Are these statements true or false?
Cats always land on their feet.
Cats should drink milk everyday.
The correct answer to both is FALSE.
These are common misunderstandings that veterinarians frequently hear from pet owners, according to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Following is a list of popular myths that AAHA veterinarians and The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) would like to dispel.
Myth: Cats always land on their feet.
Fact: While cats instinctively fall feet first and may survive falls from high places, they also may receive broken bones in the process. Some kind of screening on balconies and windows can help protect pets from disastrous falls.
Myth: Cats should drink milk everyday.
Fact: Most cats like milk, but do not need it if properly nourished. Also, many will get diarrhea if they drink too much milk. If it is given at all, the amount should be small and infrequent.
Myth: Cats that are spayed or neutered automatically gain weight.
Fact: Like people, cats gain weight from eating too much, not exercising enough or both. In many cases, spaying or neutering is done at an age when the animal's metabolism already has slowed, and its need for food has decreased. If the cat continues to eat the same amount, it may gain weight. Cat owners can help their cats stay fit by providing exercise and not over-feeding.
Myth: Cats cannot get rabies.
Fact: Actually, most warm-blooded mammals, including cats, bats, skunks and ferrets, can carry rabies. Like dogs, cats should be vaccinated regularly according to local laws.
Myth: Indoor cats cannot get diseases.
Fact: Cats still are exposed to organisms that are carried through the air or brought in on a cat owner's shoes or clothing. Even the most housebound cat ventures outdoors at some time and can be exposed to diseases and worms through contact with other animals feces.
Myth: Tapeworms come from bad food.
Fact: Pets become infected with tape worms from swallowing fleas, which carry the parasite. Also, cats can get tapeworms from eating infected mice or other exposed animals.
Myth: Putting garlic on a pet's food will get rid of worms.
Fact: Garlic may make the animal's food taste better but has no effect on worms. The most effective way to treat worms is by medication prescribed by a veterinarian.
Myth: Pregnant women should not own cats.
Fact: Some cats can be infected with a disease called toxoplasmosis, which occasionally can be spread to humans through cat litter boxes and cause serious problems in unborn babies. However, these problems can be controlled, if the expectant mother avoids contact with the litter box and assigns daily cleaning to a friend or other family member.
Myth: A cat's sense of balance is in its whiskers.
Fact: Cats use their whiskers as "feelers" but not to maintain their balance.
Myth: Animals heal themselves by licking their wounds.
Fact: Such licking actually can slow the healing process and further damage the wound.
from:www.www.cfainc.org)
Friday, January 25, 2008
Thursday, January 24, 2008
15 Tiger Fact
1. Tigers are the largest of the big cats.
2. Wild tigers are at the very top of the food chain.
3. There were originally eight subspecies of tiger, the
Javan, the Bali, the Caspian, the Indochinese, the
Sumatran, the Bengal, the Siberian, and the South
China tiger.
4. Unbelievably three of the eight subspecies are now
extinct. The Bali tiger met its demise in the 1940's,
the Caspian in the 1970's and the Javan in the 1980's.
(Yes you read that right--the 1980's!)
5. The latin names for the subspecies are:
pantheris tigris amoyensis The South China tiger
pantheris tigris altaicia The Amur (Siberian) tiger
pantheris tigris sumatrae The Sumatran tiger
pantheris tigris corbetti The Indochinese tiger
pantheris tigris tigris The Bengal tiger
pantheris tigris balica The Bali tiger
pantheris tigris virgata The Caspina tiger
pantheris tigris sondaica The Javan tiger
6. The South China tiger is believed to be the antecedent of
all tigers.
7. The tiger is the most endangered species of big cat. Of
the remaining tiger subspecies the South China tiger is
the most critically endangered with only around sixty
living in Chinese zoos and approximately twenty in the
wild (although none have been spotted for over twenty
years). This puts this subspecies at the very top of the
endangered species list.
8. Wild tigers do not live in Africa, they are spread out
across Asia and are thought to have originated from
Southern China.
9. A captive tiger can live up to twenty years, while a wild
tiger can expect to live ten to fifteen years.
10. Tigers are an umbrella species, which means to save the
wild tiger we must also commit to saving its habitat
and prey.
11. Due to the cold winters of Southern Russia and
Northern China the Siberian tiger is the largest of
the subspecies with an average length of 9ft 8' and
an average weight of 540 pounds, it has the thickest
fur and roams the largest territories.
12. The Bengal tiger is found in India and around the
Nepal/China border, it is the second largest of the
subspecies weighing in at around 480 pounds,
and is 9ft 5' long (average).
13. The Indochinese tiger is found across most of Southeast
Asia, it is 8ft 8' long and weighs in at 380 pounds
(average).
14. The South China tiger is found only in Southern China,
it is 8ft 1' long and weighs in at 336 pounds (average).
15. The Sumatran tiger is the smallest remaining
subspecies, with an average length of 7ft 8' and a
weight of 250 pounds, this is due to the fact that its
small territories are restricted to the Islands of
Sumatra.
(from:www.andymcdermott.com)
2. Wild tigers are at the very top of the food chain.
3. There were originally eight subspecies of tiger, the
Javan, the Bali, the Caspian, the Indochinese, the
Sumatran, the Bengal, the Siberian, and the South
China tiger.
4. Unbelievably three of the eight subspecies are now
extinct. The Bali tiger met its demise in the 1940's,
the Caspian in the 1970's and the Javan in the 1980's.
(Yes you read that right--the 1980's!)
5. The latin names for the subspecies are:
pantheris tigris amoyensis The South China tiger
pantheris tigris altaicia The Amur (Siberian) tiger
pantheris tigris sumatrae The Sumatran tiger
pantheris tigris corbetti The Indochinese tiger
pantheris tigris tigris The Bengal tiger
pantheris tigris balica The Bali tiger
pantheris tigris virgata The Caspina tiger
pantheris tigris sondaica The Javan tiger
6. The South China tiger is believed to be the antecedent of
all tigers.
7. The tiger is the most endangered species of big cat. Of
the remaining tiger subspecies the South China tiger is
the most critically endangered with only around sixty
living in Chinese zoos and approximately twenty in the
wild (although none have been spotted for over twenty
years). This puts this subspecies at the very top of the
endangered species list.
8. Wild tigers do not live in Africa, they are spread out
across Asia and are thought to have originated from
Southern China.
9. A captive tiger can live up to twenty years, while a wild
tiger can expect to live ten to fifteen years.
10. Tigers are an umbrella species, which means to save the
wild tiger we must also commit to saving its habitat
and prey.
11. Due to the cold winters of Southern Russia and
Northern China the Siberian tiger is the largest of
the subspecies with an average length of 9ft 8' and
an average weight of 540 pounds, it has the thickest
fur and roams the largest territories.
12. The Bengal tiger is found in India and around the
Nepal/China border, it is the second largest of the
subspecies weighing in at around 480 pounds,
and is 9ft 5' long (average).
13. The Indochinese tiger is found across most of Southeast
Asia, it is 8ft 8' long and weighs in at 380 pounds
(average).
14. The South China tiger is found only in Southern China,
it is 8ft 1' long and weighs in at 336 pounds (average).
15. The Sumatran tiger is the smallest remaining
subspecies, with an average length of 7ft 8' and a
weight of 250 pounds, this is due to the fact that its
small territories are restricted to the Islands of
Sumatra.
(from:www.andymcdermott.com)
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Abou Birds, You Have Know It?
Bird watching in Peru is an unbeatable experience and one that will leave even the most seasoned bird watcher awestruck. Peru is the destination of choice for many international birders, and for good reason. Peru is home to 120 endemic species of birds, with no fewer than 42 new species being recorded in the past 30 years. Over 1,800 bird species have been recorded to date – including the endemic species - and researchers believe that the list will continue to grow as they explore new areas.
Of the 104 different life zones that have been identified throughout the world, 84 occur in Peru. This land of contrasts - from dry forest and desert areas found at the coast to the various forests in the lowlands along the Amazon and the majestic snow-capped Andes Mountains - supports abundant, and often unique, flora and fauna. Some of the species that bird watchers exploring Peru can expect to encounter include 127 species of hummingbirds, 135 species of tanagers, 120 species of ovenbirds, 107 species of typical antbirds, 254 species of tyrant-flycatchers, 50 species of parrots and macaws.
Appreciating the natural treasures that exist in Peru, the authorities have established approximately 13% of the country as protected areas. These protected areas form a network of 58 reserves and sanctuaries. Environmental awareness is continually being promoted in Peru, with the result being that rivers and streams are being cleaned up and coastal lagoons are being reclaimed. An example of the benefits of these efforts can be seen in the Chaparri Ecological Reserve, which was established by the community of Santa Catalina de Chongoyape. This protected dry forest area has become home to a species of bird that was long thought to be extinct, the white-winged guan.
Serious birders that go to the effort of negotiating their way through a bog located at 14,000 feet in the Andes are likely to be rewarded with by sighting a rare white-bellied cinclodes – an exciting prospect, bearing in mind that researchers believe there are only 28 of these birds in the world. Patient bird watchers visiting the area of Cordillera Azul should look out for the rare and recently discovered scarlet-banded barbet. Migratory birds from as far away as Patagonia and the North Pole use areas of Peru as a stop-over or to spend the summer months. This proves to be an added bonus for bird watchers, as they stand a good chance of seeing additional bird species that are temporary residents.
The spectacle of a multitude of colorful noisy birds flitting from tree to tree, or a majestic Andean condor soaring overhead defies description, and the choice of where to go and what to see can be a difficult one. Certainly bird watching in Peru is never boring and is a rewarding way for any birder to spend their time.
(from:www.birds.com)
Of the 104 different life zones that have been identified throughout the world, 84 occur in Peru. This land of contrasts - from dry forest and desert areas found at the coast to the various forests in the lowlands along the Amazon and the majestic snow-capped Andes Mountains - supports abundant, and often unique, flora and fauna. Some of the species that bird watchers exploring Peru can expect to encounter include 127 species of hummingbirds, 135 species of tanagers, 120 species of ovenbirds, 107 species of typical antbirds, 254 species of tyrant-flycatchers, 50 species of parrots and macaws.
Appreciating the natural treasures that exist in Peru, the authorities have established approximately 13% of the country as protected areas. These protected areas form a network of 58 reserves and sanctuaries. Environmental awareness is continually being promoted in Peru, with the result being that rivers and streams are being cleaned up and coastal lagoons are being reclaimed. An example of the benefits of these efforts can be seen in the Chaparri Ecological Reserve, which was established by the community of Santa Catalina de Chongoyape. This protected dry forest area has become home to a species of bird that was long thought to be extinct, the white-winged guan.
Serious birders that go to the effort of negotiating their way through a bog located at 14,000 feet in the Andes are likely to be rewarded with by sighting a rare white-bellied cinclodes – an exciting prospect, bearing in mind that researchers believe there are only 28 of these birds in the world. Patient bird watchers visiting the area of Cordillera Azul should look out for the rare and recently discovered scarlet-banded barbet. Migratory birds from as far away as Patagonia and the North Pole use areas of Peru as a stop-over or to spend the summer months. This proves to be an added bonus for bird watchers, as they stand a good chance of seeing additional bird species that are temporary residents.
The spectacle of a multitude of colorful noisy birds flitting from tree to tree, or a majestic Andean condor soaring overhead defies description, and the choice of where to go and what to see can be a difficult one. Certainly bird watching in Peru is never boring and is a rewarding way for any birder to spend their time.
(from:www.birds.com)
Shark fact??
.. Sharks have been around for over 400 million years
.. Sharks live in every ocean of the world from the Arctic to the Antarctic.
.. The average life span of a shark is around 25 years, but some have been known to live to 100
.. The biggest shark is the Whale Shark, it can be up to 50 feet (15 m) in length. It is what is called a filter feeder, it sieves plankton in huge amounts to eat through its gills as it swims along
.. The dwarf lantern shark is the smallest shark at a size of around 15cm
.. The Shortfin Mako shark is probably the fastest fish in the ocean
.. The Whale Sharks has approximately 300 rows of teeth, each with hundreds of tiny teeth
.. The Whale Shark has the biggest mouth of all the sharks
.. The Great White Shark can grow to to 21 feet (6.4m) long. It is the largest meat eating member of the shark family
.. Probably the most dangerous sharks in the world include the Great White, Tiger shark, Bull shark and the oceanic whitetip shark.
.. The Great White Sharks can go for up to three months without eating
.. Sharks have very sensitive hearing. A shark can identify much lower sounds than the human ear can. Sharks can hear sounds up to 700 feet away
.. There are over some 330 species of sharks
.. Sharks have an extremely acute sense of smell. Some sharks are thought to be able to track their prey by smell from over a mile away
.. Sharks do not have bones their skeleton is made up of cartilage
.. Sharks attack fewer than 100 people annually. More people are killed by dogs, pigs and deer each year than by sharks
.. Fishermen kill an estimated 30 million to 100 million sharks every year
.. A Shark has around six and a half tons per square inch of biting force
.. The Dogfish shark is so called because of it's tendency to attack it's prey like a pack of wild dogs
.. Fishermen are estimated to kill around 30 million to 100 million sharks each year
.. Sharks don't chew - they use their teeth to bite and tear food
.. Some people believe a shark will often mistake a surfer in the water for a seal or sea lion, both of which are among it's favourite snacks
(from:www.zoozoo2.com)
.. Sharks live in every ocean of the world from the Arctic to the Antarctic.
.. The average life span of a shark is around 25 years, but some have been known to live to 100
.. The biggest shark is the Whale Shark, it can be up to 50 feet (15 m) in length. It is what is called a filter feeder, it sieves plankton in huge amounts to eat through its gills as it swims along
.. The dwarf lantern shark is the smallest shark at a size of around 15cm
.. The Shortfin Mako shark is probably the fastest fish in the ocean
.. The Whale Sharks has approximately 300 rows of teeth, each with hundreds of tiny teeth
.. The Whale Shark has the biggest mouth of all the sharks
.. The Great White Shark can grow to to 21 feet (6.4m) long. It is the largest meat eating member of the shark family
.. Probably the most dangerous sharks in the world include the Great White, Tiger shark, Bull shark and the oceanic whitetip shark.
.. The Great White Sharks can go for up to three months without eating
.. Sharks have very sensitive hearing. A shark can identify much lower sounds than the human ear can. Sharks can hear sounds up to 700 feet away
.. There are over some 330 species of sharks
.. Sharks have an extremely acute sense of smell. Some sharks are thought to be able to track their prey by smell from over a mile away
.. Sharks do not have bones their skeleton is made up of cartilage
.. Sharks attack fewer than 100 people annually. More people are killed by dogs, pigs and deer each year than by sharks
.. Fishermen kill an estimated 30 million to 100 million sharks every year
.. A Shark has around six and a half tons per square inch of biting force
.. The Dogfish shark is so called because of it's tendency to attack it's prey like a pack of wild dogs
.. Fishermen are estimated to kill around 30 million to 100 million sharks each year
.. Sharks don't chew - they use their teeth to bite and tear food
.. Some people believe a shark will often mistake a surfer in the water for a seal or sea lion, both of which are among it's favourite snacks
(from:www.zoozoo2.com)
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
About Polar Bear
Range and Habitat
Polar bears live in the arctic circle in Greenland, Canada, and adjacent ice sheets. They live mostly on the shorelines. They do not venture to far north as the permanent pack ice is too thick for the seals to break through, so the bears will not have any food.
Polar bears migrate frequently within their home range, as the availability of sea ice changes. They use the sea ice as a platform for hunting seals. During the winter months, they tend to move further south, as far south as the Labrador Sea and the Bering Sea in Canada. Occasionally, they will be set adrift on ice floes as far as Iceland, Newfoundland in Canada, and even Hokkaido in Japan!
Physical Appearance
The polar bear is the largest bear in the world. They are also the largest land carnivore. Adult males weigh from 880 - 1320 lb (400 - 600 kg) and can exceed 1760 lb (800 kg). Females are half the size of the males, and weigh from 440 - 660 lb (200 - 300 kg). Females can weigh up to 1100 lb (500 kg) in the winter months before dormancy due to stored fat on the body. Adult males are between 95 - 105 in (240 - 260 cm) in length from nose to tail, and females are 75 - 85 in (190 - 210 cm) in length. Males reach their full size at 9-10 years old.
Polar bears are instantly recognized by their stark white coat, which is sometimes stained light yellow. Polar bears have black skin, which can be seen on their nose, paw pads, lips and around the eyes. This allows them to absorb sunlight and keep them warm. Their double-dense coat also keeps them warm and dry, even when they are swimming in the cold arctic waters. In addition, the hairs are like optical fiber: hollow. This allows the hair to reflect light down to the black skin, where it is absorbed. A thick layer of fat adds further to the insulation. In fact, they are so well insulated that they can overheat, and are often seen sprawled out on ice sheets to cool down.
Polar bear's bodies are very elongated, and their muzzle and head is longer and more wedge-shaped. Their ears are much smaller than the other bears species, to conserve heat. They have a very short, stubby tail, just like all bears. They posses very large canine teeth, and their carnassials (shearing teeth) are highly developed. Their long, brown claws are non-retractable. The soles of their feet have a suction-cup like surface, so they have a good grip on the slippery ice. Also, their feet are much larger in proportion to their body than other bears. Like all bears, the polar bear is plantigrade, which means that it walks with its entire foot like a person, rather than on its toes like dogs and cats, which are digitigrade. They can also stand up in their hind legs for extended periods of time, which makes them look rather human. Their eyesight and hearing are similar to a humans, but its their sense of smell that is the most highly developed. They can smell a seal under the ice.
Polar bears also have the ability to store incredible amounts of fat on their body to be used later. They can survive on these fat stores alone for months at a time when food is scarce. When they go into dormancy, they do not urinate, and do not need to drink because they can create water from metabolism of fats and recycle their body wastes without using their kidneys. Also, while they are living on their fat reserves, their body only metabolizes the fat, and not lean body mass, unlike a starving human.
Diet
Polar bears are the most carnivorous of all the bears and feed entirely on seals, in particular ringed and bearded seals. They even have preyed on young walruses, belugas, and narwhals. They will eat carrion readily, and sometimes feed on kelp that washes up.
They often wait at seals breathing holes for a seal to surface and then grab it. They may wait for hours at a time for the seals to emerge, and sometimes they break into the ice to grab the seal in the water. During the spring and summer months, they swim underwater and catch seals that way. Though polar bears spend half their time hunting, they are successful less than 2% of the time.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Polar bears are solitary animals, coming together only to mate. The male does not help in the rearing of the young. Males often fight viciously over females during the breeding season, and cause extensive injuries to themselves. Females breed only once every three years. Mating season is from March to May. The pair stays together for only a few days during the breeding season, and during this time they copulate many times. Female bears are induced ovulators, meaning they have to be stimulated several times in order to ovulate, so this is why they must mate so often. Also, like other mammals in the order carnivora, the male bears have a special bony structure in their penis called a "baculum". This structure serves to stimulate the female into ovulating, as well as prolonging copulation by widening to lock the two mating bears in a copulatory "tie". This tie may last for 10 - 30 minutes. However, the fertilized egg is not implanted in the uterus until September.
The cubs are born between late November to January, in a den dug by the mother in the snowdrifts. The majority of litters consist of two cubs; however, sometimes one to three are born in a litter. At birth, the cubs weigh from 1 lb 3 oz to 1 lb 6 oz (600 - 700 g). Bears, unlike any other mammal, are born very small, much smaller than mammals of a similar size. In fact, when they are born, their weight is 10% of that of a mammal of similar size. The reason bears are born so small is because their mother fasts (does not eat) during the gestation period (pregnancy) with her young, unlike any other mammal which continues to eat while pregnant with her young. The mother bear's body proteins actually break down to provide glucose in order to nourish the young while they are still inside her. And since the baby bears obtain very little nutrients while still inside the mother, they are born premature. To make up for the lack of nutrients during gestation, the milk of bears is more rich in nutrients than other carnivores. Because the milk is so rich in fats and nutrients, young bear cubs do not need to drink as much milk as other carnivore cubs. In fact, polar bear milk is the richest milk in the bear family. Cubs remain with their mothers for two and a half years. During this time they are taught how to hunt. Physical maturity is attained at 5-6 years for females and 10-11 years for males. They can live for up to 36 years in captivity.
Polar bears live in the arctic circle in Greenland, Canada, and adjacent ice sheets. They live mostly on the shorelines. They do not venture to far north as the permanent pack ice is too thick for the seals to break through, so the bears will not have any food.
Polar bears migrate frequently within their home range, as the availability of sea ice changes. They use the sea ice as a platform for hunting seals. During the winter months, they tend to move further south, as far south as the Labrador Sea and the Bering Sea in Canada. Occasionally, they will be set adrift on ice floes as far as Iceland, Newfoundland in Canada, and even Hokkaido in Japan!
Physical Appearance
The polar bear is the largest bear in the world. They are also the largest land carnivore. Adult males weigh from 880 - 1320 lb (400 - 600 kg) and can exceed 1760 lb (800 kg). Females are half the size of the males, and weigh from 440 - 660 lb (200 - 300 kg). Females can weigh up to 1100 lb (500 kg) in the winter months before dormancy due to stored fat on the body. Adult males are between 95 - 105 in (240 - 260 cm) in length from nose to tail, and females are 75 - 85 in (190 - 210 cm) in length. Males reach their full size at 9-10 years old.
Polar bears are instantly recognized by their stark white coat, which is sometimes stained light yellow. Polar bears have black skin, which can be seen on their nose, paw pads, lips and around the eyes. This allows them to absorb sunlight and keep them warm. Their double-dense coat also keeps them warm and dry, even when they are swimming in the cold arctic waters. In addition, the hairs are like optical fiber: hollow. This allows the hair to reflect light down to the black skin, where it is absorbed. A thick layer of fat adds further to the insulation. In fact, they are so well insulated that they can overheat, and are often seen sprawled out on ice sheets to cool down.
Polar bear's bodies are very elongated, and their muzzle and head is longer and more wedge-shaped. Their ears are much smaller than the other bears species, to conserve heat. They have a very short, stubby tail, just like all bears. They posses very large canine teeth, and their carnassials (shearing teeth) are highly developed. Their long, brown claws are non-retractable. The soles of their feet have a suction-cup like surface, so they have a good grip on the slippery ice. Also, their feet are much larger in proportion to their body than other bears. Like all bears, the polar bear is plantigrade, which means that it walks with its entire foot like a person, rather than on its toes like dogs and cats, which are digitigrade. They can also stand up in their hind legs for extended periods of time, which makes them look rather human. Their eyesight and hearing are similar to a humans, but its their sense of smell that is the most highly developed. They can smell a seal under the ice.
Polar bears also have the ability to store incredible amounts of fat on their body to be used later. They can survive on these fat stores alone for months at a time when food is scarce. When they go into dormancy, they do not urinate, and do not need to drink because they can create water from metabolism of fats and recycle their body wastes without using their kidneys. Also, while they are living on their fat reserves, their body only metabolizes the fat, and not lean body mass, unlike a starving human.
Diet
Polar bears are the most carnivorous of all the bears and feed entirely on seals, in particular ringed and bearded seals. They even have preyed on young walruses, belugas, and narwhals. They will eat carrion readily, and sometimes feed on kelp that washes up.
They often wait at seals breathing holes for a seal to surface and then grab it. They may wait for hours at a time for the seals to emerge, and sometimes they break into the ice to grab the seal in the water. During the spring and summer months, they swim underwater and catch seals that way. Though polar bears spend half their time hunting, they are successful less than 2% of the time.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Polar bears are solitary animals, coming together only to mate. The male does not help in the rearing of the young. Males often fight viciously over females during the breeding season, and cause extensive injuries to themselves. Females breed only once every three years. Mating season is from March to May. The pair stays together for only a few days during the breeding season, and during this time they copulate many times. Female bears are induced ovulators, meaning they have to be stimulated several times in order to ovulate, so this is why they must mate so often. Also, like other mammals in the order carnivora, the male bears have a special bony structure in their penis called a "baculum". This structure serves to stimulate the female into ovulating, as well as prolonging copulation by widening to lock the two mating bears in a copulatory "tie". This tie may last for 10 - 30 minutes. However, the fertilized egg is not implanted in the uterus until September.
The cubs are born between late November to January, in a den dug by the mother in the snowdrifts. The majority of litters consist of two cubs; however, sometimes one to three are born in a litter. At birth, the cubs weigh from 1 lb 3 oz to 1 lb 6 oz (600 - 700 g). Bears, unlike any other mammal, are born very small, much smaller than mammals of a similar size. In fact, when they are born, their weight is 10% of that of a mammal of similar size. The reason bears are born so small is because their mother fasts (does not eat) during the gestation period (pregnancy) with her young, unlike any other mammal which continues to eat while pregnant with her young. The mother bear's body proteins actually break down to provide glucose in order to nourish the young while they are still inside her. And since the baby bears obtain very little nutrients while still inside the mother, they are born premature. To make up for the lack of nutrients during gestation, the milk of bears is more rich in nutrients than other carnivores. Because the milk is so rich in fats and nutrients, young bear cubs do not need to drink as much milk as other carnivore cubs. In fact, polar bear milk is the richest milk in the bear family. Cubs remain with their mothers for two and a half years. During this time they are taught how to hunt. Physical maturity is attained at 5-6 years for females and 10-11 years for males. They can live for up to 36 years in captivity.
Monday, January 14, 2008
The decision to purchase a saltwater or marine fish tank for your home or office should not be taken lightly. Marine fish will have requirements far greater than freshwater fish. However, once you’ve decided to purchase a saltwater aquarium you’ll be rewarded with a stunning range of tropical and reef fish to choose from.
But first you’ll need to purchase your tank. The selection process can be time consuming and confusing because the range of tanks available is large. The best advice is usually to purchase the largest tank you can afford and that will fit in the available space. There are numerous stories of people starting out their fish tank hobby with a small fish tank only to find in a short space of time that they wish they had purchased a larger tank!
A 30-gallon saltwater aquarium is probably the smallest tank you should consider. A fish tank of this size will provide sufficient surface area to allow adequate exchange of oxygen into the water and to provide a comfortable swimming environment for your fish.
The oxygen supply in the water together with the water temperature will determine the success or otherwise of your fish keeping hobby. Tropical saltwater fish require a water temperature of about 75 degrees F. The warmer water in the saltwater aquarium will tend to deplete the oxygen in the water which means that the surface area becomes important. The addition of aeration equipment is usually desirable to increase the oxygen concentration. Aeration can usually be provided in conjunction with your filtration equipment.
Saltwater fish tanks are available in both acrylic and glass. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. Some of the advantages of glass aquariums are
* Glass fish tanks are usually cheaper than acrylic tanks
* Glass fish tanks are more scratch resistant than acrylic tanks
* Glass fish tanks won't discolor with age
* Glass fish tanks won’t require as much brace support as acrylic tanks although the stand needs to be able to support a great weight
Advantages of acrylic fish tanks
* Acrylic fish tanks are lighter in weight than glass fish tanks
* Acrylic fish tanks can be custom made in a shape to suit your home
* Acrylic fish tanks are less likely to break
* Acrylic fish tanks can be purchased online
Setting Up Your Saltwater Fish Tank
Bringing your new saltwater fish tank home from the store is only the first step. Never be tempted to purchase fish at the same time that you acquire your aquarium. There are many steps to complete prior to introducing fish to their new home.
First, you need to install your tank in its desired location. Avoid locating your saltwater fish tank in any spot that receives sunlight. Sunlight will cause algae to grow in your tank and whilst this will not usually harm the fish it is unsightly and spoils the appearance of your aquarium. Also avoid any locations close to room heaters or where the tank will be exposed to drafts.
Many acrylic fish tanks come with a built-in stand. Glass tanks will require a sturdy stand and should have a layer of polystyrene or rubber placed between the tank and the stand to absorb any unevenness. If the tank is unbalanced it will eventually crack.
Check your new tank for leaks. Fill it with water and let is stand for a day or two. Once you have confirmed that it is water tight you will need to thoroughly clean the tank and all equipment. Rinse thoroughly. Do not skip the cleaning and rinsing step just because you’ve purchased a new tank and it appears sparkling clean. Your fish will die if there are any contaminants left in the tank! Don’t forget to wash the gravel before adding it the tank. Add all your other equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions. Your pet store will have provided advice on how to set up your saltwater fish tank.
After you have added your salt water and confirmed that the salt and chemical levels are correct you’ll need to run all your equipment for at least 72 hours to filter and heat your water and stabilize your tank. Let the aquarium cycle to build up the correct biological levels.
The hardest part of setting up your saltwater fish tank is now complete and now you’ll be able to go and select your colorful fish!
But first you’ll need to purchase your tank. The selection process can be time consuming and confusing because the range of tanks available is large. The best advice is usually to purchase the largest tank you can afford and that will fit in the available space. There are numerous stories of people starting out their fish tank hobby with a small fish tank only to find in a short space of time that they wish they had purchased a larger tank!
A 30-gallon saltwater aquarium is probably the smallest tank you should consider. A fish tank of this size will provide sufficient surface area to allow adequate exchange of oxygen into the water and to provide a comfortable swimming environment for your fish.
The oxygen supply in the water together with the water temperature will determine the success or otherwise of your fish keeping hobby. Tropical saltwater fish require a water temperature of about 75 degrees F. The warmer water in the saltwater aquarium will tend to deplete the oxygen in the water which means that the surface area becomes important. The addition of aeration equipment is usually desirable to increase the oxygen concentration. Aeration can usually be provided in conjunction with your filtration equipment.
Saltwater fish tanks are available in both acrylic and glass. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. Some of the advantages of glass aquariums are
* Glass fish tanks are usually cheaper than acrylic tanks
* Glass fish tanks are more scratch resistant than acrylic tanks
* Glass fish tanks won't discolor with age
* Glass fish tanks won’t require as much brace support as acrylic tanks although the stand needs to be able to support a great weight
Advantages of acrylic fish tanks
* Acrylic fish tanks are lighter in weight than glass fish tanks
* Acrylic fish tanks can be custom made in a shape to suit your home
* Acrylic fish tanks are less likely to break
* Acrylic fish tanks can be purchased online
Setting Up Your Saltwater Fish Tank
Bringing your new saltwater fish tank home from the store is only the first step. Never be tempted to purchase fish at the same time that you acquire your aquarium. There are many steps to complete prior to introducing fish to their new home.
First, you need to install your tank in its desired location. Avoid locating your saltwater fish tank in any spot that receives sunlight. Sunlight will cause algae to grow in your tank and whilst this will not usually harm the fish it is unsightly and spoils the appearance of your aquarium. Also avoid any locations close to room heaters or where the tank will be exposed to drafts.
Many acrylic fish tanks come with a built-in stand. Glass tanks will require a sturdy stand and should have a layer of polystyrene or rubber placed between the tank and the stand to absorb any unevenness. If the tank is unbalanced it will eventually crack.
Check your new tank for leaks. Fill it with water and let is stand for a day or two. Once you have confirmed that it is water tight you will need to thoroughly clean the tank and all equipment. Rinse thoroughly. Do not skip the cleaning and rinsing step just because you’ve purchased a new tank and it appears sparkling clean. Your fish will die if there are any contaminants left in the tank! Don’t forget to wash the gravel before adding it the tank. Add all your other equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions. Your pet store will have provided advice on how to set up your saltwater fish tank.
After you have added your salt water and confirmed that the salt and chemical levels are correct you’ll need to run all your equipment for at least 72 hours to filter and heat your water and stabilize your tank. Let the aquarium cycle to build up the correct biological levels.
The hardest part of setting up your saltwater fish tank is now complete and now you’ll be able to go and select your colorful fish!
Animal Communicator
Many people are awakening today to the idea that the animals who live with us are more than child substitutes, more than "pets". The term "pet" means an animal who lives with us for our amusement or as our companion. All animals are, in fact, sentience beings - conscious, intelligent, with life purposes and life goals. They are aware of themselves and of their situations. They make life choices. They often express unconditional love for the humans who are part of their families.
For most of my adult life I thought I was just pretending that I could have conversations with animals. It was something I did as a game or did without thinking. That was because I was sufficiently programmed as a child to reject idea that the communications I was experiencing telepathically were "just your imagination, my dear." After reading Animal Talk, by Penelope Smith, I came to the startling realization that I had been rejecting what my heart knew was true: I could communicate with animals and they could communicate with me. It was just a short jump from this insight to knowing that I wanted to be a professional Animal Communicator, to help others learn what I had learned.
In making this decision, I rejected the terms "pet psychic" and "readings" because I wanted people to understand that I am not reading the animal as if s/he were a deck of tarot cards, but rather having an intelligent conversation with another intelligent being. This is an important concept: animals are sentient beings with feelings. They are not toys to be played with and discarded when inconvenient. They are not to be treated as children or the elderly or the handicapped or the comatose. They are alive and aware. They think. They feel. They make choices. When they are born and for some length of time which varies with species, they are like human children, requiring additional care and nurturance. Then, like human children, they grow up, albeit into a body which may look small and cute, but which is adult. At this point, they are capable of making decisions for their own lives and should be treated with the same respect and honor that you would give a human equal.
As a professional Animal Communicator, I am asked to speak with the animals who live with other people to facilitate many varied situations. While each situation may have something in common with another situation, generalities are often of less value than allowing individual differences to come through. That is the virtue of being able to speak with an animal - the needs and feelings of that unique and special being can be heard, shared, and responded to in an individual way.
Unfortunately, no telepathic communicator - no person - is one hundred percent accurate all the time in any work. Error can occur because the telepathic connection is weak; because the human client has emotional and/or mental blocks about the situation; because the animal is lying or choosing not to communicate fully; because the meaning of the communication does not fit easily into the backdrop of information available to the human communicator; or because the telepath simply misconstrues the meaning. Each telepathic communicator brings her own emotional and mental baggage to any session: belief systems, expectations, past experiences and emotions. Being able to drop this baggage and to be a clear channel is an important part of the process of doing the work. The best among us do this on a regular basis, but all telepaths, as all other psychics, do filter the information somewhat through their own perspectives on reality. It is part of being human.
When I talk with a client, I am usually on the telephone with the human and telepathically connected with the animal. I work this way because my goals are:
- To allow the human client to participate in the conversation by hearing a description of what I am experiencing as I experience it.
- To have the human provide feedback, helping insure I'm on the right track in understanding and translating what I am receiving.
- To help the human and the animal resolve the situation so that both of them experience a win-win outcome.
Many situations can be easily resolved for the benefit of both human and animal clients. The old adage of walking 100 miles in someone else's moccasins (or paws) is very applicable here. The animal's perspective may be very different from that of the human with whom the animal lives. An important aspect of my work is to help each side understand the other's perspective. Only with mutual understanding can a win-win be created. Only with mutual understanding can our Love for each other be complemented with mutual recognition of our Self in the Other. This leads to respect and admiration, and even greater Love. This is what Animal Communication is all about.
Preventing-animal
Zoonoses is the term applied to a grouping of diseases that are transferable from canine/feline to human. Basically, these fall into three groupings based on their means of transmission. This also groups them, ideally,in the means of treatment and control. The three groupings are as follows -spread through :1) urine or feces, 2) hair and skin contact, or 3)bites and scratches.
Spread through Urine or Feces
Hookworms
Hookworms enter the body in the area that directly comes in contact with the feces-contanimated soil. Seen more commonly in the South, these parasites are unsuited to ideally live in human beings. Traditionally they die after crawling several inches underneath the surface layer of the skin. Inflammation usually occurs as a result of these parasites in humans and causes a condition called “creeping eruption” which may last several weeks or months depending on its severity.
Leptospirosis
Pets may come in contact with this through swimming, drinking, licking their fur, or by eating food contaminated with animal urine. Many animals may carry this, though rats are most often the culprit.
Symptoms in humans are flu-like including chills, body aches, vomiting, fever and headache. Sometimes kidney damage may occur or the membranes covering the spinal cord or brain may become inflamed. This disease is not usually fatal though it does make its host miserable for weeks at a time.
Roundworms
If these parasites are swallowed by humans they migrate into the body tissues and may cause damage, including symptoms of fever and liver enlargement which can last up to a year in length including symptoms of fever and liver enlargement which can last up to a year in length.
These parasites are most commonly found in small children(2-4 yrs. of age) who mistakenly swallow the eggs and become infected. Children playing in an area in which an animal has defecated in the past, who do not wash their hands after coming in contact with the eggs and inadvertently sticks their hands into their mouth are the most common receptors of roundworm. Only rarely fatal, the disease is traditionally mild though it may be long lasting.
Tapeworms
Tapeworms can easily be ingested by any pet who swallows a flea carrying the infected form when biting at or chewing their coat. Children may get it virtually the same way- minus the coat chewing. Tapeworm infestation in humans this way is actually quite rare when compared to infestation from eating undercooked pork or beef.
Toxoplasmosis
Rarely this may cause death in humans since most people develop a resistance to it during normal exposure. It can cause many types of birth deformities in children born to mothers who have been infected for the first time without having developed an immunity before becoming pregnant. Most commonly this is “picked up” through contact with infected cat feces or in contact with contaminated soil.
Prevention of Waste Transmitted Diseases
There are a few basic precautions everyone should take to prevent transmission of any of the fore-mentioned diseases. First, clean up all pet droppings and wash your hands each time you any come in contact with contaminated soil. It is extremely important to teach children these steps. Also, if your pet has gone wading or swimming in any water which may have become contaminated with animal urine, bathe it at once when you return home.
Spread through Skin/Hair Contact
Fleas
Fleas prefer feeding on your pets though they will not turn up the chance of of making an occasional meal on humans as well.
Ringworm
Most commonly found in children(though anyone may be infected), this is caused by a skin/hair eating fungus which first appears on people as a round, red, scaly area. It grows outward in a circular formation and is the most common fungal disease currently reported.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Tick borne, this disease can cause symptoms such as fever, chills and headache though it is not usually fatal. Symptoms may last many weeks and it can be treated with antibiotics.
Most commonly it is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. Also, you may become infected while pulling a tick off your pet . It is best to wear gloves when removing ticks.
Scabies
The less commonly found version of mange(as opposed to the demodetic version), this may still cause intense itching, irritation and thickening of the skin. Animal mange may live in human skin though it cannot reproduce there. Humans have their own version of the scabies mite.
Prevention of Skin/Hair Contact Diseases
Overall, proper nutritional care and health of your pet is the best defense against the chance of your pet harboring any of these diseases. Frequent grooming and herbal repellents are good choices in combating most of these problems before they become major. Stress, roaming and contact with other pets are the three most common points of transmission among the previous diseases.
Wash your hands after pet contact and minimize contact with any infected pet until the problem is cured.
Diseases Caused by Bites and Scratches
Cat Scratch Fever
Some people will develop a fever, enlarged lymph nodes and malaise near the area of a bite or scratch from a cat a few weeks after the occurrence. Though not fatal it can be very uncomfortable and can be followed by complications. Infected cat bites may become infected with an entirely different bacteria though the symptoms are similar.
Probably best, is to thoroughly wash an area bitten or scratched by a cat and to clean it liberally on a frequent basis to prevent, hopefully, infection.
Rabies
Virtually 100% fatal once the clinical symptoms appear, this disease is carried by a virus transmitted through the saliva of an infected biting animal. Symptoms include frothing at the mouth, extreme behavioral/personality changes and convulsions which usually ends in the aggressive, staggering and bleary- eyed condition.
If you happen upon an animal showing any of these symptoms, get away from it as quickly as possible and call your nearest animal control unit. If by chance you are bitten, try to follow it to where it lives(if it is a stray)so that the proper officials may capture it for testing. If you do kill it, do not injure the head as this will be needed for verification. Also, if you are bitten by an animal exhibiting any of the symptoms above, thoroughly wash out the wound as quickly as possible and contact your personal physician. Overall, your chances of getting rabies are rare though you can never be over cautious.
Prevention of Bite and Scratch Transmitted Diseases
Best advice,keep your pet in tip-top physical condition through exercise and proper nutrition to reduce its chances of picking up any parasites from less healthy animals. Also, try to minimize your pets contact with wild animals or sick pets.
Wild Animal, So?
Wild animals are beautiful creatures with varying sizes, colors, and habitats. Although some can be seen in zoos, the place they are meant to be is in their own environment. Unfortunately, animals such as whales, panda bears and sea otters, are not always safe in these places and are dying out. What is causing their threat of extinction? Several factors have an influence on this growing problem.
Pollution
Because animals are all intertwined on the food chain, contamination of a water source that a species drinks for example, will not only effect them, but the animal that eats them as well, having the ability to cause cancer and other deadly diseases. If a mother drinks toxins, they become apart of her milk and she passes on those toxins to her babies. Because the off spring are considerably smaller than the mother, these chemicals and toxins will have a greater negative impact on them. Among these problems is a shorter life span, directly effecting the time they have to reproduce and multiply their species, not to mention the damage the pollutions have already caused on their systems and ability to thrive.
Contamination of water due to oil spills is another large problem. Because oil and water do not mix, and oil floats to the top and spreads easily and quickly, it is that much harder to clean up. Oil spills may be due to natural disasters, such as hurricanes, or can happen by people who do not want to dispose of oil properly and dump it into the ocean to get rid of it. Birds can be covered and will not be able to fly because of their feathers being covered. Oil covers sea otters and coats their fur, covering the air bubbles in their fur which are there to help them stay warm in freezing waters. Due to the oil coating these bubbles they die of hypothermia. So many different animals dying in mass quantity from oil spills also contributes to animal endangerment.
Decrease of Natural Habitat
If there are constant changes in the environment of a species, then there is subsequently constant changes in species habitat. Changes in the environment, of course, happen naturally. However, when this happens animals adapt because the changes are small, over a period of time. When humans make the changes they are more drastic and immediate. People can take out a forest in a matter of days, not giving occupants time to move to a new location in a time frame that is adaptable. To illustrate this point the habitat of the giant panda will be examined. A panda eats around 40 pounds of bamboo a day. This is due to the low nutrition of the plant and the inability of the panda to digest it. Large amounts must be consumed to get the necessary nutrients for the bear. After a bamboo plant flowers, it dies and does not regrow for another 10 years or so. If there is not another species of bamboo in that area the Panda then needs to move to another region which has bamboo still in season. Due to human activities such as farming, mining and road building quickly destroying the plants they eat it is difficult for the pandas to move to another forest to find the bamboo they need quickly.
Hunting, Fishing and Whaling
One of the greatest effects on water animals, such as whales, is exploitation. Exploitation is decreasing a particular species faster than nature is able to replace the population. Whaling has been a large contributor to the decrease of whales in the ocean. This unrestricted hunting or whaling purpose was for their skin, fur, teeth, meat or other reasons. Although some organizations, such as the International Whaling Commission (IWC) have been established, as well as laws and regulations, people do not always follow these laws and whales are still hunted. Animal parts mak
Wild animals are beautiful creatures with varying sizes, colors, and habitats. Although some can be seen in zoos, the place they are meant to be is in their own environment. Unfortunately, animals such as whales, panda bears and sea otters, are not always safe in these places and are dying out. What is causing their threat of extinction? Several factors have an influence on this growing problem.
Pollution
Because animals are all intertwined on the food chain, contamination of a water source that a species drinks for example, will not only effect them, but the animal that eats them as well, having the ability to cause cancer and other deadly diseases. If a mother drinks toxins, they become apart of her milk and she passes on those toxins to her babies. Because the off spring are considerably smaller than the mother, these chemicals and toxins will have a greater negative impact on them. Among these problems is a shorter life span, directly effecting the time they have to reproduce and multiply their species, not to mention the damage the pollutions have already caused on their systems and ability to thrive.
Contamination of water due to oil spills is another large problem. Because oil and water do not mix, and oil floats to the top and spreads easily and quickly, it is that much harder to clean up. Oil spills may be due to natural disasters, such as hurricanes, or can happen by people who do not want to dispose of oil properly and dump it into the ocean to get rid of it. Birds can be covered and will not be able to fly because of their feathers being covered. Oil covers sea otters and coats their fur, covering the air bubbles in their fur which are there to help them stay warm in freezing waters. Due to the oil coating these bubbles they die of hypothermia. So many different animals dying in mass quantity from oil spills also contributes to animal endangerment.
Decrease of Natural Habitat
If there are constant changes in the environment of a species, then there is subsequently constant changes in species habitat. Changes in the environment, of course, happen naturally. However, when this happens animals adapt because the changes are small, over a period of time. When humans make the changes they are more drastic and immediate. People can take out a forest in a matter of days, not giving occupants time to move to a new location in a time frame that is adaptable. To illustrate this point the habitat of the giant panda will be examined. A panda eats around 40 pounds of bamboo a day. This is due to the low nutrition of the plant and the inability of the panda to digest it. Large amounts must be consumed to get the necessary nutrients for the bear. After a bamboo plant flowers, it dies and does not regrow for another 10 years or so. If there is not another species of bamboo in that area the Panda then needs to move to another region which has bamboo still in season. Due to human activities such as farming, mining and road building quickly destroying the plants they eat it is difficult for the pandas to move to another forest to find the bamboo they need quickly.
Hunting, Fishing and Whaling
One of the greatest effects on water animals, such as whales, is exploitation. Exploitation is decreasing a particular species faster than nature is able to replace the population. Whaling has been a large contributor to the decrease of whales in the ocean. This unrestricted hunting or whaling purpose was for their skin, fur, teeth, meat or other reasons. Although some organizations, such as the International Whaling Commission (IWC) have been established, as well as laws and regulations, people do not always follow these laws and whales are still hunted. Animal parts make a lot of money and illegal activities pursued for the money that people can make. In Japan whale is still a popular dish and hunted for consumption. Along with whaling other fishing takes place. Large nets for fishing can entangle species they are not meant to capture, nor desired to capture. These lives are lost as a negative by product of mass commercial fishing efforts. The large commercial fishing takes out so many animals, so quickly that they can not replace themselves.
Human carelessness seems to be the overriding influence on all these factors. As people are concerned about the impact that their choices and actions make on wild life, their habitats and environments will be protected. People taking precautions will effect the environment for humans and wild animals alike.
e a lot of money and illegal activities pursued for the money that people can make. In Japan whale is still a popular dish and hunted for consumption. Along with whaling other fishing takes place. Large nets for fishing can entangle species they are not meant to capture, nor desired to capture. These lives are lost as a negative by product of mass commercial fishing efforts. The large commercial fishing takes out so many animals, so quickly that they can not replace themselves.
Human carelessness seems to be the overriding influence on all these factors. As people are concerned about the impact that their choices and actions make on wild life, their habitats and environments will be protected. People taking precautions will effect the environment for humans and wild animals alike.
Pollution
Because animals are all intertwined on the food chain, contamination of a water source that a species drinks for example, will not only effect them, but the animal that eats them as well, having the ability to cause cancer and other deadly diseases. If a mother drinks toxins, they become apart of her milk and she passes on those toxins to her babies. Because the off spring are considerably smaller than the mother, these chemicals and toxins will have a greater negative impact on them. Among these problems is a shorter life span, directly effecting the time they have to reproduce and multiply their species, not to mention the damage the pollutions have already caused on their systems and ability to thrive.
Contamination of water due to oil spills is another large problem. Because oil and water do not mix, and oil floats to the top and spreads easily and quickly, it is that much harder to clean up. Oil spills may be due to natural disasters, such as hurricanes, or can happen by people who do not want to dispose of oil properly and dump it into the ocean to get rid of it. Birds can be covered and will not be able to fly because of their feathers being covered. Oil covers sea otters and coats their fur, covering the air bubbles in their fur which are there to help them stay warm in freezing waters. Due to the oil coating these bubbles they die of hypothermia. So many different animals dying in mass quantity from oil spills also contributes to animal endangerment.
Decrease of Natural Habitat
If there are constant changes in the environment of a species, then there is subsequently constant changes in species habitat. Changes in the environment, of course, happen naturally. However, when this happens animals adapt because the changes are small, over a period of time. When humans make the changes they are more drastic and immediate. People can take out a forest in a matter of days, not giving occupants time to move to a new location in a time frame that is adaptable. To illustrate this point the habitat of the giant panda will be examined. A panda eats around 40 pounds of bamboo a day. This is due to the low nutrition of the plant and the inability of the panda to digest it. Large amounts must be consumed to get the necessary nutrients for the bear. After a bamboo plant flowers, it dies and does not regrow for another 10 years or so. If there is not another species of bamboo in that area the Panda then needs to move to another region which has bamboo still in season. Due to human activities such as farming, mining and road building quickly destroying the plants they eat it is difficult for the pandas to move to another forest to find the bamboo they need quickly.
Hunting, Fishing and Whaling
One of the greatest effects on water animals, such as whales, is exploitation. Exploitation is decreasing a particular species faster than nature is able to replace the population. Whaling has been a large contributor to the decrease of whales in the ocean. This unrestricted hunting or whaling purpose was for their skin, fur, teeth, meat or other reasons. Although some organizations, such as the International Whaling Commission (IWC) have been established, as well as laws and regulations, people do not always follow these laws and whales are still hunted. Animal parts mak
Wild animals are beautiful creatures with varying sizes, colors, and habitats. Although some can be seen in zoos, the place they are meant to be is in their own environment. Unfortunately, animals such as whales, panda bears and sea otters, are not always safe in these places and are dying out. What is causing their threat of extinction? Several factors have an influence on this growing problem.
Pollution
Because animals are all intertwined on the food chain, contamination of a water source that a species drinks for example, will not only effect them, but the animal that eats them as well, having the ability to cause cancer and other deadly diseases. If a mother drinks toxins, they become apart of her milk and she passes on those toxins to her babies. Because the off spring are considerably smaller than the mother, these chemicals and toxins will have a greater negative impact on them. Among these problems is a shorter life span, directly effecting the time they have to reproduce and multiply their species, not to mention the damage the pollutions have already caused on their systems and ability to thrive.
Contamination of water due to oil spills is another large problem. Because oil and water do not mix, and oil floats to the top and spreads easily and quickly, it is that much harder to clean up. Oil spills may be due to natural disasters, such as hurricanes, or can happen by people who do not want to dispose of oil properly and dump it into the ocean to get rid of it. Birds can be covered and will not be able to fly because of their feathers being covered. Oil covers sea otters and coats their fur, covering the air bubbles in their fur which are there to help them stay warm in freezing waters. Due to the oil coating these bubbles they die of hypothermia. So many different animals dying in mass quantity from oil spills also contributes to animal endangerment.
Decrease of Natural Habitat
If there are constant changes in the environment of a species, then there is subsequently constant changes in species habitat. Changes in the environment, of course, happen naturally. However, when this happens animals adapt because the changes are small, over a period of time. When humans make the changes they are more drastic and immediate. People can take out a forest in a matter of days, not giving occupants time to move to a new location in a time frame that is adaptable. To illustrate this point the habitat of the giant panda will be examined. A panda eats around 40 pounds of bamboo a day. This is due to the low nutrition of the plant and the inability of the panda to digest it. Large amounts must be consumed to get the necessary nutrients for the bear. After a bamboo plant flowers, it dies and does not regrow for another 10 years or so. If there is not another species of bamboo in that area the Panda then needs to move to another region which has bamboo still in season. Due to human activities such as farming, mining and road building quickly destroying the plants they eat it is difficult for the pandas to move to another forest to find the bamboo they need quickly.
Hunting, Fishing and Whaling
One of the greatest effects on water animals, such as whales, is exploitation. Exploitation is decreasing a particular species faster than nature is able to replace the population. Whaling has been a large contributor to the decrease of whales in the ocean. This unrestricted hunting or whaling purpose was for their skin, fur, teeth, meat or other reasons. Although some organizations, such as the International Whaling Commission (IWC) have been established, as well as laws and regulations, people do not always follow these laws and whales are still hunted. Animal parts make a lot of money and illegal activities pursued for the money that people can make. In Japan whale is still a popular dish and hunted for consumption. Along with whaling other fishing takes place. Large nets for fishing can entangle species they are not meant to capture, nor desired to capture. These lives are lost as a negative by product of mass commercial fishing efforts. The large commercial fishing takes out so many animals, so quickly that they can not replace themselves.
Human carelessness seems to be the overriding influence on all these factors. As people are concerned about the impact that their choices and actions make on wild life, their habitats and environments will be protected. People taking precautions will effect the environment for humans and wild animals alike.
e a lot of money and illegal activities pursued for the money that people can make. In Japan whale is still a popular dish and hunted for consumption. Along with whaling other fishing takes place. Large nets for fishing can entangle species they are not meant to capture, nor desired to capture. These lives are lost as a negative by product of mass commercial fishing efforts. The large commercial fishing takes out so many animals, so quickly that they can not replace themselves.
Human carelessness seems to be the overriding influence on all these factors. As people are concerned about the impact that their choices and actions make on wild life, their habitats and environments will be protected. People taking precautions will effect the environment for humans and wild animals alike.
Wonderful animal
Looking to create something unique? Commissioning an animal figurine sculptor to produce a portrait gives you the chance to immortalize your pet and create a work of art.
An animal figurine sculptor can create the portrait from reference photographs and video footage. The best way to capture a likeness though is for the artist study your pet at home in its own environment.
The artist will probably make several pencil sketches and photographs from life before making a clay sketch for your approval. Once this is done the artist will continue to refine the sketch if it is of the correct dimensions, or will start afresh and scale up the model using the first clay sketch as a guide.
Once the final sculpture is complete it will be molded and cast in whatever material you choose.
Dependent on the material that you choose a variety of finishes will be available. For example a bronze will be polished, patinated and coated in beeswax. A porcelain figurine may be hand painted to match the color and markings of your animal.
Finally the figurine is mounted on a crystal, marble or porcelain plinth.
Look here for an excellent list of crystal animal figurine.
Dive Into The World Of Ocean Life Figurines.
A variety of Ocean life makes popular subjects for crystal animal figurines. Examples include dolphins, whales, sharks, marlins, seahorses, and starfish.
Dolphins especially bottle nosed continue to be extremely popular. Armani expresses the playful and intelligent nature of these mammals in Porcelain with their Dolphins figurine. Lalique, Qianqi and Swarovski have superb figurines in crystal.
Whales have inspired legends of monsters of the deep and classic literature like Moby Dick. San Pacific International has the ‘Sea World’ inspired brass figurines, tables and vases.
Boehm Porcelain’s Rock Fish and Beauties Sculpture is a fine depiction of ocean life showing tropical fish swimming around coral. This is a limited edition measuring 14"h x 8"w x 7"d.
Sea Turtles also make fine marine crystal animal figurines to have displayed in your home. They can make an excellent room feature wall mounted in a set of three or more.
Lalique's crystal Sea horses are available in clear, blue, green or amber tinted crystal. Starfish are also available in those same colours.
Qianqi Crystal have a Cerulean Seahorse as part of their evolution collection.
Other ocean themed figures by Qianqi crystal include a crab and a crystal clamshell.
An animal figurine sculptor can create the portrait from reference photographs and video footage. The best way to capture a likeness though is for the artist study your pet at home in its own environment.
The artist will probably make several pencil sketches and photographs from life before making a clay sketch for your approval. Once this is done the artist will continue to refine the sketch if it is of the correct dimensions, or will start afresh and scale up the model using the first clay sketch as a guide.
Once the final sculpture is complete it will be molded and cast in whatever material you choose.
Dependent on the material that you choose a variety of finishes will be available. For example a bronze will be polished, patinated and coated in beeswax. A porcelain figurine may be hand painted to match the color and markings of your animal.
Finally the figurine is mounted on a crystal, marble or porcelain plinth.
Look here for an excellent list of crystal animal figurine.
Dive Into The World Of Ocean Life Figurines.
A variety of Ocean life makes popular subjects for crystal animal figurines. Examples include dolphins, whales, sharks, marlins, seahorses, and starfish.
Dolphins especially bottle nosed continue to be extremely popular. Armani expresses the playful and intelligent nature of these mammals in Porcelain with their Dolphins figurine. Lalique, Qianqi and Swarovski have superb figurines in crystal.
Whales have inspired legends of monsters of the deep and classic literature like Moby Dick. San Pacific International has the ‘Sea World’ inspired brass figurines, tables and vases.
Boehm Porcelain’s Rock Fish and Beauties Sculpture is a fine depiction of ocean life showing tropical fish swimming around coral. This is a limited edition measuring 14"h x 8"w x 7"d.
Sea Turtles also make fine marine crystal animal figurines to have displayed in your home. They can make an excellent room feature wall mounted in a set of three or more.
Lalique's crystal Sea horses are available in clear, blue, green or amber tinted crystal. Starfish are also available in those same colours.
Qianqi Crystal have a Cerulean Seahorse as part of their evolution collection.
Other ocean themed figures by Qianqi crystal include a crab and a crystal clamshell.
Safety Camping From Animal
Camping provides a great temporary escape from the stresses and dangers of suburban and urban life. However, the camping experience is fraught with its own set of dangers. The wise camper must take these into account and prepare in advance how to make safety in the woods a high priority and counter the inherent risks.
In part 1 of this two-part series, we looked at safety related to food preparation, preparing clean drinking water, and how to minimize the risk of illness from ticks.
In this second and final part, we will now turn our safety focus to properly handling camp fires, avoidance of wild animals, and giving caution due consideration while walking through any wooded areas.
CAMP FIRES
For many people, the thought of sitting, talking, or singing around a camp fire lies at the heart of the outdoor experience. No fire, no fun. However, a fire handled improperly can lead to inadvertent disaster. So safety is of the essence.
When starting, enjoying, and later putting out a fire, use common sense.
For example, if you are camping when the weather has been dry for a lengthy period of time, it would be safer to skip the camp fire altogether. This issue itself may actually influence your decision on selecting a time to camp.
Additionally, only build fires in camp ground provided areas, such as fire rings. Otherwise, clear out a small area in your camping site, and place rocks around a circle to set the parameters for your fire. Within the circle, dig a hole several inches deep for the wood you will burn.
If you have not brought your own wood on the trip, gather wood that is already dead and lying nearby. Make sure that any leaves close to the fire pit are raked several yards away and that there are no paper products lying on the ground. Throw those in the trash.
Once the fire is started, let it build slowly with smaller twigs and dead branches, only placing larger pieces of wood on the pile as the flame grows. Make sure small children remain several feet away from the flame, as the heat can become intense while it grows. And they certainly should not be close enough that they could slip or trip and fall in.
And finally, never leave a camp fire unattended. When leaving the area (say for a walk) or going to sleep for the night, extinguish the flames. Use a lot of water to douse the flames, saving your clean drinking water when at all possible. Stir the ashes and use more water until the remains are cool enough to the fingers.
WILD ANIMALS
Most people do not encounter wild animals when camping in the woods, certainly not up close and personal. But that does not mean they are not living in the habitat and posing a quiet danger to humans. It can definitely be entertaining to spot them from a distance, not to mention serving up great snapshot opportunities with a raccoon, deer, or even a bear. However, in such a situation, distance between you and the animal is one of your best friends.
Never (ever) attempt to feed an animal you encounter. It is not your pet dog or cat and may attack! That is an instinctive response. Even if you make no gestures that seem threatening, the animal may interpret it that way.
If a wild animal approaches you, back away slowly and do nothing to invite its approach.
Minimize your risk of an animal encounters in the first place by wrapping all food securely and putting it away when you have finished eating. Then throw away food-related trash in camp provided trash receptacles.
PERILOUS ACTIVITIES
There is nothing quite like a long, quiet walk in the woods. Remain on paths that have been designed for walks. Use common sense.
* Refrain from hanging on tree branches. Old, dying, or thin wood can easily snap off.
* Avoid walking close to or leaning over steep cliffs, whether they are primarily rock or brush. It would be easy to slip or lose your balance. A subsequent fall could be disastrous.
* Do not attempt to conquer gravity in the opposite direction either. That is, refrain from climbing steeply angled rocks. You are on a camping trip, not a mountain climbing expedition.
* In the winter, never walk on frozen water. Regardless of surface appearance, there is no method to assess how thin and weight-bearing capable the ice may be.
As you can see, the camping experience is not a danger-free zone. The great outdoors certainly provides compelling motivation to seek quiet time with nature. But this activity cannot be done with reckless abandon. In fact, making safety in the woods a habit actually assists with maximizing the many positives of the camping experience.
In part 1 of this two-part series, we looked at safety related to food preparation, preparing clean drinking water, and how to minimize the risk of illness from ticks.
In this second and final part, we will now turn our safety focus to properly handling camp fires, avoidance of wild animals, and giving caution due consideration while walking through any wooded areas.
CAMP FIRES
For many people, the thought of sitting, talking, or singing around a camp fire lies at the heart of the outdoor experience. No fire, no fun. However, a fire handled improperly can lead to inadvertent disaster. So safety is of the essence.
When starting, enjoying, and later putting out a fire, use common sense.
For example, if you are camping when the weather has been dry for a lengthy period of time, it would be safer to skip the camp fire altogether. This issue itself may actually influence your decision on selecting a time to camp.
Additionally, only build fires in camp ground provided areas, such as fire rings. Otherwise, clear out a small area in your camping site, and place rocks around a circle to set the parameters for your fire. Within the circle, dig a hole several inches deep for the wood you will burn.
If you have not brought your own wood on the trip, gather wood that is already dead and lying nearby. Make sure that any leaves close to the fire pit are raked several yards away and that there are no paper products lying on the ground. Throw those in the trash.
Once the fire is started, let it build slowly with smaller twigs and dead branches, only placing larger pieces of wood on the pile as the flame grows. Make sure small children remain several feet away from the flame, as the heat can become intense while it grows. And they certainly should not be close enough that they could slip or trip and fall in.
And finally, never leave a camp fire unattended. When leaving the area (say for a walk) or going to sleep for the night, extinguish the flames. Use a lot of water to douse the flames, saving your clean drinking water when at all possible. Stir the ashes and use more water until the remains are cool enough to the fingers.
WILD ANIMALS
Most people do not encounter wild animals when camping in the woods, certainly not up close and personal. But that does not mean they are not living in the habitat and posing a quiet danger to humans. It can definitely be entertaining to spot them from a distance, not to mention serving up great snapshot opportunities with a raccoon, deer, or even a bear. However, in such a situation, distance between you and the animal is one of your best friends.
Never (ever) attempt to feed an animal you encounter. It is not your pet dog or cat and may attack! That is an instinctive response. Even if you make no gestures that seem threatening, the animal may interpret it that way.
If a wild animal approaches you, back away slowly and do nothing to invite its approach.
Minimize your risk of an animal encounters in the first place by wrapping all food securely and putting it away when you have finished eating. Then throw away food-related trash in camp provided trash receptacles.
PERILOUS ACTIVITIES
There is nothing quite like a long, quiet walk in the woods. Remain on paths that have been designed for walks. Use common sense.
* Refrain from hanging on tree branches. Old, dying, or thin wood can easily snap off.
* Avoid walking close to or leaning over steep cliffs, whether they are primarily rock or brush. It would be easy to slip or lose your balance. A subsequent fall could be disastrous.
* Do not attempt to conquer gravity in the opposite direction either. That is, refrain from climbing steeply angled rocks. You are on a camping trip, not a mountain climbing expedition.
* In the winter, never walk on frozen water. Regardless of surface appearance, there is no method to assess how thin and weight-bearing capable the ice may be.
As you can see, the camping experience is not a danger-free zone. The great outdoors certainly provides compelling motivation to seek quiet time with nature. But this activity cannot be done with reckless abandon. In fact, making safety in the woods a habit actually assists with maximizing the many positives of the camping experience.
Attaction
Studies show that children have the best chance of being bitten. Before a child turns 15, an animal has bitten nearly half. The vast majority of attacks happen to kids less than 9 years of age. By examining canine tendencies, most bites can be thwarted. It is true that most animals are safe, but some times dogs can have their own agendas. It is imperative that we educate our children to be on the look out for situations they must avoid.
There is rarely a good reason for a dog biting a child, but learning the mindset, from the animals' point of view, may be helpful in evading aggressive animals. Here are some stats from a well-known university, which were based over a three-year period.
Of all K9 bites on children under four years of age, most were bitten in early May. Sixty percent were bitten on the head, neck and face, 90 percent were bitten in their own home, 40% were attacked by their own dog and 60 percent of the dogs had never bitten before.
Of all K9 bites on children over four years of age but less then 17 years old, most were bitten in early July. Eighteen percent were bitten on the head, neck and face, 38 percent were bitten in their own home, 18% were attacked by their own dog and 50 percent of the dogs had never bitten before.
This poses many questions...
All dogs are capable of biting, but the majority wont if you act accordingly.
Be sure to pay attention to the body language of a dog. If a dog has an aggressive demeanor do not approach it. Often you can tell an aggressive dog but the following signs: Ears are stiff, body is tense, tall is high.
Dogs that have assumed either a defensive or offensive threat posture frequently have a "critical zone". A child is safe around this zone until entering the imaginary circle the dog has projected. The problem is that this zone varies between dogs and can even be different for the same dog if the situation changes. So it's impossible for humans to accurately determine the critical zone. The shy or fearful dog adopts a defensive threat posture. It is hesitant, easily frightened, timid, tends to avoid certain persons or things. Frequently, these traits are not noticed until the dog encounters a new situation. The dog might assume elements of the defensive threat posture when frightened.
How do you stop your child from being attacked?
- Avoid pack dogs
- If confronted, do not run away or scream.
- Always ask an owner if it's okay to pet their dog
- Always let a dog sniff your hand before petting them.
Animals and children are capable of living in harmony, but it's the parents’ job to teach their children. If you conform to the following information, you and your kids will be safer!
There is rarely a good reason for a dog biting a child, but learning the mindset, from the animals' point of view, may be helpful in evading aggressive animals. Here are some stats from a well-known university, which were based over a three-year period.
Of all K9 bites on children under four years of age, most were bitten in early May. Sixty percent were bitten on the head, neck and face, 90 percent were bitten in their own home, 40% were attacked by their own dog and 60 percent of the dogs had never bitten before.
Of all K9 bites on children over four years of age but less then 17 years old, most were bitten in early July. Eighteen percent were bitten on the head, neck and face, 38 percent were bitten in their own home, 18% were attacked by their own dog and 50 percent of the dogs had never bitten before.
This poses many questions...
All dogs are capable of biting, but the majority wont if you act accordingly.
Be sure to pay attention to the body language of a dog. If a dog has an aggressive demeanor do not approach it. Often you can tell an aggressive dog but the following signs: Ears are stiff, body is tense, tall is high.
Dogs that have assumed either a defensive or offensive threat posture frequently have a "critical zone". A child is safe around this zone until entering the imaginary circle the dog has projected. The problem is that this zone varies between dogs and can even be different for the same dog if the situation changes. So it's impossible for humans to accurately determine the critical zone. The shy or fearful dog adopts a defensive threat posture. It is hesitant, easily frightened, timid, tends to avoid certain persons or things. Frequently, these traits are not noticed until the dog encounters a new situation. The dog might assume elements of the defensive threat posture when frightened.
How do you stop your child from being attacked?
- Avoid pack dogs
- If confronted, do not run away or scream.
- Always ask an owner if it's okay to pet their dog
- Always let a dog sniff your hand before petting them.
Animals and children are capable of living in harmony, but it's the parents’ job to teach their children. If you conform to the following information, you and your kids will be safer!
Sea Animal
We are all familiar with dolphins, whales and sharks; we know what tuna and snapper look like, but what about some less familiar fish such as lizardfish, giant squid, or blind eels? There are so many lesser known animals in the depths of the ocean that we hear little or nothing about most times, it is interesting to investigate a few of these creatures and understand them a little more.
The first on our list of deep sea creatures is the fangtooth fish. This fish is one of the most evil looking ocean predators. It lives in the deep ocean and catches its prey by luring them in with glowing light organs called photophores. In such a dark abyss, fish are attracted to the light put off by the organ and once they are close enough the fangtooth fish catches them in his numerous large teeth. He looks like an underwater vampire.
Another carnivorous sea animal is the deep-sea lizardfish. These interesting fish look almost like a short snake in water. Their mouths are covered with harpoon-tipped teeth that grasp their prey and don't let go, similar to a fish hook. These teeth are hinged so that they can flattened down when prey is going in and stand up when resisting. They don’t even need to actively swallow; the struggling prey just ratchets itself inside. With their glowing yellow eyes, the lizardfish is a wonder to behold.
Often called the nastiest fish in the ocean, the blind eel is next on our list. These fish are called blind eels because they have such small, ineffective eyes. Who needs eyes when you are living in almost complete darkness? They prey on live or dead fish which they locate through smell. They have circular mouths that they use to suck on their prey. They have tooth-studded tongues that allow them to cut through their victims flesh and literally eat them from the inside out. They are also sometimes called slime eels because their skin emits a sticky slime, up to a gallon at a time. It is used to suffocate predators by clogging their gills when they attempt to eat the eel.
The last of our unusual deep sea animals, giant squid, has been the subject of tall tales for centuries. Until recently, however, these tales were dismissed as fiction. The only information we have on them comes from finding pieces of their bodies in the stomachs of sperm whales, or those that have been washed up on shore. Another area where their existence is apparent is on the skin of sperm whales where giant sucker scars can be seen after what must be epic battles between the two huge creatures. Giant squid can grow to the size of a school bus or bigger. They are carnivorous and have a long, torpedo shaped body. At one end, surrounding a beak-like mouth strong enough to cut through steel cable, are five pairs of arms. One pair, thinner and longer than the rest, is used to catch food and bring it to the mouth. Just past the mouth are the eyes, eyes that are the largest in the animal kingdom, getting as big as eighteen inches across. They are nearly impossible to photograph alive because they live in such deep waters.
It is interesting to think about what other types of deep sea animals exist that we haven't yet discovered. What wonders does the bottom of the ocean hold and can we ever know? With modern technology constantly searching for new ways to study the ocean floor, the possibility of finding new creatures becomes more real every day. For a world who thinks they have seen it all, the deep, deep ocean still holds the hope for something new.
The first on our list of deep sea creatures is the fangtooth fish. This fish is one of the most evil looking ocean predators. It lives in the deep ocean and catches its prey by luring them in with glowing light organs called photophores. In such a dark abyss, fish are attracted to the light put off by the organ and once they are close enough the fangtooth fish catches them in his numerous large teeth. He looks like an underwater vampire.
Another carnivorous sea animal is the deep-sea lizardfish. These interesting fish look almost like a short snake in water. Their mouths are covered with harpoon-tipped teeth that grasp their prey and don't let go, similar to a fish hook. These teeth are hinged so that they can flattened down when prey is going in and stand up when resisting. They don’t even need to actively swallow; the struggling prey just ratchets itself inside. With their glowing yellow eyes, the lizardfish is a wonder to behold.
Often called the nastiest fish in the ocean, the blind eel is next on our list. These fish are called blind eels because they have such small, ineffective eyes. Who needs eyes when you are living in almost complete darkness? They prey on live or dead fish which they locate through smell. They have circular mouths that they use to suck on their prey. They have tooth-studded tongues that allow them to cut through their victims flesh and literally eat them from the inside out. They are also sometimes called slime eels because their skin emits a sticky slime, up to a gallon at a time. It is used to suffocate predators by clogging their gills when they attempt to eat the eel.
The last of our unusual deep sea animals, giant squid, has been the subject of tall tales for centuries. Until recently, however, these tales were dismissed as fiction. The only information we have on them comes from finding pieces of their bodies in the stomachs of sperm whales, or those that have been washed up on shore. Another area where their existence is apparent is on the skin of sperm whales where giant sucker scars can be seen after what must be epic battles between the two huge creatures. Giant squid can grow to the size of a school bus or bigger. They are carnivorous and have a long, torpedo shaped body. At one end, surrounding a beak-like mouth strong enough to cut through steel cable, are five pairs of arms. One pair, thinner and longer than the rest, is used to catch food and bring it to the mouth. Just past the mouth are the eyes, eyes that are the largest in the animal kingdom, getting as big as eighteen inches across. They are nearly impossible to photograph alive because they live in such deep waters.
It is interesting to think about what other types of deep sea animals exist that we haven't yet discovered. What wonders does the bottom of the ocean hold and can we ever know? With modern technology constantly searching for new ways to study the ocean floor, the possibility of finding new creatures becomes more real every day. For a world who thinks they have seen it all, the deep, deep ocean still holds the hope for something new.
Lion and safari
Safari in Kenya and East Africa includes Lodge or Camping Safari Kenya and Tanzania, while on an -East African Wildlife Safaris Tour luxury Lodge or budget Camping. Beach Holidays East Africa Mt Kilimanjaro, Climbing are part of adventure. Nairobi hotel bookings and airport shuttle transfers from Nairobi to Arusha moshi are also arranged.
Your Kenyan Safari
The Kenyan holiday experience is touted to be the most comprehensive in Africa. It is the only country that you will experience 3 distinct climatic conditions namely, Coastal Humid, cool highland and dry desert. The attractions here also range from the beaches 1) white sands, 2) wildlife, 3) the scenery of the great Rift Valley, 4) the green plantations of the highlands, 5) the cradle of mankind archeological sites, 6) No distinct cultural ethical endowments show-copped markets among others.
a) Wildlife Safaris Kenya has managed to maintain its wildlife in natural areas in National Parks and Reserves. The big five wildlife including Rhino, Lion, Leopard, Elephant and Buffalo is all found in these parks Including the small bovid. Among Kenyans most parks include the indomitable - Massai Mara - Nakuru National Park - Aberdares National Park - Tsavo National Park (11,000 kms equal size of Israel) - Samburu - Amboseli National Reserve - Among other 57 Parks and Reserves Nairobi National Park is the only park located within a capital city in the world. Lions, Zebras, gnus, Leopards, Rhino, Buffalo are 5minutes from the CBD.
Wildebeest Migration
The single most popular wildlife spectre in Kenya is the annual wildebeest migration to and back from Serengeti into the Maasai Mara. The wildebeest migration is such a phenomenon it involves movement of over 10 million animals crossing plains and rivers. The huge migration is such that the satellites in space picks it up as a fluid mass of black trail. The Maasai Mara lodges are usually overbooked and full in the migration months of June-Nov.
Lion and Oryx
Some years back a story extra ordinaire caught the attention of international media. This was the story of an old lioness called 'Namunyak' in Samburu National Reserve. The lioness had formed a bizarre habit of adopting 4 young Oryx for days on end. The lioness was actually protective of its adoptee(s) that she couldn't go to hunt for fear of her being killed by the males of her pride. This made her loose a lot of weight but still held on strong. On four different occasions the lioness adopted an Oryx calve after the other despite being frustrated by the male lions and disposition of others by the rangers. Namugaki is still out there in the wild while the 4th adoptee was rescued by the Kenya Wildlife Rangers can now bee seen mature at the Nairobi orphanage.
Mzee the Tortoise & Owen the Hippo
Haller Park is the former world reclaimed Bamburi Nature Trail at the coast. Reclaimed from cement Quarries of Bamburi Cement Factory the park has been fully rehabilitated with conserving trees and stocked as a zoo with giraffes, hippo gazelles Oryx, Eland, fish, snakes, etc.
A very recent and ongoing development at Haller Park has been the extra ordinary friendship between 100+ old tortoise and a young 5+ hippo. While mzee the Tortoise has seen it all unfold at Bamburi, Owen the baby hippo was orphaned after the mother died elsewhere. Now, the story is said that Own started to spend time with Mzee (Old man) upon arrival at the Park. This bond has now developed such that the two, feed, sleep and walk together. They are inseparable and Owen is especially aggressive to any intruders.
Other stories always emerge of unique unions between different wildlife species including one between a lone buffalo and a murderous black Rhino in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. It all goes to show how free ranging animals take their entitled liberties.
Wildlife viewing in the Mara is done in 8 seater Mini vans and land cruiser trucks. The Mara is so beaming with wildlife that you can almost touch an elephant feeding. 1 - years one metre off the road. And that is from right next to the gate. Balloon safaris are the most satisfying way to view the gazillions of wildlife and especially the big five balloon safaris are booked on demand from Nairobi.
ii. Beach Safaris
Nothing beats a coastal holiday like one experience in the Kenya White Sand Beaches. This is especially good for visitors in need of lazing in the tropical coast sure for a tan and swim. Other water sports available along the beaches include - Water/wind skiing - Surfing - Deep sea fishing - Scuba diving - Swimming with dolphins - Jet skiing - Coral garden snorkeling and - Glass bottomed boat rides into marine parks
The accommodation facilities along our beaches range from 4-5 star deluxe with top of the range international service standards. You can make your choice between beach cottages, lodges, hotel and eco-camps
iii) Cultural Safaris
Kenya has a diverse cultural background from its over 42 ethnic groups. The most spectacular is however the Maasai warrior tribe which lives among wildlife in the Mara Reserve. The Maasai have a specifically intriguing lifestyle as they co-exist side by side with very dangerous wildlife. Their Moran warrior culture prepares young initiates into the warrior (army) age set. These Morans emerge from their clustered life in braided, red ochre hair, clad in very colourful red kikoi (cotton fabric) tyre sand als and complete with a spear, they are a sight to behold.
The Swahili culture at the coast is also very unique including their architecture, dressing, food etc. Cultural safaris are also organized around mythical stories like the Samson-like Lwanda Magere, Warriors, the Nyamgondho man who turned into a tree stamp after chasing away his wife given from the Gods.
The Bomas of Kenya offers traditional dances and foods and is located in the city far 1 day excursions. There are also National Museums that have collected artifacts from traditional societies for display in Museums in most towns in Kenya.
Your Kenyan Safari
The Kenyan holiday experience is touted to be the most comprehensive in Africa. It is the only country that you will experience 3 distinct climatic conditions namely, Coastal Humid, cool highland and dry desert. The attractions here also range from the beaches 1) white sands, 2) wildlife, 3) the scenery of the great Rift Valley, 4) the green plantations of the highlands, 5) the cradle of mankind archeological sites, 6) No distinct cultural ethical endowments show-copped markets among others.
a) Wildlife Safaris Kenya has managed to maintain its wildlife in natural areas in National Parks and Reserves. The big five wildlife including Rhino, Lion, Leopard, Elephant and Buffalo is all found in these parks Including the small bovid. Among Kenyans most parks include the indomitable - Massai Mara - Nakuru National Park - Aberdares National Park - Tsavo National Park (11,000 kms equal size of Israel) - Samburu - Amboseli National Reserve - Among other 57 Parks and Reserves Nairobi National Park is the only park located within a capital city in the world. Lions, Zebras, gnus, Leopards, Rhino, Buffalo are 5minutes from the CBD.
Wildebeest Migration
The single most popular wildlife spectre in Kenya is the annual wildebeest migration to and back from Serengeti into the Maasai Mara. The wildebeest migration is such a phenomenon it involves movement of over 10 million animals crossing plains and rivers. The huge migration is such that the satellites in space picks it up as a fluid mass of black trail. The Maasai Mara lodges are usually overbooked and full in the migration months of June-Nov.
Lion and Oryx
Some years back a story extra ordinaire caught the attention of international media. This was the story of an old lioness called 'Namunyak' in Samburu National Reserve. The lioness had formed a bizarre habit of adopting 4 young Oryx for days on end. The lioness was actually protective of its adoptee(s) that she couldn't go to hunt for fear of her being killed by the males of her pride. This made her loose a lot of weight but still held on strong. On four different occasions the lioness adopted an Oryx calve after the other despite being frustrated by the male lions and disposition of others by the rangers. Namugaki is still out there in the wild while the 4th adoptee was rescued by the Kenya Wildlife Rangers can now bee seen mature at the Nairobi orphanage.
Mzee the Tortoise & Owen the Hippo
Haller Park is the former world reclaimed Bamburi Nature Trail at the coast. Reclaimed from cement Quarries of Bamburi Cement Factory the park has been fully rehabilitated with conserving trees and stocked as a zoo with giraffes, hippo gazelles Oryx, Eland, fish, snakes, etc.
A very recent and ongoing development at Haller Park has been the extra ordinary friendship between 100+ old tortoise and a young 5+ hippo. While mzee the Tortoise has seen it all unfold at Bamburi, Owen the baby hippo was orphaned after the mother died elsewhere. Now, the story is said that Own started to spend time with Mzee (Old man) upon arrival at the Park. This bond has now developed such that the two, feed, sleep and walk together. They are inseparable and Owen is especially aggressive to any intruders.
Other stories always emerge of unique unions between different wildlife species including one between a lone buffalo and a murderous black Rhino in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. It all goes to show how free ranging animals take their entitled liberties.
Wildlife viewing in the Mara is done in 8 seater Mini vans and land cruiser trucks. The Mara is so beaming with wildlife that you can almost touch an elephant feeding. 1 - years one metre off the road. And that is from right next to the gate. Balloon safaris are the most satisfying way to view the gazillions of wildlife and especially the big five balloon safaris are booked on demand from Nairobi.
ii. Beach Safaris
Nothing beats a coastal holiday like one experience in the Kenya White Sand Beaches. This is especially good for visitors in need of lazing in the tropical coast sure for a tan and swim. Other water sports available along the beaches include - Water/wind skiing - Surfing - Deep sea fishing - Scuba diving - Swimming with dolphins - Jet skiing - Coral garden snorkeling and - Glass bottomed boat rides into marine parks
The accommodation facilities along our beaches range from 4-5 star deluxe with top of the range international service standards. You can make your choice between beach cottages, lodges, hotel and eco-camps
iii) Cultural Safaris
Kenya has a diverse cultural background from its over 42 ethnic groups. The most spectacular is however the Maasai warrior tribe which lives among wildlife in the Mara Reserve. The Maasai have a specifically intriguing lifestyle as they co-exist side by side with very dangerous wildlife. Their Moran warrior culture prepares young initiates into the warrior (army) age set. These Morans emerge from their clustered life in braided, red ochre hair, clad in very colourful red kikoi (cotton fabric) tyre sand als and complete with a spear, they are a sight to behold.
The Swahili culture at the coast is also very unique including their architecture, dressing, food etc. Cultural safaris are also organized around mythical stories like the Samson-like Lwanda Magere, Warriors, the Nyamgondho man who turned into a tree stamp after chasing away his wife given from the Gods.
The Bomas of Kenya offers traditional dances and foods and is located in the city far 1 day excursions. There are also National Museums that have collected artifacts from traditional societies for display in Museums in most towns in Kenya.
About The Author
Robert Muhoho is a tour consultant in Kenya and has planned business and vacation safaris for over 10,000 tourists in the East African region. He is a tour operation- major and involved in National tourism policy development in Kenya.
Animal for friendship?
If you are looking for a pet to keep you company, you can find the perfect one by looking at the animals for adoption at your local animal shelter. A lot of lovable animals in local shelters are sitting in their small cages, waiting for people who may want to keep them as pets. Stray animals of all kinds end up as animals for adoption in animal shelters. Most of them are family pets that irresponsible owners have neglected or abandoned.
In the past I only wanted to have purebred animals as pets and I make it a point to know about the animal’s bloodline. After visiting a shelter with my sister, my views about hybrid animals changed completely. My sister recently lost her husband and she wants to have a pet to comfort her. I went along to give her some moral support and to help her choose the animal she needs. Seeing the situation of animals for adoption in that shelter, broke my heart and almost brought tears to my eyes.
I did not realize how irresponsible people can be with their pets. These animals for adoption need to have love and proper care. Here I was, spending a lot of money for my fancy purebred cat when there are hundreds of animals that need attention. The shelter keepers told me that the number of animals in the shelter have been increasing steadily over the years . This year they have trouble finding enough food and space for them. Most of them find their way to the shelter after the Christmas holiday. Most of them were given as presents to rotten kids who abandon them after a few weeks.
That day at the shelter, made me decide that I have to care for one of those poor animals for adoption. I prefer to have cats as pets because my tight schedule does not give me the time to care properly for a dog. As I was looking at the animals, a playful kitten came up to me and meowed. I immediately fell in love in love with her. Later at night as I watched her play with a ball, she looked up and meowed at me again. I can’t help but smile knowing that I made the right decision.
If I had only known that there were so many animals for adoption waiting to be part of a family, I would have adopted one earlier. Perhaps I might add another cat to my family next year. I hope that more people would think about helping those animals for adoption by taking them into their homes and giving them the love and attention they need. I also hope that people would take better care of their pets so that the poor animals won’t end up in sad animal shelters.
In the past I only wanted to have purebred animals as pets and I make it a point to know about the animal’s bloodline. After visiting a shelter with my sister, my views about hybrid animals changed completely. My sister recently lost her husband and she wants to have a pet to comfort her. I went along to give her some moral support and to help her choose the animal she needs. Seeing the situation of animals for adoption in that shelter, broke my heart and almost brought tears to my eyes.
I did not realize how irresponsible people can be with their pets. These animals for adoption need to have love and proper care. Here I was, spending a lot of money for my fancy purebred cat when there are hundreds of animals that need attention. The shelter keepers told me that the number of animals in the shelter have been increasing steadily over the years . This year they have trouble finding enough food and space for them. Most of them find their way to the shelter after the Christmas holiday. Most of them were given as presents to rotten kids who abandon them after a few weeks.
That day at the shelter, made me decide that I have to care for one of those poor animals for adoption. I prefer to have cats as pets because my tight schedule does not give me the time to care properly for a dog. As I was looking at the animals, a playful kitten came up to me and meowed. I immediately fell in love in love with her. Later at night as I watched her play with a ball, she looked up and meowed at me again. I can’t help but smile knowing that I made the right decision.
If I had only known that there were so many animals for adoption waiting to be part of a family, I would have adopted one earlier. Perhaps I might add another cat to my family next year. I hope that more people would think about helping those animals for adoption by taking them into their homes and giving them the love and attention they need. I also hope that people would take better care of their pets so that the poor animals won’t end up in sad animal shelters.
BIG FIVE
The term ‘Big Five’ originated among the hunters of a bygone era to describe not the largest of the animals that they hunted, but the most dangerous.
These are lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhinoceros. Every one of these animals has a reputation for pursuing its attacker with intent to kill. Perhaps the most persistent is the buffalo, which will ceaselessly pursue his aggressor, making hunting a life-or-death experience for the hunted and the hunter!
All of these mammals are to be found in South Africa, making this country one of the most popular locations for safari style holidays.
Indeed, South Africa has embraced this rich wildlife heritage and welcomes visitors from all around the world who come to experience close encounters with the magnificent beasts. Many of our game lodges offer the most luxurious accommodation and facilities available for ‘bush’ holidays in the world.
The Sabi Sands Game Reserve in the Mpumalanga province, for example, is arguably the most exclusive game reserve in the country. With no fences existing between the Kruger Park and Sabi Sands, the wildlife roams free between the two reserves. Leopards are the main attraction here, and these awesome creatures are so accustomed to humans that you can even follow them while hunting, in an off-road vehicle. All of the Big Five can be viewed at Sabi Sands.
These are lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhinoceros. Every one of these animals has a reputation for pursuing its attacker with intent to kill. Perhaps the most persistent is the buffalo, which will ceaselessly pursue his aggressor, making hunting a life-or-death experience for the hunted and the hunter!
All of these mammals are to be found in South Africa, making this country one of the most popular locations for safari style holidays.
Indeed, South Africa has embraced this rich wildlife heritage and welcomes visitors from all around the world who come to experience close encounters with the magnificent beasts. Many of our game lodges offer the most luxurious accommodation and facilities available for ‘bush’ holidays in the world.
The Sabi Sands Game Reserve in the Mpumalanga province, for example, is arguably the most exclusive game reserve in the country. With no fences existing between the Kruger Park and Sabi Sands, the wildlife roams free between the two reserves. Leopards are the main attraction here, and these awesome creatures are so accustomed to humans that you can even follow them while hunting, in an off-road vehicle. All of the Big Five can be viewed at Sabi Sands.
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