Many animals are afraid of humans, and with good reason. Then there is the kea (Nestor notabilis), a playful bird known for its intelligence, wild curiosity, and general disregard for the “stay away from humans” rule. This New Zealand native was named by the Māori people for its distinct call: a bright, high-pitched keee-aaa!
Category: Creature Feature
Creature Feature: Sea Cucumbers
What animal has no face, is named after fresh produce, resembles a flaccid turd, and can turn their bodies inside out when threatened? Well, if you guessed sea cucumbers (Class: Holothuroidea) you must be a fellow aficionado or… perhaps the title was a dead giveaway. Either way, these squishy marine invertebrates are unsung heroes of…
Creature Feature: Manatees
Many of us have slowed down our fast-paced lives during the pandemic, so it’s hard to recall how differently we lived last year. The morning grind to beat rush hour traffic, the hurried meal we scarfed down during our brief lunch break, the rushed exercise routine we somehow managed to squeeze in on our way…
Creature Feature: Greater glider
That “new” mammal that made a splash over social media isn’t so new.
Creature Feature: Tidewater mucket mussel
If there had been a fall feast at Plymouth in the early 1600s, it probably would have included a food uncommon at modern-day Thanksgiving meals: mussels!
Creature Feature: Aye-ayes
Primates are known for their behavioral diversity, but perhaps no primate is as bizarre as the aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis). Their black-grizzled fur, combined with bat-like ears, rodent-like incisors, and long middle finger, make them look quite spooky—right on time for Halloween!
Creature Feature: Ethiopian wolf
An elusive creature and the rarest canid in the world, the Ethiopian wolf is commonly referred to as the Simien fox. Despite its foxy nickname, bushy tail, and reddish fur, the Ethiopian wolf is actually a true wolf.
Creature Feature: Amazon molly
Why did the Amazon molly get her name?
Creature Feature: Grass carp
Grass carp, originally brought to the U.S. as lawnmowers for aquatic plants, can eat up to 100% of their body weight in vegetation every day.
Creature Feature: Hummingbirds
Good things come in small packages! This saying perfectly describes our flying, flower-loving friends, the hummingbirds.