Philosopher Panda

"And what if all of animated nature

Be but organic harps diversely framed,

That tremble into thought, as o'er them sweeps

Plastic and vast, one intellectual breeze,

At once the Soul of each, and God of All?",

he mused while gazing into the foliage.

Here comes the bride!

So, so funny. This is a genuinely frightening Hallowe'en costume. Imagine being the poor groom who throws up the veil to find that he's married to this "lovely lady"!

Kanellos, the Greek Protest Dog

This stray dog in Athens has been "on the frontlines" of all of the protests against austerity in the Greek city. You can see him in action in this video:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/video/2011/oct/05/greece-protest-dog-kanellos-video

What I want to know is, how does he know so consistently who's side he's on? He acts like he hates the police and wants to help the protesters. It's weird!

Buddies in Bad Times

Need I say more? If you ever doubted that monkeys are hugely intelligent and feel anguish and comfort in ways that are almost human, then look into this guy's eyes and change your mind.

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?

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!

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.