Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Gay Finches

Who says homosexuality is a human thing? We fans of the gay penguins in Manhattan's Central Park Zoo (who recently adopted an egg and are raising the baby happily, btw) know that animals can be in a fully committed gay relationship, just like humans. But ANW didn't know that Zebra Finches also swung in that direction, until this article: http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/14479670
If gayness in the animal kingdom is not enough proof that some are simply "born this way," then what is?

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Whoo-oos going to mother us?

I couldn't resist that title for this adorable photo of orphaned owls at St. Tiggywinkle bird sanctuary here in England. The answer to the question: I will! Aren't they sooooo beautiful! I love owls!

Monday, June 13, 2011

Hurrah for Herons

While in England, I've discovered the poetic, downright strange bird that is the heron. I've always known about them, but I haven't really seen them. A friend pointed one out to me in a pond in Tyne and Wear and I was smitten, as I am by looking at this spare photo. They'll sit stock-still for hours, their "hair" askew, waiting for a fish to happen by -- and then spear it with their great beaks.

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Maru

Perhaps you already know Maru, the most famous cat on the internet. He lives in Japan, and is, without a doubt, the strangest cat on the planet, as the title of the video confirms. I laughed harder at that video, despite the calming and sweet music, than I have in a very long time. And that's no bad thing. I love it when he puts the bag on his head and then goes over to his water, as if to say, "Oh, water. I'd really like some now, but I can't drink through this bag on my head. Shame." Hilarious. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08pVpBq706k&feature=related

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

The Owl and the Pussycat

I know this is not the greatest image, but I wanted a still from the actual video that I'm recommending you watch through the link below. I posted a strange friendship a few posts ago -- the dolphin and the cat -- but this one is in many ways at least as strange and wonderful. The owl clearly loves to fly low enough the let the cat try to catch him. And you have to watch until the end, when the cat leap-frogs over the owl, pretending to tackle him. Awesome. Thanks to DM for this one!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iqmba7npY8g&feature=player_embedded

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Fennec Fox

Isn't this little beauty amazing?! It's called a Fennec Fox. What incredibly hugs ears it has -- it must hear mice whispering from miles away. I think it's quite magical. It's on my desktop now -- to remind me that I've never seen it all!

Monday, May 9, 2011

Footballs for Elephants?

O.k., maybe my movie, "Footballs for Elephants," doesn't have any smoldering, vampiric stars or pointy-chinned damsels in distress, but it does have tiny footballers with kooky, wiry hairs and ancient skin! Who will win? Will they trip? It will be full of dramatic tension! Coming to a theatre -- or maybe a zoo -- near you!