DavidMcNab

JuJube is a wonderful little calf with some troubles. He was born with weakness in his legs that made it nearly impossible for him to get up and walk. He was otherwise healthy and the mother had lots of milk for him. She tried to position herself so that he could nurse, but it wasn't going to work unless he could get to his feet. She nudged him and licked him, bellowing encouragement. JuJube tried to stand, but he just wasn't able. Farmer Dave saw that neither of them was ready to give up and he decided that he would not give up either. He bottle fed JuJube and helped him stand long enough to nurse. Bernise did her part and seemed to understand that the farmer was helping them. As this continued, she became less protective and she allowed Dave to do his work to make life easier for both of them. A veterinarian was called and they believed that the problem was a selenium deficiency, known as "white muscle disease". They gave JuJube vitamin and selenium supplements by injection. They also wondered if it was a joint problem that made walking painful. They began a series of antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. The farmer and an assistant took turns helping JuJube to his feet several times each day. Bernise eagerly stood in position to let him nurse and JuJube gained strength each day. But a calf who lies down is difficult to clean and Bernise could not keep her baby clean enough. The farm hand gave JuJube daily sponge baths in order to help him stay healthy. Surprisingly, Bernise had enough trust to allow this unusual task to be done. Normally, a mother cow will not let humans handle newborns, but Bernise has been well treated on this wonderful farm and she has come to trust those who care for her. As time went on, JuJube began gettung up on his own and he began following Bernise around the pasture. It looks like JuJube will be okay, thanks to a trusting mother and a farmer who cared enough to never give up.

Dave is an avid mountain biker who is probably lucky to have reached 54 years of age. He is enthusiastic about any adrenaline sport and he pushes his limits enough to receive more than an occasional disapproving look from his wife. But life is more exciting when it is lived with reckless abandon and Dave is all about the thrills. He is also about the spills and today was a good example of a spill. This trail has been nicknamed "Devil's Drop". It has rock formations that are designed like table tops that allow a fast moving cyclist to get impressive air before dropping down onto the trail and beginning declines that feel almost vertical. The ride is fast and it's hair raising as turns unfold in front of the bike as fast as the rider can react. At full speed, this is a shot of pure adrenaline that lasts for several minutes. As Dave reached a smoother section of the trail, his tire bit into the sand, or possibly, he clipped his handlebars on something. His front wheel turned instantly to the left and he knew that he was about to experience flight. His first thought was to unclip from the pedals and to try his best to avoid hitting one of the many trees. Dave launched over the handlebars like the space shuttle clearing the jumbo jet that carries it. He saw the ground rushing up to meet him and he tucked his arms in, hoping that his landing would allow a tuck and roll. Unfortunately, his landing looked more like a crippled 747 coming in on deep snow with the landing gear stuck inside. He bounced once and came to rest with the wind knocked out of him. In surround sound, this would resemble an epic 30 second long crash scene from an airplane disaster movie. Dave knew he had trouble when his arms would not work. The bike was on top of him and he was on his face. He rolled over and wiggled his toes and fingers. He did not think he had struck anything and he had not injured his head or spine. He suspected that the shoulders were dislocated. Dave had been recording his epic ride in 4K with a chest mounted GoPro action camera. It faired better after impact than Dave had and it continued to record, forgotten. Dave's hands can be see as he tests out his movement. He calls for help, worried that he might be alone in the woods at this hour. He braced his left hand against his chest and tried to rotate his shoulder. He felt a pop and a sensation that his left arm went back into the shoulder socket. He's had first aid training through his earlier career as a police officer, but he's got no advanced medical training. His only experience with dislocated shoulders had been watching Mel Gibson in the Hollywood productions where he put his own shoulder back in. Within a minute or so, a young cyclist comes along to help. Dave becomes self-conscious about his complaints and he tries to "shrug" the pain off. He knows he will need help getting his bike out of the woods and getting to his car. He also knows that an emergency ward visit has now become the biggest part of his evening plans. A lady with a dog named Duke arrives and she offers help. Duke licks Dave's face and Dave cannot lift his arms to prevent the slobbery tongue from covering every inch. Three more cyclists arrive and ask what they can do. One of the cyclists examines the bike and makes sure it is ok. Normally, this might seem somewhat insensitive, but any hardcore cyclist would expect nothing less. Dave isn't concerned at all that he is the second priority. With true Canadian etiquette, these folks exchange names and pleasantries while Dave explains that he is seriously injured. Dave tries to show that his funny bone has not been broken in the crash, but it's really an attempt at bravado. Dave gets lots of help carrying his bike and loading it in the van. And as soon as everybody was out of earshot, the true wailing and crying began. Dave was diagnosed with a dislocated (self-repaired) shoulder and torn rotator cuffs. He was also told that he had broken or bruised his ribs. He was black and blue on his leg, his ribs, his shoulders, and his forearm. Dave's wife has taken his bike and locked it up in the basement. He might be given permission to ride it again in six weeks, if his arms work well enough to unlock the cable. And Dave's wife will do her best to supervise him better.

Red-tailed hawks are large and formidable predators. They are one of the largest predatory birds in North America and they are the most commonly seen of all the raptors. Farmers love these birds since they play an important role in keeping rodents and pest populations in check. These magnificent birds can be seen perched on fences, telephone poles and in trees, scanning the fields for prey. They are enormous birds that can reach 60cm in length (2 feet) and have a wingspan of 150cm (nearly 5 feet). This hawk was found injured by a farmer, Peter, who was driving his truck along the fence line on his farm. The hawk seemed stunned or possibly injured by a car. Peter is known for being kind enough to give you the shirt off his back, and that is exactly what he did for this injured creature. He used his shirt to capture the hawk and he also knew enough to wear heavy gloves. But despite his caution, the hawk's razor sharp talons pierced the leather and injured Peter's hand. He was determined to get the poor bird some help and he took it to the farmhouse nearby. Dr. Kristy, a country veterinarian who also works with wildlife was only minutes away. She came straight over when called. She examined the hawk and determined that the left wing was seriously injured. She reached out to Shades of Hope Wildlife Refuge which was located an hour and a half away. They not only agreed to take the bird, but they kept their doors open well past closing to help. Dr. Kristy's son, Cameron delivered the bird and filled out a report. He also has a lot of experience with wildlife and he was delighted to do what he could for this beautiful animal. Within minutes of arrival, Shades of Hope staff had diagnosed the injury as a fractured humerus in the left wing. It would require a pin to be placed surgically, and many weeks of care as it healed. The bird will need help to learn to use the wing again so it can be returned to the area where it was found. Not all injured wild animals survive, but rehab and treatment centers like these are the best chance an injured animal has. These staff are experts on medical care, diet, and animal behavior. Successful treatment is made possible due to their extreme dedication. Red-tailed hawks are amazing animals. In flight, they are breath taking and impressive. They can reach speeds of 60km/h (40mph) on level flight and up to to 190km/h (120mph) on steep dive. They can hover or glide gracefully on the air currents. One of the most impressive features of a red-tailed hawk is their keen vision. Eight times as powerful as a human's vison, they are able to see a mouse on the ground while they are 30m (100 feet) above. These hawks would be able to focus on a rabbit or other animal approximately 3km (2 miles) in the distance. Hawks are also extremely intelligent and they have been found to have the capability of recognizing and distinguishing one human from another based on facial features. When this hawk makes its way back to the farm where it was found, perhaps it will actually remember the kind farmer who gave it the shirt off his back. Please visit shadesofhope.ca to see the incredible work that they do. The refuge is grateful for any financial support that is provided.

Bernise is a wonderful cow with a beautiful disposition. She is a seasoned mother who has had many healthy calves. But her new baby, JuJube has had serious trouble since birth. In an industry where farmers are faced with difficult choices, a calf like JuJube might not get an opportunity to overcome such a poor start in life. Most farmers just cannot justify the expense. Fortunately, Bernise and JuJube live on a wonderful farm in Millbrook, Ontario. The cows here wander freely over vast expanses of lush, green pasture. They have ponds to drink from and fresh air and sunshine almost all year round. Life here is as close as possible to what nature intended for these gentle beasts. The cows are treated almost like pets and the farmers see herd health as being more important than profit. Bernise and her calf deserve a proper chance, and the farmers are caring enough to provide it, even if it means a greater cost and more effort on their part. Bernise has been a good cow and she obviously cares for her baby too. If Bernise isn't ready to give up on JuJube, neither is farmer Dave. JuJube is outwardly robust and healthy. He is a big calf and he nurses well, but he has difficulty standing and he cannot get to his feet on his own. A calf can only nurse if he can get up and he cannot follow the herd if he can't walk. JuJube's weakness may be caused by a condition called "white muscle disease". A lack of selenium in the soil can mean that some calves are born with a deficiency in this important mineral. The first treatment for JuJube is a round of vitamins A,D, and E, along with mineral supplements. A veterinarian has also come to look at JuJube and try to diagnose the problem. But JuJube requires more than medical treatment. Until he is strong enough, the farmer and his helpers will bottle feed JuJube and elp him to his feet several times per day. He needs encouragement to walk and build his muscles. He also needs frequent sponge baths to keep him clean. Because he is less able to move, his hair can get soiled with his feces. Left unclean, this would invite flies, infections, and other problems. Farmer Dave is committed and won't let this stop him from giving JuJube a fighting chance. As the days went on, JuJube responded to treatments and care and he eventually began to walk well enough to keep up with his mother. If he continues to progress, JuJube will enjoy a good life here in the Canadian sunshine, thanks to a farmer who cared enough to make this possible.

Indigo buntings are one of the most striking of all the songbirds that appear at the backyard feeders in North America. They are a rare sight and an exciting one with their vibrant blue plumage. Bird enthusiasts and nature lovers anxiously watch and hope to catch a glimpse of these beauties paying them a visit. This beautiful male indigo bunting made a brief appearance at a seed dispenser in Millbrook, Ontario. He circled the feeder and poked his head inside at each hole, sampling the seeds from each spot. He enjoyed a little breakfast and then flew off to the nearby trees. Indigo buntings frequent the edge of forested areas and farm land, enjoying the hardwood lots where they meet meadows. The birds love seeds and berries, but they also eat a lot of insects and caterpillars. This is extremely beneficial for keeping the moths and caterpillars in check. Without them, trees and other vegetation would suffer and decline as leaves were devoured by the insects. The male of the species is a brilliant blue during mating season, while the female is a brown colour and far less striking. During winter months, even the males are brown. This is very common in birds as more vibrant colour is a signal to the females that the males are robust and carry strong genes, making them the most desirable mates.

There is a trail in Ontario, Canada that the local mountain bikers call Devil's Drop. It's a thrilling two minute descent through switchbacks and hairpin curves. It offers impossibly steep, banking sections that test a rider's ability to hang on to the handlebars and lean into the curves. Rock sections appear in front of the bikers and then end abruptly, launching riders momentarily into the air before they drop down onto the hard packed dirt for the next descent. The trees whiz past quickly and the forest is breath taking, but admiring the view is next to impossible when all your attention needs to be on the trail in front of the bike. Sharp turns come out of nowhere, making a rider lean left and right as quickly as they can shift their weight. The handlebars barely clear the tree trunks in some areas and rocks stick through the hard dirt like scales protruding from a dragon's back. The descent is more than two minutes of high speed exhilaration that would leave even a seasoned rider's knuckles white and have the riders gasping for breath. The climb to the start of the trail is also breath taking, in a different sense, but it is well worth the effort. This trail has been expertly engineered for maximum thrills. It is easy to picture a roller coaster ride as a rider navigates the terrain and struggles to stay one step ahead of the twists and turns. Mountain biking is a very thrilling sports and a great way to get exercise in beautiful areas.

Deer are shy and gentle animals that keep to themselves. They wander the forests and the meadows, throughout North America, as well as many other countries. We often see them from afar, or very briefly close up, but they are sure to run away at the sight of humans. Even seen from afar, we cannot help but be deeply affected by their gracefulness and their soulful eyes. But this man has discovered that with a little patience, the deer might just become curious enough to wander closer than usual. He sat on this log in a remote section of a protected Canadian forest and hoped to see the deer close up. The animals cannot be hunted here and they have learned that humans mean them no harm. It is common to see them grazing in the distance. They are usually not alarmed enough to flee. They may walk away or they may stare curiously. A human seated on a log, munching apples seems to arouse enough curiosity that the deer slowly wandered closer as they passed through this quiet section of the woods. When the man ignored them and made no move to go closer, they seemed to smell the apples. He tossed a few chunks in the grass and they actually came almost close enough to touch. The most surprising part of this encounter was that one of the does walked over the hill and then returned, bringing her fawns over the hill with her. This is a very unusual thing for a mother to do with her young. Although there is not much reaction from the man here, seeing the deer so close was a beautiful experience and seeing fawns right in front of him like this was unforgettable. The trust shown by these wonderful creatures was extremely touching.

Raven is a Great Dane puppy who is extremely well loved. She's living the good life with her family in Canada and she's like another child more than she is like a pet. She enjoys free reign of the house, the 3 acres or property, and even the beds and couches. Here, on her first night with her family, Raven has fallen asleep on her back on the couch with her humans. It seems that this position demonstrates complete trust and contentment in a dog. But at the end of the video, we can see the same dog on the same couch. The difference is that 16 months has passed since the first night on the couch and she now takes up the whole thing!

These swimmers in the Galapagos Islands were beyond thrilled when a a group of young sea lions showed up in the water and surrounded them for playtime and a curious inspection. The beaches and rocky shores in the Galapagos Islands are inhabited by sea lions. They are large animals that look and act so much like our lovable canine companions that they are often referred to as "sea dogs" or "ocean puppies". The older sea lions are not very interested in humans. They can actually be quite grumpy if they are approached too closely. Males are especially territorial, and weighing well over 150kg (300lbs), with a head larger than a family dog, they are formidable animals. But the juvenile sea lions are curious and fun loving creatures that will investigate anything interesting in the water. These sea lions suddenly surrounded a couple who were swimming. They were fascinated with the camera and with the pair of clumsy humans who tried to mimic their movements under water. As the couple dove and rolled, the sea lions came closer and it seemed like they wanted to engage in a game. The sea lions floated past on their backs and blew bubbles as if they wanted to teach the humans how to do the same. They arced and swam gracefully in circles around Kristy who was delighted to have such an interaction with wild sea lions. A trip to the Galapagos Islands will provide a close look at some of the most unique and diverse life on the planet. The sea lions are one of the most interesting of all of them.

Hawksbill sea turtles are critically endangered. Hunted to the brink of extinction for meat and for their beautiful shells, their populations dwindled in the last century. Their decline became a focus of conservation groups around the world and efforts were make to protect their nesting areas and to make hunting them illegal. This female hawksbill was rescued as a young turtle and cared for by researchers at a conservation facility in Papua New Guinea. When the turtles were old enough to survive in the wild, they were released in an isolated area near a coral head. Researchers return to the coral head several times per year to document growth, damage, and populations of marine life. They check on these friendly little turtles too and they are always relieved to see that they are doing well. The turtles seem to remember the earlier interaction with humans and they understand that people can provide them with food. The turtles are curious enough to approach and follow scuba divers, but they have an ability to recognize one of the divers and distinguish him from the others. They seek him out first before approaching the others. Ronnie has taught them that they can find their favourite food; yellow sponge, between the rocks and coral and he has shown them how to scrape it out. But some sponges are inaccessible and he gives them a little help. Ronnie will also provide the other divers with pieces of sponge so that they can make friends with these gentle little sea turtles. The life in our ocean is sensitive to even the smallest of changes brought about by climate, pollution, or habitat loss. One small error on our part can have a devastating effect on a whole ecosystem and the animals that depend on the perfect balance. This one loves his treats and chin scratches!

Fiona is a beautiful cow with a very sweet disposition. She is four years old and she has lived her entire life on this wonderful farm in Ontario, Canada. The farmers here treat her more like a pet than a farm animal and she has responded well to the kindness. This is a farm where the cows spend their time wandering over vast expanses of pasture, through wooded areas and rolling hills. They have ponds full of fresh water to drink from. They only go in a barn during the harsh winter months when snow covers the grass and they need protection for the worst of the winter cold. Fiona is one of about 40 cows here. She has learned to trust people and she is not only relaxed around them, but she often seeks them out for affection and companionship. She will curiously approach most of the people who visit this farm and she is always willing to eat corn from somebody's hand. She will even stick her huge nose in a pocket or backpack to see what visitors have. Dave is a neighbour who loves all animals. He began visiting this farm in the spring when Fiona was very young and she has become very accustomed to him being in the meadow hanging out with the cows or helping with some of the farm tasks. The two have become very chummy over the last few years and Dave often brings her some treats of some kind. It's spring here in Ontario and Fiona and the herd have just been brought back to the pasture. They had been put in the barn in January when snow was deep and grazing was not possible. Now they have been set free again and their reaction was beautiful. Some of the cows trotted around and jumped, happily kicking up their heels. Many calves were born early and they had never seen the meadow until this day. They looked in wonder as they followed their mothers around this huge world. Fiona was obviously glad to see Dave again after a long period and she sniffed and nudged him happily when they met in the field. Dave took a seat on the grass, watching the newborn calves and the cows. Fiona soon joined him, lying down right beside him. She began chewing her cud and seemed to be looking for a head scratch as she relaxed in the sunshine. Dave decided he'd join her in a little grass and cud chewing too, which seemed completely natural and normal to Fiona. Fiona has a very cute calf who watched this interaction curiously from not far away. She is is three days old and she will no doubt learn to be as friendly as Fiona is. Cows are often greatly misunderstood. They are capable of emotion and far greater intellect than we give them credit for. Many people understand that these gentle souls have feelings and an appreciation for life. For various reasons, they choose a vegan lifestyle. While this is commendable, there are many people who will always eat meat. But doing so does not mean that food has to be sourced from large, factory farm operations that are known for cruelty and abuse for the sake of higher profit. "More ethical" farms like this one are easy to find. The animals enjoy a happy life until their last day. If we eat meat, we should at least consider supporting farmers who do things right. A little research, or even a visit to a local farm will make this choice an easy one.

Orioles are among the most beautiful of the all birds in North America. Bird lovers and nature enthusiasts excitedly track their spring migration, eager to see the vividly coloured little creatures at their feeders. People count the days and share information about sightings with great anticipation. And finally, when these beautiful birds arrive, they are greeted with seeds and brightly coloured fruits in the hope of attracting them to the back yards. This feeder provides oranges, grape jelly, and seeds of all varieties for the song birds that live in Ontario. Habitat loss along the migration corridors, as well as pesticide use, has decimated food supplies and bird populations, causing experts to tell us that helping the birds with food and habitat is essential to their survival. A rose-breasted grosbeak has been pecking at the suet in this feeder but he would like to wash it down with a little orange juice. The problem is that there is a female oriole dominating the orange platform and she will not share. The little grosbeak makes an attempt to get in on the treat but she scolds him and sends him on his way. He patiently waits on the other side of the feeder and eventually gets his share. A male oriole also frequents this feeder to get orange juice and pulp. He is the most brightly coloured bird in the neighbourhood. He has neon orange plumage with black accents that make him an extremely striking specimen. Within a few days, this feeder will see constant action as more than a dozen pairs of orioles fly in and out. Loyal to their feeding grounds, orioles will return to the same feeders year after year and they will also bring their young to the spots that offer their favourites.

Traffic cops do a tough job, and yet, they are criticized by some people regardless of what they do or where they are. It's common for people to curse them when they are seen monitoring traffic, especially by those who are breaking the law. Hitting the brakes and showing resentment for the officer in the median seems to be synonymous for many. And then there are the times that we are annoyed by a reckless driver who cuts us off, tailgates, or whizzes past us. People are equally critical of the police in those cases because the person isn't caught putting us in danger. How many times have we heard: "Where are the cops when you need them?" Well this motorist found that sometimes the police are exactly where they should be when they are needed. The speed limit on this Canadian road is 100 km/h (60mph) and as a matter of etiquette, most drivers travel at about 115 - 120km/h so they are not holding up traffic, as is the case here. This black Nissan was tailgating for several minutes, even though he had lots of opportunity to go around the car with the dash camera. It seemed to be a display of aggression that might have been meant to reprimand the driver for not going quickly enough. The car with the camera is in the right lane, where slower traffic is expected to be. And despite the fact that he is actually speeding, the Nissan driver just isn't happy. He finally pulls into the left lane to pass, accelerates and continues down the road at a much higher speed than is necessary. The driver with the camera comments that the Nissan is doing approximately 45km/h over the posted speed 100km/h limit. He jokingly asks where the cops are, as we have all done at one time or another. And moments later, as the Nissan is almost out of sight, his brake lights go on. But it's too late. The officer in the median is parked in an unmarked traffic car, monitoring the speed of traffic coming at him. To the delight of the camera man, the officer pulls out from his hiding spot, which actually wasn't all that hidden, and engages his lights. For the Nissan driver to not notice the police car in the median, even though it's a stealthy plain black, is possibly a display of how oblivious he was. If he wasn't quick enough on the brakes to avoid a ticket, he wouldn't be quick enough on the brakes if a hazard suddenly appeared on the road. Everybody knows that the Nissan driver has been caught and he pulls over dutifully. The driver with the camera is quite pleased to see this officer doing such a fine job and he quietly praises him as he goes by. The officer must hear a lot of negative comments, but surely there are some positive ones as well, even if he doesn't get to hear them. In Ontario, the fine for this speed is approximately $310 and there are 4 demerit points. Wouldn't we all like the police to catch those around us for things like this? As a reminder to all, police on our roads are in danger of being hit by cars passing too close to them as they conduct traffic stops. Almost all police officers can tell at least one story of having their cruiser door taken off, or having had to jump out of the way of a car coming at them. And tragically, some are not so lucky. Moving into the left lane is the law. There is a hefty fine in most cases for not doing so. We can all help the officer stay safe, and able to focus on the stopped vehicle, if we smoothly move into the far lane when passing a stopped cruiser. In fact, this applies to all emergency vehicles and tow trucks in most provinces and states. At the end of the day, all of our public servants should make it home to their families.

These are free range chickens that are living the good life at a little farm in Millbrook, Ontario. They have full run of the yard and forest beside the house, although they gather in the fenced area for food and for protection during the night. Foxes and coyotes also roam free here and the chickens are smart enough to know that they are better off in the coop and behind the wire enclosure. But even their enclosure is a big one. This is life as chickens would want it. Aside from laying eggs, these chickens don't have much responsibility in life. They scratch and peck, eat grain from their feeder and even some vegetables from the garden. Their owners enjoy the company in the yard and the chickens follow them around like pets, even hopping up on their backs to perch on their shoulders if they are bent over weeding in the garden. The egg supply never stops here, and in typical smalltown fashion, the extras are put out at the roadside on a little table for passing neighbours to buy. The money jar is left on the table and in several years of operation, only once has somebody forgotten to pay. Their little egg store is a perfect example of buying direct from the producer, limiting the environmental impact of shipping food, and also supporting ethical farming. The owners were giving a little tour of the henhouse and enclosure to a couple who had been buying eggs from them for several months. Fascinated, the man with the camera phone held out his phone and found that the chickens were extremely curious and completely unafraid. They even took grass right from his hand, much to his delight. The faces of the chickens were quite comical as they looked with great interest at the camera.

Whale sharks are the biggest sharks in the ocean. In fact, they are the biggest fish of any kind. Second in size only to a few species of whales, they are truly enormous. But despite their size, they are truly the gentle giants of the deep. They have no teeth and they cannot bite a human or cause any harm, unless they crash into one who does not move out of their way. These scuba divers were in complete awe and wonder as they witnessed these mammoths up close in the remote waters off the Galapagos Islands. The sharks come here each year to bear their young and to feed in the currents around the islands. These waters are filled with hammerhead sharks, white tipped sharks, Galapagos sharks, sea turtles and fish of all shapes and sizes. Scuba divers also come here to explore the waters and see these animals in their natural environment.

This sea anemone is a nocturnal feeder that opens up in the darkness and spreads its tentacles out in a quest for food. It will sting and ensnare crabs, fish, and even sea urchins. The tentacles are covered with nematocysts, or sting cells that inject a powerful toxin, capable of paralyzing prey. The stunned creatures are then drawn toward the anemone's mouth and ingested. This creature is as beautiful as it is deadly. The waving tentacles dance continuously in the current, making the anemone resemble a coral or a plant. Anemones are animals and although they are quite stationary for most of their lives, they are capable of movement. It is almost imperceptibly slow, but they are able to burrow and move through sand or over hard surfaces to which they have anchored. This scuba diver was exploring the reef and the beach at night in Tonga. The world after dark is beautiful and strange, and many creatures that are hidden by day come out to hunt or feed in the night. This anemone remains closed up while the sun shines. Anemones here covered a stretch of sand that appeared barren in the daytime. Fish seemed aware of the danger and although they avoided contact with the stinging tentacles, many used the anemones for cover or protection from predators. Some fish have a slime that ins not protein based and the anemone does not recognize them as food. They are able to swim among the tentacles, enjoying the safety that is offered. The ocean is full of wonderful and fascinating life if we dare to enter and explore. But we must also recognize that even the smallest of creatures will often have a means of defense and understanding this, we are best to avoid contact with most of the creatures in this world.

Great horned owls are one of the largest of all owls in North America. They are the heaviest of the species, and the most formidable. They have powerful talons with the most impressive grip strength of any owl and they are capable of killing even a medium sized mammal by breaking its spine with their feet. Great horned owls prefer rabbits but they feed on rodents and other birds, even preying on other owls occasionally. Their contribution to the delicate balance of the food web is crucial as they keep the rodent population in check. Capable of near silent flight, they are skilled hunters, with stealth that is unmatched. This baby owlet is beyond adorable as he wakes up and yawns in the early morning sunshine. His mother has been out hunting for breakfast. She and her mate have been feeding their baby for several months, keeping him warm in the harshest weeks of winter. Great horned owls nest earlier than other owls and they work hard to protect their eggs and babies from the elements in the coldest stretches of winter. This baby is getting ready to fly. He meets his mother on the branch and he watches carefully as she opens her wings and takes flight.

Puppe the orangutan lives at the Metro Toronto zoo in Canada. One of the highest rated zoos on the continent, this facility has excellent habitat and nutrition for their animals. Puppe has just been given some mango slices in a jar. This provides some mental stimulation as the jar is an unusual object and she must figure out the easiest way to remove the food. Often, the containers and food items are presented in unique ways that require thinking to locate or access them. Puppe is one of the few primates not born at the zoo. She was brought here as an orphan needing a safe home. Due to hunting and habitat loss, orangutan populations are in serious decline. Irresponsible consumer demand for products that drive the growth of farms causes the encroachment on orangutan forest that robs them of their home. We can prevent this by researching which products avoid the use of palm oil, a leading cause of competition with the orangutans. Puppe has a safe and happy home here. Sadly, there is no place for her in the wild anymore due to human interference. These beautiful animals are intelligent and gentle and they deserve to be protected. Through outreach and education, organizations like the Toronto Zoo strive to improve this tragic situation. They also provide funding and expertise, along with volunteers, to work in the area of conservation so that we might see the orangutans make a comeback. To lose these noble beasts forever would be beyond tragic.

These groundhogs have just emerged from their burrows after a long winter nap. Their mother spent all of last summer grazing furiously to store up enough fat to get her through hibernation. Her pups were born in the burrow and they also needed her to supply the food in the form of milk. They nursed throughout the cold, winter months until the snow melted and the grass appeared. When it became warm enough, they all ventured out in the sunshine. These pups are seeing the world for the first time. They have just set eyes on the grass, the sky, and the world at their doorstep. They have also never seen an action camera before and they are very curious about this strange object at their den door. They sniff and poke at it in the most adorable fashion. Everything in the world is scary to creatures as small as these ones are and they constantly jump and run for their underground shelter. They are wisely skittish and will not venture far from the hole. A baby groundhog would be an easy meal for a hawk or a fox and they seem to understand this. With luck, they will learn quickly from their mother and they will also store up enough fat to get them through the winter. Nature is full of adorable and furry little creatures like these little bundles of fluff.

This critically endangered hawksbill sea turtle is a very unique character. Rescued as a hatchling, the turtle spent her first year in a centre where she was cared for by humans. She was released in the ocean in a remote area off an island in Papua New Guinea. Although wild, and completely independent, she responds well to the scuba divers who occasionally come here to explore and to check on the turtles that they released. This turtle is critically endangered, among a population that has been declining due to illegal hunting and also due to habitat loss and destruction of nesting areas. This scuba diver was fortunate enough to be among a group of biologists who came to this site. The diver was meeting the friendly turtle for the first time. Curious and unafraid, the turtle latched onto Kristy like they were old friends. She followed Kristy around the coral head, watching everything that Kristy did. Kristy pried some yellow sponge out from between two rocks when the turtle was unable to get to it and the eager little turtle munched away happily. After a few minutes of feeding this adorable little creature, Kristy made her way back to the boat and up to the surface, saying goodbye to her new friend. Kristy is a seasoned scuba diver who has explored many waters and she has seen many of the ocean's animals up close, but this was one of the most memorable dives that she has had. You can see on her face that this little turtle completely captured her heart.

Sumatran tigers are an endangered species that were estimated to be less than 700 in number in 2008. Sadly, this population was declining and is almost certainly lower today. It is one of the smallest tigers, topping the scale at 140kg (310lbs). It has distinctive striping and differences in skull size when compared with other tigers. This beautiful big cat was lazing on the edge of the forested area, soaking up some sunshine. Fearless, these tigers have no predators, except other tigers and humans. Their decline has been caused by habitat loss and hunting. These tigers shy away from areas that are frequented by humans, or areas where this is encroachment due to construction. Yet fear, misunderstanding, and black market demand for skins and teeth continue to drive the illegal poaching that threatens them. This tiger eventually retired to a shaded area under some fallen timbers. It has a small cave that it treats as its den. As the tiger watches its surroundings, there can be no doubt about the look in its eyes that it is ready to spring into action if an opportunity for food comes along. Conservation agencies around the world have declared the Sumatran tiger decline a crisis. Conservation efforts and enforcement efforts are being funded to reduce poaching and reduce the killing of these tigers by farmers who feel the need to protect their livestock. Forest ranger patrols have put pressure on the poachers and the rangers continue to remove snare traps. It is difficult to know if the efforts will be enough to save the species. Losing these beautiful animals forever would be beyond tragic.

Johnson is a two year old ringneck parrot who lives in a loving home in India. She has free range of the house and enjoys her flights and free time. But one of her favorite things to do on a sunny day is to spend time eating sunflower seeds on the patio. For her safety, she is kept protected in a cage as she sings and whistles and calls to the other birds. Johnson's voice has reached the trees around her home and has attracted wild parrots to see what is happening. Each day, they have ventured closer and eventually they began perching on her cage and peeking at her through the bars. They rub her beak with theirs and seem to be inviting her out to play. Johnson is a very polite bird and she happily entertains her guests and shows them hospitality by passing them sunflower seeds through the bars. They eagerly take the seeds as fast as she shares them. The parrots have come to see Johnson for months now, always at the same time in the morning. After exchanging pleasantries and some snacks, the parrots fly off to the trees and continue their day. Johnson chirps and calls out happily. Johnson also speaks and it seems that she is trying to engage them in human conversation at times. She has shown off her impressive vocabulary and one of her friends has tried to repeat a few words. Johnson speaks Punjabi, which is very fitting for an Indian lady such as herself. This particular wild parrot is especially keen on Johnson and he seems to be looking at the cage with ideas of helping her escape. The amorous wild parrot would obviously like a girlfriend. This is quite amusing to Suq, the owner of the parrot. He can be heard explaining this situation as the video is recorded. Imagine seeing your parrot making friends, sharing snacks, and engaging in conversation with new friends. This is very similar to watching our children as they interact on the playground at a new school!

Gus is an enormous young bull, weighing in at well over 1,000kg (2,200lbs). He has a gigantic appetite and he eats almost constantly. He dwarfs the other cows in the paddock and he has an unbelievable amount of muscle in his shoulders and neck. One look at Gus tells you that he is all muscle and immense power. As he begins his lunch at the new hay bale, Gus nudges it and moves it like it's nothing for him, even though these bales weigh over 300kg (700lbs). The hay bale bounces and rolls slightly as he prods it with his big nose. He then pulls off layers and chews away, eager to get at it. Gus is as gentle as he is gigantic and his easygoing personality has allowed his owners and visitors to get close to him without any trouble. He's actually an affectionate bull and he enjoys a head scratch or pat on the nose along with a treat or tow. This is rare for bulls, as most are grumpy and territorial. Most bulls would not be approachable like Gus is, especially when there are females around, or when food is in the picture. Out of caution, even an apparent softie like Gus should never be trusted completely, as any bull can be unpredictable. Gus spends most of his day lounging in the meadow with his herd, watching over them protectively. In colder weather, he has a paddock and a barn for shelter, but he's a free range bull who has the freedom to roam over a vast expanse of pasture and lush, green grass. He cools off in one of his ponds on hot days and he spends time at the edge of his forest when he wants shade from the sunshine. He really is king of the land here on his farm. Life on this beautiful farm is close to ideal for a gentleman like Gus. Aside from wandering and eating, he enjoys hanging out with the ladies and scratching his huge shoulders on the trees. Gus also likes visitors who bring him bread or corn, and he can devour a whole loaf of bread in under a minute. Feeding Gus bread is like putting a bank card in an ATM. It simply disappears. Gus is an endearing and comical fellow who inspires laughter as well as awe. Standing beside him as he eats his hay is an experience in sound and sight. His hot breath can be felt as he burps and snorts, and the smacking of his lips is impossible to miss as he eats with enthusiasm. He is nearly 2m tall (6 feet) and the shoulder and when he stretches his neck up, his nose is 3m (9 feet) in the air. There are few, if any animals in North America that would be more immense than a bull like Gus.

Male peacocks are among the most striking and spectacular specimens in the bird world. They have the largest feathers and the most extravagant displays of detail. With iridescent feathers on their neck and an ornate crown, they are truly royal birds in appearance. Commonly called peacocks, the females are actually peahens and both males and females are referred to as peafowl. They are the national bird of India and they run free here, as these wild peafowl do. These beautiful creatures appear daily in this garden near the edge of the city in Delhi. They come to eat the seed that is left out for them and other birds. Almost as striking as the plumage is the shrill call of the male peacock, able to be heard for miles as they shriek to assert dominance over other males in their territory and to attract females. With such a heavy train, peacocks spend more time on the ground than in the air. Although they are capable of flight, they prefer to outrun predators and hide in the brush rather than to take flight. A full grown peacock is quick and agile enough to outrun most animals through dense brush. This videographer was thrilled to be able to capture footage of such a magnificent, wild creature so close up.

This baby great horned owl has had the luxury of sleeping in while his mother and father were out hunting in the forest nearby. He has napped as the sun slowly rose and lit up the world around him. He stretches and stands up in the nest, high in a pine tree. As if on cue, his mother returned with breakfast very soon after this moment was captured. She brought him a small rabbit that she tore into pieces and fed him. She tried teaching him how to swallow larger chunks but he isn't quite ready for a full meal yet. He's still only able to swallow small chunks. This was the baby's last day in the nest. He ventured out on the branch the following morning and clumsily flapped to the ground. He was able to make his way up onto a low branch where his parents continued to watch over him and feed him. Very soon, his wings will be fully developed and capable of graceful flight. He will be taught by the best instructors as he learns to hunt for his own food. Great horned owls are the second largest of the North American owls but they are the heaviest. They have powerful grip strength and talons that are unmatched. Able to snap the spine of animals much larger than they are, they are formidable predators. They prey on rabbits, squirrels, mice, birds, and even other owls. These owls are the ones we see most frequently in movies and animated productions. They are often referred to as hoot owls. With their large eyes and familiar call, they are the ones that most people envision when they think of owls.