DavidMcNab

These scuba divers are thrilled to have found an octopus gliding over the sand in broad daylight. They've never seen such a tiny octopus and it's as cute as a button! Octopus are one of nature's most perfect predator. They are highly intelligent, capable of observational learning and even possess both short and long term memory. The octopus is capable of changing its shape, colour, and texture to perfectly blend in with its surroundings. It is no coincidence that the tiny fellow in this video is almost impossible to see against the sand. Octopus feed on fish, crabs, and mollusks. They have a tiny tooth-like structure on their tongue that allows them to bore a hole in mollusk shells. An enzyme in their saliva breaks down calcium carbonate, the substance that the shells are made of. They inject a toxic saliva into the shell to paralyze and kill their prey. This makes it easier for the octopus to open the shell and eat what is inside. Watching an octopus glide through the water is fascinating. This little one found a conch shell and took shelter inside. The scuba divers continued on their way, leaving the octopus in peace.

Marine iguanas are fascinating animals that exist in only one place on earth; the Galápagos Islands. They are descended from regular iguanas but they have changed over time so that they can thrive in this beautiful, but hostile environment. During the dry season there is little vegetation growing in this harsh climate. Food is scarce and competition for what little nourishment there is can be tremendous. Marine iguanas evolved to be able to live on algae, but the catch is that the algae grows only underwater. The iguanas learned to feed when the tide receded, but competition drove them to seek out algae that grew outside of the intertidal zones. Marine iguanas have developed an ability to hold their breath for up to 30 minutes, allowing them to swim out beyond the surf and into a world full of food. They are able to dive as deep as 30m (100 feet) in search of food. Because the waters around the Galapagos Islands are cold, the iguanas must store up body heat by basking in the sun each morning before venturing out to feed. Eventually, cold will drive them back onto land where they will stretch out on lava rocks to warm up again. Females and juvenile iguanas are not strong enough to withstand the crashing waves and strong currents as they seek algae. They feed closer to shore in calmer waters and leave the deeper algae to the larger males. Marine iguanas have also evolved to have long, powerful claws so that they can anchor themselves in the surge. Their mouths have shortened and become more suited for chewing on the plant growth that exists on the rock surfaces underwater. These iguanas, and the other animals of the Galapagos Islands helped Charles Darwin form his theory of evolution that changed the way we thing about our planet, as well as our own origins.

Mola mola are fascinating and bizarre giants of the ocean, yet we know very little about them. They are one of the most elusive and mysterious of the ocean's creatures. They spend most of their time at depths where there is less light and less food. For scuba divers, venturing below 30m (100 feet) comes with complications and the time that they are able to spend at these depths is limited. Mola mola are very shy creatures and it is difficult for people to see these fish in their natural environment. Also called ocean sunfish, they have many names. People refer to them as "nature's mistake" and "the fish that shouldn't be". Their structure looks like a giant head with two fins. In truth, mola mola have a head and a body, and although they do possess a tail, it has evolved to become almost non functional. They are extremely clumsy looking animals and generally very slow moving. Mola mola drift slowly on the current, although they can actually swim at slow speeds to move throughout the day. They are also capable of impressive speeds for very short distances to avoid predators. Small Mola Mola are often prey to a variety of sharks, tuna, sea lions, and many types of large fish, but once they reach full size, their thinck skin makes them difficult to eat. Mola Mola can reach a size of 3.3m (more than 10 feet) in length and a mass of more than 2300kg (5,000lbs). Once they reach this size, only orcas, large sharks, and sea lions pose a threat to them. They are also capable of diving deep to avoid predators. The Mola Moila preys on small fish, fish eggs, squid, and other small marine life. They often seek food at deeper temperatures which causes them to lose a significant amount of body heat. It is believed that this why they can often be seen lying flat on the surface, basking in the sun. Mola Mola lay more eggs than any other fish, with a mature female laying as many as 300,000,000 at one time. These fish are a rare sight for scuba divers and this man was thrilled to be swimming among a group of these strange animals that seemed unconcerned with his presence. These fish were found swimming around the remote islands of the Galapagos.

Sea lions are the most loveable and playful animals in the ocean. The juveniles are intelligent and curious and they often seek attention from scuba divers who enter their world. These divers entered the water to meet and photograph marine iguanas, one of the most fascinating and unique creatures on the planet. Found only in the Galapagos Islands, they are famous for their evolutionary adaptations that allow them to hold their breath and dive deep under the waves to feed on algae. This is crucial to their survival because vegetation is sparse during the dry season in this hostile environment. The sea lion in this video is tent on playing with the divers and he loops and circles them, demanding their attention with his antics. For a few minutes, the divers are captivated by his dog-like behaviour and imploring eyes. He is as much like our loveable canine companions as an animal can be and he is happy to play and cavort until he becomes exhausted. But the discovery of a marine iguana munching on the algae captures their attention and the sea lion is confused. He seems to understand that the iguana has ruined his fun and that he is now second fiddle to a lizard. When his twists and turns don't get the attention of the divers, he gently grabs the iguana by the neck and pulls him up and away, as if trying to tell him he's not welcome. After a few playful nips and pulls, the iguana is adrift in the current and the sea lion goes back to rolling and blowing bubbles for the divers. Listening carefully, we can hear the sea lion making sounds that are remarkably similar to sinister laughter. Sea lions have complex personalities and an unmistakable sense of humour. They will often let out grunts of triumph or what seems to be laughter, as we hear on this occasion. The sea lion seems to have no interest in harming the iguana, although the adults will occasionally eat one. The marine iguana doesn't panic. It seems as if he's experienced pranks like this before. He slowly drifts to the surface for a breath of air. He will return to the bottom to feed more before he becomes too cold to remain in the water. Marine iguanas bask in the sun to warm their bodies for better movement and digestion. They feed for roughly 30 minutes each day. It's a race against time as they lose their body heat in the cool water. The sea lion might have lots of time for leisure and play, but for the iguana, the heat of the day is a serious time in which to gather food.

These Tesla owners have loved their electric car. They carefully weighed the decision to wade into the electric car world and they have never regretted their decision. The lower daily costs have roughly equaled the extra cost and they have felt very good about having less of an impact on the planet as they drive. But Tesla had a Christmas surprise for their owners in the form of a dazzling Christmas light show. The most recent software download causes the car to play a beautiful Christmas carol that is synchronized with not only the lights on the car, but the movements of the trunk, mirrors, windows, and the charge port. The Tesla instructed Dave to press the start button and then get out and enjoy the show. The whole family watched in amazement at this brilliant, and exciting holiday greeting from their car. Exploring the new features, Dave and his wife also found a cozy fireplace video that plays on the control screen of the Tesla. Synchronized with the heaters in the car, a gentle warm breeze comes out of the events to match the fire. Aptly referred to as "romance" on the control menu, this caused a giggle as the screen lit up. Other features include games, themed screen backgrounds, "Tesla" projected in the headlights, and even the sound coconuts clopping as the car drives. This is reminiscent of the epic scene from Monty Python as the knights gallop across the highlands without horses. Just in time for Christmas, this download and light show is available to all owners of any recent model Tesla. It's a Merry Christmas message from your car. What will they think of next?

Whale sharks are magnificent animals that only the lucky few will ever see in the wild. Growing to an incredible 18m (55 feet) in length and weighing an estimated 45,000kg (100,000lbs) they complete dwarf humans. To be in their presence is awe inspiring, and often an emotional experience. Few people get to swim with these gentle giants, but even fewer will actually see the juveniles. Whale sharks come to the eaters surrounding Wolf Island and Darwin Island in the Galapagos. There is an abundance of plankton and other food here, brought by the convergence of three strong ocean currents. But it is not the food that lures these great beasts to this remote corner of the world. Scientists do not know much about how or where whale sharks are born. They do know that whale sharks do not exhibit feeding behaviours here because they are not seen with their mouths open, filtering for food. Almost every whale shark found in these waters is a mature, pregnant female. They females may come here to give birth, but they young are never found here. This juvenile whale shark is only a few years old. Although it is already immense, it has a lot of growing to do. Curious and unafraid, this youngster playfully circles a group of scuba divers, seemingly interested in getting a better look at these strange creatures. The scuba divers are delighted with the interaction, knowing that this will probably be the only time that they see a young whale shark in its natural environment.

Buddha is a rescued beagle who has a nose and stomach that are always working overtime. He suffers from seizures that have left him disadvantaged. He was abandoned by his first owner who was not willing to provide the care that he needed, but he found more than enough love in this forever home. But Buddha tests the boundaries with his antics and his lack of training. He can smell food at great distances and zero right in and his nose doesn't just lead him to food that dogs are supposed to like. He will eat or drink almost anything. He discovered that the family van often has half finished coffee in the cup holder and he developed quite a taste for it. Kristy would carry her groceries in and then return shortly afterwards to get her coffee. It was suddenly disappearing from the open van without a trace. There was little doubt about who was behind this, but it was hard to imagine that Buddha was smart enough to carefully lift out a near full cup of coffee. Hidden cameras in and around the van told the story. Buddha is crafty enough to climb in and then carry the cup out, only spilling a little bit of it on the front seat. Then he trots down the path to a quiet spot in the trees where he can gulp it down. After watching from a distance and seeing the close up footage, this family actually had to give the dog credit for this stunt. Buddha is no angel but he makes up for it by being so lovable!

There are more than 300 species of octopus. They are mollusks and being invertebrates, they possess no bones. They are masters of shape shifting, able to fit their entire bodies through spaces barely larger than their eyes. They can elongate for better propulsion, spread out like a parachute to capture prey, and extend their arms into the tiniest of crevices too explore for food. One of the most intelligent creatures in the animal kingdom, they are capable of observational learning and they possess short and long term memories. This octopus is hunting during the day, which is a rare sight. Generally nocturnal feeders, they hide during daylight hours and emerge when darkness envelops the reef. They feed on crabs, fish, and other mollusks, groping around and under coral to capture a meal. Able to control all eight arms independently, their brains are sophisticated and highly efficient. They are even able to smell and taste with their tentacles which is of great benefit when using their arms to find food. When an octopus captures crabs or shelled mollusks, they may be strong enough to tear them apart, but for those with seemingly impenetrable shells, the octopus has an impressive method of overcoming the armour. Minute teeth are used to drill a hole in the shell. With the help of an enzyme in the octopus’ saliva they can dissolve calcium carbonate in the shells. After creating a tiny hole in the exoskeletons, the octopus injects a toxin that will kill the animal, causing the muscles to relax so that the shells can be opened. The octopus has two thirds of its neurons located in complex nerve systems in its arms. They are capable of complex reflex actions that do not require input from the brain. This makes the octopus a powerful, flexible, and formidable predator. The octopus must be wary of sharks, eels, sea lions and other large predators. It is agile and quick in the water for short distances, using jet propulsion for locomotion. It can also expel ink, making it difficult for a predator to see or smell the octopus. Able to conceal itself in small spaces, it is well protected. In the open, it is the master of camouflage and shape shifting, able to disguise itself well against almost any background. There are few predators in the ocean with skills and abilities that rival those of the octopus. It is truly a super predator.

Whale sharks are the animals that are most deserving of the name "gentle giants". They grow to an incredible 18m (55 feet) in length and can reach an estimated weight of more than 42,000kg (100,000lbs). They are known to travel great distances and they occupy all tropical and sub tropical oceans. Yet very little is known about how they reproduce or why they congregate in the Galapagos Islands as they do. Three strong ocean currents converge in the remote islands of Darwin and Wolf in the Galapagos. Part of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands straddle the equator, yet the Humboldt current brings cold water to this area and it creates a unique and surprisingly temperate climate in an area that would be expected to be one of the warmest regions on the planet. These currents bring an abundance of plankton, fish, and other food sources for marine animals of all kinds. It would be the perfect environment for a whale shark to thrive, coming here what would be perfect feeding grounds. Yet, whale sharks are not seen feeding in these plankton-rich waters. Almost all of the whale sharks found here are pregnant females, ready to give birth to their pups. But researchers and scientists will almost never witness this miracle in action, and they don't even know where the young go in the first months of their lives. Scuba divers also congregate in these waters, traveling from all over the world, hoping to catch even a glimpse of one of these goliaths as they slowly swim through the area. Whale shark sightings are a bucket list item for scuba and nature enthusiasts. These lucky divers were treated to more than a glimpse as this magnificent lady casually cruised right up to them and circled around as if she was inspecting them. Fearless, the whale sharks do not see people as a threat. They are so massive that a clumsy person in the water could do them no harm. This is mutual, as whale sharks do not possess teeth, or even the ability to harm people, except for the possibility of a collision. These giants are filter feeders, feeding by opening their mouths wide to capture eggs, plankton, and small fish. They have little ability to defend themselves against predators, except by out swimming them, or diving deeper than their predators can go. These gentle beasts are truly awe inspiring to witness in their natural environment.

There are many different species of stingray, each with unique characteristics and behaviours, but all of them equally impressive. They are fish, despite the lack of resemblance to the more common species of fish that we envision. Stingrays have flattened bodies to allow them to swim over the sand and coral as they search for food. They use electro sensors in their wings and snouts that allow them to detect even the smallest electrical impulses of creatures hidden below. They hover over their prey and beat their wings to stir up the sand and the small animals along with it. They inhale their food and vent the sand and debris out through gill holes on the top of the heads. Stingrays have a reputation as being fearsome creatures that are a threat to humans. While they do possess a sharp barb in their tail that is equipped with a powerful neurotoxin, this is designed for defense, not attacking, and the stingray is not likely to ever pose a threat, unless provoked. Stingrays in the shallows have been stepped on and they are capable of lashing out when they believe they are being attacked from above, but unprovoked, intentional attacks on humans are unheard of. Highly intelligent, these animals are fascinating to watch from a respectful distance. This baby stingray is a rare sight for the scuba divers filming this encounter. It is extremely rare to see such a young juvenile out on the open. As it glided over the sand in search of food, these divers watched in amazement. The rapid flutters and wing beats are adorable to watch as this youngster hunts for a meal in Belize.

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

The peacock flounder has a unique and amazing ability to blend in perfectly with its surroundings. It is capable of changing its pattern and colour in as little as 8 seconds. Researchers have found that this fish can even change its colour to mimic a checkerboard pattern. Flounders start their life with an eye on each side of their heads, swimming upright as most fish do. As juveniles, they feed and act like normal fish. As they reach adulthood, the right eye of the flounder migrates around the head to the left side of the fish. The eyes extend updawards from the fish like tiny periscopes that move and see independently. This allows the flounder to visualize a threat in all directions. As adults, the flounder swims along the bottom, constantly changing colour to blend in with it surroundings. Visual cues, along with hormone manipulation give the flounder the ability to control its pigmentation. If a flounder sustains damage to one or both eyes, it will not be able to change colour properly. When motionless, the flounder is nearly impossible to detect on almost any surface. Flounders are nocturnal hunters, preferring the cover of darkness while they search for small fish, crabs, and shrimp. Flounders mate in late winter and early spring with the female releasing 2-3 million eggs. As they are deposited in the sand, the male fertilizes them. After fertilization, the eggs float to the surface and are carried on ocean currents. The eggs can hatch hundreds of miles from where they were laid.

Reef sharks are one of the ocean's most magnificent predators. They are sleek and graceful in their movements, and frighteningly powerful. With rows or razor sharp teeth and tremendous jaw strength, they are formidable hunters. But they are also one of the ocean's most misunderstood animals. Shark attacks on humans are rare. Unprovoked attacks are even more rare. For the most part, sharks are scavengers and opportunistic feeders that prey on the weak and dying creatures. In this way, they keep populations healthy, ensuring that only the strongest of a species is allowed to reproduce. Without sharks, many animal populations would not be kept in check and the effect on the balance of the reef would be devastating.

Hawksbill sea turtles are among the most breath takingly beautiful animals in the ocean. Their gorgeous shell and their graceful movements make them a delight for scuba divers to see. They are very rare, having had their populations decimated by over harvesting for meat, eggs, and for the cosmetic appeal of their patterned shells. Through conservation efforts and stricter laws, the hawksbills are making a slow comeback. This magnificent turtle was found on the reef near Turneffe Caye in Belize. It was cruising along over the coral near a few delighted scuba divers who marveled at its slow and beautiful swimming. The divers kept pace with the turtle and approached slowly and respectfully to get a close look as it selected patches of yellow sponge to snack on. While eating the sponge, chunks broke free and drifted up from the coral, allowing a strikingly coloured queen angel fish to feed on the scraps. The turtle is unconcerned with the fish, as it is with the divers. It has learned that scuba divers will cause it no harm. Most sea life quickly recognize that a clumsy and slow moving human will not present a danger to them. This gorgeous animal calmly fed on the sponge while the divers positioned their cameras on the bottom to record the spectacle. After a few moments, the turtle gracefully lifted off and swam along the reef looking for more. The divers followed briefly and then turned away to allow the turtle to go off on its own. An encounter with such a beautiful creature in its own environment is an unforgettable experience.

The ocean is a beautiful place, full of colour and wonder. The animals are fascinating, graceful, and unique in ways that we are barely beginning to understand. But the ocean is a very unforgiving place as well and all animals are constantly struggling for survival in a world where they are the predator one minute and the prey the next. It's a delicate balance that can change in an instant and the creatures in the ocean need to always be watching for danger. This world changes abruptly when the sun goes down. Darkness brings with it a change that come on as rapidly as the light fades. Creatures with keener night vison and a sharper sense of smell now become the dangerous ones as the fish that swam freely by day must find a place to hide. The channel clinging crab is one of the larger crab species in the Caribbean. It emerges from its lair in the coral to feed on decaying matter and algae. Under the cover of darkness, its camouflage colour and rough surface allows it to blend in nearly perfectly with the rocks and coral around it. It uses long claws to pick at food and place the small bits in its mouth. These crabs are very beneficial to the reef, keeping algae in check and cleaning up rotting debris. But another animal also comes alive at night and it is one of nature's most perfectly designed predators. The most intelligent invertebrate on the planet, the octopus has a capacity for learning, problem solving, and memory that surpass what we once believed impossible in animals. They have sharp vision and one of the most developed tactile senses in the animal kingdom. Each tentacle is capable of smell and its eight arms work independently to find and subdue prey with complete effectiveness. Possessing incredible strength and unsurpassed flexibility, these animals are formidable. They are able to overpower animals much larger than themselves with ease. Crevices and hiding places in the coral become more prison than protection when the octopus arrives. When it sense an animal tucked into a tight spot, it extends its arms inward, exploring for the hiding creature as it covers the escape route with its mantel. The food can either try to flee and be captured in the widening umbrella, or it can remain hidden and be dragged out by the powerful arms. In most cases, there will be no escape once the octopus has found its food. This channel clinging crab has been found in the open and the octopus has seized it, one claw at a time. The powerful beak can pierce the armour of the crab but the octopus prefers to attack the vulnerable underside. It systematically pins each of the crab's claws and works the crab around so that the softer shell of the belly is in position for the razor sharp beak of the octopus. Once this is accomplished, the crab has only moments to live. It struggles valiantly, trying to deter the octopus with a claw and trying to pull itself into the coral. But none of these efforts have any effect on the octopus and the battle is over in less than ten minutes. The octopus will find a quiet spot to devour the crab in safety. It knows that while it eats the large crab, many creatures roam the water and the reef that would like to eat an octopus. Sharks, eels, and barracuda also patrol these waters and many of them also hunt at night with keen senses of their own. A large shark or moray will devour even the biggest octopus if it is caught unaware. The battle for survival is a complex one in this mysterious domain and the struggle to survive will continue until daylight, and beyond.

When this scuba diver's camera began sinking into the depths, she wasn't just losing a few thousand dollars worth of equipment. She was also losing contacts, precious family photos, and the most memorable video footage that she had ever captured. Minutes before, Tammy met a whale shark face to face at 70 feet in the remote waters of the Galapagos Islands. This is a bucket list trip and the close up encounter with such a magnificent animal is the kind of experience that all scuba divers dream of. She had captured the memories forever and she knew that this was the best dive of her life. The camera is also Tammy's active iPhone and the water proof case and light system has set her back a lot of money. She had it properly secured to her flotation vest, but the cord broke somehow as she reached the surface. She didn't know the camera was gone until somebody yelled that there was a camera sinking beneath the group. She instantly knew that she couldn't catch it and she braced herself for the reality that it was gone forever. Kristy, another member of the dive group began chasing the camera but she was well aware that her air had been depleted on the dive. She knew she could not kick her fins quickly enough to descend after it because she would need enough air for the added exertion as well as the return trip from the depths. She made the decision that it was impossible. The camera was sinking almost as quickly as Kristy could swim. The only one in the group with enough air left to go after it was Solon, the dive guide. A very experienced diver who is in excellent physical condition, he had almost half a tank of air left after the dive. He is diving with enriched air, called "Nitrox". The higher oxygen concentration allows Solon to remain underwater longer without building up a toxic level of nitrogen in his body, but the gas mix becomes toxic to humans under the pressure that exists somewhere below 35m (100 feet). He knows he must reach the sinking camera before he hits 35m or he will risk convulsions, disorientation, neurological damage, or even death. Solon has longer fins as well and he chases the camera at full effort, slowly closing in as he descends. The rapid dive causes pressure buildup in his ears and sinuses and he needs to equalize rapidly to avoid severe pain and eardrum damage. He must gauge his exertion so that he does not require air faster than his regulator can provide it. Solon disappeared far enough that only his rising bubbles were visible to the divers above. He is alone as he descends because nobody is able to follow him far beneath the surface. This places him at risk because he will be completely reliant on only his own equipment. A malfunction at this time will be disastrous with no dive buddy to share their air with him. After a few minutes Solon appeared. He could be seen at 6m (18 feet), the safety stop that allows a diver to expel nitrogen gas before surfacing. Unbelievably, he had the camera in his hand, but even MORE unbelievable was that he was using the camera to record something beautiful. Solon had surfaced in the middle of a gigantic pod of dolphins. These amazing animals are a rare sight for scuba divers and a close look at one in its natural environment is also a bucket list item for most scuba enthusiasts. Solon has turned on the camera and is capturing footage for Tammy, who has climbed into the inflatable boat that will take her back to the main boat. Tammy was already telling fellow divers that she did not think she would ever see her camera or the footage of the whale shark that looked her straight in the eye. Then Solon surfaced and held up the camera. There were cheers and shouts of surprise as Tammy beamed with relief. There was an even bigger smile as she looked at the footage that Solon captured as dolphins circled him curiously. Tammy is an appreciate person and Solon was properly thanked in a tangible manner for such a super human effort.

Lion fish are an invasive species that have wreaked havoc in the Caribbean and other areas of the Atlantic ocean. They are native to the Pacific Ocean where they are kept in check by their natural predators. Accidentally released into the waters of the Atlantic, they breed without control and eat small reef fish at an alarming rate. They are voracious feeders, destroying the delicate balance of ecosystems around the globe. Scuba divers are encouraged to spear these invaders and remove them from the reefs. They are delicious and excellent for eating. Conservationists and scientists have been encouraging divers to feed them to sharks, groupers, and eels in an effort to teach the larger species that lion fish are suitable food. Although opinions vary on the effectiveness of this action, it is undeniable that predators are eager to eat the lion fish when they are speared or injured in any way. The difficulty with eating these fish is that they have a highly venomous toxin that coats the tips of their spines. Anything trying to capture them risks a painful sting that is powerful enough to deter or even immobilize even the most determined animal. In humans, the venom can cause severe reaction and pain that is difficult to withstand. But once injured, the lion fish is less able to deliver a sting by positioning its spines in a defensive position. These sharks are well aware that the spear means the potential for a handout and they circle this diver with great anticipation. John is a seasoned scuba diver who knows that he needs to be careful around these large beasts. Although they are not the vicious killers that they are reputed to be, they are still formidable hunters with rows of razor sharp teeth. He is careful to keep the spear and the fish safely away from him as the sharks come in to grab the lion fish. Although they have no interest in attacking humans, John can find himself in the middle of a frenzy if several sharks close in at the same time. Feeding wild animals is a hotly debated topic. Many experts tell us that it affects shark behaviour to teach them that humans can be associated with food. Others suggest that the benefit is worth it to try to control the lion fish populations. For the scuba divers accompanying John, feeding these sharks was a thrilling and memorable experience.

When most people think of penguins, we usually think of Antarctica, yet only 7 of the 17 known penguin species live there. This small penguin actually lives and thrives at the equator. It is the Galapagos penguin and it finds an abundance of food around the remote islands such as Fernandina, due to the convergence of powerful ocean currents. One of the three main ocean currents, the Humboldt, brings with it cold water and this creates the perfect habitat for anchovies, sardines, and mullet. These fish are the main species that make up the diet of the Galapagos penguins. Flightless birds, they are amazingly agile in the water. Penguins are capable hunters, able to reach speeds of 35km/h (20mph) underwater, using their powerful flippers. These penguins are perfectly at home in the surf, but they spend much of their day on the rocky shores of the Galapagos Islands. They take shelter at night in crevices and caves in the lava debris along the shore. These swimmers were scuba diving in the nearby waters off Fernandina but they passed close to shore as they returned to their dive boat. They hopped in the water to explore a particularly beautiful stretch of coastline. As they were snorkeling in the blue waters near shore, they were joined by sharks, curious penguins, and playful sea lions. The penguins hunted and paid little attention to the swimmers, although they came close for a curious inspection a few times. The sea lions however, rolled and cavorted, inviting the clumsy humans to play and follow them as they dashed back and forth and all around them. Sea lions are truly the clowns of the ocean, seemingly laughing and eager to have fun with anyone who enters their domain. The sea lion even tried to catch one of the penguins in what seemed to be a game, but the penguin was not amused. Wisely, penguins avoid sea lions as they are also known to prey on penguins when the opportunity arises. Penguins and sea lions are both hunted by large sharks, making life in these waters hazardous for both of them. The Galapagos Islands are home to some of the most fascinating and beautiful animals on the planet. Many of the remote areas such as this one see so few humans that the animals here have very little reason to fear them. Although people must keep a respectful distance, it is not uncommon to find that the animals here will approach humans curiously if they are careful and quiet. The swimmers in this group enjoyed a once in a lifetime experience as they played with sea lions and penguins in their own habitat and on their own terms.

Big eyed jacks are a preferred food of many of the sharks in the Galapagos Islands and they seem to know it. These waters are home to thousands of hammerhead sharks that school in great numbers. There are also Galapagos sharks, the top predators here, as well as black tipped reef sharks. These big eyed jacks have many reasons to be wary of what lurks in the depths all around them. But one way for prey fish like these to avoid being eaten is to find larger animals to hide near. The fish seem to know that the hammerheads we see behind them are reluctant to come too close to the clumsy and awkward looking group of scuba divers. The jacks might understand that the scuba divers are less of a threat, or they might simply hope that the divers are a distraction for the sharks. But either way, they have come directly for the safety of the people in the water. The scuba divers in this group have ventured here from all over the world to see the amazing and fascinating life that thrives under the waves. The fish and other marine animals come here for the food which is brought by the convergence of three powerful ocean currents that create an upwelling of plankton. Bait fish come to eat the tiny and numerous plankton. They in turn attract larger fish and the larger fish attract the top predators. This is the food chain and the web of life that allows all the animals on the planet to survive. Hammerhead sharks are formidable hunters with few enemies. The Galapagos shark reigns, even over the hammerheads, at least until the orcas make an appearance. The orcas are undeniably the ocean's top predators, but it is rare to find them in these waters. The Galapagos Islands are remote and isolated, but they are teeming with life. For most scuba divers, this is the biggest bucket list adventure. It is a world like no other.

The Galapagos Islands are home to an abundance of life beneath the waves and below. It is a mysterious world, frighteningly harsh and inhospitable in many ways. Yet, the animals have evolved to thrive here despite the extreme challenges they face here. Called the "Land Born of Fire", the Galapagos Islands are relatively new in Geological terms, having formed 4 million years ago as a result of violent volcanic eruptions from the ocean floor. Lave cooled and hardened, creating pillars that rose above sea level and eventually became islands. The oceans around the Galapagos are unique due to the convergence of three major ocean currents in one spot. The mix of warmer and colder water creates an ecosystem full of animals and food sources. One of the animals that congregates here is the majestic and enormous whale shark, the largest of all shark species, and the largest fish to have ever lived since the dinosaurs swam these oceans. A few species of whale are larger, but whales are mammals and the whale shark is a fish. Whale sharks come to the waters around Darwin and Wolf Island in the late July and into November. Researchers and scientists have theories about the reason for their presence here but little is known about these gentle giants. Almost without exception, the whale sharks here are pregnant females. They do not exhibit feeding behaviour, despite the masses of plankton and small fish here that make up the whale sharks' diet. Most experts agree that these waters likely provide the whale sharks with an opportunity to bear their young in relative safety, compared with other areas of the world. Scientists do not know much about juvenile whale sharks and the babies are rarely seen anywhere in the oceans around the globe. These scuba divers have come to capture images that will help them identify the sharks by individual spots and markings. They will document behaviour and estimate sizes to compile date that answers questions about their migration and reasons for traveling such great distances to be here in the Galapagos. This whale shark has a unique deformity on its tail. It appears to have a mishapen section on the upper portion of the tail that extends beyond the profile of a normal whale shark's tail. It is possible that the tail has an injury and that the cartilage has been affected, but the upper portion of the tail has elongated skin at the rear, suggesting abnormal and asymmetrical growth. There is a lot to be learned about these giants of the deep. They are magnificent and beautiful, and for many scuba divers, seeing a whale shark up close is the most magical experience possible. Dwarfing a human, they can grow to almost 19m (55 feet) in length. When full grown, they are as enormous as a school bus. Having one swim past within arm's reach, as these researchers have experienced is unforgettable.

Johanita is a beautiful child with a bright future and every hope for a long and healthy life. But it hasn't always been easy for her parents to be as hopeful as they are now. Johanita's struggles and challenges have been extreme, and hope has been elusive as her family fought hard to pay for her medical needs. She was diagnosed at 18 months with an aggressive, cancerous brain tumour. Surgeons rushed to remove it immediately and the surgery was a success but the problems were far from over. Johanita's medical insurance did not cover the entire cost of the first procedure. More surgeries were required in the months that followed and the family moved to the mainland in Ecuador to live close to the hospital that was keeping Johanita alive. Their bills grew quickly as they worked even harder to manage. Johanita's father works in a job that takes him away from his family for many weeks at a time. When he most needs to be at his daughter's side, he is off working furiously to keep ahead of the costs. Johanita's mother works equally hard, looking after Johanita and her two brothers who have been as helpful as any children could be. Johanita recently needed medication that came with an astronomical price tag and the medical bills were already overwhelming. An anonymous philanthropist in Canada had heard about this family and he was touched by their love for their child. His respect for them all was profound. He quietly helped this family to pay for the life-saving drugs. He did this without them ever knowing his name or identity. Johanita responded well to her medication and the radiation treatments. But at four and a half years of age, the shunt that was placed in Johanita's brain to prevent fluid buildup had failed and she needed surgery immediately to place a new shunt. The cost to the family for this surgery was more than they could manage but the alternative was unthinkable. S V Krisnarajah (Kris) is the philanthropist who had helped this family. He understood that the family deserved help yet again. He stepped forward with a financial gift that paid the family's portion of the surgery costs and again, he did this in a way that did not reveal who he was. But this time, Kris also came up with an idea that would put the worry behind them for many years. He would have to step out from behind his anonymity to do something that nobody has ever done before. Kris and his business partner, Shams Syed would travel across North America in a Lamborghini. They asked for pledges from friends and business contacts and donated money themselves. They also funded the entire tour. Kris and Shams wanted to give Johanita's family reassurance for inevitable upcoming expenses. The most eastern point in North America is Cape Spear in Newfoundland, Canada. It is a breath takingly beautiful place with rocky shorelines and a picturesque lighthouse. This would be the starting point for their tour as they drove westward to cross the country, and the continent, in seven days. Reaching Vancouver a week later, the two men would log more than 7,500km (nearly 4,700 miles). The footage captured along the way shows the stunning landscapes. From the rocky coast of Newfoundland, across the forested wilderness of Ontario, over the flat but striking scenery in the prairies, The Badlands, and into the rolling mountains of Alberta and British Columbia, the two saw the country through the windshield of one of the most beautiful and powerful cars on the road. The adventure was life changing for more than just Johanita. More impressive and heart warming than the scenery, they also witnessed the goodness of people. Donations were offered by several sponsors and also by people along the way who admired the car and why it was being driven across Canada. A few very lucky people were given a ride. It was truly touching to see how much love and support there was for a little girl across the ocean who was fighting so hard. Johanita's family are grateful to all who have helped them and they are overwhelmed by what people have done. What strangers have done. Johanita is growing stronger every day. Her future looks bright. Johanita's family can now focus on the joy, with less need to worry. They dared to take her and her brothers to a nearby beach for the first time in years. The pictures of them in this video show them as they deserve to be, making memories instead of worrying. Anyone who wishes to help Johanita and her family can visit her fundraiser page at https://gofund.me/3a8e27b8. This miracle could not have been accomplished without generous support from AptPay, Aptcard, Centurion Capital, Charminar Indian Cuisine, Lamborghini Calgary, Lamborghini Vancouver, Mid East Pharmaceutical, Grand Touring Automobiles, Genesis Appraisals, Posner Metals, Paul Motor Leasing, Empire Capital, HMA Auto Sales, Maurizio Mascioli, Vishnu and Leora. To save a child across the ocean, it all started with just one call.

Johanita is a beautiful five year old child who is meeting llamas for the first time in her life. She is feeding them some salt from her hand and the experience makes her laugh with extreme joy. Whether it is the feel of them tickling her hand or the delight at the interaction with these large creatures is hard to know, but Johanita is loving every minute of this. Johanita has not had as much experience with animals or nature as many children her age. She has been battling a brain tumour and much of her time since the age of 18 months has been spent either in hospital, or at home recovery from the numerous surgeries and treatments that she has gone through. But all of this is behind her now and she is healthy and growing stronger each day. Her family has taken her on an excursion to an archeological site in Ecuador that features beautiful scenery and fascinating history, but for Johanita, the highlight was the opportunity to interact with a herd of more than 100 gigantic and wooly animals. The people who run this interactive site provide a few salt packages to guests who would like to meet the animals up close. The llamas know the routine and they come running across the grass when they see a group of friendly guests. The llamas crowded around Johanita, eager to get their share and she quickly caught on that an outstretched hand would draw them right up to her. Fearless and enthusiastic, this young girl is truly experiencing the joy of life for the first time in her young life. She has some catching up to do and her family is working hard to provide their daughter with every opportunity. For Johanitaès parents and brothers, the highlight of their day was hearing the beautiful sound of her belly laughs as she throws her head back with sheer joy and delight.

The waters surrounding the Galapagos Islands hold some of the most beautiful sights on the planet. Scuba divers venture here from all over the world to view magnificent creatures like gigantic eagle rays, hammerhead sharks and whale sharks. They enter the water in strong current and make a rapid descent to the bottom to grip the rocks and find a perch from which they can watch the most brilliant show in the world. Three strong ocean currents converge around the islands of Darwin and Wolf, causing an upwelling of plankton, nutrients and food that bring small fish, which attract larger fish. The waters are abundantly rich with life and diversity. These spotted eagle rays are magnificent creatures with surprisingly high intelligence. They have evolved an ability to detect the electrical impulses of their prey through thousands of nerve cells located in their wings and around their heads. They can also sense minute changes in water temperature and pressure. They are extremely capable hunters. Spotted eagle rays are unique in appearance and they are among the most graceful and beautiful of all the undersea animals. Their long whip tails possess a barb with powerful venom that acts as a very effective means of defense. Capable of inflicting serious, even fatal wounds on large predators, they are usually avoided by all animals except large sharks. This scuba diver was hanging onto a rock in the strong current off Darwin Island when the two eagle rays appeared and swam casually past him, almost within arm's reach. They fought the current, making slow progress creating a prolonged and memorable experience for the lucky divers in this group.

The Galapagos Islands are home to some of the most breath taking sights on the planet, both above the waves and beneath them. For scuba divers, this is a paradise that is experienced by only the lucky few. Remote and seemingly hostile, these islands are not easy to get to and they are filled with unique and strange animals for the same reason. This scuba diver has ventured to the remote waters of Wolf Island and he has just begun to surface after a dive with hundreds of hammerhead sharks and beautiful fish. As he waits for 3 minutes at a depth of 6m, the buildup of dangerous nitrogen gas in his blood will decrease. Rushing to the surface can have disastrous and long term effects for scuba divers. As he waits patiently, this diver is greeted by a magnificent sight. He has surfaced right in the path of a gigantic school of dolphins that are circling the island. They are playful and curious as they swim past closely, some of them returning for a second look at the clumsy human in the water. Dolphins are graceful and beautiful as they arc and change direction quickly. They dart to the surface to breathe and then they dive deeper, sometimes in groups of three or four that are obviously interested in staying close together. Divers may go their whole lives without seeing a dolphin close up. For many, an experience like this one is a bucket list item and an ultimate thrill. To have this incredible interaction go on for several minutes was a dream come true for all of the divers in this area. Dolphins are highly intelligent and highly social animals. There is no question that when they look at you, they are fully taking everything that they see. It would be amazing to know what they are thinking when they encounter us as these one have.

A trailcam mounted in the woods of northern Ontario has captured footage that provides a close look at a very rare creature. So infrequent and beautiful, capturing images of a piebald white-tailed deer is often compared with photographing a unicorn. White-tailed deer are very common throughout North America and capturing video of them on a trailcam is not difficult to do. But nature enthusiasts and hunters alike might go their entire life without ever seeing a live one. Tom, an avid outdoorsman has been stashing cameras in the woods for several years. He has captured amazing footage of deer, bears, lynxes, foxes, wolves, and even eagles. Although he has heard of a few sightings of piebald deer and he once saw one himself from a distance, he has never found one making an appearance in the thousands of hours of recordings that he has made. Piebald colouring results from a genetic abnormality that exists in some mammals and even snakes. It's a recessive trait, meaning that it can only surface when both parents carry the gene. This is extremely rare, occurring in less than 2% of the deer population. Often compared with albinism, both appear to be similar in some respects, but the difference can be readily determined by looking at the eyes of the animal. Albino deer will have pink eyes, pink noses, and pink hooves. They also have poor eyesight. Piebald deer will have brown eyes, brown noses, and brown hooves. Their visual capabilities are unaffected. Deformities in their organs and bone structure is also more common than in regularly pigmented animals. For this reason, piebald deer are less likely to survive to adulthood than other deer. Tom was shocked when he went through the footage on this occasion and he was thrilled to see such clear images of this fawn as it walked right past his camera. The trailcam is set to record intermittently and the footage that came before this video was also very fascinating. A doe with a pair of fawns makes an appearance a few seconds earlier. The doe appears to be in the company of three fawns. With no other deer in sight on this occasion, it is believed that this beautiful animal has triplets. This is quite rare among white-tailed deer. Twins are common enough, but for a doe to have triplets, the habitat and food availability must be ideal. Even with perfect conditions, a doe will bear a third fawn only 15 to 20% of the time. The odds of having a camera in the right place at the right time to capture close up video of a piebald fawn in a set of triplets is astronomical. In fact, photographs and video of such an occurrence is almost unheard of. Tom cannot believe his good fortune and he has shared the footage with his friends. He will continue to explore these woods and video the trails in an effort to capture more images of this beautiful deer.