About Michael K

Author Archive | Michael K

Bronx Zoo Introduces Baby Okapi

November 11, 2011

(BABY ANIMALS) NEW YORK — Last week, M’bura, the Bronx Zoo’s five-month-old okapi calf was introduced to the public. For those unfamiliar with the distant relative of the giraffe, prepare to fall in love. The okapi’s zebra-stripe legs tend to draw the animal steady ‘oohs’ and ‘awes’ from zoo attendees. But the incredibly timid species native to the Congo are difficult to breed. Read on for more on the Bronx Zoo’s, as well as other American wildlife conservationists’ attempts to recultivate the near threatened okapi. — Global Animal

Share Your Thoughts

Austin Animal Center Opens (Dog) Doors

November 11, 2011

(ANIMAL SHELTER) AUSTIN, TEXAS – Saturday morning is the official grand opening of Austin’s state-of-the-art animal center. The Austin Animal Center’s opening marks the official closing of downtown Austin’s Town Lake Animal Center (closes Wednesday). The new facility provides animals with a heated shelter, larger kennels, visiting rooms, and designated exercise areas. Read on for more on the multi-million dollar facility. – Global Animal

Share Your Thoughts

Turkey Takeover

November 8, 2011

(WILD ANIMALS) NEW YORK – Turkey season has prematurely come to Staten Island towns Dongan Hills and South Beach. Before Thanksgiving chatter could even begin, an infestation of wild turkeys had swelled into the hundreds for the New York borough. City officials struggle to find a way to humanely relocate the avian nuisance as the birds continue to reproduce an acclimate with humans. One particular issue the residents touch on–the sheer amount of turkey excrement they now must clean up. Read on for more on nature’s newest neighborhood nuisance. – Global Animal

Share Your Thoughts

Santa’s Chauffeurs Cool Down

November 4, 2011

(SCIENCE) NORWAY – Biologists at the University of Tromso have discovered through a recent study that reindeer, Santa’s furry little helpers, cool down in a combination of ways. Similar to dogs, panting is one technique reindeer use to cool themselves as they’re unable to remove their warm winter coats. Read on for more about the other techniques used by the reindeer and the biologists’ methods in achieving such results. – Global Animal

Share Your Thoughts

Bob Barker, Come On Down! To Capitol Hill

November 3, 2011

(POLITICS) WASHINGTON D.C. – The man receiving bi-partisan support Wednesday morning on Capitol Hill certainly wasn’t President Obama, but rather 36-year host of “The Price Is Right” and Happy Gilmore scene-stealer, Bob Barker. Barker was in D.C. pleading on behalf of the mistreated exotic and wild animals in traveling circuses. Always an advocate for the animal community, Barker is championing the Traveling Exotic Animal Protection Act. The former game show host who turns 88 in December said, “It is time for the United States to join this parade of nations that is doing the right thing.” Read on for more on the mistreatment of circus animals, the Traveling Exotic Animal Protection Act, and celebrities supporting the cause. – Global Animal

Share Your Thoughts

Mice Threaten SF Island Ecosystem

November 2, 2011

(WILDLIFE CONSERVATION) CALIFORNIA — Off the coast of San Francisco on the Farallon Islands lives the Ashy Storm Petrel, a scare seabird found only along the California Current. But the sudden infestation of the house mouse now threatens the entire island’s ecosystem. The mice eat and reproduce all day. The owls feast on the mice well into the winter then turning to the petrel after the mice population recedes. The problem is the petrel don’t provide enough food for the owls who then starve to death. Read on for more details on this food-chain calamity and possible solutions to the epidemic. — Global Animal

Share Your Thoughts

Polar Bears Reduce Canada’s Beaver Fever

November 2, 2011

(POLITICS/POLL) Canada, when’d you get so cold? What’d the beaver, or as Conservative politician Nicole Eaton calls them, “a dentally defective rat,” ever do to you, Canada? The beaver has gracefully served as Canada’s national emblem for the past 37 years. Why revoke its title now? What would you rather be the symbol of Canada? Are you Team Beaver, Team Polar Bear, or third party? Vote below and read on for more options. — Global Animal

Share Your Thoughts

Dozens Die in NJ Zoo’s Second Fire

October 31, 2011
(ZOO FIRE) NEW JERSEY — Back in April, Bordentown, New Jersey’s Bridget’s Animal Kingdom (private zoo and pet store) tragically lost its co-owner and namesake in a cabin fire. Six months after the loss of his wife, owner Burton Sipp, while in Phoenix, discovered that his zoo was once again up in flames. Although there were no human casualties this time, during a rescue attempt a mother giraffe and her three-week-old calf were crushed by a collapsing wall. A room full of exotic birds, three dogs and four cats also perished in the fire. Read on for more on this developing tragedy. — Global Animal

Share Your Thoughts

Back to top