Otter-ly adorable! Boy racing sea otter at San Diego Zoo is an internet sensation

By JENNIFER MADISON

New pals: A toddler has become an instant internet sensation after a video of the boy racing a sea otter went viral


You could say they got on swimmingly.

A toddler has become an instant internet sensation after a video of the boy racing a sea otter went viral.

The video of the boy playing chase with a sea otter at the San Diego Zoo has scored over 1million hits in less than one week's time.

The video - the only uploaded by YouTube user mmoyerssd1 - was posted last Sunday and quickly caught the attention of animal fans around the world.

It shows a blond little boy running back and forth alongside the California zoo's sea otter tank, side-by-side with his new pal.



Somersaults in the sun: The otter, feeling quite social, playfully follows his every move even as the boy tries to trick his new mate


The otter, feeling quite social, playfully follows his every move even as the boy tries to trick his new mate.

The marine mammal is seen doing an underwater somersault in a bid to catch up and give chase in the opposite direction.

The boy giggles in response, running back and forth as passers-by laugh in delight.


San Diego Zoo: One of the largest in the world with with over 4,000 animals of more than 800 species, it is known for its many friendly characters


The zoo - one of the largest in the world with with over 4,000 animals of more than 800 species - has become widely-known for its many friendly characters.

In March, a playful young panda bear named Su Lin grabbed headlines after cameras caught her having a roll in the snow and sticking her tongue out at spectators.

And last year Otis the hippo became a sensation after beaming a smile for visitors' photos as they posed next to his tank.


Playing with an Otter-1


source: dailymail

Smotherly love! A reassuring snuggle for the kitten having a nightmare

By MIKE O'BRIEN

Deep sleep: The kitten starts to move its paws as its imagination takes over


Awww factor 10! People usually say they're either a dog person or a cat person, but this display of motherly love should have universal appeal.

A fluffy young kitten is lying, snuggled as close to her mother as possible, with the parent's front left leg draped over the young 'un's stomach.

The orange and cream striped kitten seems to be deep in sleep with its little mouth wide open.


Kitty nightmare: The arms start flailing and mother is waking


Suddenly the kitten's left paw jerks quickly.

Then the right, then the left, then both.

Clearly having something of a nightmare, the kitten lifts both front legs up in the air.


We'll have none of that: Without opening her eyes, the cat pulls the kitten close


Safe enough for you: The kitten is virtually smothered by its mother


Fighting off a vicious dog, perhaps, or some other big nasty animal.

At that point, mother decides she's had enough.

She lifts her left leg, puts her right leg under the kitten's body and reassuringly pulls her baby as close to her as possible.


Comfy now: The kitten moves her head to a better position


The kitten obviously enjoys her new safer position, eventually moving its head to face her mother's.

The video has had more than 1.3 million views since it was posted on Thursday.
So cute! It's enough turn even the bitterest old man into an emotional ball of fluff!




source: dailymail

Mason the miracle dog: Canine crawls home on TWO broken legs three weeks after being blown away in deadly Alabama tornado

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

On the mend: Mason underwent surgery last week to pin his broken front legs after managing to crawl home on them two weeks after being blown away by a tornado


He probably didn't have to walk 300 miles.

But it was certainly an 'incredible journey' for Mason, the plucky pup who crawled home on two broken legs after a tornado tossed him up and left him for dead.

The scrappy dog had been hiding in a garage in North Smithfield, Alabama, when the storm hit on April 27.

It whipped through the community, destroying houses and uprooting trees, but when it had passed Mason was nowhere to be seen.

His family had all but given up hope when two weeks later they returned home to sift through belongings only to find the dog on their doorstep.

He was in a bad way with what appeared to be broken limbs.


Four legs not so good: Before his op Mason was still having to hunker down to walk


The family rushed him to the Birmingham Jefferson County Animal Control shelter where veterinarians gave him once over.

'He's got two broken legs and they're distal radial unal fractures,' Dr Barbara Benhart told Wavy-TV 10.

'They've not been able to be in alignment so neither one of them have healed so he had to crawl on two broken legs to get home,' she added.


Serious: Dr Barbara Benhart with the Birmingham Jefferson County Animal Control shelter said Mason had distal radial unal fractures in both front legs


Mason's owners asked the shelter to look after him while they try and put their own lives back together.

And with the help of donations and the generosity of a nearby veterinary clinic Mason underwent an operation to fix plates into his two front legs last week.

He is now doing well and will go home to his family in six weeks time, a spokesman from the animal shelter said.


Scene: The tornado whipped through the Jefferson County community destroying houses and uprooting trees, left. Mason had bee hiding in his family's garage, right, when the storm hit


Deadly: A wave of deadly tornadoes hit the state on April 27, including a massive F5 one that destroyed Tuscaloosa, which is around an hour's away from North Smithfield


Now the pup has become something of a celebrity and even has his own Facebook page with 1,255 friends and counting.

He also speaks 'woof' according a list of language skills on his profile.

Phil Doster, who works at the shelter, said the amount of animals brought in because of the storm is starting to taper off, but added that Mason's injuries were the most dramatic they'd seen in an animal that had survived so long on its own.


Mascot: Mason has become something of a celebrity dog after attracting more than a thousand friends on his very own Facebook page


Adventure: Mason's tale smacks of the fictional story of the three pets in 1993 remake Homeward Bound: The incredible journey, in which they travel 300 miles to get home


'For an animal to go through what he's gone through and not to be ugly, to be happy for any companionship is remarkable,' Mr Doster told Wavy-TV.

'We're honoured to be part of his recovery,' he added.

The shelter has been inundated with pets, mostly dogs and cats that have been lost in the storms


After tornado, dog crawls back home [CNN: 5-19-2011]


source: dailymail

We don't do à la CART: McDonald's drive-thru refuses to serve woman in horse-drawn carriage... so she went to KFC

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Mis-carriage of justice: Debbie at the McDonald's drive-thru where she was refused service with friend Ashley Macro. McDonald's said it stands by its policy of not serving people on horse and cart


A woman riding in a horse and carriage was turned away from a McDonald's drive-thru after they were deemed a health and safety hazard.

Debbie Murden was refused service at the hatch of the fast food restaurant in Alfreton, Derbyshire, after staff said it was too dangerous to serve her when she was in the carriage.

So 42-year-old Ms Murden steered her transport - pulled by a Welsh Cob stallion called Dago - over the road to KFC where staff were happy to take her order.


Bargain bucket for your nag? Ms Murden at the KFC drive-thru with friend Ashley Macro. The fast food chain said it was happy to serve her and would do so again


Ms Murden said she was surprised by the refusal, as she rides her horse and carriage for miles from her home in Pinxton, Derbyshire, often stopping off at pubs and restaurants along the way.

She said: 'My horse travels on dual carriageways and is never affected - there is no reason why it would be dangerous.

'I went into the restaurant to buy a meal for me and my boyfriend and some carrot sticks for my horse.

'It was a surprise to me as I've never been refused before. We often stop off at pubs and leave the stallion in the car park, it's usually no bother whatsoever, and is mostly a good talking point.'



Horse play: Ms Murden with her friend Kim Phelan. Diners watched on in amazement as she manoeuvred the huge stallion to a KFC window and placed her order


Ms Murden has sent a complaint to McDonald's about being turned away, but the fast-food restaurant has yet to reply.

She added: 'If they say sorry and admit it's their fault then I will go there again but from now on I'll be using KFC.'

A McDonald's spokesman said: 'We're sorry to have disappointed Ms Debbie Murden and for any confusion caused.

'The health and safety of our customers is our top priority and for this reason we are unable to serve customers in a horse-drawn carriage.

'We will ensure this policy is reiterated to our employees so any inconsistency is avoided.'

A KFC spokesman said: 'We were happy to serve Ms Murden and look forward to seeing her again soon.'


source: dailymail

We don't do à la CART: McDonald's drive-thru refuses to serve woman in horse-drawn carriage... so she went to KFC

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Mis-carriage of justice: Debbie at the McDonald's drive-thru where she was refused service with friend Ashley Macro. McDonald's said it stands by its policy of not serving people on horse and cart


A woman riding in a horse and carriage was turned away from a McDonald's drive-thru after they were deemed a health and safety hazard.

Debbie Murden was refused service at the hatch of the fast food restaurant in Alfreton, Derbyshire, after staff said it was too dangerous to serve her when she was in the carriage.

So 42-year-old Ms Murden steered her transport - pulled by a Welsh Cob stallion called Dago - over the road to KFC where staff were happy to take her order.


Bargain bucket for your nag? Ms Murden at the KFC drive-thru with friend Ashley Macro. The fast food chain said it was happy to serve her and would do so again


Ms Murden said she was surprised by the refusal, as she rides her horse and carriage for miles from her home in Pinxton, Derbyshire, often stopping off at pubs and restaurants along the way.

She said: 'My horse travels on dual carriageways and is never affected - there is no reason why it would be dangerous.

'I went into the restaurant to buy a meal for me and my boyfriend and some carrot sticks for my horse.

'It was a surprise to me as I've never been refused before. We often stop off at pubs and leave the stallion in the car park, it's usually no bother whatsoever, and is mostly a good talking point.'



Horse play: Ms Murden with her friend Kim Phelan. Diners watched on in amazement as she manoeuvred the huge stallion to a KFC window and placed her order


Ms Murden has sent a complaint to McDonald's about being turned away, but the fast-food restaurant has yet to reply.

She added: 'If they say sorry and admit it's their fault then I will go there again but from now on I'll be using KFC.'

A McDonald's spokesman said: 'We're sorry to have disappointed Ms Debbie Murden and for any confusion caused.

'The health and safety of our customers is our top priority and for this reason we are unable to serve customers in a horse-drawn carriage.

'We will ensure this policy is reiterated to our employees so any inconsistency is avoided.'

A KFC spokesman said: 'We were happy to serve Ms Murden and look forward to seeing her again soon.'


source: dailymail

Doggone it, they grow up quickly! Video of puppy growing to adult in 40 seconds becomes cute YouTube hit

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Happy birthday: Dunder the German Shepherd reaches one, having been photographed from eight-weeks old


This short video shows a dog growing from eight-weeks old to one-year old in only 40 seconds.

The YouTube clip shows pictures on the same spot of Dunder the German Shepherd over a period of ten months and has become an Internet sensation.

The time lapse video was uploaded on May 19 and has already attracted nearly 700,000 hits.


Tiny: As a puppy Dunder is so small (and the floor is clean) - this is the beginning of the series of pictures


In the video Dunder is shown as a tiny puppy obediently looking at a camera on what looks like a family kitchen floor.

As the video filters though more pictures as he grows up the floor become more and more dirty.

But Dunder is growing quickly and the days of him as a cute puppy are soon gone.

Occasionally children's feet and even another dog can be seen in the images, which become increasingly more humorous as time goes on.


A bit bigger: The German Shepherd is shown with his tongue out, but still looks a little unsteady on his feet


Bigger dog: Looking firmly at the camera Dunder gets taller and stronger all the time


Big dog: As Dunder approaches his first birthday he begins to look more like an adult dog


The dog can be seen wearing various items of clothing, too, and when his birthday comes around the photographer holds up the number one and Dunder poses with a birthday hat on his head.

One YouTube poster called Dupalle said: 'I just can't decide wether (sic) this is more awesome, cute or funny!!

'Definitely made my day though! Thanks for sharing!'


Woof customer: The dog is dressed up in all manner of costumes - but it's only when you slow the film down that you can see the outfits


Props: Dunder is handed what looks like a potato peeler - and he is surrounded by potato skin




source: dailymail

Doggone it, they grow up quickly! Video of puppy growing to adult in 40 seconds becomes cute YouTube hit

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Happy birthday: Dunder the German Shepherd reaches one, having been photographed from eight-weeks old


This short video shows a dog growing from eight-weeks old to one-year old in only 40 seconds.

The YouTube clip shows pictures on the same spot of Dunder the German Shepherd over a period of ten months and has become an Internet sensation.

The time lapse video was uploaded on May 19 and has already attracted nearly 700,000 hits.


Tiny: As a puppy Dunder is so small (and the floor is clean) - this is the beginning of the series of pictures


In the video Dunder is shown as a tiny puppy obediently looking at a camera on what looks like a family kitchen floor.

As the video filters though more pictures as he grows up the floor become more and more dirty.

But Dunder is growing quickly and the days of him as a cute puppy are soon gone.

Occasionally children's feet and even another dog can be seen in the images, which become increasingly more humorous as time goes on.


A bit bigger: The German Shepherd is shown with his tongue out, but still looks a little unsteady on his feet


Bigger dog: Looking firmly at the camera Dunder gets taller and stronger all the time


Big dog: As Dunder approaches his first birthday he begins to look more like an adult dog


The dog can be seen wearing various items of clothing, too, and when his birthday comes around the photographer holds up the number one and Dunder poses with a birthday hat on his head.

One YouTube poster called Dupalle said: 'I just can't decide wether (sic) this is more awesome, cute or funny!!

'Definitely made my day though! Thanks for sharing!'


Woof customer: The dog is dressed up in all manner of costumes - but it's only when you slow the film down that you can see the outfits


Props: Dunder is handed what looks like a potato peeler - and he is surrounded by potato skin




source: dailymail

Fears of mass whale stranding as experts rush to remote Western Isles to treat injured mammals

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Cause for concern: Up to 100 whales have been spotted off the coast of South Uist, near Loch Carnan - and a large number appeared to have head injuries


Up to 100 whales have been spotted off the coast of South Uist

Many of the mammals have head injuries


Marine experts have been deployed to the Western Isles to try to prevent a mass stranding of pilot whales.

Up to 100 whales have been spotted off the coast of South Uist, near Loch Carnan - and a large number appeared to have head injuries.

A spokesman for animal welfare charity Scottish SPCA said the first estimate was that between 60 and 70 of the mammals were stranded, but it is believed the true figure may be nearer 100.


Head injuries: The unwell whales in the group could try to beach themselves and the others are likely to follow


The Scottish SPCA spokesman said: 'If they are sick they will try to beach themselves, and the healthy ones will follow.

'There is a worry that they could move on and turn up somewhere else. We are going to do all we can to make sure that doesn't happen.'

'We anticipate having trained medics and rescue equipment on the scene by mid morning. This is one of the largest events of this kind ever in the country.'

Mr Jack said arrangements are being made for other sets of specialised rescue equipment to be flown to the island to assist with the rescue attempt.


source: dailymail

Oi! Come down right now! Moment mother orang-utan hauled in her baby who was climbing too high

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Break for freedom: Charlie begins his short ascent up the tree before his mother notices his attempt


Just like a curious toddler this adorable baby orang-utan wandered too far from his mother before she reeled him back in with her firm grip.

In an incredibly human-like scene naughty Charlie's mother clearly thought her mischievous baby had climbed far enough as he explored a tree at the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre in Sabah, Borneo.

And when Britt has had enough she simply extends one of her gigantic arms and scoops up her tiny king of the swingers before giving him a relieved cuddle.


Gotcha: Charlie's mother's long reach stops his climb as she grabs onto his neck to ensure his safety


Another astonishingly tender moment comes when Charlie's father Miskam wanders over to make sure his son is ok.

British photographer Dave Stevenson, 28, from London, caught the perfect moment as the doting father lovingly stares down into Charlie's eyes.

Dave pictured the touching scene of the primates - all rescue animals - during a visit to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Borneo, last month.


Family meeting: Dad Miskam comes over to check on his family, while Charlie upholds his mischievous reputation as he swings on the ropes


He said: 'Just like any mum, the further he moved away the more closely she watched, until her nerve gave out and she pulled him back.

'Charlie was doing what comes naturally to all babies - just exploring.

'He had been clinging to mum while she ate, but he started climbing solo. She looked away for a heartbeat and he started exploring higher and higher.


The camera captures this touching moment showing the incredible bond between mother and child as they are locked in an embrace


'Orangutans are amazingly adept climbers, but before he could get out of arms' reach she reached out a huge hand and brought him back down.

'It was a very gentle moment and it was very touching to see such a large animal treat such a small one so carefully.

'Watching dad Miskam come in at the end was great. Male orangutans tend not to play a role in raising infants, so witnessing a tender shot like this is rare.'


source: dailymail

Where did all the snow go? The polar bear who can't understand

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Where there should be snow, instead there is a field of purple flowers, confusing this polar bear


This confused polar bear looks as though he's taken a bit of a wrong turn - the Arctic landscape is covered in beautiful purple flowers instead of crisp white snow.

Far from being camouflaged, the bear can be seen from far away as he stands among thousands of fireweed flowers.

The pictures were taken by photographer Michael Poliza, 53, who couldn't believe his eyes when he saw the bear wandering across the landscape.


A changed landscape: Normally this area would be covered by snow at this time of year, but climate change means the ice has already retreated


He said: 'The polar bear was all by himself as they are very solitary animals anyway.
'But this one looked particularly sad as it wandered around, almost a though it didn't understand where the snow had gone.'

However stunning the pictures are though, they show the serious effect that climate change is having on our planet.

Polar bears are having to adapt to the changing world and forage for food inland.

Normally they do all their feeding on ice during the winter months, but each year the ice is melting earlier in the spring and forming later in autumn.

That means they are facing increasingly longer summers without fat reserves from seals.


Looking for food: Polar bears are solitary animals, but this one appeared particularly sad



The pictures were taken by Michael Poliza in Hudson Bay at Point Hubbard, Canada


Mr Poliza, from Hamburg, Germany, said: 'During the Arctic summer polar bears fast and spend most of their time resting.

'This polar bear still had three months to go before the seal hunting season began again. Because there are only about 25,000 polar bears left in the wild their future looks more uncertain than ever.

'The southern-most populations along the Hudson Bay are the most affected by climate change. And if this polar bear knew all that, he'd definitely look sad.'


source: dailymail

Birds of spray: Hummingbird family drink from sprinkler in photographer's back garden

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Stunning: The quick-witted hummingbird hovers in mid-air to drink from the garden sprinkler


These stunning photos show a family of hummingbirds cooling down from the sweltering weather by flying through water from a garden sprinkler.

Photographer Marie Will captured the fantastic images as the birds hovered in the air and refreshed themselves with the cool droplets.

The 39-year-old wears a bright red jumper so that she can get closer to the birds.


Pecking order: The bird is caught mid-flight


She put a garden sprinkler on her lawn and adjusted it to its slowest movement setting in order to photograph the Rufous Hummingbirds in mid air.

Marie said: 'My photographs show the playful, spirit of wild hummingbirds - they look like they are having so much fun, like a child playing with the garden hose.

'I live next to the river which brings in a lot of birds. I usually take the photos in my back garden.

'They like to feed on the plants in may garden and also cool down with the sprinkler.


Angelic: The tiny bird was captured in on camera in Oregon, U.S.


Dropping in for a drink: the colourful birds visit the garden every day


'My home office extends off to a deck that has large glass sliding doors which lead to my garden.

'I put the garden hose with the sprinkler attached close to the deck and set the spray on slow.

'My photography needs good weather because when it is sunny and bright I can capture the bird's beautiful colours.

'Most hummingbirds disappear during cold weather, but my hummingbirds stay here all year round.

'No matter if it snows or not, I am constantly refilling the feeders with sugar water I make." Marie, from Oregon, U.S., added: 'I make sure my cat is put in the house or he chases all my birds away.'



Friend of the birds: Marie Will uses a sprinkler and wears a red jumper to attract hummingbirds to her garden to get her incredible pictures

source : dailymail