CONSERVATION

These sky-soaring scavengers are full of surprises. Here are 3 Wild & Wacky Facts about them:

1. They Can Smell Dinner from Miles Away.

Unlike most birds, turkey vultures (nicknamed buzzards in some places) have an incredible sense of smell. They can sniff out a dead animal from over a mile away—even through thick forest! It’s like having a built-in radar for finding snacks... if snacks were dead animals.

2. They’re Nature’s Clean-Up Crew

Buzzards eat dead animals (called carrion), which might sound nasty, but it’s super important for keeping the environment clean. Without them, the world would be full of rotting carcasses, spreading disease everywhere. So yeah, they’re basically the unsung heroes of hygiene.

3. They Poop on Their Legs to Stay Cool

Yep, you read that right. When it gets too hot, buzzards poop or pee on their legs to cool themselves off, this weird behavior, called urohidrosis, works like sweat for them. Gross? Yes. Effective? Also yes. Buzzards genuinely have no ...

This special day encourages us to appreciate and protect those oft-misunderstood creatures that share our world. As someone who runs a conservation leadership club for young people, I would love some fun facts about Spiders and why they are so important.

Spiders are not just creepy-crawlies; they play a vital role in maintaining the balance of our environment. Best of all, they offer Natural Pest Control. Yes, that’s right, Spiders are nature's pest controllers. They help keep populations of insects like flies and mosquitoes in check, which is essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems. So don’t squish or step on them. Simply let them eat up the bugs around you!

Hey there, Awesome Animal Lovers! Did you know that January 21 is Squirrel Appreciation Day? Yep, it’s a whole day dedicated to those fluffy-tailed acrobats that zip through trees like woodland ninjas. Whether they’re burying acorns for the winter or just making you laugh with their quirky antics, squirrels are some of the coolest critters around. So, let’s take a moment to appreciate these little nut-hoarding superheroes and learn more about how we can celebrate them today!

Fun Wild & Wacky Facts About Squirrels 

Squirrels are more than just your backyard buddies. Check out these wild and wacky squirrel facts:  

• They are nature’s gardeners! When squirrels bury nuts and forget where they put them, those nuts can grow into trees. They’re basically accidental forest farmers.  
• There are some species of squirrels that can fly! Okay, not like airplanes, but flying squirrels can glide from tree to tree thanks to a special flap of skin. Talk about a superpower!  
• They are super smart....

Have you ever thought about having a job that lets you hang out with penguins all day?

Today, we are waddling Into the World of Penguins and looking at the career of a Penguinologist—yes, it's a real thing, and yes, it’s as cool as it sounds! So, grab your snow boots or sandals, and let's dive into the icy terrain or sandy beach of the adorable and utterly fascinating world of studying penguins. 

Click Here to Listen to the Full Podcast!

Every year on October 22nd, animal lovers around the globe come together to celebrate Wombat Day, a day dedicated to honoring these unique and lovable marsupials native to Australia.

Wombats, with their robust bodies, short legs, and adorable faces, capture the hearts of many. But beyond their charming appearance, these creatures play a significant role in their ecosystems and hold a special place in the cultural fabric of Australia. 

This Wombat Day, let’s appreciate these fascinating animals and learn a few fun facts about them!

Fun Facts About Wombats:

• Burrowing Experts: Wombats are incredible diggers, capable of creating extensive burrow systems. Their powerful claws and strong limbs allow them to dig tunnels that can be up to 328 feet or 100 meters long!
• Unique Poop: Wombats produce cube-shaped droppings! This peculiar shape prevents the feces from rolling away, marking their territory effectively.
• Three Species: There are three species of wombats: 
• the Common Wombat, ...

Today, we celebrate these adorable, slow-moving creatures that remind us to embrace the art of relaxation and take life at our own pace. Let’s take a moment to appreciate what makes sloths so uniquely fascinating!

Here are some fun facts about our favorite tree-dwellers:

• Slow and Steady: Sloths move at a leisurely pace of about 0.24 km/h (0.15 mph), making them one of the slowest mammals on Earth.
• Green is the New Black: Their fur hosts a variety of algae, giving them a greenish tint that provides camouflage among the leaves.
• Three's a Crowd: Sloths are known for their three long, curved claws on each limb, perfect for hanging onto tree branches.
• Power Nappers: They can sleep up to 20 hours a day, conserving energy for their slow-paced lifestyle.
• Hang Tight: Sloths can hold their breath for up to 40 minutes while swimming—much longer than they can while on land!

So, let’s take a cue from sloths today: slow down, relax, and enjoy the little things in life. 

Happy Internation...

Join us in celebrating World Sloth Bear Day. This special day is dedicated to raising awareness about the conservation of these unique and fascinating creatures. Sloth bears, native to the Indian subcontinent, play a crucial role in their ecosystems and face numerous challenges in the wild. 

Let's take a moment to appreciate these incredible animals and learn more about them.

Fun Facts about Sloth Bears:

• Native Habitat: Sloth bears are primarily found in India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, with over 90% of their population residing in India.
• Conservation Status: They are classified as 'vulnerable' by the IUCN, facing threats from habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict.
• Unique Diet: These bears are myrmecophagous, meaning they primarily eat termites and ants, but they also enjoy fruits and honey, which helps in seed dispersal.
• Distinctive Features: Sloth bears are known for their shaggy black coat, long claws, and a unique gap in their front teeth, which helps them suck up...

Today is a special occasion dedicated to celebrating and raising awareness about the African penguin, the only penguin species native to the African continent. These awesome birds are not only fascinating but also face significant threats that have led to their endangered status. Let's take this opportunity to learn more about them and support their conservation.

Fun Facts About African Penguins:

• Warm Habitat: African penguins are the only penguin species found on the sandy beaches and the rocky sites of South Africa. 
• Speedy Swimmers: African penguins are incredible swimmers, capable of reaching speeds up to 20 miles per hour (approximately 32 km/h) and diving to depths of 130 meters while hunting for fish like sardines and anchovies.
• Lifelong Partners: African penguins are monogamous and mate for life, with 80-90% of couples staying together throughout their lives. They often return to the same nesting site each year.
• Unique Voices: African penguins have the nickname 'jackass ...

The Badger is a misunderstood creature who plays a crucial role in maintaining soil health and biodiversity.

Their special day is celebrated each year on the 6th of October each year. It is an opportunity for individuals like you and wildlife organizations to unite to educate the public about badgers and promote conservation initiatives. 

Badgers are fascinating creatures with a host of intriguing and sometimes bizarre characteristics. 

Here are some wild and wacky facts about these unique animals:

1. Diverse Family: Badgers belong to the Mustelidae family, which includes otters, ferrets, polecats, weasels, and wolverines. This family is known for its diverse and often fierce members.
2. Excavation Experts: Known for their digging prowess, badgers have stocky bodies and short legs, making them excellent excavators. They can dig extensive burrow systems called setts, which can be over 100 years old and passed down through generations.
3. Clean and Tidy: Badgers are surprisingly clean ...

Happy International Zookeeper Day! 

Today, we celebrate the incredible work of zookeepers around the globe who dedicate their lives to caring for our planet's most exotic and beloved creatures. These Critter Saver Champions work tirelessly to ensure the well-being and conservation of wildlife, significantly impacting animal care and education.

International Zoo Keeper Day was first declared on October 4, 2015, by the International Congress of Zookeepers. This date was chosen because it coincides with the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment. This highlights the deep connection between zookeepers and their mission to protect wildlife.

Feeling clawsome today? 🐾 

Let's get wild and celebrate the zookeepers who make every zoo visit a roaring success! From monkeying around with the primates to chilling with the wild, these dedicated professionals ensure every animal has a story to tell and a safe place to thrive.

Remember, protecting wildlif...