DavidMcNab

Moray eels have a reputation for being vicious and unpredictable. These 7 foot long beasts have two sets of jaws and a powerful bite that could sever fingers easily. But the truth is that they are generally more curious than vicious. This diver uses a slow and careful approach and finds himself looking right into the eyes of a very inquisitive eel. Few divers have ever had a view like this one!

These cows live on a beautiful farm near Peterborough, Ontario. The animals here live a good life, with lush, green meadows to graze in and forest nearby. They have two ponds to drink from and a lot of space to roam. Except during the harsh winter months, they roam free over these large pastures and enjoy a live that is as close to what nature intended as possible. The farmers treat the animals well and watch over them from their house on top of the hill. Flo is a loving mother cow who has just had a calf. Unfortunately, she chose a spot beside the fence, near the pond, and her baby slipped under the electric fence as it was born. This fence is designed to keep predators out of the field and to prevent the cows from wandering onto the road that runs along one side of this pasture. Flo's young calf doesn't have the strength, or the understanding to get back through the fence and she can't get to him. It's a warm spring day and the calf is lying in the sun in the long grass not far from the busy road. Flo was not expected to calf until the following day and the farmers have left briefly to run an errand. Flo was starting to become frantic about her calf. A passing motorist, Dave, who lives nearby, stopped to video tape other cows that were cooling off in the pond. Dave is a hobby videographer and wanted to get some footage for a video he was making. He set up a camera on the fence post and had another one in his hand. When he approached the fence, Flo began to moo loudly and pace back and forth. She pawed at the dirt and bellowed. It appeared to Dave that she was annoyed with a stranger near the fence. He turned his camera toward her but he moved farther away to give her some space. Flo paced back and forth, continuing her odd behavior for about five minutes. She was staring at Dave and then at the grass outside the fence. It slowly occurred to Dave that she was not angry, but possibly asking him to look outside the fence. He took his camera and walked over to the spot she was staring at. Dave was surprised to discover a newborn calf on the wrong side of the fence. It was motionless and didn't even appear to be alive in those first few moments. Then it moved. Suddenly Dave realized that Flo had been asking him to help. She appeared to become calmer as he approached the calf, but Dave didn't know what to expect from this protective mother if he moved too quickly. He spoke to her and looked around. He could see that the farmers' truck was not at the house. The gate to the field was a long way off and the fence was too high to lift the calf over. But the electric wires could be lifted and the calf could be helped back under the fence. Dave got a stick from a tree and set to work. He crouched down and lifted the wires. The calf wasn't able to stand. Its umbilical cord was still fresh and Dave knew the calf was only an hour or two old at the most. He pushed the calf and wiggled it until it was under the wires. Both he and the calf received a few shocks but there wasn't a better way to get it back to the mother. Eventually, the little calf was reunited with his mom and both were visibly relieved. Dave had mounted his handheld camera on the tree behind him when he got the stick. He had no idea how Flo was going to react and he though he might as well record it. He had forgotten about the camera on the fence post by this point, but it recorded the whole thing as well. It wouldn't be until later, when he watched the footage, that he fully understood Flo's reaction. At one point she seems to bow down. After Dave walked away, she stared at him curiously. As Flo and her baby walked away to join the herd, the farmers drove past and stopped. They heard about what happened and said that Flo was still pregnant when they left two hours earlier. They said they needed to treat the umbilical cord with iodine, check the calf, and tag it. They invited Dave to help, and to bring his camera along if he wanted more footage. Dave wandered among the cows and recorded. In a touching moment, the little calf, now known as "Sparky" because of the electric fence, approached Dave curiously, followed by Flo. They seemed to recognize him from a few hours earlier. They gave him a long look and a sniff before walking away. This exchange between Flo and Dave clearly demonstrates that Flo was capable of understanding that a stranger could help her. She knew what she needed and made a clear attempt to communicate. She also demonstrated a touching love for her newborn baby. If animals are capable of such emotional capacity, surely they deserve only the best treatment possible from all of us.

Humpback whales are among the most revered and respected animals on the planet, and for good reason. They are highly intelligent, extremely social, and they have been around for millions of years. And they are beautiful. This large male has come to Tonga to find a mate. The females come here to bear their calves in the safe waters around the islands. There are no killer whales here, the largest threat to their survival in the early years.

Bandit is a lovable Great Dane with more than his share of character. He loves to create havoc in his house and he even seems to have a sense of humor that would rival that of most people. This adorable giant dog has created a game that involves sitting his ample butt down right on the face of any unsuspecting family member who stretches out on the living room floor. Great Danes are known for their long, gangly legs, giant heads, and goofy personalities. They have a mix of gracefulness and clumsiness that makes everything they do a joy to watch. But any Great Dane owner will tell you that almost every one of them seems to be completely oblivious of their size and weight. They lean on people as a show of affection, but their strength will push most people over. When they act like lap dogs, climbing onto their owners as if they are Pomeranians, their weight is crushing. They are known for climbing into bed with their family and stretching out so much that their people are pushed right off the edge of the mattress. Bandit is doing exactly this here. He puts on an innocent face and wags his tail, as if surprised that his monstrous back side could nearly suffocate an unwary person. He seems to understand the laughter too and he looks quite pleased with himself, enough so that he sits down again, squarely on Devin's face. He looks around for approval and he gets some of that from Laurie who laughs as she holds the camera. Luckily, Devin is a nurse and he fully understands the need to clean a face that comes into contact with the back end of an enormous dog. He also knows the best products to use to get the job done. But Devin knows that Bandit is not trying to be disgusting and that it's actually a big display of affection. Bandit seems to think that Devin should be honored that he would sit where he did. Bandit is an amazing dog who is more than just a loyal companion and beloved family member. He is also a service dog who provides comfort and assistance to Danielle, a young lady in this family who is autistic. Danielle faces challenges, including anxiety, and Bandit is specially trained to recognize certain behaviors and distract her when needed. He also keeps her safe and helps the family find her if she manages to wander. Bandit is a very bright dog who provides Danielle with much more than the usual friendship that we hope for in an animal companion. He is dearly loved, and also greatly needed by his family. And as if this were not enough, he also provides them with an abundance of laughter with his ridiculous antics.

Fiona is a beautiful soul who lives on a heavenly farm in Ontario, Canada. She roams freely with acres of lush, green grass to graze on and rolling hills nestled beside a forested area for shade. She drinks from ponds full of fresh water and she enjoys the sunshine and fresh air all day long. She's as happy as a cow can be, living a life that is as close to what nature intended as possible. Fiona has just had her first calf, and she's as perfect as Fiona is. Hope is two days old and she is curious and inquisitive. Dave, a part time farm hand in this meadow has arrived to meet Fiona's baby. He has brought a bag of corn, which is one of Fiona's favorite treats. Hope is nursing away when Dave approaches and Fiona can see that she is about to get a snack. She interrupts the milk session, walking up to Dave. But Hope follows along and checks out what is happening. She can see that her mother is having a good time with her corn but she can't quite understand the appeal. She has a sniff and she tries a little nibble but all she knows is milk and she has little interest in solid food. Fiona is a trusting cow and Hope learned quickly that people will do her no harm. The farmers here are extremely kind to their animals, placing herd health and well-being ahead of profit. The animals on this farm get quality vet care, lots of food, and a life of freedom. The herd wanders safely here with no worry about predators. There is even a gigantic bull named Gus who watches over his ladies protectively. This operation is what is referred to as an ethical farm. The cows live stress free and healthy. The farmers sell beef locally, reducing costs and avoiding shipping the animals from one location to another. Buying food from an ethical source doesn't cost much more and it is well worth the peace of mind knowing that it supports the farmers who are doing things right. Farms like these can be found in most communities.

A Millbrook family raised a nest of orphaned crows (The famous talking Freds), feeding and caring for them until they could fend for themselves. They became independent and joined a wild crow family and then migrated south for the winter. The following spring, one of them returned. The white band on the leg and the attempt to say "hello" (at 55s) left no doubt it was Baby Fred. Eventually, another one appeared. At least two have survived and still visit and speak. ('Rescued baby crows return each spring to say hello' is the full story on Rumble.com)

Puppies are among the cutest animals on earth. Many resemble small, stuffed toys more than they do living creatures. Their perfect little faces and soft, furry coats make them irresistible to anyone. Even watching them try to walk or run on their adorably clumsy legs never gets tired. We could watch them for hours, or simply pick them up and snuggle with them. Puppies melt the hearts of even the most stoic individuals among us. These new puppies are just two weeks old. Born to a beautifully dispositioned mother, Charlotte, and a handsome father named Kevin, they are bound to be some of the most good-natured puppies possible. The breeder who cares for these dogs and their litters is a wonderful woman who treats all her animals like they were her own children. The dogs have free run of the house and a huge country property where they can explore and play. Frisbee and ball throwing is an everyday occurrence here and the dogs have no doubt that they are loved well. A separate room for new mothers and their litters allows them the peace and quiet they need to feed their babies and to get the extra sleep that they all need during the demanding weeks after birth. When the mothers return from a short break, the puppies swarm her, crying for milk and attention, and the mothers dutifully provide all that they need. Breeders like this one can be found with a little research and a few careful questions. Veterinarians are an excellent source of information as they have a very good idea which breeder is equally concerned with the health of the dogs as they are with their business. It is not difficult to find the breeders who will carefully match healthy adults to produce strong litters. The same breeders will make sure that their canine mothers are not overburdened with frequent breeding or chronic health problems that go untreated. A visit to the facility where the pups are raised will also answer a lot of questions for those wishing to buy a puppy. The dogs will have clean and roomy living quarters, lots of stimulation, quality food, and they will respond well to people. Watching how a breeder interacts with the animals will also provide a lot of information. Speaking to past clients will tell a new buyer how a breeder deals with problems and how they prioritize animal care and after purchase support. A good breeder will be committed to making sure their animals go to good homes and that hey receive excellent care. A proper breeder will also ask a lot of questions about the clients and their ability to care for the animals. If a breeder is sincerely concerned about their puppies, clients should expect to be interviewed and evaluated just as the breeder should be. These adorable little puppies already their forever families lined up and waiting for them. Most have already met their new parents and the children in the family. Part of the fun of getting a new dog is to watch it grow right from the first moments. A puppy is a commitment for life. It is also likely to be one of the most loyal and memorable friendships that a person can ever have.

Galapagos sea lions are among the most playful and fun loving creatures on earth. Left alone at the shore while their mothers go out onto the ocean to hunt for food, they will nap, explore, and frolic with complete joy in the sun. Their lives are easy while they are under the care of their mother. She leaves the babies to go get octopus, eels, fish, or other sea food and she returns exhausted. As she naps on the beach, the babies nurse happily, getting their fill of milk before they join her in slumber as well. Several hours later, this is repeated. And so goes their life of luxury. But when then the babies are too excited and too wide awake to sleep, they find each other and play in the sand or in the waves. They chase each other and bark happily, although their barking sounds more like tremendous burping than anything else. They are not just finding entertainment. Although they don't realize it, they are developing their swimming and hunting skills as well. They will depend on their agility and speed in the water to catch their own food when they are 2-3 years old. They will also need these abilities to escape the predators of the ocean. Young sea lions are a preferred food for many of the large sharks that patrol the waters around the Galapagos Islands. Unable to take down a large sea lion, in most cases, they would not hesitate to attack a youngster like these. Their mothers will not allow them to go into the open water because she knows they would not survive long in the shark infested deep. Even close to shore, they must not venture far out for long. These two are simply adorable as they hop in and out of the waves along this pier on Santa Cruz Island. It would be easy to watch them for hours as they engage in the most delightful game of chase!

Scuba diving opens doors to mysterious and beautiful worlds filled with fascinating and, sometimes intimidating creatures. Sharks are among the most fascinating, as well as the most misunderstood. They are the subject of myths and misinformation, often painting them as villains. While they can pose a threat to humans, it is rare that they chose to do so, and often, encounters that result in injury are the result of improper behavior by the humans involved. These scuba divers were witnessing a controlled feeding of silvertip reef sharks in Papua New Guinea for the purpose of studying and photographing these incredible animals. Tour operations will occasionally use bait to lure the sharks close for observation. While this practice is controversial in some ways, it sometimes accomplishes some very positive things. It allows for closer study and inspection of sharks which provides us with very valuable information about them. Sharks demonstrate the ability to distinguish between food and people, and most species will not attack humans except in cases of mistaken identity. It is advisable, however, to make sure that limbs are not presented in a way that might resemble a fish. Sitting still, remaining in a group, and avoiding quick or panicky looking movements are all basic precautions. Letting a silvertip reef shark get too close, or bump a diver, without being challenged, is also inadvisable. These behaviors may be curiosity-based, or they might be the start of aggressive behavior. These scuba divers had perched themselves on a rocky ledge where they could focus their attention to the front. Kristy, a seasoned diver with a considerable knowledge of sharks, was holding a small action camera as she watched the sharks swimming past. She had no food and was not positioned close to the bait container. But a smaller fish grabbed a chunk of the bait and dragged it near her. Nearby jacks devoured the bait, but the small particles and scent were close to Kristy. A circling silvertip smelled the blood and it turned abruptly, heading right at Kristy's face. Having no other option, she punched the shark on the snout as it almost reached her face. This physical contact could not possibly have harmed the shark or caused any pain, but it did startle the beast which turned and abruptly and swam in another direction. It circled around and continued looking for food, but it kept a respectful distance from that point on. Kristy appeared to be unconcerned for a few moments until the gravity of the situation sank in. She faced the diver beside her who had recorded the incident. Her eyes were very wide as she spoke into her regulator: "Holy s*@#!". Even through the water, her words can clearly be heard. It's obvious that she was surprised with the shark's aggressive approach, as well as her own response to it. Kristy later commented that she was not actually afraid of the shark and she compared its behavior to that of a dog exhibiting dominant "test" aggression. Anyone who understands sharks would probably agree that this kind of approach is somewhat "aggressive" in nature, but that it was not an attack and that the shark did not appear to be trying to bite at that time. Unchecked though, things might have escalated. Understanding sharks is the first step in lessening our fear of them. When we can reduce, or eliminate that fear, we can begin to respect them more. We can also take a better look at their place in our oceans and the vital role that they play in the ecosystems beneath the waves. Quite simply, without sharks, we would not survive. Excessive harvesting, finning, and destruction of habitat must be reduced before they face extinction and we follow close behind.

When deer in woods want a bite of your apple, why not share it? These wild deer roam freely in the woods, but they have learned to trust those who are patient enough to sit quietly. The deer heard the crunching of the apples and came over to see if they could have a few bites. Few animals are as beautiful as deer. Being this close to them is a very memorable encounter.

A cyclist passing through Algonquin Provincial Park in Central Ontario, Canada spots a very large bull moose casually eating on the side of the road. The result is some very detailed close-up footage of a spectacular animal who doesn't seem concerned at all with the human presence. More than 2 meters high at the shoulder, it's amazing how quickly this moose can devour leaves and branches. They disappear in his huge mouth almost instantly!

Snorkelers got to experience a shark feeding frenzy from the inside when dozens of nurse sharks smelled a meal and headed straight for a boat where fishermen had cleaned their catch. The sharks eagerly competed for the remains. Nurse sharks reach a length of over 10 feet and can weigh as much as 330lbs. Despite having powerful jaws and hundreds of sharp teeth, the nurse shark is gentle in nature and is rarely a threat to humans. Swimmers and divers often encounter them and the sharks will occasionally approach humans, looking for food, or simply due to curiosity. This is a much closer encounter with sharks than most people would hope for!

Lily is a 3 month old golden retriever puppy who has two speeds: full tilt and sound asleep. She plays with her toys with great enthusiasm, until she discovers the door stop. Who hasn't been fascinated with them at one point in their life? Lily forgets all about her dog toy and chews and paws frantically at the door stop, seeming to thoroughly enjoy the noise it makes each time it springs back in place.

A beautiful doe comes out of the woods to enjoy a feast of corn. She doesn't seem to even mind staring into the camera as she eats. There are few things as beautiful as the big, brown eyes of a young doe. Ever wary though, she checks her surroundings often and turns her ears to pick up sounds as she crunches. Wild deer in this game preserve have learned to trust people enough to venture close. Fortunately, they are very well protected in this area and their trust does not put them at risk.

Wedding guests in Mexico thought that this huge male iguana appeared to watch the wedding, or maybe to check out the bride. But they figured it all out when the rose petals were thrown on the pathway and the iguana moved in to gobble them all up. The couple were thrilled to see this charming lizard climb the steps and watch as they exchanged vows. He was truly a hit as he made the rounds and even ate out of the bridesmaid's hand. He made a perfect day even more perfect.

Eunice is a proud mother of a calf born just a few hours earlier. Gladys entered the world on a sunny day on this beautiful farm in Millbrook, Ontario. She could not have chosen a better farm to live on. She has vast expanses of lush, green grass, ponds to drink fresh water from, woodlands to explore and a wonderful herd of protective cows. There is even a massive, but gentle bull named Gus. He watches over the herd as he grazes in the freedom of this amazing farm. The farmers must put a tag on Gladys to help keep track of her medical treatments and healthcare in the years to come. It will be important that they can identify the cows when they make future decisions regarding breeding as well. Another thing that they need to do is to treat the umbilical cord of the newborn to protect the site from infection and infestation by flies that will lay destructive eggs on the exposed flesh. As the farmers and their assistant approach Eunice and her baby, they are well aware that she will not enjoy them being so close. The calf is not able to run away yet, but they use a rope placed loosely around its neck to keep it from making things difficult. They all move in and try to make the procedure go quickly, but Eunice becomes very agitated and she charges them. She puts her head down and runs straight at the assistant, easily pushing him backwards. She weighs more than 1,000lbs and is strong enough to toss him like a rag doll if she wants. She is also more agile than he is and far more motivated. The assistant places his hands on her head and shuffles backwards, trying to stay on his feet and keep her from trampling him. Fortunately, she does not mean him harm and she backs up to go back to her baby. Cows are gentle and docile creatures, but they will understandably protect their calves if they feel threatened. To come between a mother cow and her newborn can have unpredictable and serious consequences. We often don't understand the dangers of this seemingly easy profession. When the calf was treated and released, Eunice calmed down and nursed her calf.

Emily is a young divemaster and boat captain for Conch Club Divers in the Cayman Islands. She provides her group with the plan to complete a 45 minute dive at 100 feet below the surface. She explains what they will see and gives them a humorous and animated speech, complete with hand signs and a few ballet moves to keep them riveted. Her briefings are so entertaining that divers began recording them. Since it's the last dive for two of them, Emily even shows what to do when their mask fills with tears due to the sadness. A round of applause and cheers finish the briefing. Nobody ever misses a word of Emily's instructional talks!

Hummingbirds are among the smallest birds in the world. They are ornate and colourful, and truly beautiful to behold. They are tiny and frail with bones as thin as threads. They are among the smallest of the bird species. Their miniature bodies are fragile. And yet, these gorgeous little birds trustingly perch on the hand of this gigantic human to sip nectar from a tiny cup in his outstretched palm. Such a wonderful interaction with these birds is heart warming. Hummingbirds are not only beautiful, they are also very fascinating. They have the highest metabolic rate of any warm blooded animal. They are able to enter a hibernation-like state during food scarcity or periods of rest to compensate for their lower caloric intake. During these times, their metabolism may be reduced to 1/15th its normal rate. There are 360 species of hummingbird found throughout the Americas, from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego. All species eat insects, although their primary source of food is nectar which they sip from flowers with their specialized beaks and tongues. Aptly named, hummingbirds make an audible humming sound as they hover, due to their rapid wingbeats. Some species flap their wings as many as 90 times per second. Swift flyers, they are also capable of reaching speeds up to 80km/h (50mph) during steep dives. Interacting with nature and observing animals on their own terms is an unforgettable experience. Having such a tiny animal perch contentedly on your hand is something that warms the heart.

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.

A 15 foot hammerhead shark is an incredible sight, as well as a shock for anyone in the water. But instead of running from it, Kristy chases the shark with her own camera. The dive master can be seen raising his arms and then shaking his head at Kristy's fearlessness. Luckily, the shark passes them by without any trouble.

Pomegranate is a very delicious fruit with tremendous health benefits, but most people find them too much trouble to peel. This simple technique splits the fruit into sections that are easy to break apart. Enjoy!

Groundhog babies (often called gophers) are among the cutest little furballs on earth. They are born in an underground burrow in the winter, kept warm by their mother as she hibernates in her den until the snow melts. She has eaten constantly throughout the summer to store enough fat for herself and her babies to feed on for several months. The babies nurse on her milk and grow quickly in the den so that they are ready to emerge in spring and join their mother in the sunshine. These groundhogs are now starting to eat grass and other foods, following their mother as they venture out and around their little meadow. They will no go far from the entrance to the burrow and they will run for cover at the slightest sign of trouble. They still rely on her for milk, but they will also begin to eat the same foods she does as her milk supply, and her tolerance for their nursing diminishes. Many have associated groundhogs with the arrival of spring and folklore tells us that the warmer weather will only come if the groundhog does not see its shadow. Although groundhogs and gophers are actually different species, many use the names interchangeably. They look similar and have many of the same behaviours, although they are different ion many ways. These little cuties are snacking on apple slices that were left by their burrow entrance. You can actually hear the little one smacking his lips as he munches away happily. When he sees the camera posted by the snack, he cannot help but investigate as curiosity gets the best of him.

While filming at the cottage for a "how to" video, this cameraman captured something unintentional and surprising. He was planning to create a short video about how to make a campfire treat (S'mores) on a Swedish stove. But when he looked thorough his video, he something in the background that caught his eye. What appears to be a person walking towards the beach can be seen. He's carrying something and all appears normal enough. Until the figure simply fades into nothing as quickly as he appeared. There isn't an obvious explanation for this. This is a remote lake in Northern Ontario, but there have been stories and whispered tales for generations on this lake. People swear they have seen mysterious balls of lightning moving up the lake at just above the water level. Others claim to see canoes in the distance with figures that appear hazy before they fade into nothing. There have been many stories that connect these sightings with the fact that this lake was a popular area for nomadic indigenous people hundreds of years before. Whatever the explanation, the appearance and disappearance of this person in the background will leave you guessing.

Wild crows learn quickly where they can get food. With intelligence and problem solving skills comparable to those of a chimpanzee, they are among the smartest creatures in the animal kingdom. These crows have been coming to this back yard for years and they have grown very accustomed to the humans who live here. They have even grown comfortable with the family cat. Pam is an extreme animal lover and her back yard in England is a refuge and feeding ground for birds and animals of all kinds. But among her favourites are the crows who come daily for snacks. They are very wild, but they allow her to come close and they respond to her voice and her gentle approach. They will sit trustingly as she places food in the feeders or on the fence posts and they will come close to snatch up the food when she steps back. This crow is incredibly bold as it waits on the fence for food. It wants to investigate the feeders and containers that often hold bird seed, peanuts, and other treats. The only difficulty is that Luna the cat is sitting on the fence as if she is guarding the feeders. She washes her paws and face in that way that cats do, while it is obvious that she is daring the crow to come closer. Or perhaps she is just showing the crow who is boss and testing to see if it keeps its distance. The swish of the tail tells us that Luna is well aware of the crow and that she is slightly annoyed because it obviously wants to be where she is sitting. The crafty crow seems to understand the body language and he mischievously dances back and forth, making a few attempts to grab the cat's tail in his beak. After several tries, he seems to get hold of it briefly before the cat yanks its tail away. The crow is enjoying the game immensely and both must be aware that the crow can take flight at the slightest sign of a lunge. This feisty crow is such a rascal that you can't help but cheer for him and hope he gets hold of the cat's tail. It's clear that he does not intend to do any harm to the cat. Crows are believed to be one of the few animals that possess a sense of humour and this crow certainly gives us reason to believe it. As if reprimanding the cat, our crow friend squawks at Luna in the most cheeky manner after it decided to perch nearby. In the end, Pam comes out with some meat for her crow friend and he accepts it gratefully before flying off.

As humans, we tend to think of ourselves as being the only species with complex emotions and complex intellect. But evidence to the contrary is all around us. We can’t ignore the way animals respond to their babies, or to the other animals in their social group. Occasionally, we even see animals showing kindness to another species. If we can see this happening and we admit that animals are capable or surprising intellect and emotional capacity, it should change the way we view them, and the way we view our treatment of them. Cows are a perfect example of this ability to feel emotions. Bernice is a loving mother, right from the moment her baby was born. She lives on a beautiful farm in Millbrook, Ontario. She wanders freely over lush, green pastures with rolling hills and clean ponds. It’s a farm where life is as close as it can be to what nature intended for these gentle creatures. Bernice and her herd are free range cows and they are living the good life. They graze and snooze in the sunshine as they please. There is a bull here named Gus, a giant and gentle animal with a very friendly disposition, but he watches over the herd protectively. Bernice has chosen a warm spring day to give birth, and she picked a spot close to the fence. Her baby arrived smoothly and she got to her feet. The moments that followed were captured on video. Bernice stood patiently over her newborn calf, now only a few minutes old. He is still wet and his umbilical cord is very fresh. His first wobbly steps show that he has not found his balance yet. Bernice licks her calf and gives him soft grunts and moos of encouragement as he tries to stand and walk. Adorably, he sways and staggers as he searches for her udder and his first drink of milk. Bernice watches the meadow vigilantly, and she moves slowly in order to place her hind quarters where her baby can find them. The calf leans on Bernice affectionately and manages to stay on his feet. He is slow and unsure, but eventually he finds what he is looking for and he begins to nurse. Cows are very motherly and fiercely protective. Their love for their newborns is obvious from the start and they are careful to keep other animals, and even humans away from them. In the moments after this youngster got to his feet, another mother in the herd came over to sniff Bernice’s baby. Bernice allowed this and it seems she got the approval before the cow wandered away. Cows will lick their calves, as Bernice did, to promote bonding and also to clean the calf. Instinctively, mothers know that to leave the smell of placenta and blood on the calf will attract predators. Their first few days will be a challenge as the calf gains strength and coordination. Wild animals such as coyotes will be very aware that there is a tiny and vulnerable calf in the pasture. The cows in the herd help each other by surrounding newborns as they rest. And Gus, the protective bull will not tolerate anything that threatens his herd.