Environmental Curiosities for those with enquiring minds!
the bear necessities
When 4-month-old Kali’s mother was killed by a hunter, she was taken to the Alaska Zoo. She will eventually move to a permanent home at the Buffalo Zoo, but the interim she is receiving great veterinary care and plenty of enrichment.
Animal enrichment encourages species-appropriate behavior, such as playing, hiding, and foraging. Toys are often given, as seen in this picture of Kali wrestling wi...th a stuffed bear almost same size.
The Conservation and Behavior Department provides the necessary means to zoos and aquariums to ensure that animals are getting everything they need. Quality enrichment programs allow for happier, healthier, longer-lived animals. Next time you visit your local zoo, chat to the keepers about what sort of enrichment activities the animals are being provided with.
Animal enrichment encourages species-appropriate behavior, such as playing, hiding, and foraging. Toys are often given, as seen in this picture of Kali wrestling wi...th a stuffed bear almost same size.
The Conservation and Behavior Department provides the necessary means to zoos and aquariums to ensure that animals are getting everything they need. Quality enrichment programs allow for happier, healthier, longer-lived animals. Next time you visit your local zoo, chat to the keepers about what sort of enrichment activities the animals are being provided with.
What came first - the chicken or the egg?!
Through genetic engineering, a duck has given birth to a chicken. Though its practicality has come under fire, the future endeavors stemming from this experiment could be quite amazing. In the future, scientists hope to use this technology in conservation efforts, or even to revive extinct species.
Dara O'briains science club
Great BBC series presented by Irish comedian Dara O'Briain.
6 episode series - 4 so far:
Episode 1 - Inheritance
Episode 2 - The Story of Physics
Episode 3 - Extinction
Episode 4 - The Weird and Wondeful Brain
Click here for the official website - Enjoy!
6 episode series - 4 so far:
Episode 1 - Inheritance
Episode 2 - The Story of Physics
Episode 3 - Extinction
Episode 4 - The Weird and Wondeful Brain
Click here for the official website - Enjoy!
Identify the species
This eggs were discovered in th EcoGarden on the underside of some rotting wood - but what species are they? What would they hatch into and is it possible to tell at this stage of their development?
Contribute your ideas here - make sure you name your sources and explain your thinking!
Contribute your ideas here - make sure you name your sources and explain your thinking!
creepy crawlies don't have to be frightening
They populated the earth long before the human race and will long survive us. SIx legs? Eight? 32 or perhaps none, the world or the arthropods is a fascinating one - if your brave enough to investigate. Click here to find out more about some of the specimens below...
investigating biodiversity with the natural history museum
What is Biodiversity? Why is it so precious and why are Scientists spending entire lifetimes attempting to preserve it?
The Natural History Museum attempt to answer these questions - click here to see what they have to say.
The Natural History Museum attempt to answer these questions - click here to see what they have to say.