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Una publicación compartida por Petlican (@petlican)

Dogs are incredibly smart creatures, especially when it comes to matters of life and death. A mom dog recently caught on video in Turkey is the perfect example of this. The pooch was seen carrying her hypothermic puppy in her mouth to bring it to the Beylikduzu Alfa Veterinary Clinic in Istanbul, where the little dog was immediately treated by doctors in order to save its life.

It all started when a good samaritan spotted a lonely and sick pooch, which happened to be one of the mom dog's pups. As though she was fully aware that little doggies could get help at the vet, she grabbed her other pup, which was hypothermic, and carried it to the veterinarian's doorstep.

“Yesterday was a day when the saying ‘Living is a hope' came to life,” the veterinarian team wrote on Instagram. “This beautiful mother dog asked for help from our clinic with her puppy that was about to freeze to death in its mouth… Our struggle to keep the puppy alive started when we realized that the puppy's heart was beating.”

The vets allowed the concerned mom dog to be by her puppies' side as they were treated. It is reported that the mom dog also brought in a third puppy, which sadly didn't survive. Veterinarian Baturay Oğan told The Dodo that it appears that she had given birth a few weeks before, but someone had taken her away to get her spayed, causing the puppies to become hypothermic, as mom wasn't around to keep them warm.

To keep the mom dog and her pups—the two surviving dogs from a litter of six—safe from the cold and danger, the clinic has announced that they'll take care of them. “Their health is good now,” Oğan said. “Their mother is in good condition. She is a bit weak, but we feed her intensively. The mother dog and the puppies are staying with us.”

Beylikduzu Alfa Veterinary Clinic in Istanbul works hard every day to treat pets in need of healthcare.

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Una publicación compartida por Pet Dünyası Veteriner Kliniği (@petdunyasiveteriner)

Though they often treat dogs, they recently saved the life of a pup and its very special mother.

Watch as the loving mom dog carries her hypothermic puppy to the clinic to save it from freezing to death.

 

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A post shared by Beylikdüzü Alfa Veteriner (@beylikduzu_alfa_veteriner)

Beylikdüzü Alfa Veteriner: Instagram

Sources: Beylikdüzü Alfa Veteriner on Instagram; Dog Mom Shows Up At Vet Clinic's Door To Get Help For Her Sick Baby

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College Football Analyst Kirk Herbstreit Gets Choked up While Honoring Late Service Dog Ben on Live TV

READ: Mom Dog Carries Her Hypothermic Pup in Her Mouth All the Way to the Veterinarian Clinic To Get Help

 

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Una publicación compartida por seattlehumane (@seattlehumane)

Humans are not the only ones affected by the wildfires in Los Angeles—thousands of animals, both wild and domestic, have been devastated as well. Many pets have become separated from their families or need a place to stay while their humans get back on their feet. To help free space in local shelters around the LA area, organizations around the country are taking in adoptable animals from Southern California.

Wings of Rescue, a California-based nonprofit organization, has flown dozens of pets to other states, such as Utah and Washington. Created in 2009, the team has devoted itself to saving dogs from high-kill shelters by taking them to regions with less animals waiting to be adopted. This time, however, their mission was slightly different. “By transporting pets who have been waiting for adoption to partners with open kennel space, we’re creating room for evacuees’ pets, medical cases, and those who need to be reunited with their families,” they wrote on Instagram.

One of the places that is taking these pets in is Seattle Humane in Bellevue. “To come here and see all them come off the runway, it means a lot,” Jacob Beardsley, a shelter care supervisor at Seattle Humane, told KUOW as the animals were being unloaded from the plane. “We just have a lot of dedicated staff that are really itching to get their hands on these dogs and give them all the care that they need.”

After being examined and making sure they are up to date on all of their vaccines, the furry friends will be available for adoption. “This is a hot spot for adoption,” adds Gene Gable of Wings of Rescue. “Animals don’t stay in shelters long in Seattle.” This isn't the first time the Seattle area has taken in adoptable animals following an emergency, as they also brought animals in shelters affected by the Maui fires in 2023.

Meanwhile, Best Friends Animal Society, self-described as the largest no-kill sanctuary in the U.S., announced the arrival of 58 cats and 26 dogs in Utah, and were bound for their shelter in Kanab. “After their multi-state travel day, all babies are now getting tucked in for the night at our Sanctuary after having a nice meal and lots of love and snuggles from our caregivers,” they shared.

Looking to help even more animals, Best Friends Animal Society found a way to maximize the space available in shelters across Utah with the aim to bring in even more pets. They also started introducing local families to the animals flown from California, resulting in some of the first adoptions for these pets. This was the case for Stella, a husky pulled from Pasadena who has found her forever home with a loving family in Salt Lake City.

If you want to support their mission, you can visit the social media channels of Wings of Rescue, which still has some flights scheduled to further evacuate pets from LA, and Seattle Humane and Best Friends Animal Society.

If you want to help those who have been affected by the fires in the LA area, check out this list of wildfire relief initiatives. For those affected by the fires, please refer to this updated list of resources for shelter, food, clothing, pet care, and more.

To help free space in local shelters around the LA area, organizations around the country are taking in adoptable animals from Southern California.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Best Friends Animal Society (@bestfriendsanimalsociety)

Wings of Rescue, a California-based nonprofit organization, has flown dozens of pets to other states, such as Utah and Washington.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Wings of Rescue® (@wingsofrescue_official)

Since many pets have become separated from their families or need a place to stay while their humans get back on their feet, kennel space has become vital during these trying times.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Best Friends Animal Society (@bestfriendsanimalsociety)

Utah's Best Friends Animal Society, self-described as the largest no-kill sanctuary in the U.S., announced the arrival of 58 cats and 26 dogs.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Danny Trejo (@officialdannytrejo)

After being examined and making sure they are up to date on all their vaccines, the furry friends will be available for adoption.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Best Friends Animal Society (@bestfriendsanimalsociety)

Sources: L.A. pets land in Seattle to make room at animal shelters during fires; Wings of Rescue on Instagram; Seattle Humane on Instagram; Best Friends Animal Society on Instagram

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READ: Shelters Across the U.S. Are Taking Adoptable Pets From LA To Free Space for Local Animals Affected by the Fires

 

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Una publicación compartida por ABC World News Tonight (@abcworldnewstonight)

Los Angeles is continuing to battle the worst wildfires ever recorded in the area. Luckily, some inspiring figures have appeared in the face of tragedy. A video captured by ABC's Joey Ybarra shows a firefighter comforting a dog while he sprays water with a hose to put out the fire in a burning house in the Altadena area. Not only did the clip capture a tender moment in the midst of a catastrophe, but it also led to the safe rescue of a clearly traumatized dog.

The video shows the pooch, named Max, wandering around a neighborhood that is being consumed by the Eaton fire. Upon running into a firefighter, Max can be seen sticking close to the first responder who calmly scratches the pup's head while expertly maneuvering a heavy hose with his other hand, only taking his eyes away from the fire to further reassure the dog.

Ybarra shared later on in an Instagram comment that the dog had been rescued by a good samaritan, and while the pooch was scared and distraught, it was safe. The hero in question is dog trainer Christopher Abkarian, owner of the Whittier Dog Club, who has devoted himself to rescuing dogs in need over the last few days. “I rescued this dog today!” he says in a comment. “He is in my facility. I ran into the property to grab him.”

Abkarian shared the race to rescue Max through a series of Instagram stories. When he arrived, the pooch was hiding in the corner of a lawn next to a house that was burning down. The dog trainer said that Max was scared and covered in soot. Abkarian then drove Max to safety, and posted a video update showing him enjoying some treats. While the dog had some breathing issues due to the smoke, he is doing much better now. It was also revealed that the dog had run in fear, but his humans were okay and are preparing for his return. For now, Abkarian will look after Max while they get back on their feet.

The dog trainer also offered his help to the local community, not only by rescuing pets in need from danger, but also by providing pet boarding to those who had lost their homes to the fire. Abkarian also called for people to have compassion for the animals going through this tragedy, as it may be even more confusing for them, and also quite dangerous to their health.

If you too would like to help out both humans and pets affected by the fires, check out this list of wildife relief initiatives.

Los Angeles continues to battle the worst wildfires ever recorded in the area. Luckily, some inspiring figures have appeared in the face of tragedy.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Joey Ybarra (@jowiitv)

After a clip of a firefighter comforting a lost dog named Max went viral, dog trainer Christopher Abkarian retrieved the pet from a dangerous area and nursed him back to health.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Christopher Abkarian (@klutch_k9)

Sources: ABC World News Tonight on Instagram; Christopher Abkarian on Instagram

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U.S. Coast Guard Rescues Man and His Dog From Sinking Sailboat During Hurricane Helene

READ: Heartwarming Video of Firefighter Comforting a Dog in the LA fires Prompts Rescue of the Lost Pet

 

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Una publicación compartida por Noah's Ark Zoo Farm (@noahsarkzoobristol)

Now that the holidays are over, people around the world are putting away decorations and discarding their Christmas trees. To save real pines from the landfill and reduce waste, zoos in Europe are turning discarded Christmas trees into enriching experiences for their animals.

The Noah's Ark Zoo Farm in the UK has been running their Christmas tree recycling initiative for five years now. Every January, they ask their patrons to drop off their trees, free from decorations and lights, at the zoo. Since the program was launched, the zoo has received about 15,000 trees. Animals big and small benefit from this project, as they can get a new plaything, an unusual snack, or an addition to their enclosure that is sure to pique their interest.

“Chippings from the trees are used in the Andean Adventure habitat, where our spectacled bears Madidi, Rasu, Tuichi, and Beni delight in the fresh scents and textures, much like the seasonal joy we feel with Christmas trees in our homes,” writes the team. “Elsewhere at the zoo, rhinos and meerkats enjoy the festive addition of tree mulch, with their keepers burying food beneath the chippings to encourage natural foraging behaviors.”

Elephants also get to play with several untouched trees, as their habitat is turned into a temporary forest. “Our African Bull Elephants savor the branches as a festive treat and enjoy foraging through piles of chippings for hidden snacks,” the zoo explains. “Branches from Christmas trees add a seasonal twist to their diet of willow and other tree foliage, ensuring they benefit from both nutrition and enrichment.”

Chris Wilkinson, the zoo's curator, told the BBC that the trees provide a brand new sensory experience for the animals in general. “The trees have a really nice smell that they're not used to, so some of the animals will have a good rub against them,” he explains.

Meanwhile, the Berlin Zoo takes in unsold Christmas trees from select vendors, as opposed to accepting donations as a precaution, since the tress could have leftover decorations or chemicals. This year, the giraffes at this zoo got a unique treat, as the trees were hung upside down in their enclosure for them to inspect and nibble at.

“They don’t just serve as food, they are also used to keep the animals occupied,” Florian Sicks, the zoo’s curator for mammals, told AP. “The animals can fight with them, they can rub themselves against them, they can throw themselves over them and do various other things with these fir trees. And so we enrich the animals’ everyday lives, which they are very happy about.”

To reduce waste, zoos in Europe are turning discarded Christmas trees into enriching experiences for their animals.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Noah's Ark Zoo Farm (@noahsarkzoobristol)

Every January, the Noah's Ark Zoo Farms ask their patrons to drop off their Christmas trees.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Noah's Ark Zoo Farm (@noahsarkzoobristol)

In the five years since the program was launched, they've received 15,000 trees.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Noah's Ark Zoo Farm (@noahsarkzoobristol)

Animals big and small benefit from this project, as they can get a new plaything, an unusual snack, or an addition to their enclosure that is sure to pique their interest.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Noah's Ark Zoo Farm (@noahsarkzoobristol)

Meanwhile, the Berlin Zoo takes in unsold Christmas trees from select vendors.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Zoo Berlin (@zooberlin)

“They don’t just serve as food, they are also used to keep the animals occupied,” says Florian Sicks, the zoo’s curator for mammals.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Zoo Berlin (@zooberlin)

Noah's Ark Zoo Farm: Website | Instagram
Berlin Zoo: Website | Instagram

Sources: Christmas Tree Recycling 2024; The zoo that will recycle your old Christmas tree; It’s Christmas for the elephants as unsold trees are fed to the animals at Berlin Zoo

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READ: Zoos in Europe Are Saving Christmas Trees From Landfills and Repurposing Them for Animal Enrichment

 

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Una publicación compartida por Metro Richmond Zoo (@metrorichmondzoo)

Last year, Moo Deng the baby pygmy hippo from Thailand rose to stardom for her cute yet quirky looks. Now, there's a new cutie in the neighborhood, and she's just as adorable. Metro Richmond Zoo in Richmond, Virginia, recently welcomed a baby pygmy hippopotamus, and asked the public to help them name her. After a worldwide voting campaign, the tiny creature is now known as Poppy.

The baby pygmy hippo was born on Christmas Eve, weighing a healthy 15 pounds at birth. She is the third calf in the last four years for her parents, Iris and Corwin. “Poppy is the perfect name for this playful, perky, and ever-increasing popular hippo,” writes the zoo. “Her name is a flower just like her mother Iris.” Her big sisters are are named Violet and Petunia, forming an adorable bouquet of pygmy hippos.

The other name option for the new baby was Hammie Mae, a nod to Virginia ham. The poll was a very tight race, with voters from all over the world chiming in. In the end, over 116,000 votes were cast from all 50 states and 165 countries. In-person voting at the zoo gave the local crowd a bit of extra power as each submission counted for double votes. In the end, “Poppy” won with 52.8% of total count.

With this initiative, the zoo not only hopes to bring Poppy closer to the public, but also to raise awareness about this species' plight. “The pygmy hippo is an endangered species native to the swamps and rivers of West Africa,” they explain. “Less than 2,500 mature individuals remain in the wild. This birth—like all of Iris’ births—plays an important role in helping protect this rare and elusive species.” The team adds that, unlike common hippos, pygmy hippos do not live in groups and are usually solitary or in pairs—which is why Poppy's big sisters, who are already grown, live in a different facility in the zoo, as Poppy will too one day.

For now, Poppy is already on view, having made her zoo debut on January 3, 2025. So, what’s next for Poppy? “She will continue learning how to be a pygmy hippo from mom,” the zoo says. “She has already started nibbling on some solid foods, and will only eat more and more each day. Poppy is going to grow so quickly.”

Should you visit the zoo soon, you can find Iris and Poppy in the indoor pool area. The zoo shares that when the weather is warmer and Poppy grows a little more, both her and her mom will be moved to the outdoor habitat, which has a large pool with underwater viewing windows.

To stay up to date with Poppy, you can follow the Metro Richmond Zoo on Instagram.

Meet Poppy, the adorable baby pygmy hippopotamus recently born at Metro Richmond Zoo in Richmond, Virginia.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Metro Richmond Zoo (@metrorichmondzoo)

The baby pygmy hippo was born on Christmas Eve, weighing a healthy 15 pounds at birth.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Metro Richmond Zoo (@metrorichmondzoo)

Poppy's name was picked via a worldwide voting campaign. 116,000 votes were cast from all 50 states and 165 countries.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Metro Richmond Zoo (@metrorichmondzoo)

Poppy is already on view, having made her zoo debut on January 3, 2025.

 

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Una publicación compartida por WTVR CBS 6 (@cbs6)

When the weather is warmer and Poppy grows a little more, both her and her mom will be moved to the outdoor habitat.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Metro Richmond Zoo (@metrorichmondzoo)

Metro Richmond Zoo: Website | Instagram

Sources: Pygmy Hippo Name Announcement, Pygmy Hippo Born Before Christmas

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Cincinnati Zoo Announces the Name of Newborn Hippo

READ: Virginia Zoo Announces Adorable Name of Their New Baby Pygmy Hippo Following a Worldwide Poll

Photo: NOAA Fisheries West Coast

In 2018, a whale known as Tahlequah or J35 made headlines around the world for a heartbreaking reason. In an exceptional display of grief, Tahlequah carried her dead calf around for 17 days. Sadly, the same whale has once again been spotted mourning this way following the death of her latest calf, named J61.

“The Center for Whale Research has received additional information that as of 1/1/25, J35 has been seen carrying the body of the deceased calf (J61) with her,” announced The Center for Whale Research. “This behavior was seen previously by J35 in 2018 when she carried the body of her deceased calf for 17 days. We hope to have more information on the situation through further observation and will provide more details at that time.”

A team of scientists, which includes multiple experienced killer whale researchers, first voiced their concerns about J61's wellbeing on December 24, 2024, shortly after her birth. “Early life is always dangerous for new calves,” they explained, “with a very high mortality rate in the first year. J35 is an experienced mother, and we hope that she is able to keep J61 alive through these difficult early days.”

Although it has been gut-wrenching to witness Tahlequah lose a calf twice, she has also been able to see other offspring grow up. She has a 3-year-old calf, known as Phoenix or J57, and a 14-year-old, known as Notch or J47, who are both males. Coincidentally, both her deceased calves were females—a detail that researchers found upsetting, as both whales could have led their own matrilines in the future.

The public was understandably concerned as to what may be happening to Tahlequah's offspring, as she has lost two of her four documented calves. NOAA Fisheries West Coast offered a possible explanation as a comment on Instagram: “The small size and isolation of the endangered population of Southern Resident killer whales in the Pacific Northwest have led to high levels of inbreeding. This inbreeding has contributed to their decline, which has continued as surrounding killer whale populations expand.” The organization also noted that the marine park captures that took place decades ago, as well as contaminants, disturbances, and possible prey limitations may also lead to the loss of calves.

Hoping to turn the feelings of sadness surrounding the death of J61 into positive action, researchers are prompting the public to support and take care of these creatures. “Whether you live a few minutes or a few hours from the coast, there are ways that you can make a difference for Southern Residents,” they say. “You could volunteer with a local group working to protect them, remember to give them plenty of space if you’re ever lucky enough to see them, and make eco-friendly choices in your everyday life, whether you’re at home, work, or school. It’s going to take all of us working together to help these amazing animals recover.”

Tahlequah, the whale that made headlines in 2018 for carrying her dead calf around for 17 days, is once again mourning in the same way following the death of her latest calf.

 

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Una publicación compartida por NOAA Fisheries West Coast (@noaafisherieswestcoast)

Although it has been gut-wrenching to witness Tahlequah go through the process of losing a calf twice, it's a reminder that humans aren't the only ones with emotions and rituals on our planet. (Also, it should be noted: she has two surviving sons.)

Source: Center for Whale Research on Facebook, NOAA Fisheries West Coast on Instagram

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READ: Orca Who Carried Her Dead Calf for 17 Days Is Seen Mourning the Loss of New Calf in the Same Way

Photo: thaka11/Depositphotos

If you're a dog parent, you know this scene all too well—you're on a walk with your pup and they suddenly stop to sniff something. Those in a rush may find it annoying, but there's much more to it than your dog being easily distracted—it's vital for their wellbeing. Not only does sniffing help your dog learn about their environment, but it also keeps them happy and sharp.

The canine sense of smell is much more powerful than ours. Dogs' noses have up to 300 million scent receptors, an incredible fifty times more than the six million humans possess. On top of that, dogs sniff five to 10 times per second, something we only do once every 1.5 seconds. As such, dogs’ noses are the primary way in which they navigate their environment, making it critical for them to take their time to sniff around.

“Imagine someone taking you to an art gallery, then blindfolding you. You wouldn’t get much out of it, would you? I imagine that’s how it is for dogs that are rushed along on walks without the opportunity to stop and sniff,” professional dog trainer and veterinary technician Staci Lemke tells American Kennel Club. That's why she recommends “sniff-centric walks” where dogs can gather and process information about their surroundings.

Making smell the main element of a walk—rather than exercise or potty time—has some benefits. First, it's great for putting their brain to work and fighting boredom, as they put effort in processing the information they've gathered. This will actually tire them more than a walk where sniffing is kept to a minimum. Also, since smell is one of the main ways dogs acquire knowledge, they are being updated about what's going on around them while sniffing. As their curiosity is eased by checking out everything through smell, they'll feel fulfilled and more relaxed.

Sniff walks are especially important for city dogs without yards and anxious pups who may benefit from making sure an area is safe. As pets are usually subject to their human's schedule and space, Lemke sees a “sniff-centric walk” as a calming opportunity for dogs to unwind. Letting your pet set the rhythm may release mood-boosting dopamine in their brains. “If we can find a safe place where these dogs can let their guard down and explore using their noses, it can greatly reduce the amount of stress in their lives,” says Lemke.

While not all walks have to be dictated by a sniff-loving pooch, they can greatly benefit from them. Should you and your dog give it a try, Lemke recommends fitting them with a harness and long line (rather than a retractable leash) and looking for a location with a lot of grass, trees, and bushes to pique their interest. Ultimately, the most important thing is to remind yourself who the walk is for, and to be patient while your pet examines the area. After all, this is the way they make sense of the world, and by letting them sniff, you're truly letting your dog be a dog.

Does your dog love to stop and sniff around during walks? Experts think you should let them, as it has many benefits for their wellbeing.

Photo: Kallihora/Depositphotos

Not only does sniffing help your dog learn about their environment, but it also calms them and gets their brain working.

Photo: KM-Photography/Depositphotos

You can go on “sniff-centric walks,” where your dog can gather and process information about their surroundings on their own time.

Photo: bepsimage/Depositphotos

Source: Do Dogs Sniff to Get Their ‘Social Media’ Fix?

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READ: Letting Your Dog Sniff on Walks Calms Them and Helps Them Learn About Their Environment

Photo: GUDKOVANDREY/Depositphotos (Not a picture of the actual whale)

Humpback whales are known, among other things, for their lengthy migrations. Much to the surprise of a group of researchers, though, one of these creatures seems to have broken a record. After being spotted in the Pacific Ocean off Colombia in 2017, a male whale popped up near Zanzibar in the Indian Ocean in 2022, making it one of the longest and most unusual whale migrations ever recorded for an individual whale.

The two sightings were reported 8,106.4 miles apart; however, this is the great-circle distance between them—the shortest distance between two points on a sphere. As such, the route taken by the whale may have been significantly longer. The distance is almost twice the typical migration for whales, who travel in a north-south pattern every year from their feeding grounds in cooler waters to their warmer breeding grounds. Instead, this particular whale traveled in an east-west pattern from one breeding area to another.

The researchers have two theories as to what may have prompted the whale to go on this lengthy journey. The first has to do with climate change, as the abundance of the krill they feed on may have been disrupted. The other has to do with mating. Conservation efforts in the Indian Ocean—which not long ago saw up to 99% of their humpback whales be hunted and killed—has led to new thriving communities of young whales. There may have been heightening competition for mates in the whale's old neighborhood, inspiring it to look for a mating partner in another area.

“While actual reasons are unknown, amongst the drivers there might be global changes in the climate, extreme environmental events (that are more frequent nowadays), and evolutionary mechanisms of the species,” Ekaterina Kalashnikova of the Tanzania Cetaceans Program, co-author of the study, told the BBC. The scientist added that the feat was “truly impressive and unusual even for this highly migratory species.”

Pondering about how this whale may have been perceived in his new community, co-author Ted Cheeseman told The Guardian, “When he showed up, was it like, ‘Oooh, sexy foreigner with a cool accent’?” The researcher also shared with CNN that humpback whales navigate with remarkable precision. And since this one is a full-grown whale, it’s unlikely he could have simply gotten lost.

The findings, published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, was made possible by Happy Whale, an observation platform where researchers and amateur whale watchers submit thousands of photographs of the creatures they spot, helping scientists keep track of them. Using a technology similar to facial recognition, researchers can identify the whales by the patterns on their flukes (tails)—an identifier so unique that have long been compared to human fingerprints.

Ultimately, beyond the shock caused by the globetrotting whale, these resources will help scientists better understand whale behavior, especially in the face of challenging conditions due to global warming. “There is no humpback whale in the world that lives only within one nation’s waters,” Cheeseman told The New York Times. “These are international waters and multinational waters, and we need to, as researchers and as a community who care about the oceans, we need to manage them accordingly. We need to protect them as international and connected waters.”

Sources: Interbreeding area movement of an adult humpback whale between the east Pacific Ocean and southwest Indian Ocean; Whale makes epic migration, astonishing scientists; Humpback whale makes record journey of more than 13,000km from South America to Africa; Male humpback whale makes record-breaking migration; Humpback Whale Sets Record for How Far It Traveled

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READ: Humpback Whale Breaks Migration Record and Baffles Scientists by Making 8,000-Mile Journey

 

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As one of the most remote destinations on Earth, South Georgia Island is best known for its rugged landscape, freezing climate, and extraordinary wildlife. Belgian photographer Yves Adams has visited the island countless times; however, during a recent expedition, he discovered something unexpected.

This past November, Adams arrived at the island’s St. Andrew’s Bay when a fellow photographer pointed out a strange bird waddling across the beach. It soon became clear that the bird was an incredibly rare all-black penguin.

Adams managed to capture images of the unique penguin in isolation before it returned to its colony. It lacked the distinctive yellow markings and white belly typical of its species, with its black feathers covering the entirety of its body. Against the background of the gray beach and when juxtaposed with the rest of its colony, this all-black penguin boasted a striking silhouette.

The penguin’s plumage is the result of melanism, a phenomenon that occurs very rarely within bird and mammal species. With an increase of melanin, a natural substance responsible for coloration, an animal’s skin or feathers dips into darker shades.

“It was completely accepted by the other birds and his size wasn’t different in any way,” Adams told PetaPixel.

Though striking on a photograph, the penguin’s coloration isn’t necessarily advantageous in the wild. A penguin’s white belly serves as camouflage from below when swimming through water, while its black overside shields it from above. This technique is known as countershading, where upper surfaces of the body are more darkly pigmented than lower areas.

This all-black penguin nevertheless astounds with its rarity and beauty. It’s also the second time Adams has encountered a strangely colored penguin. In 2021, he photographed an all-yellow penguin.

To discover more of his stunning wildlife photography, you can follow Yves Adams on Instagram and visit his website.

Penguins are typically known for their distinctive yellow, white, and black markings.

A king penguin at Fortuna Bay on South Georgia Island. (Photo: Andrew Shiva, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0)

Wildlife photographer Yves Adams, however, managed to photograph an exceptionally rare all-black penguin while on an expedition in November.

This isn't the first unusual penguin Adams has found. He's also photographed an all-yellow penguin!

 

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Source: Wildlife Photographer Captures Ultra-Rare All-Black Penguin

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READ: Exceptionally Rare All-Black Penguin Caught on Camera by Wildlife Photographer

Listen to this sperm whale “scan” me (OC)
byu/Damnitwasagoodday inDamnthatsinteresting

Sperm whales are among the largest predators in the world. Males can grow up to 67 feet long and weigh up to 90 tons, while females can be between 36 to 40 feet long and weigh around 15 tons. It may be hard to grasp, but if you were to come across one in the ocean, you'd be understandably scared. But not Reddit user Damnitwasagoodday, whose calm demeanor was rewarded with a once in a lifetime interaction with a sperm whale.

The diver posted a video of their encounter to Reddit, sharing that it happened during a sperm whale watching expedition in Dominica, led by Just the Wild. The clip shows a whale “scanning” them with a clicking sounds for a couple minutes—a mix of echolocation and communication, most likely denoting curiosity around a human.

When asked how he got the whale to approach him, the Reddit user writes, “Honestly she did all the work. If we got in the water loudly and chased after the whales they would take off every time. Keeping the boat at a distance, approaching slowly/quietly and stopping to give her space gave her the opportunity to decide to come in to check us out.”

Despite the size, the whale never made them feel unsafe. “I was actually concerned at the beginning when she started to rise that I was going to make contact with her head and scare her off,” Damnitwasagoodday adds. “She was amazingly graceful and came within inches without touching me.”

Highly social animals, sperm whales are very communicative and use sequences of clicks called codas, to express themselves. They are commonly thought to be the loudest animals on Earth, however, the Reddit user says the noise only compared to a motorcycle idling. “The clicks are amplified in the video because she is only inches from my camera’s microphone. The vibration I felt was most likely all the adrenaline and happiness exploding in my body. I’m still stoked more than a week later,” the diver shares.

There are a lot of misconceptions about how the loud sounds they make can be deadly. However, expedition leader Caine Delacy says that as the loudest sperm whale clicks, exceeding 200 decibels, have been recorded only in rare instances. “In general, their clicks are of lower intensity, making it even less likely that they could harm humans,” Delacy writes.

Beyond the “scan” moment, the diver was stuck with one endearing image. “When they open their mouths it looks like they are smiling,” they recall. “We had a calf hang out with us later in the day and he had his mouth open like a big playful puppy.” To them, awe is a good word to summarize the experience. “I didn’t feel terrified but I was overcome with emotion,” they conclude.

Source: Listen to this sperm whale “scan” me

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READ: Striking Underwater Footage Captures a Sperm Whale Approaching and “Scanning” a Diver