Topic

Animals in Culture

A collection of 47 issues

A River in the Sky: The Day 3.5 Billion Passenger Pigeons Blocked the Sun

In 1866, a single flock of passenger pigeons in Ontario stretched 500km long and contained over 3.5 billion birds, taking 14 hours to pass. This unimaginable natural wonder was driven to complete extinction by humans in just a few decades, a stark reminder of our ecological impact.

Science & Nature History Animals in Culture

The Unlikely Saboteurs: How Squirrels Crashed the Nasdaq Stock Market Twice

Did you know the high-tech Nasdaq market was halted not by hackers, but by squirrels? In 1987 and 1994, these furry rodents chewed through power lines, causing significant outages and reminding Wall Street that even the most complex systems are vulnerable to nature's simplest problems.

Business & Economics History Animals in Culture

The Crows Have Eyes: How a University Study Revealed Crows Remember and Judge Human Faces

University of Washington researchers found that crows not only remember the faces of humans who have wronged them but also teach their friends and offspring to hold the same grudge. This remarkable study reveals the complex social intelligence and long-term memory of these common urban birds.

Science & Nature Animals in Culture Medicine, Psychology & Health

Tippi of Africa: The True Story of the Girl Who Grew Up in the Wild

Tippi Degré, daughter of wildlife photographers, spent her first decade in Namibia forming extraordinary bonds with wild animals. Dubbed the 'real-life Mowgli,' her unique childhood, from befriending elephants to learning from Bushmen, challenges our view of the human-animal connection.

Biography & Personal Stories Animals in Culture Science & Nature

An Act of Camel: The Thirsty Beast Who Cancelled an Irish Christmas Party

In 2006, an Irish Christmas party was cancelled due to an 'act of camel.' Gus, a star of the holiday show, escaped his enclosure, drank six cans of Guinness, and devoured 200 mince pies, leading to a legendary and hilarious festive fiasco at Mullingar Equestrian Centre.

Animals in Culture Food & Lifestyle Geography & Places

More Than a Mascot: The Official Medical Files of George, the WWII Battleship Cat

During WWII, a stray cat named George was rescued by the crew of the USS North Carolina. To boost morale, they created hilarious 'official' medical and service records for him, cementing his legacy as a cherished member of the crew and a unique figure in naval history.

History Wars, Conflict & Heroes Animals in Culture

The Shark's Secret 'Off-Switch': How Tonic Immobility Is Changing Our View of the Ocean's Apex Predator

Sharks possess a surprising 'off-switch.' Gently flipping them upside down induces a natural, trance-like state of paralysis called tonic immobility. This reflex allows scientists to study and help these apex predators safely, without causing them harm or stress.

Science & Nature Animals in Culture

Sombra: The Colombian K-9 So Feared by Cartels They Put a $70,000 Bounty on Her Head

Sombra, a heroic German Shepherd, became a top target for Colombia's most powerful cartel after sniffing out over 9 tons of cocaine. The Gulf Clan placed a $70,000 bounty on her head, forcing police to relocate her with bodyguards for her own protection.

Animals in Culture Wars, Conflict & Heroes Biography & Personal Stories

Mother Carey's Chickens: The Ghostly Birds and the Sea Witch Who Claimed Drowned Sailors' Souls

Mother Carey, a feared sea witch in 18th-century folklore, personified the cruel ocean. Her storm petrels, known as "Mother Carey's chickens," were believed to be the souls of drowned sailors, warning of her wrathful storms. Her name, from Latin "Mater Cara," is a grimly ironic title.

Literature & Books Animals in Culture History

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