Review and images by Suspsy; edited by bmathison1972
The Sasquatch (Megapodapithecus krantzi), more popularly known as Bigfoot, is one of only two apes (the other being Homo sapiens) known to inhabit the North American continent. It is also one of the world’s largest primates, with adult males regularly growing to well over two metres in height and 227 kg (500 lbs) in weight.
When it comes to animals known for being strong work animals, helping humans pull heavy equipment and working in fields, it is the horse (Equus ferus caballus). The largest and strongest breed of these is the Shire horse, a breed that holds the title of largest and tallest horse, the biggest on record being over seven foot tall.
Review and images by Birdsage; edited by bmathison1972
Hawaiian monk seals (Monachus schauinslandi) are the subject of several myths that put it in danger. It is sometimes thought that they are an invasive species not indigenous to Hawaii, but brought there by humans in very recent history.
Review and images by Lanthanotus; edited by bmathison1972
Amongst the mammals the typical human is familiar with, the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) holds a firm place. It is just so different from the rest of its class, that even young kids usually know it. While few zoos keep this strange animal for its not-so-easily-satisfied diet, its popularity is held up by its frequent appearance in books, media, and as toys.
The oceans are full of wonderous, graceful but also dangerous animals, though many of these reactions depend on what species you are. This review will look at one that, to us, is graceful, beautiful and intelligence, but to many fish and whales is a dangerous predator, the killer whale (Orcinus orca), or the orca.
“Tyger, Tyger, burning bright,
In the forest of the night,
What immortal hand or eye
Can frame thy fearful symmetry?” The Tyger, William Blake, 1794
This poem, used in the Songs of Experience by William Blake, was a counterpoint of the Songs of Innocence poem, The Lamb, and you can see why.
Review and images by JimoAi; edited by bmathison1972
When it comes to cats on the African savanna, those that comes to mind to most people are the lions, leopards, and cheetahs. There are other cats that people don’t think off, like the caracal or the subject of this review, the serval (Leptailurus serval).
In nature, anachronisms are an interesting mystery. Why do Lemurs cry out in terror of birds that won’t attack them? Why do avocados’ have such large seeds? Why do the trees of New Zealand have sharp leaves as saplings? The animal of this review has an intriguing be partially useful anachronism, the pronghorn (Antilocapra americana), an animal looking like an antelope or deer, but actually being closer related genetically to giraffe and okapi.
Review and images by Suspsy; edited by bmathison1972
Like human babies, gorilla babies are born helpless and entirely dependent on their parents for care and protection. They do, however, develop much faster than human babies and will begin spending time on their own at less than two years of age. Their juvenile stage lasts from age three to six, after which they sleep apart from their mothers.
Review and images by JimoAi; edited by bmathison1972
Contrary to their common name, killer whales (Orcinus orca), also known as orcas, are a species of oceanic dolphin, although they can be considered whales as all dolphins are considered whales but not all whales are dolphins. They are the largest of all dolphins, reaching lengths of 500 cm to 960 cm with males getting to greater lengths than females and also sporting larger pectoral and dorsal fins, with some getting higher than 180 cm (that’s taller than I am!).
