Animal Whatnots: holidays

Showing posts with label holidays. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Happy Steve Irwin Day!

November 15th is designated for remembrance of one of the greatest friends an animal could ever have. Get your khakis on and tune in now to catch the live events at the Australian Zoo-

Steve Irwin Day Broadcast

Crikey, we miss you, Steve!

Monday, November 11, 2013

Happy Veterans Day- Animals of War

Did you know dogs and horses weren't the only types of animals used in war? A variety of species were used to carry out different tasks such as detection, protection, therapy, and sledging.

Carrier Pigeons carried messages. Cher Ami saved 200 US troops by carrying a message 25 miles despite being blinded and shot twice.

Dogs pulling machine guns

Camel Corps

Mule Team

Oxen Team

Canaries used to help calm wounded soldiers

Dolphins were used for locating underwater mines

Glow worms were collected and used to light maps and charts in the trenches in WWI

Circus Elephants were used to pull heavy loads and plow fields as horses and mules were taken off to war. They were also used in WWII to haul supplies through jungles, and across rivers and mountains. The movie Operation Dumbo Drop was based on a true story.

African Rats are being trained to sniff out landmines that still remain several years after the civil war in Mozambique. Rats are easy to train and their light weight prevents tripping any mines that may be in the search area.

As you can see, a variety of animals were used in war. No matter how big or small, they all played a significant role and were held with high esteem. Of course, behind every great animal there is a great handler as well. Whether 2 legged, 4 legged, feathered, finned, or furred, your dedication to your country is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Sources: Denver Post

Saturday, November 2, 2013

Just a lil reminder.....

..... to "Fall Back" today!!!

(for those that apply)

Don't forget to set your clocks back an hour before you go to bed tonight, and enjoy that extra hour of sleep!

Friday, December 23, 2011

Single cells, Single cells, Plankton All The Way....

Because of the reaction to his special Christmas card Dr Richard Kirby is considering putting it on sale next year

Christmas Card made out of tiny sea creatures

'.....The variety is incredible and if you look at them with a festive eye you can see all sorts of things.

'Many people have remarked how certain plankton remind them of other things, so I've collated several pictures to make a classic Christmas card.

'The importance of these micro marvels in the sea can't be underestimated.

'Their importance on a global scale is obvious when you realize that 50 per cent of the world's photosynthesis takes place in the surface of the sea, drawing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into the oceans and releasing oxygen.....

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Today is World Rhino Day

There are 5 species of Rhinoceros:
White
Black
Indian
Javan
Sumatran

3 of the 5 species are critically endangered according to the IUCN Red List

Rhinoceros are in decline due to habitat loss and poaching of their horns. The horns consist of keratin and are thought to possess medicinal properties in some cultures creating a demand for them. There is no scientific evidence that they possess any healing properties.