Tag Archives | animal connection

Why Penguins Can’t Fly

May 23, 2013

(ANIMAL SCIENCE) Millions of years ago, penguins lost their ability to fly, and now scientists finally know why. The tuxedoed birds are some of the best divers out there, but unfortunately good flippers don’t make for good flyers. Scientists say, once penguins sacrificed flight, their wings and body size most likely evolved quite rapidly since flying no longer placed constraints on body form. Researchers were confused as to why the aquatically-skilled animals chose sea over air, but they hold a promising theory regarding the species’ perplexing decision. Continue reading for the answer to this mind-boggling question, and learn more about prehistoric flying penguins. — Global Animal

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Service Dog Graduates With Honors

May 22, 2013

(TOUCHING TALE) Bridget Evans and her service dog named Hero received a resounding applause as they crossed the podium to accept her master’s degree from the College of Applied Health Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The pair attended the commencement ceremony in matching royal blue caps and gowns in honor of their accomplishments together. Read on for more on this inspiring duo, and learn how the amazing pair has touched the hearts of many. — Global Animal

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India: The Dolphin Showstopper

May 22, 2013

(CAPTIVE DOLPHINS) Hooray for cetaceans! Late last week, India banned the exploitation of dolphins for entertainment purposes and is now the largest of four countries, including Costa Rica, Hungary, and Chile, to prohibit the practice. In many parts of the world, dolphin shows are big business—which begs the question: what compelled India to make this decision? Due to the dolphin’s high level of intelligence, Indian regulators have deemed the cetaceans as “non-human persons” with specific rights and freedoms. Read on for more about this compassionate piece of legislation, which is a major step in the right direction. — Global Animal

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Oklahoma Tornado Devastates People And Pets

May 21, 2013

(ANIMAL NEWS) Monday, a massive tornado struck the Oklahoma City area around 3 p.m. and stayed on the ground for a grueling 40 minutes. The violent cyclone swept through the region in a destructive furry, leveling businesses, demolishing homes, and destroying two elementary schools. Many are desperately trying to reach and find loved ones affected by the life-changing event, and organizations, like Google, the Oklahoma Humane Society, and Reddit, are working around the clock to help confirm the safety of tornado survivors. Continue reading for more on the Oklahoma tornado and the catastrophic event’s ongoing rescue efforts. — Global Animal

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Meat-Free Monday: Greek Caponata

May 20, 2013

(VEGAN) Opa! Let your Monday festivities begin with a meatless extravaganza! Rich with culture and vegetables, a savory serving of vegan Greek caponata will take your taste buds on a journey straight to Athens. Eggplant, summer squash, and tomato keep this recipe fresh, fun, and animal-friendly, so try this Grecian-inspired delight today! — Global Animal

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Deadly Amphibian Fungus Plagues Frogs

May 17, 2013

(ANIMAL SCIENCE) Beware, frogs! The chytrid fungus is out there! The lethal fungus, which seems to only harm amphibians, causes a thickening of the infected creature’s skin and hinders the animal’s breathing and electrolyte balance. Ultimately, the infection can lead to cardiac arrest and has already caused several Central American frog species to go extinct. One scientist even referred to the destructive fungus as “the single biggest threat to vertebrate diversity in the world.” Continue reading for more on the chytrid fungus and the study behind this amphibian epidemic. — Global Animal

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Swine Flu Strikes Seals

May 16, 2013

(ANIMAL SCIENCE) The swine flu virus has been found in elephant seals off the central coast of California, according to a recent study. The research is the first to report the H1N1 virus in marine mammals, which shows influenza viruses can be transferred among species. During the study, scientists encountered two northern elephant seals who were infected, and they discovered an additional 28 seals carrying swine flu antibodies. Keep reading for more information on the highly contagious virus and this enlightening study. — Global Animal

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10 Best Wildlife Travel Adventures

May 16, 2013

(WILDLIFE) Whether you are deep in the outback or on the shore of a coastal cay, every destination is an exciting wildlife adventure waiting to be explored. Many organizations, including PlanetWildlife, help travelers plan the perfect animal adventure where a close encounter with incredible creatures is almost guaranteed. PlanetWildlife has just teamed up with the wildlife charity RIGHT-tourism to educate tourists about responsible travel and the fair treatment of animals. Make sure to check out their websites before traveling to your desired destination, and read on for the top 10 best wildlife travel adventures in the world. — Global Animal

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