WildCreatures

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.

These mantas live in the remote waters of the Galapagos Islands. Three strong currents collide in these waters to form an upwelling of nutrients from the sea floor. This creates a source of food for small fish and plankton, creating a unique environment and a thriving ecosystem. Larger animals come here to feed and to drift on the currents effortlessly. These giant manta rays have gathered by the hundreds to engage in courtship rituals and feeding behaviours. The scuba divers who found themselves among these majestic giants were thrilled at the once in a lifetime encounter. The mantas were so plentiful that the scuba divers could not avoid them, even if they wanted to. To witness such gigantic beasts swimming gracefully past, close enough to touch was an experience that will never be forgotten.

This lioness is a strong, sleek, and proud animal. At the top of the food chain, she has little to fear. She stands majestically, looking out over the grasslands where she hunts. Behind her, two cubs play and chase each other. They catch up with heir mother and one of them can be seen as he playfully challenges her, jumping at her like he is hunting himself. These lions live in a vast protected land in Kenya, Africa. They are safe here from poachers as they live like nature intended them to. Powerful and fearless, they are creatures that inspire awe and wonder. The lucky safari guests on this tour will not soon forget the close up view they have enjoyed of these beautiful lions.

There are fish in the ocean of all shapes, colours, and sizes. Some swim and hunt on their own. Others school in vast numbers, creating a mesmerizing effect. These small, transparent fish were seen schooling behind a coral head in the remote waters of the Galapagos Islands. A diver came across them as he explored the reef. These fish have transparent bodies, making them look almost like they are just eyes and stomachs. The rest of the fish is almost invisible. They move in unison as they react to changes in the current or the visual stimuli around them. This is a defence mechanism, making the individuals more difficult for predators to single out and catch. Life in the Galapagos Islands is incredibly diverse and unique. The animals here have adapted to survive life in this remote and hostile part of the world. They are famously unafraid of humans and many will allow observation from a very close distance.

Scuba diving is a thrilling sport that allows people to descend into a world that humans were never meant to see. Strapping a tank of air onto you back and slipping beneath the waves is an exhilarating and beautiful experience. But those who do so are aware of the many potential dangers that await them under the enormous pressure of the water above. They rely on specialized equipment to precisely deliver pressurized air to keep them alive. They are also aware that they cannot rapidly change their depth without consequences. For a scuba diver, ascending too quickly is one of the worst causes of catastrophe. Bait balls are mesmerizing and inviting. The flash of millions of fish darting in unison can take a diver's breath away. But when the enormous school of fish envelops a person, the diver will lose all sense of where they are in relation to the surface or the bottom. It can be easy to breath in deeper, filling the lungs and becoming more buoyant. The diver will begin to rise and will accelerate toward the surface if they are not careful. The fish swim from side to side, but also up and down, removing all frame of reference. A wise scuba diver will focus on controlled breathing and they will closely monitor their dive computer to keep their depth consistent. Even with the aid of the computer, a diver's eyes will give conflicting information as the fish create a sense of chaos. It is also possible to see large predators following the tuna, which can present their own hazards if the diver is mistakenly bitten. This scuba diver was exploring the area near Darwin Island in the remote waters of the Galapagos. The animal life here is like nowhere else on earth. The wildlife is famously unafraid of humans, creating opportunities for close up encounters at every turn.

Lions are referred to as the "King of Beasts". They are the top predators on the African plains, fearing very little. Only a large pack of determined hyenas can threaten a full grown lion. Even then, the hyenas would need to corner a lion on his own to have a chance of taking one down. This lion has feasted on a wildebeest, one of their preferred meals, and he has gorged himself on the meat. The rest of the pride will eat when the dominant male has finished. They wait patiently, in most cases until it is safe to move in for the leftovers. With a full belly, this alpha male casually strolls away. This lion lives on a large expanse of land in Kenya that is protected from hunters and poachers. The animals roam freely here, living without interference from humans. The balance of nature is as it is intended to be, and the wildebeest has met its fate. Although it is a tragic end for the prey, it is survival for the predators. As the sun comes up on the plain, animals here know that they must run to survive. This is the law of nature and it cannot be ignored.

Lions are majestic animals with little to fear. They are at the top of the food chain, unconcerned enough that they dare to sprawl out in the sunshine and dream without a care. Life on the plains in Kenya, Africa is complex. Animals here live with the need to eat daily, and the threat that they could also be eaten. For most of the wildlife, the balance could change in an instant and with very little warning.

This iguana is as bold as they get. In the Galapagos, fish being cleaned at the local market are fair game for any of the animals to try to steal.

The Galapagos Islands are home to some of the most diverse and abundant life on the planet. The animals here are notoriously unafraid of people and they regard them with indifference or curiosity. These are juvenile red footed boobies, a species of bird that is common in the Galapagos Islands. Their name comes from the Spanish word "bobo", meaning foolish or clown, due their clumsy appearance on land. But in the air, they are powerful fliers. They spend their time on cliffs near the ocean, waiting for schools of bait fish to come to the surface. The boobies plunge head first into the water to catch their food. This tourist was enjoying a peaceful moment at the front of the scuba diving boat near Darwin Island when a flock of boobies joined him. They watched with curiosity as he moved to the ladder to go down to the lower level. The birds are surprisingly calm about a human sitting with them as they too, enjoy the view.

Manta rays are true giants that glide beautifully through the ocean by flapping their massive wings. In Spanish, "manta" means blanket, which describes their shape and size perfectly. They are gentle giants, with no ability or desire to harm humans. Unlike other stingrays, they have no venomous barbs in their tails. They defend themselves by out swimming predators. This scuba diver has explored the waters of Cayman Islands, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, and the Galapagos Islands but he has never seen manta rays in such numbers or so close as he did in this video. He and a group of divers slipped beneath the waves in the remote waters of the Galapagos only to be met by a huge school of manta rays involved in a courtship congregation. The males perform acrobatics in the hope of winning the approval of the females. Manta rays are very social animals and they are highly intelligent. They are one of the few animals that pass the "mirror test", indicating self awareness. When allowed to see their reflection, the mantas engage in behaviour that allows them to see parts of their bodies that they cannot otherwise see. This is a display of self curiosity that has astounded researchers. These giants are up to 7m (22 feet) across. To witness such a massive creature swimming and looping like this only a few meters away was breath taking and unforgettable.

All over the world, what people eat varies greatly. What we consider inedible might be a delicacy in other cultures. While North Americans have access to fast food and grocery stores overflowing with food, people in Africa often go long periods without enough food. Hunger changes one's perspective on what is a good meal. These families in Kenya, Africa rely on termites for a source of protein. When this termite mound erupted with winged termites ready for migration, the nearby villagers came up with an ingenious way of trapping and harvesting as many as possible. They quickly used blankets and tarps to make a tent over the termite mound. The escaping insects were not able to take flight and the families picked them out through an opening on one side. The children in this video are enjoying the extra calories and protein, as well as the taste. Many cultures eat termites and many people find that they taste like carrots. In a world where chicken and beef are unaffordable for most, there is great value in a handful of these large insects. This video in one of several that have been recorded by Naomy, a young woman who lives in this village. She can be heard speaking with the family in this footage. Naomy works very hard to manage a small farm plot where she grows carrots, yams, and corn. Farming is a hard occupation and she is at the mercy of the rains. The soil is poor and her farm plot is a great distance from her home. She uses this small farm to grow food for her family and friends. She also sells a few vegetables for extra income. Naomy also cares for her aged grandparents who raised her. Naomy has partnered with David, a video editor from Canada who runs this channel. Together, they use Naomyès videos to supplement her income. Naomy receives 100% of the earnings from views on her content. It is a small, but important source of income for this beautiful family. The funds will also help her pay for schooling for Emmanuel, a boy she took in as her own, several years ago. The family has also struggled with some medical bills. If you would like to help Naomy, this link will put money directly in their pocket. David will be happy to answer any questions you might (have. mojo_videos@hotmail.com) https://gofund.me/bc65456a is Naomy's link.

This young sea lion lives on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos. He has an injured flipper that makes it difficult for him to walk well or swim capably. He spends his days at the fish market, hoping that his pleading eyes will melt the hearts of the fishermen and the ladies who clean the catch. There is a rule here about not interfering with the wildlife, and it is generally adhered to strictly. There are good reasons to let nature manage itself and to stay out of the matter. Survival of the fittest benefits the species as a whole, and providing help to the weak or the injured will adversely affect the balance of the whole ecosystem. But, when a pair of big brown eyes look at you with such need, even the coldest heart would melt. These ladies spend their mornings cleaning the catch that is brought in by the fishermen and they work hard. They are accompanied by pelicans, frigates, iguanas, and sea lions as they cut the fish into portions. What is not edible would be thrown in the landfill, wasted. Instead, they provide this crippled sea lion with a little support. Trying not to call too much attention to the matter, they casually slip him some skins and guts, surreptitiously. The tourists watch with delight because they have also seen the sea lion struggling and they smile approvingly at this show of mercy. Understanding the rules is important, and following them is necessary, but a little "accidental" slip now and then seems harmless enough. Sea lions inhabit almost every rocky shore and sandy beach in the Galapagos Islands. They are the beloved sea dogs, very similar to our canine companions. Their faces and their antics resemble dogs so much that sailors used to call them sea dogs and sea puppies. Sea lions are fascinating and a joy to watch. They capture the hearts of everyone who visits these beautiful islands.

These scuba divers were drifting along on a mild current in the Galapagos Islands. They had ventured to the remote waters of Darwin Island to see hammerhead sharks and other marine life. They hoped to catch a glimpse of one of the ocean's most beautiful animals. Whale sharks are the biggest sharks in the ocean. In fact, they are the biggest fish of any kind. Second in size only to a few species of whales, they are truly enormous. But despite their size, they are truly the gentle giants of the deep. They have no teeth and they cannot bite a human or cause any harm, unless they crash into one who does not move out of their way. These scuba divers were in complete awe and wonder as they witnessed this mammoth up close. It appeared out of the blue and curved toward them, cruising right between the divers in the group. These gigantic sharks come here each year to bear their young and to feed in the currents around the islands. These waters are filled with hammerhead sharks, white tipped sharks, Galapagos sharks, sea turtles and fish of all shapes and sizes. Scuba divers also come here to explore the waters and see these animals in their natural environment. Three strong ocean currents collide here, bringing plankton and nutrients to the surface. Small fish congregate here, followed by larger fish that eat them. This brings the sharks and larger predators. It's a very unique and biodiverse part of the world that sees few humans. The animals here are famous for their lack of fear of people. This provides a close up look at some of the world's most magnificent life in its natural environment.

Gian manta rays are majestic creatures that glide through the ocean like enormous birds. Check it out!

Galapagos tortoise are enormous creatures that are incredible to watch. They are the largest living species of tortoises, reaching an incredible weight of up to 417kg (919lbs). They are among the oldest living creatures on earth, possibly having a life span of up to 200 years. These tortoise are descended from giant tortoises in Africa. It is believed that they drifted across the ocean on rafts of vegetation long ago. They are able to survive for up to a year without access to fresh water or food. Few animals would be capable of an extremely lengthy journey like this. Since their arrival in the Galapagos Islands, the tortoises have adapted to life in unique climates. Each sub species on each island has different characteristics that demonstrate their evolution to meet the challenges of their habitat and conditions. This giant male has found a place to drink and cool off on a hot day. He wanders through this mud hole in the company of several other tortoises. The tortoises here wander freely over the island, grazing on vegetation in the highlands and making a long trek to the coast to lay their eggs. The people of the Galapagos Islands have a healthy respect for these majestic creatures. Giant tortoise populations declines drastically over the last two centuries due to overharvesting of the tortoises for meat, as well as habitat encroachment by humans. In recent years, the tortoises have been making a comeback due to conservation efforts. Captive breeding and the banning of harvesting tortoises has increased their numbers significantly.

Scuba diving is an extremely safe sport when procedures and guidelines are followed carefully. But even seasoned divers occasionally make errors. In rare cases, those errors can be dangerous, or even fatal. Dave is a diver who documented his experience in Papua New Guinea. He had a very close call and he was lucky to survive this experience. While exploring the remote islands in Kimbe Bay, PNG, Dave took part in several group dives each day. The entire group used reliable computers and followed their dive guide. Dave was careful to watch his depth and he carefully ascended after each dive, making sure he came to the surface slowly enough to avoid decompression illness (the bends). But while the other divers on the boat skipped occasional dives, Dave didn't miss any. The result was an accumulation of nitrogen in his blood that eventually caught up with him. His dive computer did not indicate any potential problems. He fully believed that he was diving conservatively enough to avoid the bends. The footage of the shark took place at a depth of 22m (70 feet). After 45 minutes, the group ascended carefully. The divers had all accumulated nitrogen while under pressure. But Dave had more than a safe level and the gas created bubbles in his blood stream as the pressure lessened. As he climbed back onto the boat, he began to feel abdominal pain. He experienced nausea and confusion soon after getting out of his wetsuit. His hands and feet were going numb. When he had vision difficulty a few minutes later, he realized he had a serious problem. By now, all he could manage to do was to lie down. Dave's wife and Mark, the tour leader recognized immediately that he was suffering from decompression illness and that he was declining rapidly. By now, his vision was blurred and he was having speech difficulty. They quickly administered oxygen and prepared for an emergency evacuation. Mark began making calls to the Diver's Alert Network, an insurance organization that provides emergency care in incidents such as this one. Captain Alan changed course and headed for shore. The nearest hyperbaric chamber was in Port Moresby, several hours away by jet. Dave was transported by land ambulance to the airport where he was met by Dr. Bobby, the hyperbaric physician, and the pilot. Within minutes, Dave was flown to the chamber. The jet cabin was pressurized to mimic sea level. Nitrogen bubbles in a diver's bloodstream pose a serious danger. They can cause a stroke, brain damage, heart attacks, and paralysis. The symptoms in this case indicated that bubbles were present in Dave's brain and spinal cord. He was at risk of suffering neurological damage and life-threatening complications. When the jet landed, it taxied to the door of the hyperbaric chamber. Dave was unable to walk without assistance. After a very quick introduction to the hyperbaric team, Dave was put inside the chamber and the steel door closed behind him. A technician accompanied him and remained in the chamber throughout the six hour procedure. The chamber was pressurized quickly to mimic a depth of 20m (62 feet). The pressure decreases the bubbles in the bloodstream, lessening the risk of stroke and other problems. It also causes a great improvement in the symptoms that Dave had been feeling. But pressure causes the body to accumulate more nitrogen. To prevent this, Dave and the technician were given pure oxygen at precise intervals. Over the next six hours, pressure was carefully controlled and slowly decreased to simulate a slow and precise ascent from depth. This allows a diver to expel nitrogen through respiration. The controlled reduction in pressure prevents bubbles from forming. By the time pressure was normalized and the door opened, Dave felt much improved. Dr. Bobby and the hyperbaric team have extensive training and great skill. They treat divers from several countries in the South Pacific. They carefully monitored Dave for 4 days after treatment to ensure that his symptoms had been fully resolved. Any recurrence of medical trouble would require a second treatment in the chamber. After 4 days, Dr. Bobby cleared Dave for a flight home. To fly at altitude would create serious risk if a patient has not fully recovered. Dave has many people to thank for saving his life. His wife Kristy, Mark Strickland, Capt. Alan Raabe , Dr. Bobby, the Port Moresby Hyperbaric Team, and the late Max Benjamin for making things happen smoothly. He is also grateful to D.A.N. for providing high quality medical care. After returning home, Dave met with a scuba doctor who made it clear that he had a very close call. Dave continues to dive, but much more cautiously. He has also learned to not place excessive trust in dive computers.

The giraffe is one of the most beautiful and majestic animals on the planet. It holds the title as the tallest terrestrial animal and the largest ruminant on earth. It's long neck and striking pattern make it instantly recognized. Giraffes reach a height of 5.7 m (18.7 ft). Fully grown females reach a weight of 1,192 kg (2,628 lb) Females are slightly smaller. Giraffes hold several titles including being the animal with the longest tongue and the strongest tongue. Giraffes have uniquely adapted skull bones to allow them to bend their head back so they can access leaves directly above them. When drought strikes a region, the giraffe has very little competition as it easily reaches the highest foliage. But researchers believe that there is also a possibility that the giraffes with the longest necks require more nutrients than their counterparts, placing them at a disadvantage. The bone structure in a giraffe's head even gives them a very powerful weapon. The bony horns on the top of their head is used in combat with other giraffes to establish dominance. It is also used to deliver extremely powerful blows to predators such as lions and hyenas. With their long neck, they can swing their head like a club. Giraffes are fast runners, being able to maintain speeds of 50km/h (31mph) over great distances and up to 60km/h (37mph) for shorter sprints. This allows them to outrun many predators. A giraffe has a very large heart in comparison with other animals. It also possesses extremely strong esophageal muscles to allow food to pass back up to the mouth for rumination. Giraffes are truly a marvel of nature and a sight to behold. This magnificent animal is part of a wild herd in Kenya, Africa. A close look at a giraffe casually eating in the wild is something that will never be forgotten.

The ocean is full of bizarre and fascinating animals that we barely understand. Even the seemingly defenseless creatures that slowly inch their way along the ocean floor are capable of defending against predators. This is a world where the balance between predator and prey is a fine line and it can change in an instant. This is a species of sea cucumber with one of nature's most imaginative and baffling means of protecting itself. When threatened, it shoots strings of sticky material from its anus to tangle up and defeat would be predators. The cucumber squeezes its body to create a rip in an internal wall so that short threads, called Cuvierian tubules, can be ejected. But as soon as the threads are exposed to sea water, they stretch to more than 20 times their original length. The tubules become sticky when they are in contact with any surface, such as the body of an animal that is trying to eat them. Researchers studied the cucumbers and made careful observations of the expelled tubules. They anesthetized sea cucumbers and surgically removed some of the shorter tubules that had not been expelled. They studied the cells and found some that were completely expected, such as the ones found in other echinoderms, like starfish. Other cells in the tubules were completely unexpected and they behaved in ways that surprised researchers. Now, engineers are studying these cells in an effort to improve technology and create new substances that stretch and stiffen like the collagenous material found in the tubules. The goal is to create shape-shifting materials that change form when we need them to. As we learn more about the ocean and the creatures that live there, we learn more about how to use the imaginative genius of nature in our own world to help us in many ways. Scientists and biologists are constantly applying new findings from the natural world to combat disease and illness, prolong life, and make our use of energy more efficient. A seemingly unimportant animal, like this sea cucumber, often plays a more complex and vital role than we realize in the health of our planet. Too often, we learn the importance of something only after it has been threatened or lost completely.

Coyotes often live in the woods that border residential areas, and generally, they live in harmony with the humans that have encroached upon their territory. We often forget that we are the ones who are spreading outwards into their neighborhoods. When they make an appearance near our homes, it causes great concern, and in some cases, near terror. We have all heard stories of pets going missing during the evening hours. Some of us have even experienced this. We worry for the safety of our children, and understandably so. It is rare for coyotes to take pets off doorsteps or from residential lawns. It is even more rare for a coyote to be dangerous to humans. But we cannot help being afraid when we hear the spine chilling howls of coyotes hunting in the shadows just beyond our sight. This coyote was sighted on a frozen and snow covered pond in Peterborough, Ontario. It is the edge of a city with well over 100,000 people. There are houses all around, even though the woods are a short distance away. Two residents were shocked to see a coyote wandering nonchalantly over the pond just beyond their fence line. They began recording it. They were even more shocked to see it approach the fence with purpose, hop the fence with ease and stand fearlessly behind the house beside theirs as it ate the remains of a rabbit. It was later learned that the rabbit had been freshly killed and left by an earlier predator. It could have been this same coyote or even a hawk that killed it, but the memory or the smell of the carcass brought this coyote directly to the yard to finish it. The rabbit had been seen in the back yard a few times in the weeks before and he had been popular with the residents. The coyote seems unconcerned with its proximity to humans. The couple filming had just called their two small dogs in from the yard. As they call their neighbor excitedly to tell him to look outside, they comment that their dogs and their grandchildren could have been at risk. They were unnerved and fascinated by this spectacle, occurring in broad daylight, right where they would never expect it. Tom filmed this event and posted it on social media. The frenzy of comments and shares was hardly a surprise as people all shared their worries and opinions. Some expressed the same concern about an animal that would be so bold. Others weighed in with opinions about the poor rabbit vs. the coyote that deserved to eat. Many were simply amused by the fact that the coyote did more than eat the rabbit. He also urinated and defecated beside it, either to mark his claim or to announce that he didn't care at all who saw him carry on his business wherever he liked. Whether you side with the coyote or the rabbit, and whether you think coyotes should be left alone or eradicated, you can't help but admire the spunk of this particular beast.

Manta rays are beautiful and majestic animals that exude grace and elegance. For many, seeing a manta ray up close in the wild is a bucket list experience that will never be forgotten. For this lucky scuba diver, the encounter captured in this video was even more than she had ever hoped for and we see her reaction to performance that takes place within a few feet of her. Kristy is a seasoned scuba diver and underwater photographer who has taken her camera beneath the waves in the waters of Cayman Islands, Belize, Indonesia, Mexico, Cuba, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, and here in the Galapagos Islands. She has seen an incredible variety of wildlife ranging from whale sharks to minute crabs and shrimp that are visible only with a magnifier. And although she has dreamed of seeing manta rays up close, they have proven difficult to find and even more difficult to capture. But here, in a remote area of the Galapagos, something incredible happened. A massive congregation of giant manta rays appeared around Kristy and her scuba group. As they drifted along in a sheltered bay, the group came face to face with hundreds of these magnificent creatures. The mantas were involved in a complex seasonal courtship ritual. The looping and circling benefits the mantas in feeding but it also signals to the other mantas around that they are suitable and reading for mating. Oblivious to the divers throughout this spectacle, the mantas swam through and around the group as if they were not there. Several of the manta rays made intentional, close passes or they circled with what appeared to be curiosity. The result was a show that very few people are fortunate enough to ever witness. Kristy can be seen aiming her camera and hoping as she floats suspended in the turquoise water. In answer to her hopes, an enormous ray circles and loops right in front of her, allowing her to capture some of the most exciting pictures and video that she has ever gotten. When the moment is over, Kristy turns to her dive master and gives a triumphant fist pump. She cannot contain her joy and wonder. This encounter lasted for nearly an hour, until the group had stayed as long as they could before returning to the surface and to their boat. Manta rays are gentle and harmless animals. Despite their size, they have never attacked or harmed a human. They are stingrays, but their stingers have evolved into small and harmless structures. A manta ray cannot sting. They use their size and speed for defense, out swimming any predators. The recent death of the beloved Steve Irwin, aka Crocodile Hunter, gave rise to the belief that stingrays were vicious and dangerous to humans. This isolated incident has caused many to believe that stingrays will attack. Unless the rays are stepped on, injuries to humans are rare and deaths are even more rare. Manta rays are closely related to eagle rays, part of the shark family, and they are one of the biggest fish in the ocean. Among all the fish, they have the highest brain to body mass ratio. They display surprising cognitive ability and memory, even being able to pass the mirror test, indicating self awareness. Manta rays have been recorded looking at their reflection, but displaying different behaviours when compared with exposure to other manta rays. They have even been observed using the reflection to study areas of their own bodies that are hidden from their view, indicating curiosity about what they are looking at. Manta rays are loved and adored for many reasons and a scuba diver such as Kristy will remember an encounter like this for the rest of her life.

Lions are truly majestic beasts. They are enormous and powerful, regal and awe-inspiring. The sight of a lion evokes great emotion in all of us. It can be a mix of fear and respect, or simple wonder. Most of us will never see a wild lion in its own environment, especially not at close range. This wildlife videographer brings the viewer right up close as a wild lion grooms himself on the grass. He lives in a protected habitat in Kenya and he wanders free and unconcerned with hunters or encroaching human development. His range is vast and it is protected from construction and traffic. A select few can tour through this habitat with a trained and licensed guide. The effect on the animals is minimized and the safety of the guests is ensured. These are wil animals and irresponsible behaviour would mean danger for the people as well as the animals. This safari tour contributes to the cost of maintaining and ensuring the wilds remain wild. The tour also promotes understanding and a love for the animals that have been declining as human interference increases. In turn, conservation efforts are more successful as the importance of preserving these beautiful creatures is brought to light. This lion commands a large pride of females and young males, as well as their offspring. He is the alpha male and the undisputed king of his domain. He has just fed on the meat of a wildebeest and he is ready to have a nap in the sunshine. But first, this big male grooms and cleans himself. It helps deter flies, although there are still hundreds swarming around him. It also helps keep him free of infection and health complications. A lion this big and powerful has little reason to worry and it's easy to admire his nonchalance as he cleans himself. He does not have to look over his shoulder, There are few threats for him on the African plain. Lions are the apex predator here and only a very determined pack of hyenas would ever consider challenging a healthy lion. This video was generously provided by a kind-hearted nature guide who has allowed it to be used to assist a very deserving family in Kenya, Africa, as they struggle with medical costs and school fees for their child. Shares and views will help. Direct contributions can also be made at https://gofund.me/fde69b75 Questions are also welcome through David McNab at mojo_videos@hotmail.com.