September 9th, 2011
This Swedish elk-oholic ended a night of scoffing fermenting apples lodged up a tree – he was so desperate for more of the intoxicating fruit that he tried to climb to the higher branches. The fire brigade were called and successfully left the elk passed out on the grass till morning when it no doubt woke up with a headache and no recollection of the embarrassing incident.
Drunken elk are reportedly very common in Sweden at this time of year as delicious – but inebriating – apples begin to fall from trees.
By Sinéad. Posted in Funny, News
September 8th, 2011
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Heartwarming images of a group of lab chimpanzees experiencing their first moments of freedom have been caught on film. Laughing and embracing, they reveal astounding similarities to humans.
38 chimps were first brought to an Austrian pharmaceutical research facility when they were born around 30 years ago. Kept behind bars, the chimps were used as test subjects for HIV and hepatitis studies. Reports say that the animals were even injected with the HIV virus.
The company carrying out the medical research shut down in 1997 and these chimpanzees were then rescued, but it is only now that experts feel they should be allowed out into fresh air and daylight.
Fortunately, the chimps will spend the rest of their lives in much more pleasant conditions (pictured). Michael Aufhauser of the spacious and stimulating Gut Aiderbichl Animal Sanctuary – who also vowed to help Yvonne the fugitive cow – will be taking them in.
Aufhauser says of their touching first minutes of freedom: “Imagine, one is 30 years imprisoned in an elevator, and then suddenly the door opens. You’re with friends and say: ‘I can not believe it.’ They have only seen people wearing protective clothing. They have never had regular contact. They have never learnt to climb.”
Watch the video below to see the chimpanzees’ initial bewilderment at the outside world, followed by hugs, smiles and exploration of their new environment:
By Sinéad. Posted in Animal Welfare, News
September 1st, 2011
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Tripoli Zoo has been left in a dire condition following the fighting in Libya’s capital last week. CNN correspondent, Nic Robertson, documented the grim state of the all but abandoned zoo. The animals, which includes tigers, lions, hippos, monkeys, deer, emu and tortoises had been left to languish without adequate food or water for seven days. Only 10 of the 200-strong staff have returned to try and treat the now ailing animals – not an easy task as water is in short supply. “Water is these animals’ most pressing need,” Robertson said. “And it seems without help in these sweltering temperatures, all the animals here will continue to suffer.” Watch the CNN report below:
By Sinéad. Posted in News
August 26th, 2011
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This bobcat went from one prickly situation to another while on the run from an angry mountain lion in the Arizona desert. It descended after a 6 hour stint atop the 50ft cactus, amazingly without a scratch.
By Sinéad. Posted in Cats
August 24th, 2011
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Paul Wu, a resident of Kirkland, Washington, USA, pulled into his driveway last week to find a forlorn black and brown spaniel sitting alone outside his house. On closer inspection, he saw that attached to the collar, was a bone-shaped container with the word ‘Open’ written on it. In it, was some cash and a note – seemingly hand-written by a child – which read:
“Please take care of Mr. B. He is a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel. Six years old. My parents got divorced and Mr. B was supposed to go to the pound. I think he has a better chance with you. This is my birthday money for any of his care. He is used to kids, not other dogs. He’s a good boy. I know God will take care of Mr. B – Everyone loves him…especially me. Thank you.”
Wu has since come forward to his local news stations to let the mystery writer know that Mr. B is now in safe hands. “All I want to do is let this person know that we found him a good home. That’s the whole message.” The dog has been taken in by one of Wu’s co-workers, a father of three children.
New owner Robert Kuchcinski says, “I’d hate to be a kid making that choice. It didn’t seem right that it would go to the pound.”
Mr. B has had a successful health check with the vet and is now settling in happily with his new adoptive family, thanks to the selfless child and some considerate animal lovers.
Unfortunately, many dogs are left without homes or get lost without the same good fortune as Mr. B. You can help out dogs in need by:
- Being aware of what you should do if you find a lost dog
- Letting people know if you find a dog
- Considering adoption of older dogs from pounds, animal sanctuaries or the ISPCA
- Getting your dog microchipped in case it is ever stolen or goes missing.
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