WildCreatures

This baby elephant lives free on the plains of Kenya, Africa. He's very young, and very small, compared with his mother and the other elephants in his herd. He follows them and watches so that he can learn from everything that they do. He cannot yet digest much of the food around him, but he tries to imitate his herd. In the end, he decides that the brush makes a great place to scratch. He will need the protection of the herd, as lions and hyenas also roam freely here, and either would consider such a young elephant to be an easy meal. But the grown elephants around him will not allow this to happen easily. Baby elephants nurse milk from their mothers until they are old enough to graze and digest foliage. As adults, they eat only plants. African elephants are the largest land animals on earth. They grow rapidly to become massive and powerful, and formidable in their ability to defend themselves. But for now, this adorable little fellow will stick close and learn from his elders.

Raven is a big puppy with a big love for unusual foods. She adores strawberries almost as much as she adores steak or chicken. As her family sits outside at the picnic table, Raven makes sure that they don't forget about her share! Raven is a dog who has found her forever family and she has them wrapped around her finger. She enjoys free roam of several acres of grass and trees throughout the day. She also lives very near an immense forest where she is taken almost every day. She explores off leash, romping along the trails and running freely through the trees. She chases chipmunks, although she has never caught one and she gallops with the grace and beauty of a thoroughbred horse. In the summers, Raven spends a lot of her time at a cottage where she roams freely on the island. She has huge dog beds in every room, but she prefers the couch and she stretches out like she owns it. Anyone who has ever owned a Great Dane knows that they take up space and command the room with their massive presence. Raven is a big baby and she takes her stuffed animals to bed each night. She loves to be tucked in with her cozy blanket and she snores away until it is time for breakfast. Raven is living the life. She is a beautiful soul.

Lions are among the most powerful and majestic animals on earth. Often referred to as the King of Beasts", there are few creatures that inspire such awe and wonder. These contented lions roll in the grass, enjoying the sunshine on the African plain in Kenya. Male lions are larger than females and the dominant male rules the pride. The pride consists of a few younger males, several females and their cubs. Lionesses hunt in groups, preying on larger herbivores such as wildebeest, antelope, gazelles, and even giraffes. Although lions occasionally hunt humans, this is extremely rare behaviour. Lions are active during the day, but they can adapt to become more active at night. Lions are one of the most recognizable animal symbols in human culture, being depicted as an example of bravery and courage, strength and power. They have been the subject of stories and paintings for thousands of years. They have also been common in movies for decades. Lions can reach an impressive size of 175kg or 386lbs. Solid muscle, they are formidable and ferocious beasts. As hunters, they are among the most capable on the plains. Often, lions will come across the kill of other predators and they will chase them away to scavenge a meal. They rely on an ambush attack in many cases because they do not possess great endurance. A short burst of speed and a final leap is their preferred method of taking down prey. They will capture an animal and bite it on the throat or enclose its muzzle in their mouth to suffocate it. These lions have possibly eaten very recently as they seem more interested in resting and playing than looking for a meal. A lion rolling happily in the grass is a rare and delightful sight.

Transport truck drivers have difficult jobs and they do a great job of transporting vital goods across the continent. Many of us would not have food on our tables or clothes to wear without them. But occasionally, they make mistakes that have disastrous consequences. Driving such huge rigs, there is little room for error and a collision with a small car can be deadly. This truck driver approached an intersection of a private drive where it meets a roadway. The law in this province is clear that drivers approaching a roadway from a private road, drive, or parking lot must first ensure that it is safe to enter the roadway. If their actions affect vehicles traveling on the roadway, they must stop or yield. Simply put, the vehicles on the roadway have the right of way in all cases. Otherwise, traffic moving on a highway would have to stop at driveways. Sometimes there is a traffic control sign such as a stop or yield sign. But even when no such sign is posted, the driver knows he must yield. For whatever reason, this big rig driver didn't seem to see the car coming. He rounded the corner, turning left onto the roadway without stopping. The driver of the oncoming car was aware at the last second that he needed to take action and he pulled onto the shoulder of the road to avoid a collision and a certain disaster. Although the driver comments that there was a stop sign, the footage suggests that no sign is visible. That does not change who has the right of way. After passing by the truck, the car driver reached his destination and turned to pull over on the shoulder. As he did so, the truck driver rounded the corner and saw that the car had stopped. The two drivers made eye contact and, in true Canadian fashion, the truck driver waved apologetically. The car driver returned this gesture with a nod and an ok sign and the interaction was over. With no hard feelings, both will go on about their day without an angry confrontation. Mistakes happen and nobody needs more than an acknowledgement to understand that everybody agreed what happened here. Both of these drivers will remember this close call on future trips.

Pileated woodpeckers are enormous birds with powerful beaks that splinter logs and trees with ease. They are the largest woodpeckers in North America and they are a beautiful sight at a backyard feeder or in the trees around any home. With their beautiful red crest, they are a sight to behold. This woodpecker and his mate have been coming to this yard for several years. The nest in a nearby tree but they arrive daily to peck at the suet that the family puts out. Usually, the male announces his arrival with a loud, cackling cry as he swoops in to land on one of the feeders. Today, this woodpecker has had a drink at the pond and then he hopped up onto the cedar deck. He casually inspects the deck as the family, and even Raven, the Great Dane watch in awe of this majestic fellow. But he decides to peck the railing of the deck and in seconds, he has a chunk carved out. The wood splinters easily as he chisels away and the couple who own the deck are too amazed to do anything but chuckle. The deck is weathered and faded and these bird lovers are more attached to the woodpecker family than they are to their railing. They joke about calling the insurance and they watch amusedly. Raven's head is on the back of the couch and she watches silently too. Raven also appreciates nature and her little bird friends. The woodpecker loses interest quickly and hops over to the other railing where he perches and looks around. He may be waiting for his mate to arrive so that they can go to the suet cakes together. Or he may just be enjoying the gentle rain. It's even possible that he can see the family in the window and he is watching them with equal curiosity. Backyard feeders are a great way to attract wildlife that can be enjoyed daily. Woodpeckers love suet cakes and feed with insects in it. They will also take advantage of any opportunity to peck at dead or dying trees where grubs make their homes.

These beautiful animals were just out enjoying the sunshine. These lucky motorists were in complete awe.as they watched two of the tallest terrestrial animals casually strolled down the road toward them. Capturing the moment on video and in photographs, the tourists were amazed by how unconcerned they were with the humans being present. Giraffes feed on leaves, fruits and flowers, with the ability to reach food that other herbivores cannot. Lions, leopards, hyenas and wild dogs all prey on giraffes, when they can, but a full grown giraffe is a formidable animal. They can swing their head like a club and their powerful legs enable them to deliver deadly hoof strikes. The long neck of the giraffe allows it to see predators a long way off. Other species rely on this, using the giraffe like a sentinel to warn of approaching danger. Herds of other animals will often follow the giraffe and keep a close eye on their behaviour, for safety. Male giraffes closely follow the females during mating seasons, but they do not take an active role in the care of the young. A male will taste the urine of the female to determine her fertility state. After breeding, the female will carry the baby for 400-460m days before she gives birth. She does so standing up and the calf will fall to the ground, severing the umbilical cord. A newborn will be able to walk and run within hours and is as mobile as a one week old calf. During the first 2-3 weeks of their life, the calf will remain hidden while the mother grazes and keeps a watchful eye out for danger. If all goes well, the calf will live up to 38 years. Giraffes are perhaps the most majestic, and one of the most beautiful animals on earth.

Raven is a big puppy with a big attitude and a big appetite. She has just been fed a big dinner, but her big stomach is still growling in a big way. Her owners have just sat down to their dinner and Raven can smell it. She gets the odd treat here and there but she is never fed from the table. She should know that she won't be getting any steak or potatoes, at least until the human dinner time is over, and only from her dish. But Raven is a saucy dog and she complains loudly about the house rules. She reluctantly listens as she is told to distance herself from the table and the food, but she insists on not being forgotten as each bite is taken. A slight head nod, or even a raised eyebrow will make Raven jump back because she knows that the table food is off limits. She nudges Kristy with her nose with such enthusiasm that Kristy is knocked back slightly. Great Danes don't know their own strength and they seem to lack understanding of their size. Her attempt at a gentle nudge is anything but gentle. Raven's owners adore her and she gets treated like true family. She is treated to free runs in the nearby forest almost every day. She has her own couch to stretch out on and she has an oversized dog bed by the fire when the winter comes. She gets to share the king sized bed and she has a whole bench seat in the family van. Great Danes are enormous and they are more than a handful, but they are endearing and fiercely loyal. Anyone who has ever owned one has fallen completely in love with these gentle giants.

S'mores are an important part of summer for many North Americans. Anyone who has camped or who has even had a backyard campfire probably remembers at least one occasion where they made S'mores. The typical recipe is simple. You toast a marshmallow and get the Graham wafers ready. Adding a square of chocolate, the marshmallow gets sandwiched between two wafers. The heat of the toasted marshmallow melts the chocolate and the result is a warm, gooey sandwich that is as sweet as an ice cream bar. Kids delight in toasting marshmallows and the added taste of chocolate and Graham wafers makes them a delicacy that becomes one of our fondest childhood memories. Campfires themselves are hypnotic and fun, allowing family to gather and talk without the distraction of electronics or phone calls. A quiet night with the sound of a loon call, the crackle of the fire, and a delicious, sweet treat is one of the best gifts we can give our family. This family takes their S'mores seriously and they cook them up in bulk. This approach gives this treat a twist, allowing the wafers to be dipped. As a second option, shortbread biscuits can also be used. Marshmallows are arranged sop that they cover the pan in an even layer. Chocolate is poured on top and a lid is placed over it to keep the heat in. The log is sawn so that it has grooves that can be filled with birch bark and twigs. The bark is lit and the fire spreads rapidly. A small pile of tinder on the top creates a bed of coals that sinks down into the centre of the log. When the twigs on top have burned down, the frying pan goes on it like it would on a stove top. After 5-10 minutes of low heat, the marshmallows have melted and the whole thing can be stirred. Hungry campers dip their wafers into the marshmallows and scoop it up like it's a S'mores fondue. Of course, marshmallows can still be toasted and S'mores can be made in the traditional manner, but this S'mores fondue will also be an unforgettable family memory that is talked about years later!

This is a remote lake in Northern Ontario, but it's much like any other lake in cottage country North America. During the day, the water is clear and clean and there is no sign of tiny creatures that are shown in this video. At night, shining a flashlight on the water will bring a swarm of tiny animals that too small to see clearly. As a group, they fill the water like a black cloud of rapidly swirling organisms. Investigation reveals that these are spiny water fleas, small and ferocious creatures that consume enormous amounts of daphnia, the naturally existing animals that are critical to the health of freshwater lakes across the continent. The daphnia consume algae, making the water clear, allowing sunlight to penetrate deeper. The daphnia are also a source of food for small fish and fish larvae. The spiny water fleas also consume algae, competing with the daphnia. However, the spiny water flea is an animal that fish larvae cannot consume. The presence of the spiny water flea is a threat to the daphnia and other organisms that are critical to the balance of the food chain. They negatively impact fish populations, which will also affect other food chains. Because of the spines and hooks on their tails, these water fleas are impossible for the smaller creatures to eat. They grow larger than daphnia and they have stronger and larger mandibles, making them titans of the water flea world. They are capable of completely eradication some species of zooplankton in a lake. Zooplankton are the backbone of the food chain. It is believed that the spiny water flea was brought to North America in ballast water of cargo ships prior to the 1980s. As recreational fishing increases in popularity, further spread of the animals and their eggs is taking place at an alarming rate. The eggs can survive being dried out in the sun, as well as the digestive tract of fish. The eggs are nearly indestructible and the proliferation of a lake is unavoidable once the spiny water flea takes up residence. Since the arrival of these ferocious little animals, the numbers of other larger species have declined, although the exact correlation is difficult to accurately measure. An interesting experiment involves shining a light into the water for a minute or more to see what comes to the surface. In many fresh water lakes, it is these invasive spiny water fleas that can be seen.

Raven is a big puppy with a big dog attitude. But when it's time for bed, she's a big baby. Raven has a big collection of stuffed toys and things to chew on. But here favourite has always been this stuffed bunny. It's one of the few toys that has not been ripped apart. She adores her bunny and carries it to bed with her each night. Raven's routine involves jumping up on the bed with her stuffy in her mouth and turning around 6-8 times as many dogs do. Then she settles down and chews gently or sucks on the bunny like it is a pacifier. She often falls asleep with her mouth on the toy. What makes this even more adorable is the huge, floppy lips that envelop the stuffed bunny almost completely. Raven wakes up in the morning and carries the bunny with her to her dish where she waits for breakfast. She leaves her bunny on the floor after breakfast but always goes looking for it when it is nap or bed time. Great Danes are a magnificent animal and the breed is fiercely loyal. Anyone who has ever owned one has fallen in love with these great beasts.

The house wren is a small and dainty looking bird, but its behaviour is that of a feisty and competitive animal with a dark side. The female is known to be a cantankerous and demanding mate. Eager to impress her, the male builds a nest and awaits her approval. In more than half of the cases, the female discards most of the sticks and rebuilds it, having little regard for the male's feelings about watching his work being picked apart. The male house wren will often watch this process patiently and take his place alongside the female as she lays eggs. Together, they will raise the young. The female spends most of the time on the nest and the male brings her food as she does her job keeping the eggs warm. But occasionally, the male has a wandering eye while the female is dismantling his nest. In some cases, he finds himself with a more accepting female and the two will pair up as a more agreeable couple. The female house wren's cranky side extends beyond her own nest and is directed toward others in the area. She is not tolerant of other birds in the area that would compete for her food supply or nesting grounds. She fills the nests with sticks to make them unusable, driving the birds away from her territory. Those who persist and successfully lay eggs might find their nests under attack as the female house wren will peck holes in the shells of the eggs. She earns the label "homewrecker" for her aggressive intolerance of other bird families in her neighbourhood.

Bees are the pollinators of the world, gathering pollen from flowers to make their honey. The pollen is made of simple sugars, protein, vitamins and minerals. When combined with bee saliva, a fermentation process begins. A biochemical transformation takes place, breaking down the walls of the flower pollen grains and making the nutrients more readily available. Ironically, the bees that gather the pollen cannot actually eat it. They lack the proteolytic enzymes to digest it. Instead, they eat a substance known as bee bread, which is created in the cells in the hive. In the process of gathering pollen, some of the grains are transferred from the male part of the flower to the female part, allowing reproduction to occur. This is the process that is crucial to the production of most fruit, vegetables and the breeding of other plants. It is widely known that without bees, the world would be at risk of losing the majority of plants, and with them, many animals. We understand our dependence on the survival and health of these tiny creatures. This bee is gathering pollen on a beautiful thistle flower. Usually, bees pack pollen on their leg hairs, resembling small yellow baskets. They carry the pollen back to the nest with these baskets that look a lot like saddle bags on a motorcycle. But this bee actually packs the pollen onto her underbelly, using a deliberate patting motion with her hind legs. The thistle is a gorgeous backdrop for such a spectacular little beast. She is more than beautiful. She is critical.

Yellowjacket wasps are ferocious insects with a well deserved reputation for being creatures to avoid. They deliver an extremely painful sting and they are capable of stinging repeatedly. They have powerful mandibles for battling and chewing other insects. They also have proboscis for sipping nectar and other liquids. Yellowjacket wasps are so feared in the insect world that many flies and bees mimic the yellowjacket for protection. This housefly knows the yellowjacket is a large and formidable predator, but it faces off against the wasp in an attempt to bully it away from the cola spill that he found first. The fly is outmatched. It has no sting and no ability to bite the wasp. It is less than half the size of the wasp. Yet, it stands up to the wasp like a true champ. As the two sip on opposites sides of the soda puddle, all seems friendly at first. But the fly suddenly buzzes in a bluff that makes it appear that he's taking off. The wasp startles and takes off first. Both fly off to the left but the wasp returns immediately. She drinks greedily for a few seconds before the fly returns and takes a spot across the spill. The wasp watches warily and the fly makes an unbelievably gutsy approach. It raises a front leg in an attempt to intimidate the wasp. The wasp will have none of it, and she lifts off toward the fly, buzzing angrily. She returns to the cola, more interested in the sugar than the fight. The wasp disappears and the fly moves back in for the prize. Houseflies have hundreds of eyes and unmatched reflexes. As the wasp swoops in, the fly makes a quick getaway. The wasp takes up a position and drinks away in peace. The fly, thinking wisely doesn't return to challenge the wasp. Few insects would have the nerve to challenge a yellowjacket wasp. It is surprising to see a meagre housefly do so in such a brazen and fearless way.

Raven is Great Dane puppy who is living her best life and loving every minute of it. She has free run of several acres at home, with trees and fields to explore. She runs free in the nearby forest almost daily, enjoying long hikes with her owners. She sleeps by the fire in the evening and sprawls across a king size bed at night. But one of Raven's absolute favourite things to do is to go to the cottage and explore the wilderness, smelling deer, moose, and chipmunks. She wants to befriend all of the forest animals and her tail wags excitedly when she catches the scent of what could be a new friend. Raven is hot on the trail of a very wild chipmunk and it is likely that the chippy has never seen a dog before. Wanting no part of such a huge predator, the chipmunk scurried through the undergrowth, rustling loudly as it went. Raven leaps and bounds, barely able to contain herself as she tries to catch up. Raven is like a big child who loves the adventure that each new day brings. This particular trail leads from the lakeshore at the family cottage, deep into the woods in an area where people seldom wander. The scents and sights of this forested paradise are enough to keep a Great Dane happy for hours. When Raven's family stopped for a picnic on this day, she knew that they had also brought a little treat for her as well. She wolfed down an egg sandwich and some kibble before they made the long journey back to the lake. When they arrived, Raven headed straight for her oversized stuffed bed in front of the fire. She snored happily for a few hours until bedtime. As she dreamed, her legs twitched and she looked as if she was chasing chipmunks in her dreams.

Survival in the ocean is a constant struggle. Every creature must find a way to eat, while at the same time, avoiding being eaten. Predators easily become prey and the balance can shift in an instant. By day, the octopus hides among the coral, avoiding hungry sharks, eels, and sea lions. But by night, this animal is a super predator with a combination of strength, cunning, and flexibility that makes it one of the most deadly hunters on the planet. This octopus has found a giant channel clinging crab, the biggest species of crab in the Caribbean. The armoured exoskeleton and powerful claws make this crab difficult for most animals to eat. But the octopus possesses a sharp tooth-like part of its mouth that it uses to drill a hole in the shell. This is made more easy for the octopus because it also has a compound in its saliva that dissolves calcium carbonate, the substance that makes up the hard shell of mollusks and crustaceans. With a little effort, the octopus is able to make a hole in the shell and inject a toxic venom that will paralyze and kill the crab quickly. While this seems like a raging battle, the crab has little chance. It will try to drag the octopus over the reef so it can get to the safety of a crevice or a ledge in the coral. The octopus hangs on and increases its advantage by the minute as the suckers on its tentacles grip the crab better. The powerful arms of the octopus will make movement more difficult and the crab will become worn down. Possessing the ability to smell and taste with each of it suckers, the octopus can reach into the smallest space in its search for food. With an advanced cognitive ability and a keen memory, the octopus is a force to be reckoned with. Within about twenty minutes, this crab was unable to fight back and the octopus overwhelmed it.

The midnight parrotfish is a large and spectacular fish with vibrant blue colour.

Brownie is a strapping German shepherd who loves his family and does everything he can to please them. He is a loyal protector and trusted family member. He loves attention and affection and he will do anything to be included in whatever they do. This includes singing. Brownie seems to truly believe that he is destined to be am opera singer. With a little encouragement, Brownie performs his best tenor vocals. Brownie and his family live in the Galapagos Islands. Their home is tucked away at the edge of the forest and Brownie has free range over the property. Brownie howls when he is happy or when he sees his family eating something delicious that he'd like to share. He's smart enough to understand that they love this endearing behaviour. They will often join him when he starts the howling.

Bridal Veil Falls has been called one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. The stream gently cascades down a rock face in a way that resembles the veil of a blushing bride on her wedding day. The water drops 122m (400ft) with a width of 23m (75ft). The water comes from a source on Mount Archibald in Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park. During winter, the falls freezes and becomes unstable and hazardous for viewing. The park is closed at this time for safety. When the falls becomes solidly frozen, ice climbing is allowed and this is a much sought after site for adventurers. In years gone by, a hydro-electric generator was installed to power a chalet and heated swimming pool. The falls remains one of British Columbia's most scenic and popular locations for photographs and sight seeing. For those who enjoy a refreshing experience, there is the opportunity to slip under the falls and stand in the gentle flow. This video was captured by drone, one of the best ways to view the falls from bottom to top and beyond. Drifting out over the forest, the drone provides a view of the rim of the falls and the mountain from which the water drops.

River is a dainty dog who loves her treats. She is content to wait patiently as Serena serves her up a hefty slice of watermelon. River has a sweet tooth and a fondness for the juicy fruit. Although this seems like an unusual food to give to a dog, many enjoy watermelon a great deal. Serena has recently taught River to shake a paw and then shake the other on command. But River is too excited to follow the plan. She gets her treat all the same and she savours every mouthful. River is a rescue dog with an incredible story. She was seconds from death when Serena fell in love with her and adopted her, agreeing to provide the care that River needed. Diagnosed with serious health issues and a heart defect, River's first owners were not able to manage the complicated treatment and frequent tests that she would need. They faced the difficult decision to end River's suffering and have her euthanized. Serena is a veterinary assistant and she and her mother had the skill and access to the resources that would allow River to live a decent life. River has been going strong, having had three extra years so far, with no sign of serious trouble. She enjoys free run of a large property and frequent walks in the nearby forest. River also loves canoe rides and lying by the fire at the cottage. She is living her best life and loving her treats.

The James. C. King was a majestic schooner that had been used to haul timber from lumber yards in Canada and USA through the icy waters of the Great Lakes in the early 1900s. When steam ships became more efficient, the King was converted to a powered vessel and later to a barge that was towed by larger, newer ships to aid in the distribution of goods and cargo. On a stormy night with gale force winds and driving snow, the King and her towing vessel, the W. L. Wetmore, were under way through a treacherous passage known as Devil Island Channel. The weather had forced them off course in the night. Aptly named, the channel is a perilous narrows with rocky shoals that have wrecked many ships. Captain Hartman of the Wetmore was a seasoned sailor but the weather was against him as the visibility prevented him from seeing the nearby lighthouse that he would use to gauge his position in this dangerous strait. The wind tossed his ship and barges with a force that he could not overcome. He was unable to steer the trio of vessels and he was forced to engage the engine at full throttle in an attempt to outpower the fierce wind and get clear of the nearby shore. His efforts proved unsuccessful and a telltale scraping sound told him that the ship had struck a rock with the main propeller. With no other choice, the Captain pushed on, desperately hoping to clear the danger and navigate to the safety of open water that lay in view ahead. A second, more disastrous sound echoed in the night, audible over the howling wind. His crew knew they were now without power or steering and they prepared to be dashed upon the rocks. One crew member was pinned as a towing cable scraped over the hull of one of the barges and struck his thigh. He suffered a badly broken leg as a result. With the ship about to break up, the crew of the Wetmore and the King decided to take their chances in the icy waters. Together they swam to Russell Island where they were able to see the last of their ships slip beneath the pounding waves. They huddled together and built a fire to keep warm, a tactic that would see them survive the rest of the biting winds. For nearly 36 hours, the crew fought off hypothermia and weathered the storm until a passing ship caught sight of their fire and rescued them. The crew credited teamwork as the reason that no lives were lost in this disaster. Now, the wrecks of the Wetmore and the King lie on the bottom, preserved by cold water for the last century. Scuba divers explore these waters and inspect the wrecks, reminded of the incredible power of the wind and the weather, as well as the unpredictable and unforgiving force of nature. These wrecks are eerie and beautiful, seen only by those with the privilege of being able to slip beneath the surface to enter this icy realm.

This young girl in Kenya is nine years old. Her family faces challenges as they live a modest life in Kenya, Africa. Water is scarce and the climate is unforgiving and harsh. In order to cook and wash, the family requires water to be hauled from the nearest source. But the nearest source is a small drainage ditch with a spring that is 2km (1.2 miles) from her home. This doesn't the girl's family from thriving, even though hauling a jug of water takes her almost two hours each day. Most of the families that live in the outskirts and villages of Kenya are subsistence farmers, surviving by growing corn, carrots, and greens to eat themselves. If they are lucky, they can also grow some extra vegetables to sell at the market. Life can be challenging in Kenya. The soil is difficult to farm in some areas and many people here have to rent land and travel a considerable distance to be able to grow a small crop. Naomy, who is filming the chore of gathering water, farms in this manner. She works long days to earn $3-5 per day. She supports her grandparents as well as a small child who was abandoned by their parents 7 years ago. In a harsh world, children are often forgotten. The struggle to feed a small family is a tough one, but kindness and perseverance prevail as this small family sticks together to overcome the challenges. In our world, it is easy to forget how well off we are or how we have many advantages over others who live on the other side of the planet. We take things for granted, such as water that flows from a tap, or electricity that requires only the flip of a switch.

Raven is a giant Great Dane puppy with a giant appetite. She would eat all day of she could. Although she likes almost anything edible, she has two absolute favourites. One is pizza and the other is watermelon. Raven has been going into the greenhouse and picking watermelons off the vine. She chooses only the biggest, ripest melons and she picks them up in her mouth to carry them out into the sunshine for a juicy snack. She's been caught in the act and her owners try their best to scold her for her thefts. But they adore her too much to keep a straight face through the reprimand. Raven is a good dog and she deserves a healthy treat, so her owners have decided to feed her a big chunk after she ate all her dinner. Raven seems to know what's going to happen and she can't contain her excitement. Raven knows they are going to the grass before she will get it and she leaps off the deck without touching the stairs. She snatches the watermelon from Kristy's hand but drops it promptly when told to. Kristy picks it up and holds it to make it easier for Raven to eat. You can hear the teeth scraping the rind and see the juice as it runs down Raven's chin. Raven's tail wagged excitedly throughout this happy moment. She's a wonderful and loyal dog. Anyone who has ever had a Great Dane has fallen completely in love with the breed. Their haearts are as big as they are and they are beautiful animals in every way.

White tipped sharks are sleek and beautiful animals that live in many waters around the world. These sharks make their home in Papua New Guinea, patrolling the tall pillars that rose from underwater volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. The sharks feed on the smaller fish that make their home around the rocky ledges and the coral that grows on them. A group of scuba divers have entered the ocean to study the sharks and gather photographs and video footage of their feeding behaviour. Understanding the sharks is a crucial first step in helping with their conservation. Using scraps of fish, the sharks are encouraged to come closer for a close up view. This will help the researchers to observe and record injuries, parasites, growth rates, and other important data. The bait does its job and the sharks show very little shyness. Some even come close enough that they could literally receive a belly rub. There is a strict hands off policy here though, as physically interacting with the animal life is usually irresponsible. As we see though, sometimes the sharks do not obey these rules. One shark was engaging in what is known as testing behaviour. White tips will bump a diver, or other prey, to see what the reaction will be. Anything that is regarded as a submissive or fearful reaction will encourage a more aggressive follow up, with potentially serious consequences. It is advisable to demonstrate that the shark will not be allowed to bite without challenge. This researcher does exactly what an experienced and confident scuba diver will do and she shows the shark that she will not allow a bite. Although touching the sharks is to be avoided at all costs, this is a definite exception. The shark was not injured in any way and the strike would not cause pain. A shark's nose is tough enough that it would barely feel the impact of a human punch. But the message was clear and the shark abruptly turned in a different direction. See these incredible animals close enough to touch never gets old. It also demonstrates how sharks will rarely attack a human with the intent to bite, unless the human acts fearfully or irresponsibly.

Raven is a big dog with a big appetite. And Great Danes have a huge head and huge jaws to help them eat almost anything they want. Raven's appetite has gotten her into trouble ever since she was a puppy. She's eaten pies, roasts, and even a whole pizza when her owners turned their backs briefly. A Great Dane can reach anything on the counter and it's almost impossible to keep an eye on them all of the time. Kristy and Dave were out on the garden, slaving away in the hot sun. Kristy has a green thumb and she works hard to grow an amazing assortment of vegetables and melons. Raven was also out in the garden, enjoying the sunshine. She had been quiet for too long and Dave went to look for her. He found a chunk of watermelon lying suspiciously on the grass outside Kristy's greenhouse. Raven was standing nearby with a very guilty look as she licked her lips and wagged her tail. Dave called to Kristy that one of her prized watermelons had been devoured, asking her what happened. Kristy came running over and saw the the evidence. But she was concerned that maybe Raven had eaten the other watermelon. Kristy scolded Raven as she hurried towards her greenhouse to look for a survivor. Kristy came out with her remaining watermelon, knowing that leaving it on the vine would be the end of it now that Raven has figured out how delicious they are. Few dogs are big enough to pick a watermelon and carry it out to the grass to eat it. Raven is in big trouble but it's impossible to be angry with such a magnificent beast. Great Danes are fiercely loyal and protective dogs that capture the hearts of those who love them. Anyone who has ever owned one has fallen completely in love with the breed. Raven will get lots of watermelons for treats to help her keep cool this summer.

Bull sharks are large and formidable animals. Muscular and armed with a mouth full of razor sharp teeth, they intimidate even the most seasoned scuba diver. Like most sharks, they are always hungry, patrolling the water , looking for a feeding opportunity. While sharks almost never attack people without provocation, their reputation as cold-blooded killers strikes fear in our hearts. This scuba diver in Fiji is drifting toward the coral edge that will take him out into the deep blue. But just as he reaches the edge and peeks over, two big bulls came charging up from the depths to greet him with an inviting smile. They are probably just curious, hoping that he might be spearing fish or that he was being followed by bait fish, but their rapid approach has left him nervous about leaving cover. The bull sharks patrolled the ledge, turning and passing repeatedly beneath the scuba diver. It's hard to believe that they are not taunting or inviting him to come out from cover so they can have a little nibble, but experience tells this diver that he is perfectly safe. He also knows that the bull sharks in this area have become accustomed to humans and their controlled shark feedings. Controversial, shark feedings are creating financial opportunities through tourism for villages that would otherwise have to rely on selling fishing rights to commercial operations. Shark feeding attracts scuba divers from all over the world to come and see these sharks up close. In the process, they gain a new and deeper appreciation for these huge predators. A substantial portion of the proceeds is paid to the local village, allowing them to preserve their reefs instead of selling their resources. It's a complex debate, but one thing that is not complex is that these beautiful but fearsome animals deserve our respect and understanding.