several ways. They are the only vertebrate animal in the world that hosts another organism in a symbiotic relationship. Typically, when a vertebrate is a host to another organism, it is a parasitical relationship, having no benefit to the host. In this case, the salamander eggs contain an algae that uses sunlight to create energy and oxygen. This benefits the eggs by helping to sustain them as they grow and develop. The algae benefits from the stability and protection of the egg and also from the carbon dioxide that it consumes, which is produced by the eggs. The spotted salamander also lays eggs that are coated with a unique outer jelly to prevent the eggs from drying out. On some eggs, the jelly morphs into a water soluble, protein based substance, and on other eggs, it becomes a crystalline protein that repels water. The fact that it develops into two different types allows for the survival of eggs when wood frog larvae are present. The wood frogs would eat the water soluble eggs and deplete the population of salamanders. This is where the algae in the eggs is crucial because the crystalline jelly prevents oxygen absorption from the water. Nature can be complex and fascinating beyond our expectations. The world around us is more of a wonder than we once realized and we would not even realize it if we did not take a close look at some of the small creatures that are right under our feet.

Marine iguanas are incredible examples of adapting and evolving to survive in impossible conditions and harsh climates. These lizards are descended from land iguanas that needed fresh water and terrestrial vegetation to survive. The Galapagos Islands formed 4 million years ago and life found its way here. In some cases, animals were brought here unintentionally, adrift on the masses of floating vegetation or on the ocean currents. Marine iguanas are believed to have evolved 8-9 million years ago when they inhabited parts of the archipelago that are now submerged. When the islands formed, they found their way ashore on the new structures and made them their homes. These iguanas live in a hostile climate where water and vegetation is scarce for much of the year. During the dry season, there would be no food and no fresh water. The iguanas adapted to life here by eating the algae that grows along the shore and under the waves. Females and younger iguanas feed in the intertidal zones while the larger males are strong enough to dive for algae, sometimes as deep as 30m (98ft) and can spend as long as one hour underwater. This ability to swim in strong current and hold their breath is what allows them to thrive where food is difficult for most animals to access. The marine iguana consumes exclusively red and green algae that has a high salt content. The buildup of salt in the marine iguana's body would lead to dehydration and death if the iguana did not have a way of expelling salt. These animals have developed specialized cranial exocrine glands to help them filter salt out of the blood. The salt is then expelled from the body in a manner that resembles sneezing. This iguana can be see snorting out salty fluid as it basks in the sun. Marine iguanas are cold blooded reptiles and they must bask in the sun to keep their bodies warm enough for efficient movement and food digestion. Their dark colour helps with heat reabsorption. They are also capable of lowering their heart rate to 30 beats per minute to help conserve warmth as they swim in the colder water. While basking, their heart rate increases to 100 beats per minute to help them spread the heat throughout their body. In a world where the conditions are not ideal for survival, the adaptations of the animals in the Galapagos Islands can mean the difference between perishing and surviving. The marine iguana is a perfect example of overcoming the challenges and adapting to the environment.

Great horned owls are large and powerful birds. Although they are not the tallest of the owls in North America, they are the heaviest, and often referred to as the largest of the owl family. Their grip strength is unequalled and their talons are razor sharp. As hunters, few owls compare. These owls are particularly of rabbits but they will eat most rodents, small mammals, and even other owls. These owlets are a few weeks old, having hatched in late March. Great horned owls are the first birds in North America to nest and lay eggs. The owlets will fledge in a few more weeks, following their parents and learning how to catch food on their own. For now, they remain in the nest with both parents sharing in the feeding. At first, they will rip chunks off of their kill and feed the owlets small pieces that can be swallowed. As they grow, the parents will leave larger pieces of food in the nest and the babies will tear their own smaller pieces off. The mother and father watch protectively from nearby branches as the babies sleep and eat and wait for their feathers to grow. This adorable little fellow has been awake long enough. He has grown tired and he yawns adorably several times before settling down in the nest for a morning nap. The owls will return each year, building a new nest in a new tree, but always favoring this clump of pines in the forest. Great horned owls choose a preferred territory and nesting area, returning annually.

Sea lions populate almost every sandy beach and rocky shore in the Galapagos Islands. These loveable characters live in large colonies with complex social structure. It's hard to find a spot to stretch out on the sand without being close to at least one. This beach on San Cristobal Island is no different from the others. A large male watches over his colony of females along with many babies. The babies live a life that we would all be envious of. While the mothers are out hunting for food, the babies play in the surf and on the sand, patiently waiting for the return of their mother. These youngsters play an energetic game of chasing each other in and out of the waves. One of them has even found a chunk of broken sea urchin and he chases it as the surf throws it around in the shallows. The female sea lions are like milk machines and they feed their young for more than a year as the young grow big and strong enough to venture out into the ocean for their own food. The mother sea lions come back to shore with full bellies and they call out to their babies who will answer the calls enthusiastically. The two will greet each other as the mother finds a spot to lie down in the sun or in the shade. She will roll on her side to allow the pup access to her milk. The pup will drink until he is full and then he will find a quiet spot to nap as well. This will be repeated several times per day. It's an easy life, for the most part. We should all have a chance to live like this for at least a few weeks!

Baby sea lions are delightful creatures. They spend their time playing in the tidepools, entertaining themselves while their mothers are out a sea, hunting for eels, fish, and octopus. They wait anxiously at the shore for their mothers to return so that they can nurse on the milk that is their main food source for at least a year. A young sea lion would be an easy meal for a large shark if it were to venture out into the open ocean. Nearly every beach and rocky shore in the Galapagos Islands is inhabited by sea lion colonies. Their barks and the cries of the infants are heard above the roar of the surf in almost all locations. This adorable fellow is keeping himself amused with a chuck of broken sea urchin that washes in and out with each wave. Like a dog with a new ball, he chases it and tosses it away, only to chase it again. He is having fun, but he is also developing skills as he learns to manage the ocean currents and capture things underwater. This will serve him well as he develops the ability to hunt for himself as he grows. Sea lions delight and fascinate the tourists of the Galapagos Islands. They are one of the most loveable creatures imaginable. As tempting as it is to touch a baby sea lion, doing so will leave a scent that will almost certainly cause the mother to abandon her young. It will perish from starvation and dehydration. The beaches are also the scene of incredible tragedy as the plaintiff cries of orphaned babies can be heard often. Not all mothers return from the ocean and their young will usually be left without any chance for survival. This is nature's way, and as difficult as it is to watch, humans must never interfere, even with the best of intentions.

Formula one race cars are the fastest regulated-road course racing cars in the world. These super car teams compete at several races each year, known as Grand Prix races, which occur all over the world. The cars reach 350km/h (215mph) and achieve a staggering 6.5 lateral G on the corners. A professional team runs an annual budget of a whopping 247 million dollars to compete. Sponsorship costs are astronomical and fan response is unparalleled. This lucky supercar fan was at the finish line in one of the best seats for the race as it occurred in Montreal, Canada. He recorded the excitement of the cars, the crowd, and the fighter jets that were seen that day. The roar of the engines as the cars whizzed by was incredible and the speeds reached on this straight stretch made the cars almost impossible to focus on as they hit impressive speeds. These races have been taking place since the first official world championship race in the United Kingdom in 1950. Ferrari, Mercedes, Alfa Romeo, Lotus, Bugatti, McLaren, Maserati and others have been competing for the glory and the title of the fastest race cars on the planet. This is a multi-billion dollar business and the hype and excitement are beyond description. The competition for technological advantage is also massive. With engineers constantly working to improve aerodynamic grip and technical grip. The addition of wings and changes in their construction affected the amount of turbulence created behind the cars, which actually changed the way other drivers were able to draft behind one another. Tactics and techniques changed. And advances made competition in the sport an even more costly endeavor. The history and the strategy behind the sport is as fascinating as the sleek machines themselves. An event like this is one that few fans present would ever forget.

Galapagos tortoises are majestic animals that grow to an enormous size. They can reach 417kg (915lbs) and they can live for nearly 200 years. But these gentle giants are famous for being one of the slowest moving animals on the planet. This tortoise has decided it is time to go to the pond and meet his girlfriend. What appears to be a very slow motion approach is actually the tortoise's top speed. He is in a full out tortoise run as he makes his way down the bank and into the water. The female tortoise in the water is eager to meet him and her approach is also nearing her top speed as she wades over in his direction. The male tortoise must be trying to impress her as he completely submerges his head in what is the equivalent of a head first dive into the pond. It is hard to know if all of this is his demonstration of athleticism for his love interest, or if he genuinely wants to make a splash. The two gaze adorably into the eyes of the other as they bring their faces close enough that they could actually kiss. After a sniff and a loving look, the two wander off together to the other end of the watering hole. It's hard to know if the tortoise has any desire to make an impression or if he is simply looking for roots and vegetation under the water. Either way, this meeting is reminiscent of two teenagers at the local swimming hole, with the male trying to show off for the one he cares for. These tortoises are residents of Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos. The people here recognize the importance of these beautiful beasts and they do what they can to help with conservation and breeding programs. These tortoises were nearing extinction in recent years, but they are now making a comeback. It will take many years to bring the populations back to where they should be but a committed effort is being made, with encouraging results.

Sally Lightfoot crabs are possibly the most beautiful of all the crab species. Vividly colored in red and white with gold trim, these crabs are a sight to behold. Aptly named, they are incredibly quick and agile, making them almost impossible to catch. They inhabit almost all beaches and rocky surface in the Galapagos Islands, and other tropical areas, providing a janitorial service by ridding the beach of decaying vegetation and animal matter. This large Sally Lightfoot is patrolling his beach on San Cristobal Island, gobbling up algae and any other edible material that will overrun the beach if not removed. This is a crucial role that prevents rot, stench, and bacteria that would be a threat to other animals, and even people wishing to use the beach. In true crab fashion, this large fellow walks sideways on his eight legs, ready to make a quick dash for cover if danger appears. Birds and other crabs are the main predators of the Sally Lightfoot. Despite the vast numbers that appear along the intertidal areas of beaches, they are so hard to catch that few predators consider them a food source worth pursuing. These crabs are vulnerable to a very specialized and disturbing parasite, the Rhizocephalan barnacle that effectively takes over the entire crab. It extends veins throughout the crab, even throughout the legs, resembling a root system, robbing the host of nutrients in order to feed. It will also destroy the sexual organs of the host crab in the process. Sally Lightfoot crabs are a beautiful sight and a delight for tourists to photograph, as long as they remain still long enough to capture a well focused image. Their distinctive look has made them one of the more iconic animals of the Galapagos Islands.

This adorable penguin is living his life at the last place you would expect to find a penguin. His home is in the Galapagos Islands, almost exactly on the equator. Penguins are generally found in Antarctica and the southern tip of the African continent. But one smaller species of penguin has adapted for life in the Galapagos Islands. The Galapagos penguin thrives here because of the abundance of sardines and mullets, their primary food source. The fish are brought here by the convergence of three strong ocean currents that create a surprisingly cool climate, despite being situated so close to the equator. It is only because of these cooler waters that the penguin survives so easily in this location. This is the only species of penguin that can be found in the northern hemisphere. This penguin has climbed onto a rock to bask in the sunshine beside a colony of marine iguanas. He shakes his tail feathers in the most adorable way to help remove water. The penguin will warm up and dry his feathers in the sun until he becomes hungry enough to venture back into the water to feed again. Penguins are flightless birds that have adapted to life in the water instead of the air. Their short wings lack flight feathers but they function extremely well at propelling them through the water as they hunt. Penguins are incredibly agile under the surface and they are able to catch fish easily. The Galapagos penguin reaches a height of 50cm (20 inches) and a weight of 4.5kg (10lbs). With their distinctive black and white markings that resemble a tuxedo, they are beautiful birds to look at. This penguin happily posed for some Canadian tourists that had been following the shoreline in small, inflatable boat called a panga. The animals in the Galapagos are shown great respect and they have little reason to fear humans. It is often possible to observe them close up if a cautious and slow approach is employed. This penguin cast a curious glance at the visitors occasionally but he was content to close his eyes and relax as they captured pictures and videos. Seeing animals in their natural environment is a thrill beyond anything that can be experienced at a zoo.

Brent is an animal lover and nature enthusiast. He has travelled to the Galapagos Islands to experience some of the most diverse and fascinating life on the planet. An avid scuba diver, he explores the underwater world just as much as he explores the world on land. On the small Island of Cristobal, Brent went for a walk along a beach that is inhabited by a colony of sea lions. As the females lounged and nursed their young, the bull sea lion wallowed in the shallows. Brent stood back a respectful distance and watched the babies basking in the sunshine. But one of the babies was watching him with equal fascination. Young sea lions are playful, friendly, and very curious. As tempting as it would be to interact with the animals or even pet them, there are strict laws in place to keep people from doing so. The smell of a human on a baby sea lion will almost definitely cause the mother to abandon her baby. Brent knows this well and he maintains his distance, but the sea lion has other ideas. As Brent begins to walk away, the sea lion ambles after him, reluctant to see him go. Brent is delighted with the sea lion's reaction and he comments that the baby seems to like him. He watches the baby and smiles widely. Then he notices that other young sea lions have taken an interest and they are coming at him from all directions. Brent might as well open a sea lion daycare to look after his new friends. He is certainly a sea lion whisperer.

Electric cars have taken the world by storm. Rechargeable vehicles allow us to drive from one place to another without creating carbon emissions as we travel. No longer reliant on fossil fuels, owners can drive past the gas pumps without all the panic and frustration at the rising prices. Gone are the feelings of contributing to the complex politics of buying oil from other countries. But the debate over the benefits and disadvantages rages on. Each answer that we think we have found leads to more questions about the true environmental impact and the world's ability to produce energy needed to power these new vehicles. One thing is certain. Tesla has been at the forefront of this debate and they have been providing their owners with software upgrades to increase the features and the appeal of their brand of electric vehicles. Tesla came out with a downloadable software package just before Christmas. Provided free, it allowed the car owners to make their car play a Christmas melody while the lights and moveable features of the car adjusted in sync to the music. It delighted most people, and it drew criticism from those who thought it was needless and obnoxious because it served no practical purpose. In answer to the critics' response, Tesla has now come out with a software download that is far more functional and practical. Not only will it save the owners a lot of money because they can live in the car or use it for winter holidays, but it will also serve as a survival aid. Opponents of the electric car industry have been questioning all along what would happen to an electric car owner in the event that they were stranded due to weather or a highway closure. People have asked if the car occupants would perish without any ability to heat the interior of the car. Well none of that matters now since we have been provided with the perfect solution. It's the Igloo Survival Mode. At the push of a button, owners download the software that will turn the car into an igloo. Surrounded by snow, owners and passengers are insulated from the elements. There is even a virtual fireplace in the car that is synched with the heater, blowing warm air in a convincing manner to make you feel like you are cozy and warm in front of a winter fire. All of this comes just in time, following record breaking snowfalls in Canada. Haven't we all wanted an igloo that we could take wherever w go. It seems that, with this added feature, we now have even more reason to love these electric vehicles.

A reef shark in Belize was observed with what appears to be an isopod, or gill parasite attached to the outer part of its gill flap. It cruised around and seemed unaffected by the parasite, but scuba divers who witnessed the attached pest were horrified, with very good reason. Isopods are a parasitic creature that attach to bony fish, usually the smaller species such as yellow striped grunts. The isopod, also known as the tongue-eating louse is the only known organism that actually replaces an organ its host. Using its specially designed front claws, the female isopod attaches to the fish's tongue and severs the blood vessels, causing the tongue to fall off. The isopod then attaches to the stub and replaces the tongue. Some of these creatures feed on blood from the host and others consume fish mucous. The males attach to the gills behind the females. When two males are present in a host fish, one of the isopods changes into a female. It will then work it's way to the host's mouth and sever the tongue. As expected, this new female will then replace the tongue. Although it does not appear that the presence of an isopod has serious effect on the host fish, they are often found to be underweight when two or more of the isopods are present. This is the only known case of a parasite functionally replacing the organ in a host fish. It is a fascinating, yet disturbing behaviour. The ocean is full of mysteries that we are only starting to discover. It is a fascinating world that often leaves us in awe and wonder.

The giant tortoises of the Galapagos Islands are among the oldest living animals on earth. When we think of ancient creatures, this gentle giant is usually what comes to mind. But surprisingly, there are more than ten species of animals that outlive the estimated 200 year lifespan of a giant tortoise. Among them are jellyfish, sponges corals, clams, and even a few species of whale. The giant tortoise may hold the record as the longest living land animal. This giant tortoise lives on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos. He roams freely and munches happily on almost any vegetation that he finds. Slow moving, these animals do not have much hope of evading or outrunning any predator. They are not capable of fighting off any animal determined enough to attack it. Their defence is their heavy armour and their ability to outwait any threat. They are able to retreat into their shell and pull their legs in tight. The heavy scales and thick skin are almost impenetrable. Weighing as much as 400kg (880lbs) when full grown, few animals could overturn them or get at their vulnerable areas. The tortoise can wait in its shell until the predator grows tired and leaves. In fact, almost any carnivore would die of starvation long before the tortoise needed to come out of its shell. They can last as long as one year without food or water. The longevity of the tortoise is another reason that they are still on the planet. Living over 200 years allows them to last through many breeding seasons, with the females laying thousands of eggs in their lifetime. Unfortunately, the eggs and the small tortoises are not safe from predators such as rats, dogs, and birds. This tortoise may be old enough to have been alive when Charles Darwin made his historic voyage on the HMS Beagle from 1831 to 1836, bringing him to these islands where he found the data and inspiration for his theories of evolution. The giant tortoises of the Galapagos Islands are beautiful and fascinating. A trip to the islands would not be complete without spending some time watching these great beasts in their natural habitat.

Sea lions are immensely loveable and comical characters that charm the visitors who travel to the Galapagos Islands. Although the males can be grumpy and territorial, much of their behaviour resembles that of our canine friends, the family dogs. Their faces and antics are much like curious and playful pups. In fact, sea lions are often called sea dogs or the pups of the ocean. This is a bull male and he is the undisputed king of the sea lion colony at the main beach on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos. He spends his day lounging on the sand or in the shallows, venturing out to the open ocean to hunt for fish, eels, or octopus several times throughout the day. He will claim his mating rights with the females in the colony and he will watch over the young protectively. This funny sea lion entertains the tourists at the town pier by barking as if he is laughing. He cruises through the shallows and rolls on his back, enjoying the sunshine and the refreshing water. The young sea lions in the tide pool give him a respectful distance, knowing that he is the boss. Sea lions inhabit almost all of the beaches and rocky shores in the Galapagos Islands. Once full grown, they have few predators, except large sharks. Agile and capable hunters, they keep the populations of other animals in check, preying on the weak and the injured. Residents of the Galapagos Islands have a firm understanding of the need to avoid interfering with the animals that share their home. They are careful to not intentionally touch or feed the sea lions, as tempting as it may be. They will also gently remind visitors of the need to adhere to the laws on this. For most people, a highlight of a visit to the Galapagos Islands is the time spent watching these loveable and hilarious clowns of the ocean.

Great horned owls are the largest owl species in North America. Although the snowy owl is taller, the great horned owl is the heaviest of the family. It is the most powerful in terms of talon grip strength and ability to carry off larger prey. It feeds primarily on rabbits, voles, and other rodents, but it also takes down birds, including other owls. This mother owl has found a clump of trees in a remote spot on the edge of an Ontario forest. she laid her eggs in February, during an extremely cold time of year in Canada. But she is large enough and insulated well enough to keep her eggs warm for the 37 days that it takes for her babies to hatch. She and her mate will spend 42 days caring for and feeding the young until they are developed enough to fly from the nest. These two babies are as fluffy and soft looking as a plush toy, but they will soon have flight feathers and wings strong enough to carry them. The parents bring them rabbit or other meals several times per day. The owlets will make a clumsy descent to the ground very soon and the parents will continue to feed them and to encourage them to fly. Within a day or two, they will be capable of lifting off the ground and finding a safer perch where they will watch and learn from the parents' hunting behaviour. Owls are protective of their young and any predators will have a hard time if they try to eat the babies while the parents are nearby. Even mid-sized mammals would not be a match for an angry great horned owl's talons or razor sharp beak. As with most owls, they are capable of near soundless flight. Their feathers are specially designed to make no noise, enabling them to attack without warning. These owls are one of the most iconic and beautiful of all the owl family. Their characteristic hoot and yellow eyes make them one of the most popular owls among nature lovers.

Horses are beautiful animals that could teach us all about enjoying the moment and living in happiness. These incredible animals are Jasper and Banner and they have a lot of reason to be happy. They live on a gorgeous farm in Southern Ontario where they have paddocks and meadows to graze and a cozy barn for shelter. There are miles of trails through long grass and wooded areas. The horse are taken for walks or rides daily and it's hard to tell whether it's them or their humans that love the adventures more. Banner and Jasper had just finished a morning trot through the fields and around the property and they were showing their happiness at their freedom. They spend their days chasing each other or grazing together on the lush, green grass. Watching horses as contented as these two warms the heart!

It is a beautiful thing to see two dogs working together in a cooperative fashion. These two dogs are determined to both bring back one stick. When their owner, Tom throws it out into the frozen lake, they race each other to get it. They are Dia and Jaxx, a pair of Labradoodle sisters who are living the good life in Sault St. Marie in Northern Ontario, Canada. They love the water and they love the snow. They any of the games that give them an excuse to go in it or on it. Jaxx and Dia both run to get the stick when Tom throws it. Although she is slightly smaller, Dia is the dominant of the two and she won't let Jaxx win easily. This is a game that these two dogs love, and they will literally play it all day long. They happily bring the stick to Tom and hand it right to him. They wait eagerly for him to throw it out on the ice to replay the whole thing again and again. This age old game of fetch is one of the things that we love so much about dogs. It is an endearing game that helps people and dogs bond, although we usually end up asking ourselves what it is about this game that amuses dogs so much. Do we have them trained, or is it the other way around. Tom is an avid outdoorsman and nature enthusiast. These two dogs probably know that he is about the best owner in the world for taking them on adventures in the wilderness almost every day.

Tonga is a beautiful area of the world, and one of the few places where people can get into the water with humpback whales. These gentle giants travel here in July from all around the world so that they can breed and bear their young in waters where there are no orcas or large sharks. Humpbacks have few predators when they are full grown, but the calves are vulnerable to these predators when they are small. Swimmers were filming this incredible animal near the island of Vava'u, enjoying a spectacular display as the humpback rolled at the surface. But a blur of motion caught the eye of the swimmer with the camera as she they finished watching the whale. Too fast to be seen clearly, the swimmer was only aware of the fact that something large and incredibly fast had passed close by. Watching the footage later and slowing it down revealed that a large sailfish had passed between the whale and the swimmer. Sailfish are the fastest swimmers in the ocean. Their top speed is the topic of debate, with some sources citing that they can reach 125km/h (68mph), while others say that 35km/h is the highest recorded speed. They use this great speed to spear and injure fish with their long and sharp bill. Impaling or slashing fish causes them to swim much slower, allowing the sailfish to capture them. This is a particularly effective means of attack when more than one sailfish attacks a school of smaller fish, such as sardines. This swimmer was not in any serious danger, but the thought of such a large fish coming past like a torpedo with a harpoon on the front was intimidating. It is rare for a swimmer to catch sight of a sailfish as they will avoid humans, and it is even more rare for a person to capture an event like this on video.

Tonga is one of the few places in the world where people can get into the water with Humpback whales. To swim in the presence of such magnificent animals is beyond awe inspiring. This mother humpback has come to these peaceful waters to have her baby, safe from predators such as orcas and large sharks. A newborn calf would be easy prey for such animals. The humpback cow will nurse her calf for several months before he is big enough and strong enough to follow her north to colder waters where they will feed of small fish, krill, and shrimp. He will eat enormous amounts in this time to put on as much weight as possible. A large male, also known as a bull, can be seen with the mother and her baby. These males are known as escorts. They will often wait patiently, protecting the young family in the hope that it will secure him breeding rights when the time comes for the female to mate again. Humpback whales are enormous and majestic animals, growing to a length of 17m (56 feet) and weighing as much as 44 metric tons. Humpbacks migrate almost 16,000km (10,000 miles) each year between the polar waters where they feed and the tropical waters where they breed and give birth. Humpbacks use sophisticated vocalizations, known as singing to communicate with other whales. These songs can be heard as far as 10km (6 miles) away. The purpose of these complex songs has been the topic of debate. Once hunted to near extinction, the humpback populations are making a slow comeback. Pollution, net entanglement, and collisions with ships are still serious threats to these beautiful animals.

Jerry is a teppanyaki chef with extreme skills. He combines comedy and cooking skills in a presentation that involves juggling, samurai type spatula maneuvers, and flames. As he prepares the food, Jerry throws in a few jokes and one liners. Jerry reads the room well as he flings a shrimp onto the plate of one of the amused diners at the table. As Jerry mixes eggs, rice, seafood and vegetables, he converses with patrons and asks what has brought them to the restaurant. Dave and Kristy explained that it is their 25th wedding anniversary and that they are visiting this Benihana restaurant for the first time. Jerry quietly started working on an artistic presentation, arranging the main course in a heart shape and he added a message spelled out with salt on the grill. Jerry has some impressive moves as he spins the spatula and fork, mesmerizing the guests at the table. When he drops the spatula, he recovers quickly with a joke and a grin. He manages to fling an egg in the air and catch it on his chef's hat. When this brings laughter from the small crowd, he repeats this with the salt shaker and the shrimp tails. Jerry arranges the onion rings in a tower and drizzles oil into the centre, lighting it with a match that erupts like a flaming volcano. Gasps of delight can be heard as the guests remark that they had been hoping to see some flames during the performance. The experience was truly entertaining from start to finish, but the food was an experience in itself. Steak, vegetables, seafood, and rice combine to provide impressive portions and fantastic flavours. Part showman, part chef, part samurai, and part ninja, Jerry delivered more than the guests had bargained for on this memorable anniversary.