KristysWorld

These are two of the "Fabulous Freds", a family of orphaned baby crows who were rescued by a veterinarian and her family. They started out as wild crows in a nest high in a tree. The nest fell and the crows were in trouble. The owner of the property saw this and tried to put the nest back up high in the branches. There was no sign of the parents and it was obvious that these crows would need some help. He called a local veterinarian who told him that the crows were best with their own kind, but that they would not make it through the night on their own. After watching all day, it was certain that the crow babies were abandoned. They were brought home and the veterinarian and her kind family took them is as their own. Birds need to learn many skills from their parents if they are to survive and this family set to work teaching them how to gather food . Cameron is shown in this video, teaching them how to pick berries from the bush. Within days of the lesson, they were eating berries like old pros. They even flew to the neighbours' house and cleaned out Mrs. Hottner's berries completely. They were taught to find worms as well and they became capable hunters. After being nursed along for the first summer, the crows began to socialize with local wild crows and they were accepted into a crow family. They flew south when winter hit and the family was left wondering how they would fare. Incredibly, at least two still visit and let out a few calls and an occasional "hello". Spoken like a parrot, their voices are clear and unmistakable. One of the most intelligent animals known, crows are very capable of speech. Of all the friendships forged with wild animals by this veterinarian and her family, this was one of the most beautiful.

Raven is an 11 month old Great Dane puppy with a lot of personality. She is big and ferocious one minute and terrified of tiny and harmless things the next minute. This is one of the lovable and comical traits of this giant breed. They have the hearts of a lion, yet they cower like a scared child when confronted with new or strange objects. Raven's family have had her since she was eight weeks old. They take her everywhere, including the family cottage. While hiking along a trail into the wildreness, Raven was enjoying free run time and she was taking in the sights and the smells of moose, deer, and other animals. She suddenly became very focused on a small patch of swamp that ran beside the trail. As if her family was in mortal danger, Raven began to bark at the small object in the water. Her family were very amused to find that she was terrified of a small piece of wood that was floating harmlessly. Raven bounced around, pawing at it, growling, barking, and acting like she was the great defender. Eventually, she worked up the courage for a close look and a sniff. In that moment, Raven decided that the stick was something to carry off and play with. Seemingly proud of herself for conquering this terrible thing, she held her head high and wagged her tail as she ran off with it. Great Danes are a wonderful family companion and almost everyone who has one falls completely in love with the breed.

Safaris are fantastic places to see wildlife in a very natural setting. With vast expanses of land and forest, the animals can roam freely while enjoying the safety of living in a protected area. Safaris like this one provide opportunities for people to observe the animals without having them caged or provided limited space. This troop of baboons was wandering from one section of shrub to another, foraging for food as they went. But in the middle of their journey, several decided that the road was a good place to lie down and nap. A baboon lying still is an opportunity for another to come and groom it. The motorists that were watching these antics were delighted, even though the troop impeded the flow of traffic for a considerable period of time. They had a very good chance to get some close up photographs and video while this was going on. The baboons seemed very unconcerned and only mildly interested in the humans in the cars. This is a very natural behaviour in the wild that helps them keep free of fleas, ticks, and other external parasites. The baboon doing the work is rewarded with a little food for his or her efforts. The baboons will actually focus on the areas that are more difficult to reach. But cleanliness and looking for food are not the only two reasons that baboons do this. It is part of social bonding that is very important to the tribe. It is also a way of establish social hierarchy. It is actually more common for the females to groom the males than the other way around. This seems to be an agreement that pays the males for their protection of the troop and the infant baboons. Adult male baboons are large and powerful. They possess formidable canine teeth and jaws powerful enough to break bones. Despite their ability to be ferocious as a defensive behaviour, attacks on people are extremely rare. Baboons typically live 20-30 years in the wild, but can reach as much as 45 years of age in captivity.

Water buffalo are massive, but gentle creatures that originated in India and China. They have been domesticated for over 5,000 years and more people depend on them for agriculture than any other domestic animal, including dairy cattle. They are used for labour in many countries and their milk is richer in fat and protein than dairy milk. Referred to as the "living tractor" of the east, many small family farms keep water buffalo for both farm work and for milk production. THe animals are also a source of meat for many. This water buffalo wandered freely in Agra, India, grazing contentedly and resting in a quiet spot near a historic fort. Tourists who were visiting were fascinated with the water buffalo and they watched with amusement as an egret strolled around the buffalo, pecking at flies. The flies were attracted to the water buffalo and the bird was happily eating those that it could catch. This obviously worked out to the water buffalo's satisfaction to be rid of the pests. The egret skillfully stabbed at flies in the nostril and around the face of the water buffalo. With an impressive amount of trust, the water buffalo remained still and didn't even flinch as the sharp beak poked around the sensitive areas of its face. The bird also displayed an equal trust in casually wandering so close to such a massive animal. The water buffalo can be seen twitching its ears and the horn on the right side of its head moves unnaturally in the process. It seems that the horn might be dislocated, causing it to droop against the water buffalo's face. India has been described as a land of contrast, and a place where extreme poverty is rampant. Animals often share the effects of this poverty and injuries go untreated. It is also possible that the water buffalo is a stray and does not actually belong to anyone. Animals who are no longer profitable are often released by the farmers who cannot afford to feed them anymore. Because cows are considered sacred by many people in India, their faith prohibits them from eating the animals. This means that the poor creatures are left to fend for themselves, grazing where they can find any kind of vegetation. Cows and water buffalo are often found wandering the streets and busy areas in an obvious state of malnutrition.

This is a heart warming story of orphaned crows who were rescued by a veterinarian and her family one summer after their nest fell out of a tree near their home. The property owner put the nest back in the tree but the parents did not return after several hours. He called Kristy, a local veterinarian with a soft heart and a reputation for helping any animal in need. She sent her husband to watch the nest and the crows had not returned by nightfall. After several hours on their own, it was clear that the babies were orphaned. They would not survive the night on their own so Kristy and her family adopted them. They fed them every few hours and the crows grew quickly. After a few weeks, they were able to fly and they spent their nights in the trees of Kristy's back yard. They still depended on the family for food and they came when called, screaming loudly for a meal. Like ravenous quadruplets, the crows demanded food at an incredible rate. Knowing they would need to fend for themselves soon, the crows were taught to find worms and to eat berries from the bush. Crows are highly intelligent and these corvids learned quickly. This is Cameron, showing the crows how to select the ripest fruit. Unfortunately, they learned too well because they flew next door and cleaned out all the berries on Mrs. Hottner's berry bushes. They also pulled the cable out of the satellite receiver on the house, much to the amusement of Mr. Hottner. Crows are actually known for their sense of humour. Incredibly, the crows learned to say the word ":hello" and they would perch in the trees, calling out when they saw their human friends. As smart as chimpanzees, crows can learn to speak. The crows thrived and they successfully integrated into a wild crow family in the area. They flew south for the winter and the family missed them terribly. They wondered if the crows had actually left and if they were doing alright. But one warm day in spring, a familiar voice was heard, saying "hello". One of the crows had returned and took food that was left on a branch. They were no longer tame, which is as it should be, and they no longer sat on the shoulders of their human family, but they did visit occasionally. On several occasions, two distinct voices could be heard, indicating that at least two had made it through the winter. A camera left at the bird feeder the following year captured heart warming footage of one of the crows saying hello to a squirrel. It is hoped that all four survived and are still doing well. It's rarer now, but the family still hears an occasional "hello" and they still see crows that let them get closer than a truly wild crow would. Of all the animal friendships Kristy and her family have had, this is the most beautiful.

The Baltimore Oriole is one of the most stunningly colored birds in North America. A brilliant orange or gold color makes up most of its plumage with stark black areas on its head and wings. The adults have a few white bars on their wings as well. Males are more vividly colored than the female Orioles. It is a small bird that migrates each year, according to climate. Bird enthusiasts welcome their return with brightly colored ripe fruit at the feeders. The Orioles seek out only the most brightly colored of fruits such as oranges, cherries and red grapes. They will ignore green grapes, even if they are ripe. The Oriole has a unique feeding technique which we can actually see in this video. It is called "gaping". The Oriole will stab its closed beak into the fruit and then open the beak to create a gap into which the juice of the fruit will flow. The bird then uses its tongue to drink the juice. Orioles love halved oranges and thoroughly enjoy grape jelly placed in the oranges. The Oriole is a prey bird for grackles, hawks, owls, falcons, and even for cats. They can live as long as 12 years if they do not fall prey to a larger bird or other animal. The Oriole feeds on insects for most of the year, with a favorite being the tent caterpillar moth. They will also eat the tent caterpillars. Interestingly, they will bang the caterpillar against a branch to remove the bristly, protective hairs that make then difficult to eat. This taste for such a destructive garden pest makes them an especially welcome bird for many people. These little birds are frequent visitors at hummingbird feeders, enjoying the same nectar as the hummingbirds. Once an oriole decides that a feeder is a good source of their desired food, they will lead their young to the same location to feed.

Monkeys are among the most curious creatures on earth. When a troop of monkeys and their babies stopped to enjoy some leaves and other food along the edge of the bush in Costa Rica, they also discovered a small camera had been fastened to a tree. As they ate and rested, they began to investigate this curious object. They poked, prodded, bit, and licked the camera with intense curiosity. Monkeys are among the most intelligent creatures in the wild and they learn quickly from watching others. We can see the baby monkey doing just that as he watches his mother closely and imitates her every move. As she nibbles leaves, he does the same. He bites sticks, as she does, and when she peers into the camera lens, he follows along as well. Spider monkeys are highly social, living in troops of up to 40 individuals. They live most of their life in the canopy of the forest but they come to the ground to forage for food and to explore. Spider monkeys make use of lime tree leaves mixed with saliva to repel insects. Very few animals are capable of such problem-solving skills. They are also known to have complex communication, using different noises to sound alarms, find individuals, or to alert other monkeys to a food source. They are also capable of using non vocal communication such as tail position and head shaking, making their ability to communicate even more sophisticated and complex. Possessing excellent memory skills, they are the third most intelligent nonhuman primate. Monkeys are prey for large cats, eagles, and large snakes, but habitat loss and harvest by humans for the pet trade has affected their numbers to the point of them being an endangered species. To lose these adorable and important animals would be beyond tragic.

The only thing cuter than puppies is golden retriever puppies in new pajamas. This is Charlotte and she is eight weeks old. This is a big celebration for Charlotte and for the rest of her brothers and sisters because today is the day that she will be going to her forever family. Charlotte was born at a wonderful breeding facility called As Good As Gold, near Peterborough, Ontario. They take puppy production very seriously with excellent veterinary care, the best nutrition available, and loving care from a family that adores dogs like nobody else. By the time these pups are ready to go to their new families, they have been checked thoroughly and they have had all the shots and treatments needed to give them the best start possible. The puppies have also been treated with love and affection, as the parents are, so they will all be expecting nothing but adoration when they get to their homes. Charlotte and her siblings are having a little puppy party to celebrate their exciting new start, and also to say goodbye, as they will be sorely missed. The party involves treats, extra love, playtime, a little swimming pool, and a new set of pajamas for each puppy. The pajamas make a golden retriever just a little cuter than ever. Charlotte approaches everything with enthusiasm and when she sees the camera pointed at her, she wants to head over and check it out. She bounces happily in front of this curious new object. But Charlotte is adorably clumsy and she rolls and tumbles as she tries to run, scratch, and play. Their tails constantly wagging, these puppies are the perfect example of happiness. When selecting a puppy, a little care goes a long way. Ethical breeders will happily provide health details and also a reference from their veterinarian. They will provide references from satisfied customers, and they will enthusiastically show their facilities and the parents that produced the pups. Any hesitation in these areas might be an indication of a puppy mill, or at least an issue worth investigating. Supporting the breeders who treat their animals well is the best way to ensure that cruelty and abuse does not continue. It's also the best way to get a healthy and happy best friend for your family!

Snapping turtles are large and ferocious looking creatures that do not like to be handled, or even approached by humans. Vulnerable on land, they appear to be aggressive and fierce. In reality, they are not interested in attacking anyone, or anything, and they are merely acting defensively when they strike and try to bite. Their pointed beaks are strong enough to inflict a wound and cause pain, although they cannot actually sever a finger or a limb as common folklore suggests. This is a COMMON snapping turtle, not an alligator snapper, which is an important distinction. The common snapping turtle reaches 18kg (40 lbs) and has a strong jaw. The alligator snapping turtle reaches up to 45kg (100lbs) and has a jaw strength many times greater. The alligator snapping turtle is definitely capable of taking off a finger, or worse. Common snapping turtles are not dangerous to humans. They live in almost all lakes and rivers in North America, although people rarely see them in the water. They are often encountered when they are crossing the road in the spring or the fall. This is when they are likely on the move to find a spot to lay eggs, or when males are in search of better feeding or breeding grounds. Slow-moving, the turtles are frequently killed by cars when they cross the roads and highways. Well-meaning motorists will stop to help these creatures, and it is not difficult to do so safely. An important thing is to determine which way the turtle was headed. This will help prevent it from simply wandering back into danger after it is moved of the road. It is also important to lift them in a way that prevents injury to both the human and to the turtle. Heavy turtles should never be lifted by the tail. Their weight is enough to cause a dislocation in the spine, leading to serious problems for the turtle. Their bite is strong enough that people also need to avoid putting their hands within reach of the turtle's jaws. With a quick strike, their long neck can extend almost half the length of the turtle's body. They can reach up and behind their shells with lightning speed. Hands need to be kept behind the shell midline at all times. Gripping the tail to keep the turtle from turning is safe, but it is best to grab the shell near the rear legs firmly. A hand can be placed under the plastron (lower shell in the belly area) and the weight of the turtle can be supported in this way. Another hand on top of the shell will prevent the turtle from lunging and flipping over. The turtle can then be moved and placed in the grass to continue on its way. Hand washing is always recommended after handling snapping turtles as they can carry bacteria. It is also possible to let the turtle grab onto a stick and then it can be slowly dragged to safety. And of course, traffic safety needs to be the most important consideration of all!

Hawksbill sea turtles are critically endangered. A rare sight to see on the reefs, even a glimpse of one is a delight for scuba divers.

This coconut vendor spends his day delighting tourists with refreshing coconut water, as well as his skill with a huge machete. He works in Playa del Carmen, Mexico in the heart of the tourist district. On a hot day, the customers line up for refreshing coconut water. Cold, thirst-quenching, and full of electrolytes, chilled coconuts are nutritious and fun to drink. These tourists from Canada are fascinated by the palm trees full of coconuts that line the streets and beaches. Having one split open to drink from is part of the holiday experience that can't be overlooked. In great supply, these tasty treats are even cheap to buy. For 50 pesos, the equivalent of $1, this skilled vendor will hack the top off and even supply a straw. He hacks the husk off until the shell is exposed and he then makes a final cut to provide a small opening to insert the straw. Even better than returning empty bottles to the store for a refund, this vendor will take the empty coconut and scoop out the meat. It is carried in a bag and eaten like a piece of chewy fruit. With precision and skill, this vendor conducts his business without slicing a finger. He sees the wonder and delight on the faces of the Canadians and he smiles happily as he does his work. Of course, a little tip for a performance like this is gratefully accepted, and very appropriate.

Finn is an adorable Corgi puppy who loves all things new and exciting. He meets the world with enthusiasm every day. Finn just might be one of the cutest puppies ever. He's nine months old and he's just had a little surgery at the veterinary clinic. But five days later, he's back in for his checkup and he's playful and energetic, as usual. It's actually impressive that he seems so unaffected by his recent procedure. While his owner, Elizabeth chats with the doctor, Finn discovers the door stop on the wall. He paws at it, barks at it and jumps around as if it will play with him. Finn even discovers that he can spring it if he pulls it back and releases it. His wagging tail and his prancing show his happiness as he plays his new game. Finn loves to play more than anything. He loves stuffed toys and things to chase, but most of all, he loves all other dogs. Finn will run up to any dog without fear and he regularly plays with a German Shepherd, St. Bernard and a large hound. Finn genuinely seems to believe that he is a big dog himself. He was born in Michigan but found his forever home in Peterborough, Ontario, where he lives with a cat that he would love to play with. The cat, however, doesn't feel quite the same way about Finn yet, but he will probably win her over eventually. When Finn isn't playing with doorstops and cats, he absolutely loves car rides. Elizabeth often takes him hiking in the woods and the two of them love exploring together. And, like most dogs, Finn's stomach dictates much of what he does. Finn loves all food, especially sausage treats. Corgis are the small dogs with the big personalities and Finn lives up the reputation. They make up for their short legs and small stature with their extra big hearts. You can't help but fall in love with a puppy as happy as Finn.

These baby crows have been rescued by a veterinarian and her family after their nest fell from a tree. The property owner tried to put the nest back up on the branch but the parents abandoned them and did not return.

Canadians are famous for many things and their love of cottage country is among them. They take great pleasure in retreating to a secluded cabin in the woods or on one the thousands of lakes in the areas slightly north of the busier cities. Part of the appeal is the abundance of wildlife and the serenity that allows those who are quiet and patient to relax and enjoy nature in a truly magical world. This cottage dweller had been sipping coffee on the family dock, enjoying the seclusion and near silence. The only sounds were the birds calling from the trees. This lake is very isolated and only a few boats pass by the remote island all day long. To sit silently in this world provides an opportunity to view nature in all its splendor. A large loon had drifted silently and had slowed right in front of the dock. It casually looked around, and occasionally dipped its face in the water to look below for fish. Loons are a perfect symbol of cottage life and the beauty of the lonely call of the loon is something that all cottagers are familiar with. Their cries and their laughs can be heard for miles and the long, haunting notes echo along the shore and over the water. It is a sound that brings mixed emotions to those who hear it. Behind this loon, in the shallows, is a large Great Blue Heron. It is one of the largest birds in North America, only slightly behind the Bald Eagle and a few cranes and herons in terms of wingspan. These birds silently stalk frogs and fish, waiting for the opportunity to strike with a ferocious and lightning quick jab of its powerful beak. The heron will stand still for long periods of time before erupting in a blinding streak to spear food. As the scene unfolds, a second heron, part of a mating pair, flies along the shore near its mate, landing in a new spot to look for frogs. Scenes like this are breath taking to see. It is a lucky thing when the viewer also happens to have a camera at the ready to capture the footage.

Barracuda are one of the most feared fish in the ocean, second only to sharks. Their gigantic teeth and formidable jaws strike terror in the hearts of swimmers and new scuba divers.

Loons are a very iconic Canadian bird. They are common all throughout North America and also parts of Europe. Any cottage resident will describe the haunting cry of the loon as a memorable part of summer experience. A shrill and lonely call that echoes along the shores, the cry of the loon stirs emotion in all who hear it. The loon is also capable of a rapidly oscillating call that sounds like a lunatic laughing. Both calls seem to be used to communicate with other loons and their voices carry for miles. This young loon had been wandering along on its own on an isolated Canadian lake for at least two days. Recognizable as a juvenile due to its brown plumage, the baby seemed to be confused and upset as it drifted through the bays around an island, obviously looking for its mother. Cottagers watched and listened as the loon let out an occasional distressful cry. It was beginning to look like the mother had fallen prey to an animal or had possibly left the lake, leaving the young bird on his own. But early one morning, the baby let out a long and mournful call that was answered by a distant call from farther up the lake. The baby responded immediately, swimming around the island and letting out more cries. The calls from the other side of the island became louder as the mother made her way to her baby. The two met on the water and swam around each other for a few moments in greeting. It was a joyful sight to watch as the two were reunited. The mother and baby began dipping their heads in the water, appearing to look for fish beneath them. They then swam south together. Loons are capable of flight, but their heavy bodies and rearward positioned legs make takeoff difficult. They must run along the surface and flap their wings hard to get enough lift. The loon is not capable of taking off from solid ground due to the fact that its feet cannot properly support its body well. The balance of weight makes it very awkward for them to walk and nearly impossible for them to run. Their wings are small in comparison with their larger bodies. This is why loons prefer to swim, even for long distances, rather than fly. Listening to an orphaned animal crying for its mother is a very distressing experience, but watching them find each other warms the heart.

Great Blue Herons are among the largest birds in North America. With a wingspan that can reach over 2m (6.5 feet), only eagles and swans are larger. They are a beautiful sight to see, most frequently observed as they wade in the shallows along the shores of lakes and rivers, preying on small fish and frogs. Occasionally, they can be seen in flight as they skim over lakes in search of a spot to land in search of food. These two herons gracefully made their way along the shore of a remote lake in Northern Ontario, Canada. They smoothly skimmed the surface, actually touching the water with their wings as they flew. After making a beautiful pass together, they curved in toward a small bay full of trees and weeds. This is a mating pair that will hunt together and nest together, each taking part on raising and feeding the young chicks. Great Blue Herons are monogamous for the breeding season but they will choose a new mate each year. The male returns to the nesting grounds first and selects a suitable nest from the left over construction from the year before. When the females arrive, the courtship process begins and the herons pair up for the new breeding season. The herons will have a full time job protecting the eggs and the chicks from predators that include bears, raccoons, foxes, ravens, and hawks. Once full grown, the only predator that dares to attack a Great Blue Heron is a bald eagle. Their powerful dagger-like bills make them a formidable foe and a heron can strike with lightning speed, seriously wounding any large animal. Disruption and interference by humans during nesting is also a common issue that affects the herons, as they will abandon their nests if disturbed. This pair of herons was a delightful and lucky sight for a thrilled Canadian cottager who just happened to have her camera at the ready. Capturing the birds in flight, especially at such a close distance is a memorable experience.

Most Canadians have experienced the joys of a visit to a cottage. Usually situated on a lake in a more remote area, they are the perfect scene for a relaxing getaway. Canadian summers are hot and sunny and a refreshing dip in the cooling water of a Canadian lake is a beautiful experience. But most of us never see what's at the bottom of these lakes. This scuba diver took his camera under the surface and swam through the shallows and also the deeper sections of a remote Ontario Lake in Parry Sound. He cruised around at a depth of 20 feet. What he found there was a surprising amount of life that thrives under our dangling feet as we splash around on the surface. Curious bass followed the diver and also swam in front of him, seemingly eager to escort him into their underwater domain. The sunlight plays tricks with the eyes, giving everything a ghostly green glow. Weeds of various types, and algae blooms thrive here as well. Rocks that are covered in algae protrude from the bottom, adding texture to a flat landscape. We often swim along the surface, wondering what we might find beneath us. The adventurous will hold their breath and try to descend to the bottom, but it's difficult to see clearly through 20 feet of green water. It's a mysterious, yet beautiful world and it's just barely out of reach for most of us. Many have wondered what things would look like if we could momentarily drain the water from our favourite lake, just to have a glimpse of the bottom. Taking a dive to check it out is well worth the time, but if that's not something that's possible, a virtual tour such as this one is the next best thing!

Raven is a ten month old Great Dane puppy with a love for adventure. She has watched her family playing in the water at the cottage and she would like to join them, but she is adorably nervous about the lake. This is her first experience with swimming and she tries her best to work up the courage to jump in. Although Great Danes are large and powerful breeds, they are notoriously apprehensive about the smallest of things. It's no surprise that she is unsure about going for a swim. She runs around the rocks, wades in and out, and even tries to climb on top of her owners. She seems to want to be included in the fun without actually getting wet.

Hope is a very affectionate calf who is less than a week old. She was born in the meadow on a beautiful farm in Millbrook, Ontario. It's the perfect place for a cow to live. There are hundreds of acres of lush, green pasture, ponds full of fresh water, forested areas to provide shelter and shade and rolling hills. It's an ethical farm where the calves are not separated from their mothers. They do not produce milk and they refuse to produce veal. Herd health is placed before profit and the animals are treated like family. They spend their time outdoors and the herd wanders freely, grazing the sunshine all day.They are watched over protectively by Gus, a 2,000 pound bull who lives on this farm as well. Hope quickly learned to trust the farmers and she is eager to spend time and play with others who visit this farm. Hope has a friend in Dave, a neighbor who enjoys relaxing in the meadow with these gentle creatures, or recording their antics with his camera. Hope runs and bounces, much like an energetic puppy, and then she stops to rest. This was one of her quiet moments and she settled down in the grass beside Dave, looking for a little head and nose scratch. She loves to be petted and will nudge Dave for more if he stops for long. Ethical farms like these can be found in most communities. They treat their animals well and provide a life that is as close as possible to what nature intended for these lovable animals. Cows are far more intelligent and affectionate than we give them credit for, and they are very deserving of a life free from cruelty. Supporting farmers who do things right, and avoiding factory farms, is very important for reducing the suffering that is too common in some larger farming operations.

These puppies have spent the first 8 weeks of their life at a wonderful breeding facility, "As Good As Gold", where Golden Retriever puppies are born and raised. It's a loving environment, full of stimulation, quality care, excellent food, and most importantly, precise and careful selection of their forever families. Run by a family that treats the pups as well as their own furry companions, these pups grow up trusting humans completely. They are constantly looking for affection.

Felix is an adorable little foal with a high energy approach to life. He has just finished with the zoomies as he ran all around his pasture at full speed. Now, his energy is gone and he has stretched out to snooze in the sunshine. Felix is a foal with a very affectionate nature and a wonderful trust in his human caregivers. It's no surprise, as his mother, Fling is a trusting mare with a beautiful disposition herself. These gentle souls live on a beautiful farm near Peterborough, Ontario. They have huge meadows to graze and play, and woodland trails for riding and exploring. Felix is living the good life here and napping in the sunshine is the perfect way for him to spend his afternoon.

The ocean is full of wonderful and mysterious creatures. See for yourself!

Raven is a ten month old Great Dane puppy who adores her new squeaky toy. She also adores her brand new mat on the floor in front of the fireplace. Most dogs learn quickly that the toy will squeak when they grip it in their teeth and bite down. But Raven was taught that pushing on the toy would make noise. Now, she puts her enormous nose on the squeaky part of the toy and bobs her head. Dogs obviously like the noise of the toys, and they probably like the laughter and praise that they get from their humans for doing it. Raven seems to understand that she is on video, yet again, and she lays her head on the mat and lets out a huge sigh. Seeming to sense how much her family is entertained by her adorable behaviour, Raven even gives a slight tail wag before deciding that it's nap time.

Crabs are curious creatures. They are also fond of appearing in movies. This Batwing Coral Crab was seen hiding under a coral ledge in Akumal, Mexico. When a camera was placed at the edge of his lair to get some footage, the crab decided he would do more than just appear as the star of the video. The crab decided to become the camera operator and the director as well. This crab ran quickly at the camera and seized it in his claw. He backed up under the coral and positioned the camera looking right at him. He seems to study the camera curiously and he moves it around in his den, creating some very stunning close up footage of his face, claws and his undersea home. These crabs can grow to a size of 15 cm across their shell (6 inches). Their claws are large and powerful and he has no trouble moving the camera around easily. In self defence, the crab can draw his legs and claws in tightly to create a tight wall of armour that protects his underside well. These are amazing creatures to find on the reef.