(OCEANS) The things that keep most of us up at night, may have dolphins sleeping easy. But interestingly enough, our marine mammal friends might not need it. Dolphins have a unique ability to sleep with only half of their brains, keeping the other half alert while they rest. This function allows dolphins to avoid predators, and surface for air, while they remain at rest. Continue reading below in order to find out more about this interesting study. — Global Animal
(ANIMAL WELFARE) VIENNA — Nonsensical cures and asinine rituals continue to stimulate the demand for ivory in Southeast Asia. Rhinos and elephants have long been sought after for their precious tusks and horns, as their ivory is believed to cure a number of ailments. Of course, these cures aren’t rooted in fact, but belief in them has contributed to a recent surge in the poaching of these threatened species. Fortunately, the head of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, Yury Fedotov, is pushing for tougher penalties for illegal poachers. Continue reading for more on the harsh truths behind this illegal industry and what others are doing to fight it. — Global Animal
(MOVIE REVIEW) Originally released in France under the title Pollen in 2011, Disneynature’s Wings of Life has finally made it to worldwide audiences. Much like the 2012 film Chimpanzee, Wings of Life is short, but particularly sweet. Coming in at only 77 minutes, the documentary uses its time proficiently in order to deliver its increasingly important message. The opening title card of the film reads: “Life depends on little things we take for granted,” a theme that rests at the core of Wings of Life. Focusing on the vital relationship between flowers, and the animals that interact with them, the documentary explores a complex world often taken for granted. Read on for more on Wings of Life and see the trailer for yourself. — Global Animal
(ANIMAL SCIENCE) It’s alive! Well, not quite, but what if they could be alive…again? Check out the gallery and video below to learn more about de-extinction and the species that could possibly be brought back to life. — Global Animal
(ZOOS) An hour outside of Buenos Aires, Argentina, at the Lujan Zoo, patrons pay 130 Argentine pesos (about $25) to pet and feed exotic animals. The 37-acre zoo has around two dozen exhibits featuring lions, tigers, and bears. Oh my! In 2011, a YouTube video was uploaded showing zoo-goers petting a full-grown lion who looks anything but comfortable. Claudio Nieva, the zoo’s general manager, claims the animals are properly trained to be around humans, yet animal advocacy groups are saying the risks are still significant. Keep reading for more on the disturbing “petting” zoo, and check out the 2011 video of the public petting a lion at the Lujan Zoo. — Global Animal
(ANIMAL DISCOVERY) Two new woodlizard species have recently been discovered in the Peruvian rainforest. Both species are naturally camouflaged with green and brown splotches all over their bodies. The woodlizard variety is a group that was originally thought to only contain a handful of species, yet three new species have been discovered since 2008, with the two latest findings bringing that total to five. Continue reading for more on these camo creatures. — Global Animal
(GREEN) Animals are chipping in and doing their part when it comes to recycling. Yes, our animal friends are going green and need us to get with the program. Read on about six animals who truly know what it means to reduce, reuse, and recycle. — Global Animal
(ANIMAL RIGHTS) A recent photo shoot for Harper’s Baazar, featuring Sports Illustrated beauty Kate Upton, sparked outrage in the animal community due to its heavy use of real wild animals. In the shoot, the model poses with baby tigers, a lion, and a gibbon. PETA is especially concerned with the magazine’s use of the gibbon commenting, “The gibbon featured in the photographs is an infant and should be with his mother at all times. Besides the emotional trauma that he has undoubtedly suffered as a result of the separation, his delicate immune system is still developing, and he is susceptible to illnesses that humans carry.” However, this is sadly not the only instance where a magazine decided to use a wild animal as an exotic prop. Bulgari ads are notorious for featuring wild animals to somehow make their products appear more exclusive. Unfortunately, this can lead to more people objectifying animals and treating them like fashion accessories. Lions, tigers, and other animals belong in the wild, and are not meant to promote purses or jewelry. Read on to find out more about the troubling photo shoot. — Global Animal
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