Floridiana Gloriana is a great new photoblog documenting the beauty of Florida. They’ve used some of my pictures so I might be slightly biased. (What is this, photography week?)
Category Archives: wild kingdom
From the "things you just can't make up" file
“Unemployed to Sterilize Monkeys in India”
A northern Indian state said Thursday it planned to use unemployed youths to sterilize monkeys to try to combat aggressive primates who have been raiding farms. The idea drew immediate condemnation from conservationists, who said the plan was unscientific and would likely worsen the problem.
[read the whole amazing article]
That loud sound you just heard was probably JunglePete throwing himself on the ground and shrieking in agony.
monkey sex and manatees
Our gatorland plans fell through last night, now we’re off to visit the manatees instead.
While we’re doing that, you should read this article JunglePete sent me which explains that monkeys will pay for sex.
Squirrels Rub on Snake Stink to Avoid Predators
I know I should leave the FCC post at the top of the page, because it’s extremely important. And yet, a post with the words “snake stink” in it seems like a fitting tribute to FCC Chairman Kevin J Martin, don’t you think?
The rather indelicate ritual likely helps [tag]squirrels[/tag] fool their rattlesnake arch nemeses. The discovery may represent the first documented instance of a vertebrate self-applying a chemical from a foreign source in order to defend itself against predators.
[read the entire scary article]
To be honest, I’d chew on rattlesnake skin and spit it onto my skin if it repelled snakes. I like snakes, when I know where they are. I don’t like when they have the upper hand. And [tag]snakes[/tag] are wily, they always have the upper hand.
Happy Asian Elephant Day!
Saturday, November 17, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Come join the National Zoo and the Embassy of Sri Lanka for a celebration of Asian elephants, highlighting the important role of elephants in Sri Lankan culture.
The free event will include Sri Lankan handicrafts and samples of Ceylon tea and Sri Lankan food. Sri Lankan dancers and storytellers will perform at different times throughout the afternoon in front of the Elephant House.
Visitors can dress in traditional saris, learn about the history and culture of the country, and speak with Zoo scientists about Asian elephant conservation research.
Come to the Zoo’s Elephant House for all the festivities.
We love the elephants.