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.

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

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

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!