KristysWorld

Hammerhead sharks are large and formidable sharks with a reputation as being aggressive and dangerous. They are feared and even hated, causing many people to avoid even going in the ocean. But the truth is that they are very rarely in conflict with humans and there has not been a single recorded fatal interaction between hammerhead sharks and people.

Spotted eagle rays are beautiful animals that are a wonder to behold in their natural environment. Check them out in this incredible underwater clip!

Ecuador is home to beautiful and fascinating animals of all kinds. It is a country rich in diversity, with an abundance of wildlife on land and in the waters surrounding the Galapagos Islands. This Sechuran fox is not typically seen in the daylight. It is a nocturnal hunter that spends most of the daytime sleeping in a burrow. But this curious fellow ventured out and even approached a pair of Canadian tourists hiking to the summit of Cotopaxi, the second-highest mountain in Ecuador. At 5,800m (more than 19,340 feet) above sea level, the air near the summit is thin, lacking oxygen. There are fewer animals that thrive at this altitude. Vegetation is scarce, and rainfall is unpredictable. But for a fox with very versatile feeding habits, this altitude doesn't pose a problem. Their primary diet consists of insects, small rodents, and even some birds, but they are also capable of surviving for long periods on a vegetarian diet. The surrounding landscape in this location was bleak. The volcanic rock and ash are grey and almost devoid of plants. Just beyond the spot where this fox was seen is the snow line on Cotopaxi. Despite being very close to the Equator, it is cold at this elevation, and a layer of snow covered the ground. The challenges of living at this altitude become immediately apparent to anyone hiking this trail, walking a short distance cause shortness of breath, lightheadedness, and fatigue. For some, disorientation and nausea will turn them back before they reach the summit. This fox has become acclimatized to the altitude, and the effects will be less extreme than it is for a visitor who is not used to the conditions or the impact on the body. This beautiful and inquisitive animal provided an unforgettable experience for these lucky tourists.

Hammerhead sharks are fearsome looking beasts that patrol the waters in which they live as if they have no fear of anything in the ocean. It's not surprising that they are so confident considering the fact that they have highly evolved vision and sensory organs that make them especially capable hunters. Unlike most shark species, hammerheads school in groups of more than 100 individuals by day, although they are solitary at night when they are hunting. Often seen in large congregations in areas such as this one, in the Galapagos Islands, they drift slowly on the current. This is a magnificent sight to see and scuba divers come from all over the world to swim among these awe inspiring animals. Always in motion, most species of shark lack a swim bladder and they must constantly move to stay off the bottom. They are also able to breathe more easily as the movement causes greater water flow over their gills. Hammerheads are actually able to rest one hemisphere of their brain in a sleep-like state while the other hemisphere remains active to watch for threats. These hammerheads occasionally ventured close to the divers to investigate the strange and clumsy creatures that were perched on the rocks watching them with even greater interest. For scuba divers, seeing a wall of hammerheads cruising past them can only be described as the world's largest and most spectacular Imax theater experience. The Galapagos Islands are roughly 4 million years old. This is very young in geological terms. The islands formed through the eruptions of underwater volcanoes that shot pillars of lave and cooling rock towards the surface. These rocks eventually became home to plants and then birds, lizards, reptiles and other creatures that made their way through the air or on the ocean's currents. The currents have also brought an abundance of marine life as well. Three major currents converge here and create an upwelling of nutrients and food that brought small fish. Larger fish and animals that feed on those fish thrive here. This is one of the most diverse and fascinating areas of the planet. For nature enthusiasts and underwater adventurers alike, the Galapagos Islands represent one of the most thrilling worlds to explore.

Josie is a very happy little calf who is living the good life on this beautiful farm in Ontario, Canada. But she needs a little help, because her mother, MJ just doesn't have enough milk for her. Josie need a little more milk in the morning and the evening to thrive. Dave, a farm helper, is happy to come and visit her each day and bring her breakfast. Josie comes running when she's called or when she sees Dave. She eagerly drinks her milk and then she nurses on MJ for more. She wags her tail with delight as she does so and few things are as adorable as a happy little calf. This is an ethical beef farm where herd health is more important than profit. The animals are treated well and they are given acres of rolling meadow for grazing, ponds full of fresh water, forested areas for shade and lots of room to roam free. There is even a large bull who watches over his herd protectively and does his duty each spring. The animals are provided with veterinary care and proper nutrition. They respond well to the kindness they are shown and they trust the farmers who care for them. It's life as close as possible to what nature intended for these gentle creatures. Many people choose a vegan lifestyle, which is commendable, but for those who will always eat meat, farms like these provide an excellent alternative to factory farming where corners are cut and animal care suffers. Ethical farms can be found almost anywhere and sourcing food locally reduces transportation costs, meaning that proper care can be provided without increasing costs substantially. There are many good reasons to support the many farmers who are doing things right.

The yellow bellied sapsucker is a small woodpecker that can be found Canada and the north eastern United States of America. It is one of the more commonly seen species throughout its range. It feeds on tree sap and insects that can be found within dying or decaying trees, as well as fruits and berries. This footage shows the male feeding the chicks, a duty that is shared equally by both parents. The chicks squawk loudly in the nest, imploring their mother or father to catch more food for them. The hungriest chick is the most vocal at the nest opening, while the others remain quite until the parents arrive with a meal. The hungriest chick always gets the next piece of food as it will be the most vocal and active at the nest opening. The parents catch insects, coat them in tree sap and then bring them to the nest, alternating until all chicks are fed. This task will continue steadily throughout the day for 25-29 days until the young leave the nest. They will rely on their parents for another two weeks as they become independent. This hole has been hollowed out by the father as he courted the female several weeks earlier. The yellow bellied sapsucker prefers poplar trees and it is particular about the height of the nest and the diameter of the tree chosen. Holes for feeding are often drilled in neat rows to allow the sap to flow freely and to collect in lower holes, making feeding on tree sap more efficient. Often, yellow bellied sapsuckers can be heard from a great distance as they seek a hollow tree that will produce a loud sound when pecked. This is usually a form of communication and a means of staking out territory by the male.

Orioles are among the most beautiful of all the birds who visit backyard feeders in North America. Stunningly vivid orange plumage on black makes them a spectacular sight for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. Cool!

Bobby is a new calf who is getting used to his long legs, and he can't contain his joy. It's a sunny day in the meadow, and he can't resist the urge to show off his speed for his mother and the other cows in the field. They are living a good life on this wonderful farm. They have acres of lush, green grass for grazing, ponds full of fresh water to drink from, and forests to explore and find shade from the sun. They roam free in all but the harshest months when it becomes too cold to be outside. Life here is as close as what nature intended for these gentle beasts. Bobby's mother, Clarice, watches patiently as he runs around her and then takes off. He runs back and seems to want to head butt her to challenge her to keep up with him on his laps around the herd. She wants no part of the running as she is content to eat the grass and relax in the sunshine. The rest of the herd looks a little confused by Bobby's antics as well, but a few of the other calves look like they are tempted to join him. They watch in astonishment as he runs like he's just drank an energy drink. Watching these cows and calves, it becomes clear that they are gentle and peaceful animals that deserve proper treatment. The farmers here believe that herd health is more of a priority than profit, and they provide the best conditions and care possible. It costs a little more to produce beef in this way, but supporting the farmers who do things right means far less cruelty and anxiety for the animals. Factory farms typically have their animals indoors where they are crowded, and veterinary care is too expensive when profit is sacrificed. For this reason, many people who choose to eat meat are seeking local farms where they can see how the animals are raised. It's more ethical, and it's more environmentally friendly to buy food locally too.

Gorillas are among the smartest of the primates. Watch as this mother preciously cuddles with her baby for a grooming session. Awesome!

Fiona is an exceptionally dedicated and patient mother. She lives on a beautiful farm in Millbrook, Ontario where the cows have acres of meadow to wander. They spend their days grazing freely on lush, green pasture, or exploring the edge of the woods when they want shade. They have ponds full of fresh water to drink or to cool off in. It's life as close as possible to what nature intended for these beautiful creatures. Fiona is a very friendly and affectionate cow. She has responded well to the kindness shown by the farmers and she often seeks out a head scratch or pat on the nose. Her calf, Hope has learned from her and she often seeks affection too. Here, we see Hope nursing and filling up on milk on a warm, spring day. The cows are very content here and Fiona is even more relaxed than most. She stands very still to allow Hope access to her udder. Hope drinks thirstily every few hours and Fiona takes a break from grazing to allow this. Hope is Fiona's first calf and she seems proud to be a mother. She keeps a watchful eye on her baby at all times and calls her gently if Hope wanders too far away. A trusting mother, Fiona watches calmly when Hope plays with farm visitors or approaches the humans in the meadow. Not all mother cows would allow anyone near their newborns. Fiona is part of a large herd that wander this farm. The cows take turns watching the others' babies and the calves will often gather together as if they are in a nursery. There is even a bull here, a massive fellow named Gus, who watches over the herd protectively. This type of farming is known as "ethical farming". Herd health and happiness are a higher priority than profit and the cows live a much better life. Those who choose to eat meat can support farms like this and the farmers who do things right.

Back yard bird feeders are becoming increasingly popular as people spend more time connecting with nature. And they are spending more time at home lately. Enjoying the colours and the musical calls of the songbirds has helped people appreciate what is around their home. This nature enthusiast has been putting out seeds and peanuts for the local wildlife for years. Two of the most beautiful visitors to this feeder are the cardinals and the blue jays. Vid red and striking blue, these birds are a welcome sight as they gather their share of the peanuts and fly away with them. But this bold blue jay takes his peanut to the edge of the feeder and hammers away until he cracks the shell and gets a nut out. He stuffs it to the back of his mouth and then picks up another peanut in the shell and flies off with both. The blue jays are surprisingly clever, sometimes taking two or three peanuts at a time. They call to each other loudly as the feeders are filled and they take over the platform. The other birds seem to take a back seat when the jays are loading up. Although feeding wildlife is generally controversial, experts have suggested that songbirds, particularly in winter, could use a little help from their human friends. Habitat loss along migration corridors has left them unable to make the long journeys successfully. Harsh winter conditions also pose a serious risk to those birds who stay for the winter. Putting out a little seed for them will not only help them manage, but it will make out winters a little more colourful and enjoyable too.

Linda is one of the senior cows in the meadow on this wonderful farm. It's an ethical beef farm in Millbrook, Ontario. The cows here live a wonderful life, roaming many acres of lush, green meadow and exploring forested areas where they have ample shade. They even have ponds full of fresh water to drink from. It's life as close to what nature intended for these gentle beasts. Hope is a spring calf who is just a few days old. She has been exposed to nothing but kindness from the farmers who run this small operation. As with the other cows, this has created trust and she seeks affection from anyone who visits. Hope's mother, Fiona, is an especially friendly cow and her baby has learned that the people here will not harm them. She grazes contentedly nearby as her calf hangs around in the sunshine with Dave, a neighbour who visits and helps on the farm occasionally. But Linda is a protective cow who comes over to see what is happening. Like a nurturing aunt, Linda seems to be telling Hope that it's time to get moving. She moos and waits until Hope follows obediently. Linda seems to be very interested in the other calves in the meadow and she will often come and nudge the little ones in the right direction if they lag too far behind their mothers. It's almost as if she has come to pick up Hope from the babysitter and take her home. Linda has also appointed herself as the peace keeper in the meadow and she will put herself between the other cows if there is any sign of a disagreement. Linda has been on this wonderful farm for more than ten years and she will stay here longer, well into her golden years.

These extraordinary but beautiful chicks are known as silkies. They originated in China, being prized for their beautiful appearance. As expected, their feathers are soft and silky smooth. Many people in North America keep these unique animals as pets. They are very different than regular chickens in many ways. They have five toes, as opposed to 4, and their skin and bones are black. Silkies also have blue earlobes. They come in many colors, and they are often bred for shows. But one of the most appealing things about silkies is their friendly and easygoing nature. They make excellent pets, and they will care for other breeds of chicken as well. Some farmers put them to work caring for eggs that they want to hatch. Although their origins are believed to be China, early Dutch breeders first marketed them to North Americans as a crossbreed between chickens and rabbits. Their fur was explained as mammalian, making this claim believable. These chickens also do well as egg layers, making them a useful and beautiful addition to any small farm.

These ducklings lost their mother when she was struck by a car as they crossed a busy road. The motorist stopped, horrified by what had happened, and other people who were passing came to help. One of them knew that a woman in the area would help creatures of all kinds. They caught the frantic babies and put them in a box. One of kind souls drove them to Waggin' Tails pet retreat in Millbrook, Ontario. The owner, Lucy, has a good friend who is a veterinarian. She would care for these beautiful little orphans long enough to get them to a rehabilitation center. The ducks were soon at the vet's home, enjoying some free time on her little pond and in her wading pool. The ducks quickly started eating algae and other plants in the pond. They even began to play and dive, having a great time being free in the sunshine. They spent the day here while calls were made, and a ride was arranged to get them to Sandy Pines sanctuary. These ducklings are as soft and fluffy as they look. They are only a few days old, and they don't even have their feathers yet. They will eventually grow flight feathers that will replace the soft down that covers them now. They will also grow rapidly in the coming days. At the rehab center, human contact will be carefully limited, and all efforts will be made to help the ducklings learn the skills needed to fend for themselves in the wild. They will also be in the company of other ducks, which is important for socialization and learning how to thrive as wild animals. Although the loss of their mother was a tragic and heartbreaking situation, we are fortunate to have so many people who will come to the rescue and care for helpless animals such as these. And watching them play happily in the sunshine is a truly heartwarming experience.

Goats in India can be found almost anywhere. They are common along paths and trails, in city streets, and even around the monuments and forts that attract millions of tourists each year. Farming in India is an enormous challenge and finding food is difficult. Goats are left to wander and graze during the day, feeding on whatever vegetation that they can find. They often return to their farms in the evening for some food and shelter. This goat was walking along a fence, obviously interested in the the flowers and leaves that he couldn't reach on the other side. A Canadian tourist who was on his way to the fort up the road saw the hungry fellow and he reached over the fence to pluck a few coloured leaves for him. The goat gobbled them up quickly and looked at the tourist as he would like more. With a pat on the head, the tourist continued on. The goat and his friends followed the tourists and climbed the steps, looking for more treats. Luckily, the tourist and his wife had some crackers and cookies to share with most of them. Animals in all countries respond to kindness and affection!

Eagles are among the most majestic of birds. Large, fearsome creatures, they are the top predators of the bird world. We see them as symbols of strength and courage. They inspire awe in all who are lucky enough to get a close look. These beautiful eagles are a nesting pair that had found a quiet spot in a tree outside historic Fort Agra in India. They were taking turns tending to their eggs when the male brought a meal back to the nest for his mate. She eagerly ate the meat and even passed him some in an impressive display of affection and sharing. These eggs will hatch soon and the eagles will be busier than ever as they feed 3-4 demanding chicks. This will continue for several weeks as they grow rapidly and get ready to leave the nest to fend for themselves. Eagles are crucial for keeping rodent populations in check. They prey on the weak and the slow which keeps populations healthy. But even healthy rabbit or other animal will be an easy meal if they don't keep a sharp eye on the skies. Eagles are stealthy hunters and they are deadly predators.

Whale sharks are one of the most magnificent animals in the world. For many, seeing one is a bucket list item. But imagine the thrill and pure joy of being able to swim among them. These swimmers were delighted to share the water with several that were feeding on krill and fish eggs at the surface in Isla Mujeres, Mexico. Several of them cruised past the swimmers, almost close enough to touch. Many organizations provide tours that allow swimmers and boats to come too close to the animals, harassing and endangering the sharks and the people. But there are tour operators who refuse to engage in behaviour that causes the sharks stress. Licensed guides ensure that their clients understand and obey the rules that keep the animals safe. They also educate and promote conservation at the same time. Searious Diving brought these researchers to an area where the sharks were feeding. They quietly slipped into the water and allowed the animals to choose whether they came close or not. The result was an experience that will never be forgotten, along with photos and videos that will go a long way toward understanding the whale sharks and how to protect them. The sight of an animal so large in its own habitat is breath taking. These truly are the gentle giants of the ocean. To lose them forever would be beyond tragic.

Sea cucumbers are among the most bizarre looking creatures in the ocean. They are truly unique, not just in appearance, but also in their structure. They are echinoderms and they cover the sea beds worldwide. One of the most numerous of the sea animals, they are found in the shallows and also at great depths. Eyeless creatures, elongated in their shape and possessing leathery skin, they don't much resemble the animals that we know. They lack the bilateral symmetry of the majority of the creatures of the animal kingdom. Their bodies have five distinct sections instead of a left and a right. They are aptly named because most of them are close in appearance to a cucumber, they move almost imperceptibly slowly. They could easily be mistaken for a plant. Many are harvested and eaten throughout the world. But more important than their contribution to feeding the people in many countries, they provide a service for the ocean by filtering the water of bacteria, plankton and plant debris. Many species use their tentacles to draw food into their mouths as they slowly move over the ocean floor. Like millions of small ocean "Roombas", they work constantly, ridding the reefs, rocks, and sand bottoms of decaying plant matter. Without them, many animals would suffer from habitat loss. Algae that provide food could not grow and the silt and debris would simply accumulate and clog corals. Scuba divers enter the ocean with a sense of wonder for the incredible abundance of life that exists below the waves. The plants and animals there are unlike anything that we see above the surface. This undersea domain is alien and beautiful and each trip to the depths is an ad venture beyond description.

Octopus are among the most intelligent of the invertebrates. They possess a surprising ability to solve problems and learn from watching other animals. Octopus also have impressive memory capability and they demonstrate the ability to remember things they have seen even before hatching from the egg. They are cephalopods, like squid and cuttlefish, possessing no bones, and they are able to alter their shape to squeeze into tiny spaces. Male octopus have a specially adapted arm that is capable of depositing sperm in the female mantle. They meet on the reef, as these two have, and once they have mated, the male will experience a change in his metabolism that will bring his death within weeks. He will stop eating and perishes soon after. The female will undergo a similar metabolic change but she will survive long enough to lay eggs and care for them. Her nest will require aeration and cleaning to ensure that the eggs hatch. Once the female's brood emerge, she dies within days. These two octopus lived on Elaine's Reef in Papua New Guinea. Sadly, they will have both passed on by the time this video is seen. The reefs of PNG are alive with strange and beautiful creatures. These animals are able to change their colour and texture at will to match their surroundings. Masters of camouflage, they use this ability to hide from predators and also to sneak up on prey. They are skilled hunters and they are as powerful as they are intelligent. Seeing an octopus during the daylight is a rare treat for scuba divers, but to see two engaged in mating is a once in a lifetime experience.

Polar bears are North America's largest predator. That's why it's so cool to see them up close at the zoo. Enjoy!

These frigatebirds are magnificent animals with an impressive wingspan of 2.3m (7.5 feet). Their wing are to bodyweight ratio is the highest of any bird. Adapted for long, effortless flights, these frigatebirds can stay aloft all day long as they hunt for fish or squid at the surface. They roost in trees at night, but they are known to soar on ocean currents for weeks at a time, if needed. Like swifts, they are capable of sleeping while in flight by resting one hemisphere of their brain at a time. Anyone who has visited the coastal area of a tropical or sub-tropical country has likely seen these birds along the beaches and shorelines. They swoop and dive, catching fish themselves, or they steal it from other birds. Noisy and aggressive, they use their agility and speed to chase other birds that have caught a meal. Pestering them until they drop their catch, the frigatebirds then swoop in and catch the fish for themselves. Even if the other bird swallows its food, the frigatebirds will harass their victim to make them regurgitate their meal. The frigatebird will steal this food just as readily, and they work together in a gang to accomplish this task. If another bird drops a fish, it will almost surely never hit the ground before a frigatebird snatches it. These birds truly are the "pirates" of the bird world, robbing other birds for a large portion of their diet. They are actually referred to as kleptoparasites because of this practice. They are even known to snatch other seabird babies from the nest. As with the term "kleptomaniac" applied to those who steal, it is the theft that earns these birds this name and reputation. Frigatebirds also have one of the longest duration of parent care of any bird. They dutifully look after their young for such an extended period that they can only breed once per two year period. This frigatebird in the Galapagos Islands is displaying one of the most interesting features of the species as it inflates a stunningly coloured red neck pouch to attract females for breeding. The larger and brighter the neck pouch, the more likely it is that he will appear to be a healthy and deserving mate. A baby frigatebird from another nesting pair looks on as the male makes his best pitch for a mate.

Raven is an 11 month old Great Dane puppy with a serious love for life. Her enthusiasm is heart warming and she truly loves her walks in the nearby forest more than anything else. Raven has been working hard on her recall training and she has recently been getting off leash runs every day in one of the most gorgeous forests in North America. But Raven's home near Millbrook, Ontario is currently experiencing the colder temperatures of a Canadian winter. Raven is a short haired dog and, despite her enormous size, the cold is less comfortable for her than it is for some breeds. Raven's owners have given her a fleece undercoat and a beautiful red overcoat and she keeps cozy, even on extended runs. Her neck is kept warm with the fleece turtleneck portion, but her ears are still exposed. Raven's owners came up with an imaginative fix and they put another cloth tube around her head and ears. They couldn't contain their laughter as they realized that Raven now looked like the wolf disguised as the grandmother in that classic story of Little Red Ridinghood. Raven didn't mind the bonnet at all and she quickly took off running, weaving between trees and through deep snow, running back for treats and praise. She probably even appreciated that her ears were not as cold as usual. Her tail wagged and her enthusiasm for her daily explore didn't falter. Dogs around the world probably agree that the recent changes due to Covid 19 have not all been bad. They see their humans more as people work from home, and they seem to be getting more walks. Raven is no exception. She has been getting 5-10km (3-6 mile) treks almost every day. The trails that Raven runs are breath taking and the smells of the forest animals keep her entertained. She returns home and naps contentedly before bedtime. Another bonus for Raven is that the extra exercise means she gets an extra meal to keep her healthy. Raven is truly living the best life a dog could live and she has been making sure her owners get extra affection too. It's a win for everyone!

Lowland gorillas are beautiful animals that are intelligent and surprisingly tender with their young, and this video will melt your hearts! So adorable!

These are golden retriever puppies and they among the fluffiest and cutest creatures on the planet. They live in a beautiful home that is run by wonderful breeders who treat these animals like members of the family. Each pup has been named after a character from a Shakespearean play and each will soon be going to a carefully selected forever home. In fact, these pups have just reached eight weeks of age and most are being picked up later in the day. Their last day at this little farm will be spent playing in the pool and visiting with the grown up dogs who also live here. They have woken up, very excited at the prospect of a day in the sunshine and they are eager to get out the door. They will even be wearing puppy pajamas for the festivities today.

Grizzly bears are one of the most massive land predators in the world. However, in this clip this one is just so cute and cuddly!