July 7th, 2011
The wayward emperor penguin who somehow found himself in New Zealand last month looks set to make his way back home once he is well enough.
Named after the popular film by the country’s media, Happy Feet was found stranded on Peka Peka beach having swam around 3000 miles off course from Antarctica.
Things got even worse for the wandering bird when he mistook the sand for snow – sending him into a critical condition. Penguins eat snow to stay hydrated in the wild, so Happy Feet misguidedly ingested a large amount of sand, pebbles and twigs.
Once discovered, he was rushed to one of New Zealand’s top surgeons, who removed huge amounts of debris and liquids from his stomach over a series of procedures.
Luckily, Happy Feet’s condition has stabilised and plans are being made to return him to his natural habitat. He is currently staying in a special icy enclosure at a Wellington zoo and has moved on to a diet of salmon rather than sand.
A special group of experts and conservationists, or “penguin advisory group,” has been set up. It has been decided that once he is strong enough, the emperor penguin will eventually be released into the Southern Ocean, southwest of the country.
The story has caused quite a stir, with many New Zealand companies pledging funds for Happy Feet’s plight. He is only the second emperor penguin to turn up in New Zealand in recorded history.
By Sinéad. Posted in News
July 6th, 2011
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Last weekend saw the birth of a rare cross between a zebra and a donkey in China. The ‘Donkra’ resulted from the natural breeding of a female zebra and male donkey when they were kept together in the same enclosure at Xiamen Haicang zoo.
The foal has remarkably gained attributes from both his parents – he is mostly brown like a donkey, but with a zebra shaped head and stripy legs.
Despite complications during birth, the Donkra is doing very well according to zoo attendants. Weighing in at 30kg and reaching a metre in height, he is thriving physically but has yet to overcome his shyness.
By Sinéad. Posted in News
July 4th, 2011
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Jaxs, an eight year old Jack Russell, has finally been given the chance to frolic in the park with other dogs – thanks to specially made boots. The UK terrier unfortunately suffers from a serious allergy to grass, which causes fur loss and skin sores if he comes into contact with just a single blade.
Owner Maria, had tried medication, bandages and socks to try to prevent allergic reactions, but has found that the canvas booties do the trick. Jaxs is so attached to his boots that he keeps them in his basket and picks them up in his mouth before his daily walk.
”As soon as I get the lead he runs off and gets his boots and if another dog comes round or anyone tries to pick them up he will run off and protect them,” says Maria.
These simply made boots have given a new lease of life to Jaxs. According to experts, grass allergies are more common than most would expect, and methods like this provide a simple solution to a serious problem for dogs.
By Sinéad. Posted in Dogs, News, Pet Care
June 30th, 2011
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By Sinéad. Posted in Funny, News, Random
June 29th, 2011
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A common misconception is that feeding birds during the summer months will make them too reliant on human help for the rest of the year. Although the birds in your garden will benefit most from winter feeding, food shortages can happen at any time of the year. Wet summers will cause a real lack of insects, while exceptionally dry summers will mean that birds won’t have access to worms in the dry soil.
The summer months are the best for bird-watchers – the longer days will allow you more time to enjoy the goings-on of your back garden residents. Birds will be in the process of rearing their new family at this time, giving bird fanciers the chance to spot the little ones getting to grips with the outside world. Your bird feeding table or area will be perfect for this.
Birds need high protein foods during this time, especially as they will be moulting. Foods such as sunflower seeds, sultanas, raisins, melon seeds and a mild grated cheese will really give birds a boost of energy. Cut a soft apple, pear or cooked potato in half and the birds will happily peck at it. If you leave out dry bread for the birds, moisten it first. Be sure to leave out plenty of water too.
Many commercial bird mixes contain peanuts. If you are using one of these mixes, make sure that it is enclosed in a mesh container that will only allow birds to get small chunks of the nuts. Whole peanuts are a choking hazard for baby birds. Please ensure that all the food you put out is suitable for chicks – it could do more harm than good if parent birds take it back to the nest with them.
To get to know the birds in your garden a little better, here is Bird Watch Ireland’s Top 20 Garden Birds.
By Sinéad. Posted in Pet Care
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