World Animal Week 2008

Yesterday marked the first day of World Animal Week 2008. World Animal Week is an annual event that runs from 4 October until 10 October. It is designed to raise awareness on animal cruelty, and if people support it, it could make a massive difference to the way animals are treated daily.

If it gets spread around enough, governments might want to help out in the fight against the mistreatment of animals worldwide. One thing you can do this World Animal Week is sign this fantastic online petition. You could also spread the word and change the world.

This week, think about the animals who suffer dreadfully every day. Raise awareness. Thank you.

Their Life is Live

If you live in the United Kingdom, or can access BBC1 and live in a different country, you might like to watch Big Cat Live later today. This is another version of Big Cat Diaries & Big Cat Week, that have been running since 1996. It will run daily for eight episodes, up until next Sunday and comes live from the Masai Mara in Kenya. It will feature daily reports on lions, leopards & cheetahs, so you can see them in their day-to-day lives.

If you want to watch it, tune into BBC1 at 18:10 BST (British Summer Time) today.

A Rhinoceros Return

The Black Rhino was poached terribly in the 1980s. In the decade before that, there were 20,000 of them living in the wild of Kenya. But that number has reduced to just 500.

But something great has happened. For the first time in more than 25 years, captive Black Rhinos have become wild Black Rhinos. It is a landmark in African wildlife conservation.

They were bred as part of a wildlife program to increase the population, and it has been so successful that it is the right time for this to happen.

As well as poaching, the numbers decreased because of habitat loss. I hope that these rhinos are able to thrive. It may take some time, but this is a step forward.

Wildlife and You: October 2008

I haven't done one of these in a while, so sorry if it isn't that good.

Anyway, October is a busy month in the northern hemisphere. Red Deer males in Europe will start their annual rut in a week or two. The most notable places are the island of Britain, especially Scotland, and central Europe. Scandinavia & the Baltics are also good places to see this, among others.

Elsewhere in the northern hemisphere, many swan & geese species will start to arrive in countries such as Holland, the United Kingdom, Germany & Ireland from the arctic to spend the Winter there at the end of the month.

In the southern hemisphere, native species will start to give birth, and some migrating birds may arrive from Europe & North America.

If you take any photos this month, I would love for you to upload them to an image hosting website and send me the link(s) via the comment sections, along with the name you want me to use to credit you. I will probably take some so you can enjoy the British Autumn (or Fall if that's what you call it) from your home, or wherever you read this. Thanks in advance.

Creatures of Coral

A mass of new species have been discovered in the Coral Sea Islands, an overseas territory of Australia. The creatures all live around the Lizard & Heron islands.

Those areas are quite popular with scuba divers, which is surprising that they haven't been found before. The new species of coral and crustaceans help a survey to record every living thing in the ocean.

The biggest discoveries include new species of Taniads (above) and Bristle Worms. Taniads can have claws as long as their bodies!

Dr. Ron O'Dor, a chief scientist, said, "Amazingly colourful corals and fishes on reefs have long dazzled divers, but our eyes are just opening to the astonishing richness of other life forms in these habitats."

I think this is brilliant news. Let's hope we have these creatures forever.

A Craze of Cute

Sugar Gliders are the new pet craze in the United Kingdom. However, this is not a good thing as many people aren't skilled enough to look after them.

The mammals originate from Australia & the island of New Guinea. They need to be fed live insects, are nocturnal and need to be with another Sugar Glider. The marsupials can become blind from bright light and deaf from radios & televisions. Also, most British homes aren't damp or hot enough for them to survive.

Siân Bailey breeds the creatures, but admits they are a lot harder to keep than average pets.

The RSPCA has released this warning. I hope that no Sugar Glider gets mistreated and that the RSPCA don't have to do too many rescues.

Four

Hello! Two days ago, it was Smudgie's birthday. If you don't know who Smudgie is, he's my pet rabbit. Anyway, as a treat for you after me not updating this for ages, I am showing you some photos I took that day.

His birthday card

Smudgie reading his card (well, after reading it)

Smudgie opening his prezzie

Having a clean

Going back to open it

Almost there!

It's a tent!

Smudgie checking out his tent

Resting

There you go. I hope you enjoyed looking at them.