DavidMcNab

Owls are amazing birds that appear to be wise and all knowing. Their huge eyes look at us with curiosity and a leave us wondering what they are thinking. This beautiful barred owl swooped down to look curiously at two people at the side of a meadow. It landed in a tree Barred owls are less timid than some owls and they will often watch people curiously, but this one seemed completely unconcerned as the photographers slowly approached. They walked up as close as they dared and watched it, fascinated. As they zoomed in with their camera on the owl's face, they were amazed with the stunningly detailed look at its eyes, beak and feathers. These birds are incredibly beautiful and its beautiful face and intelligent gaze left Dave and Kristy in complete wonder. The owl's ability to turn its head almost completely around kept them mesmerized. Their incredible close up encounter with the owl was a complete thrill for these two nature lovers and the images that they captured will help them to remember the experience for years to come. Owl experts have been very excited by the increase in sightings of these beautiful animals throughout Ontario and the rest of Canada during this winter. Bird watchers are eager to gather and photograph one of nature's most photogenic creatures too. But we are reminded that these owls cannot store fat and that harsh winter weather creates a need to hunt for food that is nearly constant. With them being perilously close to starvation each day, one or two missed meals could have serious consequences for the owls. Some bird experts suggest that the owls we see are only one or two feedings away from death at any given time. If we are not careful enough, our presence might distract the owls and cause them to miss a feeding opportunity. We can help the birds by keeping our distance, making our interactions extremely brief, and limiting the effect that we have on their focus and attention. Not only are these birds beautiful, but they are crucial for keeping rodent populations in balance.

Fiji is a land of immense beauty, mystery, and magical sights. These islands were created by fire and lava as volcanoes erupted millions of years ago, spewing rock, ash, and steam into the air. The debris settled and formed immense piles that became the islands that we see today. Eons of rain, erosion, wind, and other forces created a soil that sustained life. Birds settled here. Animals drifted on the ocean currents and found their way ashore. The animal life thrived and people followed. The islands are dotted with lakes and waterfalls. Spectacular, roaring water falls from great heights, creating mist and lush stands of vegetation. The world underwater is equally breath taking. Corals, fish, turtles, and other wildlife thrive in the domain beneath the waves. Sharks of all kinds patrol these waters, keeping populations in check and preserving the delicate balance that is needed in this realm. Dolphins dance on the surface, delighting those fortunate to catch a glimpse of their antics. The people in Fiji are welcoming and warm, extending their hospitality and their kindness to visitors who venture to these islands to experience the beauty and adventure that awaits.

Komodo Island is a place that time forgot. It is remote and pristine, and it is home to more than 1700 Komodo dragons, the largest lizard on earth. Massive and powerful, they can reach a length 3m (10 feet) and can weigh up to 166kg (366lbs). On average, a large male will top out at 100kg (220lb). They are known for their ferocity and their ability to take down prey much larger than themselves. Komodo dragons hunt mammals and birds, often lying in wait to ambush prey as it ventures close. Capable of reaching impressive speeds, a Komodo dragon can outrun actually an adult human. They occasionally attack unwary or irresponsible humans if the opportunity arises. They are not as capable of quick turns or sharp maneuvers, so it is possible to avoid capture or injury by running in a zig zag pattern. Komodo Island is in the heart of Indonesia, a beautiful collection of 1800 islands that are home to some of the earth's most amazing wildlife. The islands jut up out of the ocean, beautiful and inviting. Komodo Island is one of five islands in Indonesia where these gigantic lizards live in the wild. The Komodo dragon uses its tongue to detect food. It has such a powerful sense of smell that it can detect carrion almost 10km (6 miles) away. Dragons attack their prey and try to bite the throat when possible. They prefer to attack and kill prey immediately, but their saliva is so laden with bacteria that most animals that escape with bite wounds will succumb to sepsis and die. The Komodo dragon will track and eat these animals. They rip their prey into pieces in the case of larger animals, but they are able to dislocate their jaws to swallow prey as large as a small goat. These dragons have been known to ram the carcass of their meal into a tree to help force it farther in the dragon's throat. A tube under their tongue allows them to breath while their mouths are full. It can take up to 20 minutes to swallow a large meal. Komodo dragons can eat up to 80% of their body weight in one meal. Their reputation as ferocious predators is well earned. These giant lizards are apex predators for good reason.

The orca is the undisputed king and top predator of the oceans. Fearless, powerful, and cunning, they possess enough skill and ability to take down even the largest of animals. Great white sharks abandon feeding grounds when orcas appear. Whales try in vain to outswim them for days before falling prey to these masters of the water. Their communication is sophisticated and they work together to problem solve and overcome almost any defense an animal puts up. They are intimidating and awe-inspiring at the same time. Yet, for all their ferocity and power, there has never been a fatal attack by orcas on humans in the wild. There have been very few reliable records of any threatening behaviour at all. Known as "killer whales", humans do fear them, and for good reason. They are enormous and they could easily crush a human in their formidable jaws. It is wise to maintain a healthy respect for what these creatures could do. It remains a mystery why they do not choose to attack people. This lucky scuba diver was exploring the waters of the Galapagos Islands, filming penguins, sea turtles, sea lions, and a beautiful school of salemas, the abundant fish that are a food source for many marine animals. As the camer focuses on a pair of large Pacific green turtles, a shadow appeared in the distance. Ominous and intimidating, the shadow moved with grace and purpose. The diver knew that there was only one animal in the ocean that it could be. He also knew that he would be at its mercy as it made up its own mind what to do next. There is no outrunning or outsmarting an orca. One must simply wait and watch, knowing that there is no reason for it to harm him if he acts carefully. The orca seemed to inspect the turtles, a common food for an orca. The thick shells crack easily under the pressure of their massive jaws. An orca will crush and separate the two halves of the shell and wedge the turtle between two rocks in order to scoop out the meat that lies within. But the turtles are spared and the orca swims around the scuba divers, inspecting them with interest. Quickly deciding that they are not on the menu, the orca leaves the divers in awe. Excited yells and squeals can be heard by all as they react to their brief and sudden close encounter with the ocean's top predator. They looked into the eyes of the orca and saw what very few humans will ever see. As we learn more about our oceans and the animals that live there, it is hoped that we can regard this world with the wonder and respect that it deserves. We are the guests in this domain.

Flo is a devoted mother who has had a few calves in her time. But on this occasion, she gave birth topo close to the fence that separated her pasture from the nearby highway. The slope of the ground and the small space under the wires combined to form a unique spot that allowed a slippery newborn calf to slide under the wires. The problem for Flo, and for her baby was that the fence was electrified, even though it was set quite low. This fence not only keeps the cows from wandering onto the road, but it also keeps out predators like coyotes that would love to come upon a calf that had just been born. Flo couldn't reach her calf and he had not gotten on his feet yet. Instinct seemed to tell him to lie silently in the grass, but Flo was distraught. A passing motorist happened along soon after the calf was born. Living nearby, he often watched these cows as he drove past, and he was particularly interested in the herd at this time because calves were being born. Dave had stopped at the fence in the days before this and he had used his GoPro to record a calf taking its first wobbly steps. He saw the cows in the pond and he stopped to get another close look and record the cows enjoying a bath in the sunshine. But Flo wasn't acting quite right. Dave put his camera on the fence and walked away to the right with his other camera. He knew very little about cows but he knew Flo was agitated. After a little while, Dave decided to go and look at what Flo was staring at. He found her new calf and decided it should be with the mother. The farmers' house is at the top of the hill across the meadow and the truck was gone. The cars on the road presented a danger if the calf wandered out into traffic. Dave decided to push the calf back under the fence the way it had come. Not knowing that some of the wires were live and some were not, he got himself a few shocks in the process. Flo tolerated the help, seeming to understand that the calf would soon be on her side of the fence. She encouraged Dave with a few "moos" as he worked away. The two walked up the hill and her baby had that important first milk that contains colostrum for a healthy immune system. As Dave was getting ready to drive away, the farmers returned and stopped to see if everything was OK. Dave helped tag the calf and give the umbilical cord a little iodine treatment. Because the calf had received a few shocks himself, he was known as "Sparky" from that day forward. As Dave kneeled down in the meadow to have a good look at Sparky, he and Flo wandered over for a sniff and a long look. It almost seemed like the two were curious about this stranger that had stopped to help them. For Dave, this was the day that he learned from the farmers, the importance of free range grazing and ethical treatment of cows, as well as the surprising capacity for emotion that these animals have. Supporting farmers like these seems very important for everyone's benefit, but especially for the wellbeing of the animals.

Drone enthusiasts are able to see the world from a vantage point that few people can. The world is beautiful face on, but it's absolutely breath taking when viewed from above. The horizon extends forever, the sunsets seems more magnificent, and the planet is a rich mixture of blues, greens, and browns when seen from the sky. This amateur drone pilot has been capturing these images for several years but the amazement is no less now than it was at the beginning. Tiny, lightweight, but powerful in their ability to film high resolution images, these drones are a marvel of technology. Miniature cameras are propelled upwards to record almost anything the imagination can think of. This video starts with a high speed, low level flight over a well tended lawn, a meadow filled with grazing cows, followed by a banking turn with a tapestry of colour as the sun sets low over the countryside. Next, the drone parallels a huge construction crane, almost one hundred metres in the air. The sky in the backdrop is ablaze with orange as the sun rises to meet the dawn. A steep dive brings us from high above the forest, through a train bridge and out onto a backwoods trail. Dipping down low to skim over a creek, we see Canada geese feeding on the water below. The drone squeezes through a narrow space beneath the bridge over the creek. Windmills turn as the camera gives us a look at them from their level, 150 metres above the earth. The camera skims over cows again, this time so low that we can see one happily chewing her meal. The resolution is so sharp that the drone pilot actually recognizes this cow as "Pam", one of the matriarchs in this familiar herd. We return to the creek for a low level skim so close to the water's surface that the ripples beneath are visible. The drone takes us around a country garden and through the trees on "sport mode", an insanely fast way to fly these new drones. A water spout in Peterborough creates a vivid rainbow. The camera then circles the "Arenui", one of the most beautiful liveaboard dive boats in existence, as the boat drifts in the bay in Indonesia near Komodo Island. The rice fields of Bali are next. They are one of the most iconic panoramas on the island of Bali. Another view of the giant wind turbines at sunset provides us with a glimpse of that distant horizon, aglow in the late evening. Circling around Darwin's Arch, we are able to see one of the most spectacular sights of the Galapagos Islands. No longer standing, this arch was a sight that brought tears to the eyes of many explorers and adventure seekers. The arch fell in May 2021, due to erosion, and scuba divers around the world mourned its loss. Rarely filmed from above, this view is breath taking. The drone takes us on a slow flight through snow laden branches that hang heavy after a winter storm in Canada. We follow a herd of horses galloping free in their meadow. Their joy at running on a sunny day is heart warming. The video finishes with another look at the Arenui at full sail, a sight to behold. Taking a camera to the sky provides images and sights that are beautiful beyond belief. Our fascination with this world we live in makes us want to see it from all angles. This vantage allows us to see the world the way a bird would see it.

This dive boat in the Maldives had moored for the night near the coast of one of the many islands. Awaiting dawn to press on to a new location, the boat was silent and still. But the world beneath the boat was anything but still. The lights of the boat attracted krill, plankton, and small fish that fed on the abundance of nutrients. Larger predators were attracted by the smaller animals and the water was alive with action. Slipping quietly into the water, these tourists floated and watched the spectacle beneath them. Mobula rays danced, played, and fed on the plankton. Gigantic manta rays performed loops as they inhaled and filtered their meal from the water around the lights. Nurse sharks cruised through, hoping to scavenge anything they could. A playful dolphin appeared and checked out the swimmers, as well as the chance of catching one of the fish that had come for a meal. For almost thirty minutes, this breath taking sight continued for these lucky tourists. The ocean is a world full of mystery and wonder. It is a world that has barely been explored or understood.

Tiger snake eels are beautiful creatures with striking colouration and markings. Their bodies are cream coloured with dark brown spots and stripes. They are not snakes, although they appear to be, at first glance. Eels are fish. They breath through gills and they spend all of their lives underwater. Unlike snakes, they have fins for swimming. This tiger snake eel was hunting small fish and crustaceans in the shallows around Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos. Willing to jam his head completely into the crevices in search of a meal, this eels is committed to finding food at any cost. While hunting, this eel will need to keep an eye out for cormorants, diving birds that prey heavily on the eels. Eels are also a favourite food for seal lions that inhabit these waters. It is fascinating to watch the balance of nature as animals in the ocean struggle to survive every day. Some are predators and some are prey. The balance can change in an instant.

The clown trigger is a stocky fish that grows up to 50cm (almost 20 inches) in length. It is found in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. Usually solitary, the fish will shy away from scuba divers and larger creatures, although it can become notoriously aggressive when defending a territory. They have powerful jaws and teeth that can cause a serious injury if the fish is threatened. Like all triggerfish, agitating them should be avoided. This fish was casually swimming over the coral in search of mollusks and crustaceans, its primary diet. The unique patterns and colours of the clown triggerfish make it a delight for underwater enthusiasts to see or record.

This lion is not afraid of anything, and for good reason. He is truly the king of beasts. Out here on the plain in Kenya, Africa, there are few animals that would dare to challenge his authority. A pack of very determined and hungry hyenas will occasionally try to chase a lion off a kill, but they will very rarely try to attack a full grown male, or a pride of lions. This lion is gorging himself on a freshly caught wildebeest. He looks around casually, but he has nothing to fear and he has no anxiety as he focuses on his dinner. He doesn't seem concerned about anything sneaking up on him. After eating his fill, he walks away roaring with content. Perhaps it is meant to tell the other lions in his pride that they are free to eat, or perhaps it is a challenge that tells the other scavengers he is asserting his dominance and intent to return to the carcass. Either way, he is a majestic and powerful beast that has earned the right to walk these plains fearlessly.

Raven is a giant Great Dane puppy who tries her best to behave well. She comes when called, as long as there is a treat involved, and she stays off the furniture, sometimes. Raven has just been for a 3 mile run in the forest with her humans and she has come home exhausted from chasing chipmunks and investigating smells of the woods. She is a huge dog but she can move with surprising stealth when she wants to. With impressive silence, she has climbed up on the couch that she is not allowed on and she has stretched out from one end to the other. She takes up the entire couch when she makes herself comfortable. Raven appears to have put her paw to her ear as if to listen better, but it's clear that she has decided to pretend that she isn't hearing the reprimands that her owner is trying to dish out. It's hard to take things seriously when she is in such a comical position, pretending to be in a coma. Her eyes move back and forth, giving her away as she tries in vain to be convincing. It's hard to reprimand a dog as wonderful as Raven. She's been a loyal family member and protector and if she wants to relax on the couch after a morning of exploring, it's not so bad. Great Danes are an entertaining and affectionate breed. Anyone who has ever been owned by one falls in love with the breed.

The lion truly is the king of beasts. This lion isn't afraid of anything as he leisurely eats his catch. He belongs to a large pride of lions that make their home on the plains of Kenya. This protected area is where poachers are discouraged with active patrols and strict enforcement. These efforts are funded by guided tours with trained experts who will create opportunities for guests to observe the lions in their natural habitat. This leads to education and appreciation that help promote conservation and protection efforts. These lions have no predators here, except when large numbers of determined hyenas might try to threaten the lions, but that is a very rare and often unsuccessful endeavor. This brute eats in peace and contentment, not distracted by any fear of other animals. His prey, an adult wildebeest, was taken down earlier in the day by lionesses, the true hunters in the pride. In most cases, the dominant male will eat his fill before the females and junior males in the pride move in for their share. This is the law of the land, and the alpha male claims this privilege here. As he leisurely eats in the sunshine, he exudes power and confidence. Nothing in this territory will challenge him.

This monkey in Bali is a clever little fellow. He has learned that a water source is a good place to play and grind leaves.

Jellyfish strike fear in the hearts of anyone who has ever been stung by one. They drift on the currents in oceans all around the world. In most cases they are difficult to see, or even completely invisible. Their transparent bodies make them a danger that cannot be seen until it is too late. Jellyfish have tentacles that are equipped with barbs that fire upon contact with living creatures. These barbs inject a powerful toxin that can cause a severe burning sensation, rash and irritation, nausea, cramps, paralysis, and in some cases, death. Not all jellyfish cause such an intense reaction, but most are painful to some extent. These stings are used as a defence and also as a means of hunting for prey. This harbour in the Bosporus River in Istanbul was filled with millions of jellyfish that drifted in with no explanation. Some were as small as silver dollars while others were as big as a dinner platter. Tourists and residents were baffled at the sight, as were the local scientists. Such a massive number in one place defied explanation. One theory was that overfishing has depleted the mackerel and sprat fish populations, causing a decrease in predation on the jellyfish. The massive invasion could even be seen from the air. Local fishermen complained that it was impossible to fish in the Bosporus River while the area was clogged with these creatures. Overfishing has also resulted in the death of many Delphinus dolphins, an endangered species. Whenever humans take an excessive number of one species out of the environment, the results are complex and disastrous. It will take decades for this balance to return, if it ever does.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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