Vocal learning is extremely rare in animals, but gorillas appear to have cracked it. “Snough!” That's apparently gorilla slang meaning "I say, old buddy, toss us a couple grapes, would you?" What's most surprising about this unusual vocalization is that it appears to have been developed by caged gorillas specifically for the purpose of communicating with human zookeepers, … [Read more...] about Captive Gorillas Have Created A Special Call To Communicate With Human Zookeepers
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The Arctic is Warming Far Faster Than Previously Thought
What happens in the Arctic doesn’t stay in the Arctic. It's no secret that the Arctic is rising faster than the rest of the world, but new study suggests that the problem may have been overstated. According to a recent study, the Arctic has been rising at least four times faster than the world average, and maybe twice as fast as some prior projections. The new study was … [Read more...] about The Arctic is Warming Far Faster Than Previously Thought
Japan’s Cat Islands: Where Cats Outnumber Humans, Forcing The Majority of Them to Leave
Cats have taken over several of Japan's "Cat Islands" from humans. At least, that's how it appears. To offer you (two) examples, below are the most well-known ones (s). Japan is a country that appreciates charming "kawaii" items. What could be cuter than an island full with cats? The Japanese have coined the phrase Nekojima to describe these exceptional locales, which serve … [Read more...] about Japan’s Cat Islands: Where Cats Outnumber Humans, Forcing The Majority of Them to Leave
“Extinct” Giant Galapagos Tortoise Discovered Chilling Alone On Remote Volcanic Island
Chelonoidis phantasticus, the sole known member of the enormous Galapagos tortoise species, was discovered 113 years apart. A lone male was discovered wandering about Fernandina Island in 1906, but that was the last scientists saw of the species until 2019 when researchers discovered a second lone ranger: a 50-year-old female dubbed Fernanda, who appeared to be queen of her own … [Read more...] about “Extinct” Giant Galapagos Tortoise Discovered Chilling Alone On Remote Volcanic Island
France Euthanizes a Beluga Whale that Became Stranded in The Seine River
Officials have verified that a beluga whale rescued after being stranded in France's Seine River for more than a week perished while on its way to the sea. Since August 2, the whale has been trapped in the freshwater lock at St.-Pierre-La-Garenne, 45 miles northwest of Paris. According to wildlife conservation organizations monitoring the situation, its health deteriorated … [Read more...] about France Euthanizes a Beluga Whale that Became Stranded in The Seine River