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Rare Amur Tiger Cubs Born At Highland Wildlife Park

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Wildlife conservationists and animal lovers cheered this weekend when Dominika, an Amur tiger, gave birth to three tiger cubs at the Highland Wildlife Park in Scotland.

Rare and Endangered Beauties

Amur tigers are among the most rare, endangered species in the world. Dominika’s beautiful babies are a sign of hope that Amur tigers can continue breeding in captivity.

The Highland Park and Edinburgh Zoo are committed to preserving and protecting many endangered species, including Scottish Wildcats, also known as Highland Tigers.

These projects aim to breed wild cats in captivity and then release them into the wild. The Amur Tiger breeding project is one of these initiatives.

One of the World’s Largest

The Amur tiger, which was once known as the Siberian tiger, is one of the largest cats in the world. Its coat is a lighter orange than other tiger species, and its coat is longer and thicker.

That’s because Amur tigers live in the icy mountains of Russia, China and Korea. The Amur tiger is the national animal of South Korea.

Making a Small Comeback

Amur tigers were hunted almost to extinction in the 1940s. In 1947, Russia outlawed tiger hunting and passed laws protecting the cats.

Since then, they’ve made a small comeback. Today, around 500 live in the wild.

Protecting the Amur Tiger Cubs

Vickie Larkin, who is the carnivore team leader at Highland Wildlife Park, told the Daily Record that the first few weeks of a cub’s life are critical.

For this reason, the cubs and their mother will have some privacy for a few more weeks. In the meantime, visitors can see a video of the little cubs. They can also see Botzman, the cubs’ father.

Hope for the Future

With many species on the verge of extinction, the successful birth of these cubs is a marker of hope for the future.

Larkin said, “There are just 500 Amur tigers remaining in the wild, so our adorable cubs represent an important contribution to the future of this endangered species.”

If you want to support the care and feeding of the Amur cubs or other endangered animals, you can donate to the Highland Wildlife Park.

Rare Amur Tiger Cubs Born At Highland Wildlife Park

Little League Pitcher Gets Surprise Reunion With Military Dad

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Most kids love a surprise, but a little boy in Arkansas got a surprise reunion that swept him off his feet.

SPECIAL HONOR

Jett Morris plays Little League in Cabot, Arkansas. This year, he was chosen to play in a Little League tournament. The tournament raises money each year to honor fallen firefighters.

Jett stepped out to throw the first pitch of the game. At home plate, a catcher in a helmet and mask crouched down, ready to catch the ball.

SURPRISE GUEST

As soon as the ball cleared the plate, the catcher stood up. He removed his mask, and Jett recognized his father. It was a surprise visit home.

Jett screamed, “Dad!” as he threw his glove to the ground and raced to home plate. His dad swept him up for a hug.

Jett’s sisters Alexa and Saylor were also on hand to share in a family hug.

A SURPRISE LEAVE

Jett’s dad is in the Navy. Lieutenant Commander Joe Morris has been serving overseas for over a year. This week, he received leave to visit his family.

In a video that has gained thousands of views, you can see the whole family share the joy of the surprise meeting. That’s one surprise that will be hard to top.

Have you ever had a surprise meeting with someone you loved?

Little League Pitcher Gets Surprise Reunion With Military Dad

‘Extinct’ Giant Galápagos Tortoise Reemerges After 100 Years

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A rare giant Galápagos tortoise has emerged from the shadows after being declared extinct more than 100 years ago. Scientists in Ecuador have confirmed that a turtle found in 2019 is a giant Fernandina tortoise.

'Extinct' Giant Galápagos Tortoise Reemerges After 100 Years

Photo by Galapagos National Park

What Is a Fernandina Tortoise?

The Fernandina tortoise (Chelonoidis phantasticus) is a land tortoise native to the Galápagos Islands. They’re a chain of islands that are part of Ecuador.

These islands have many fascinating native species. Charles Darwin developed his theories of evolution while studying turtles and birds on the Galápagos Islands.

Finding Fern

In 1906, conservationists classed Fernandina tortoises as extinct.

In 2019, however, Galápagos National Park rangers were surprised to find a large tortoise whose species they couldn’t identify. They suspected she might be a Fernandina tortoise and named her Fern.

Fern is about 100 years old. Giant tortoises live up to 200 years on average.

Fern’s Confirmed

This month, scientists compared the tortoise’s DNA to the DNA of a Fernandina giant tortoise that was preserved at Yale University.

The results proved the workers were right. At least one Fernandina tortoise had survived after being ruled out a century ago.

Another Galápagos Tortoise Success

Scientists are now hoping to find more members of Fern’s family so they can breed them. Tortoise breeding programs have been highly successful.

In 2020, a giant Galápagos tortoise named Diego fathered hundreds of babies while in captivity. Diego and his little ones have all returned to the wild. Conservationists say Diego “saved his species.”

They are hoping Fern can do the same for hers.

Not Just Tortoises

The tortoise is not the first animal to reemerge after conservationists declared it extinct. In recent years, conservationists have confirmed sightings of Crete wild cats and Sumatran tigers.

The pygmy tarsier, New Guinea singing dog and Kashmir musk deer have all been seen after being declared extinct.

Fern’s Future Looks Bright

The future looks bright for any animal that survives despite habitat loss, climate change and other threats. With luck, Fern can help her species thrive and enjoy a bright future.

'Extinct' Giant Galápagos Tortoise Reemerges After 100 Years

Patriotic Grandmother Cleans Over 600 Unkempt Military Headstones

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Our country has many cemeteries that honor our fallen veterans. Although we all pay respect to them, one Washington grandmother has made that respect a way of life.

Cleaning the Headstones

Since last year, Kelly Mulvaney has been cleaning the headstones and beautifying the graves at Grand Mound Cemetery in Rochester County. As of this month, she has cleaned more than 600 veterans’ headstones.

“The people aren’t forgotten, but sometimes the headstones get old and covered with dirt, and people can’t get here,” she explained.

Daily Ritual

Every day, she pulls up in her car with buckets, a shovel, gloves and other materials. She starts by sweeping pine needles and debris from the headstone. She then cleans stains and mold from the headstone. She finishes by clearing weeds from the edges to make the border stand out.

Each headstone looks like new when she’s finished.

Mulvaney has been dubbed the “Rochester Cemetery Cleaning Angel” by locals. What’s even more amazing is none of her family members are buried in that cemetery.

Inspired To Act

She said she was inspired to act when she and her granddaughter were taking a walk through the cemetery.

“I saw all the military headstones covered in mold and mildew and I thought, those aren’t supposed to look like that,” she told a local paper.

Taking Time

Crystal Hitchcock, whose mother is buried in the cemetery, said she can’t believe someone would “take so much time out of their day and their week and year and do that for somebody they don’t even know.”

Restoring Our Heritage

On her Facebook page, Mulvaney says she wants to “restore our heritage one headstone at a time.”

She has received messages from people who want to join her as volunteers. You can follow her progress on her Facebook page.

Patriotic Grandmother Cleans Over 600 Unkempt Military Headstones

 

102-Year-Old Great-Grandmother Joins First-Grade Virtual Gym Class

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Virtual meetings have become a way of life during the COVID-19 pandemic. People have staged virtual holiday celebrations, virtual classroom sessions and virtual weddings.

VIRTUALLY EVERYWHERE

Now, these virtual meetings have turned one Arizona great-grandmother into a social media sensation.

Brody Contreras is a six-year-old boy who lives in Ajo, Arizona. Like many kids, Brody has a lot of energy, so a virtual gym class seemed like a great way to keep him mentally and physically active.

STEALING THE SPOTLIGHT

Brody’s mom Angela enrolled him in a virtual school that included a PE (physical education) class. She figured it would help him stay fit and have fun.

Little did she know that someone else would soon steal Brody’s spotlight.

FAMILY TIME

Brody was excited about his new class, and he wanted to share the fun with his great-grandmother Julia Fulkerson. Julia is 102 years old, but she is not letting anything slow her down.

Once Fulkerson received the COVID-19 vaccine, the family could spend time in person with her. The family posted a series of Instagram pictures showing Brody and Julia sharing special times.

 

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A post shared by Angie Contreras (@angiec_143)

SHAKING A TAILFEATHER

What happened next shocked everyone. When Brody showed Julia his virtual exercise class, the centenarian was inspired to join in and start moving.

Within minutes, she was shaking and grooving to the beat. Fortunately, Angela was there to film the whole thing. The incredibly inspiring video swept social media and turned Julia into an overnight star.

SOMETHING POSITIVE TO SHARE

It’s evident she’s still in incredible shape as she keeps up with a group of first graders.

It’s easy to see why the video went viral. Everyone could use something positive and inspiring to share these days. As Angela posted on Instagram, “This was quite honestly one of the most special moments ever.”

102-Year-Old Great-Grandmother Joins First-Grade Virtual Gym Class

Instagram | angiec_143

Woman Fired From Law Firm After Feeding Zoo Monkeys Hot Cheetos

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A Texas woman has landed herself in hot water after she jumped into a zoo enclosure to feed the monkeys some Hot Cheetos.

CHARMED BY THE ZOO MONKEYS

In May, Lucy Rae was visiting the El Paso Zoo. Apparently, she was so charmed by the spider monkeys that she decided to join them in their enclosure.

She had to climb over a low fence, clamber down a hill and wade through an artificial lagoon to reach them.

Her stunt was caught on security cameras and quickly went viral.

NATURE’S ACROBATS

Spider monkeys live in the forests of South and Central America. Extremely acrobatic, they are known for their ability to swing easily from branch to branch.

Like all monkeys, spider monkeys are endangered.

HOT MESS

Animals in captivity eat a carefully controlled diet. It closely mimics what they would eat in the wild. We’re pretty sure Hot Cheetos are not on the menu.

Besides the danger to their diet, there are other dangers.

STUPID AND LUCKY

Wildlife experts say interfering with wild animals is traumatic for the animals and risky for humans. Monkeys will attack if they feel threatened, and spider monkeys are strong.

Rae, they said, was “stupid and lucky.”

PAYING THE PRICE

Rae ended up paying the price for her stupid stunt. The next day, the law firm that employed her announced it had fired her.

In a statement, the Lovett Law Firm said Rae’s actions were “irresponsible and reckless.”

It could get even worse for Rae. Zoo director Joe Montisano told the El Paso Times he intends to press criminal charges against her.

MANY CALLERS IDENTIFIED HER

He also said many people called the zoo to identify Rae after seeing the video. “Your friends will rat you out,” Montisano warned.

Let’s hope that deters anyone else who’s thinking about getting up to some monkey business.

Woman Fired From Law Firm After Feeding Zoo Monkeys Hot Cheetos

Creative Woman Designs A Chair for Needy Pets

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Simone Giertz loves to build things, and she loves her dog. She put those things together to create a one-of-a-kind chair for needy pets.

Creative Woman Designs A Chair For Needy Pets

YouTube | Simone Giertz

A Special Chair for a Special Dog

Several years ago, Giertz adopted a three-legged dog named Scraps. As she explained in a YouTube video, Scraps is extremely needy and wants to spend every waking moment clinging to her.

Giertz’s response was to create a combination chair and dog bed. It allows Scraps to cling to Giertz while allowing Giertz to sit at her desk.

Making her Chair for Needy Pets

Giertz walked viewers through the entire process. The final product is a chair with a winding staircase that leads to the top level. At the top, half the bed curves in one direction to fit the snuggling pet. The other half serves as a desk chair for Giertz.

The steps allow Scraps to climb up easily, and railings on the pet side make him feel secure.

Creative Woman Designs A Chair For Needy Pets

YouTube | Simone Giertz

But Wait, There’s More

Giertz, who is known for going over the top when she builds something, didn’t hold back on this project. She added a covered area where Scraps could hide, a framed picture of Scraps on the stairway, and built-in drawers to hold dog treats.

She reminded viewers that Scraps needs extra help climbing up because he’s a “tripod.”

Creative Woman Designs A Chair For Needy Pets

YouTube | Simone Giertz

Scraps Is an Inspiration

Giertz is a well-known Swedish inventor who lives in Los Angeles. She has become famous for her outlandish robots. Giertz has appeared on numerous TV shows and has a YouTube channel with more than 2 million subscribers.

This isn’t the first time Giertz has taken inspiration from Scraps. She previously made a selfie photo booth for him out of Legos.

Designing for Dogs

Are you inspired to be equally creative for your pet? You may not be able to buy Giertz’s chair for needy pets, but you may feel the urge build something similar for your dog. Pets truly inspire us to be our best.

Jelly Drops Are Sweets That Help Keep People With Dementia Hydrated

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A new sweet could be the answer to a serious health concern. With Jelly Drops, it’s easy for elderly people and others to boost their water intake.

Why Hydration Matters

Dehydration is a serious problem for older people. Many elderly people with dementia and Alzheimer’s don’t drink enough water to stay hydrated. Every day, older adults are hospitalized for life-threatening dehydration.

It’s also a serious concern among children with special needs and people in nursing homes.

An Easy Way To Drink More Water

Now, an easy-to-eat jelly candy could be the answer for people with dementia and their caretakers.

Jelly Drops are round, brightly colored jelly candies that come in fun fruit flavors. Each is about the size of a ping pong ball. You just pop it in, chew it and enjoy the juicy goodness.

The Story of Jelly Drops

Lewis Hornby invented Jelly Drops after his grandmother ended up in the emergency room with dehydration. He knew she loved sweets, and he used that knowledge to develop Jelly Drops.

The candies were an instant hit with elderly people and their caretakers. Jelly Drops have received awards and recognition from a slew of organizations, including the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Alzheimer’s Society, the European Investment Bank and the Helen Hamlyn Center for Design.

Drops of Goodness

Jelly Drops contain 95% water, natural fruit flavors and no sugar. They are soft, chewy and easy to eat. The bright colors and fun shape make them attractive to people with dementia who have lost interest in food.

If you eat 10 Jelly Drops, you take in the equivalent of a cup of water. They contain no harmful ingredients, and it’s safe for children and elderly people to eat as many as they like.

Where Can You Get Them?

You can buy them directly from the Jelly Drops website. Most people use the monthly subscription service.

Jelly Drops

Gatlinburg’s Treetop Skywalk is the Longest Tree-Based Bridge in North America!

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When you were little, did you dream about walking in the treetops like a bird or a squirrel? You can live that dream at the Treetop Skywalk in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Anakeesta Theme Park takes you soaring above the earth and through the forests of the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains.

FLY ABOVE THE CITY

The Treetop Skywalk is a series of interconnected bridges that soar high above the city. Its 16-bridge skywalk is the longest tree-based bridge in North America.

Walk through the trees as you catches glimpses of birds, bears and other wildlife. Watch as the fog that gave these mountains their name rolls through.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUN

The park is more than the Treetop Skywalk. According to Knoxville Moms, Anakeesta is the family-friendly destination you need to visit right now. This year, Anakeesta has added the AnaVista Observation Tower. It’s the tallest building in Gatlinburg, and it gives you breathtaking 360-degree views of the forest and mountains.

If you feel daring, try zip-lining through the treetops or ride the mountain roller coaster. Try the various obstacle courses. BearVenture is an easy activity all kids can enjoy. TreeVenture offers more of a challenge.

MAGICAL MOUNTAINS

The Smoky Mountains Local Expert Team has high praise for it, saying it’s a magical experience: “As your eyes seek to take in the utter splendor of the living mountain, you are surrounded by the aroma of dogwood trees, spruce and hemlock. No matter how warm the day, the air that touches your face at that elevation feels cool and fresh.”

WIND DOWN AND RELAX

If all that activity makes you hungry, stop for a bite to eat. The park offers several places to eat and drink, including some that offer panoramic views. Wrap up your day with a drink or a bite by a cozy fire pit.

If you’re looking for a fun activity in Tennessee, get your spirits soaring at Anakeesta Theme Park.

Treetop Skywalk

Pets For The Elderly Charity Expands Effort To Help Isolated Seniors

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A charity that brings pets and people together is expanding its outreach during the coronavirus pandemic. Pets for the Elderly specializes in helping people over 60 find a loving, four-footed companion.

Pets For The Elderly

HELPING SHELTER PETS AND PEOPLE FIND EACH OTHER

Loneliness is hard on seniors, and animals make wonderful companions. Those two facts are the driving force behind Pets for the Elderly, whose mission is to end loneliness among the elderly. The organization calls its program Companion Connection. The program helps pay the adoption, spaying and other fees for people over 60 who adopt shelter pets. It’s a win-win. Seniors find a fluffy friend, and pets find a forever home.

Around 50 shelters in 30 states take part in the program. It has helped more than 100,000 shelter pets find homes.

FORGING A LIFELONG CONNECTION

This week, the organization announced it was ramping up efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pets for the Elderly is reaching out to help older people pay for food, grooming and in-home visits from shelter workers.

Loneliness is a serious problem for older people. According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, more than a third of adults aged 45 and older feel lonely, and nearly one-fourth of people over 65 are “socially isolated.” Many are even more isolated without the ability to socialize or receive visitors because of the pandemic.

IT’S THE RIGHT TIME

Executive Director Susan Kurowski said this is the right time to increase the organization’s efforts.

“With COVID, bridging this isolation gap with companionship is going to show, when we look back, as being key to many people’s mental wellness. You don’t have to live alone to feel isolated.”

Has a pet helped you cope with the pandemic? Let us know.