Wild Animal Wednesday! Polar Bear Commercial

If you haven't seen the polar bear commercial for Nissan you must watch it!  It is amazing.  They did a great job with this ad and it kind of makes me want to buy a Nissan Leaf!

Monday's Funny Video of the Week! Tortoise Dances to Satisfaction

This may be one of my all time favorite animal videos.  I have watched it over ten times since I first saw it last week, and it still makes me laugh!  This tortoise really knows how to shake his tail feather- enjoy!!!

Monday's Funny Video of the Week! Sneaky Seagull

This seagull hits the jackpot!  A very cute video. 

Wild Animal Wednesday! The American Toad

This rainy weather reminds me again of our local amphibians.  A few weeks ago I discussed the Spring Peeper, but another common amphibian that can be seen in Fairfield County is the American Toad.  The American Toad (Bufo americanus) is not as adorable as the Peeper, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder right?  These toads help regulate the slug population, which I think is pretty cute!  They can be identified by the two kidney shaped bumps behind their head which are their parotid glands.  These glands are actually toxin filled which makes them unpalatable to many predators.  I've picked up many American Toads, so they can't hurt you, but I would advise you not to lick one (never tried it, but it dosen't sound like a good idea)!  These guys actually have one of the prettiest calls out of all of the amphibians around here.  Click on the video below to listen. 

Double Dose of Funny Video's! Kitty Half Time Show!

I completely forgot about the Puppy Bowl this weekend, so I just checked out a few clips from Animal Planet.  The puppies and kittens are to die for!  So cute!!!  Enjoy this clip of the Kitty Half Time Show!  And don't forget that all of the kittens and puppies are for adoption! 

Monday's Funny Video of the Week- Invisible Dog Experiment!

This is a very silly video involving an improv group, a large group of people, and "the invisible dog".  Have fun :)

Wild Animal Wednesday! Jello Enrichment for Squirrel Monkeys at the Bronx Zoo!!

I know that I posted about monkeys in the zoo last week, but this is so adorable I just couldn't wait to share it!  Watch as these cute little monkey's discover Jello for the first time!! 

Take a trip to the Bronx Zoo and see the squirrel monkey's for yourself!  Visit http://www.bronxzoo.com/

Wild Animal Wednesday's! This Week- Orangutan and Dog Become Friends!

This is an adorable story of friendship between a dog and an orangutan!

Wild Animal Wednesday's! This Week- Maritime Aquarium Behind the Scenes Tour!!

The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk is offering backstage tours this Fall and Winter!  Don't miss your chance to see the ins and outs of life behind the scenes at our favorite local aquarium.  On these tours which only take place November 28th, December 27th and December 29th, you will get a chance to help feed the sharks and the sting rays!  Your tour guide will take you to the top of the Open Ocean Exhibit where you can look down on all of the sharks- and even toss them some grub!

For more information on the Martime Aquarium's Behind the Scenes Tour please visit their website.  Tours begin at 8:15 a.m. For reservations, call The Maritime Aquarium at 203-852-0700, ext. 2206. Space is limited.

Wild Animal Wednesday! (Belated) This Week- Christian the Lion

If you haven't seen this story before, it is a must!!  It is a truly heartwarming story about a Lion, Christian,  released into the wild.  Enjoy!

Wild Animal Wednesdays- Baby Elephant Getting a Shower!

This little elephant was born at the Whipsnade Zoo in England just a few weeks ago. Watch the cutie in this short clip learn about bath time!

Wild Animal Wednesday's! This Week- National Wolf Awareness Week

This week is National Wolf Awareness Week.  Check out the Defenders of Wildlife website for facts and information about wolves as well as wolf awareness events. 

Wild Animal Wednesdays! This Week- Sea Lion Pups at Mystic Aquarium!

This Summer three orphaned Sea Lion pups were rescued (separately) and brought to the Mystic Aquarium, right here in Connecticut.  They came from all over the country but have become the best of friends!  For the full story visit the Zooborns Website.  The Mystic Aquarium is a terrific place to plan a day trip with their many beautiful animals, dolphin show, and wonderful exhibits.  Plan your trip while the weather is still nice!  Visit http://www.mysticaquarium.org/. 

(photo courtesy of Mystic Aquarium)

Wild Animal Wednesday! This Week- Dwarf Mongoose Pups at Bronx Zoo!

Early this September a Dwarf Mongoose gave birth to three adorable pups at the Bronx Zoo in New York.  The pups are happy and healthy, and sure have a lot of energy! Found in the wild, the Dwarf Mongoose is native to sub-Saharan Africa and is the smallest carnivore on the whole continent!  These newborns and their parents can be seen at the Wildlife Conservation Society's Bronx Zoo Giraffe Building.  They grow up fast, so plan your trip soon!  (Photo Courtesy of Bill Holmstrom/ WCS) 

Monday's Funny Video of the Week- Deer Gets Through Cat Door!

9/11 Canine Heros

On Today, September 11, 2009 let's take a moment from our busy schedules to honor the people who lost their lives in the World Trade Center attacks. Let's also honor the people and pets who bravely risked their own lives during that terrible time in an effort to save others.

Above, a rescue dog is transported out of the World Trade Center debris. There are no words to describe the emotion that this photograph taken on September 15th 2001 evokes. (Photo Courtesy of US Navy/ Preston Keres).

Over 300 dogs helped in the search and rescue efforts after the 9/11 attacks. Five of those dogs were killed during that time. If you would like to support our Canine Heros you can donate to the AKC CAR Canine Support and Relief Fund. 

Wild Animal Wednesdays! Update- Little Loggerheads Released into the Wild!

Wild Animal Wednesdays! This Week: Little Loggerheads!

Wild Animal Wednesday

Can you believe it? How cute and adorable! Hurricane Bill tossed these three newborn Loggerhead Sea Turtles right out of the sea last week. Luckily Park Rangers from Cape Canaveral, Florida found them and brought them to Sea World Orlando to be rescued and rehabiliated while the hurricane passed.

Unfortunately all eight sea turtle species are listed as either endangered or threatened. To learn more about Loggerhead turtles and to learn how you can help them visit http://oceana.org/sea-turtles/about-sea-turtles/loggerhead/.

Photos courtesy of Sea World Orlando

Tested and Not Tested on Animals Labeling

How can you tell if a product was tested on animals? Wouldn't it be nice if it were stated on the label? Well, the petitionsite.com is hosting a cool petition to have all products labeled "tested on animals" or "not tested on animals". If this interests you, visit Care 2's petitionsite.com to sign the petition to have all beauty and cleaning products labeled with whether or not they test on animals.

For a more complete list of companies or products that do and do not test on animals check out http://www.caringconsumer.com/.