Animals
Lets keep elephants the way they are
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Animal weddings from around the world
Top hat and all… Puki the dog awaits his bride to be….
Frog Raja, left, didn’t wait around to be kissed by a princess…. Instead, he took the hand of his sweetheart Rani.
Giraffe couple Zagallo and Beija Ceu show affection towards each other after their wedding in Rio de Janeiro.
Monkey love… Jhumuri and Manu tied the knot infront of half the village.
It was a traditional chruch wedding for this great dane and her rather small husband….
Proud miniature pigs display their wedding certificates after their ceremony in Chongqing, southwestern China.
This catty couple look ‘purrrfect’ for each other as they tie the knot in matching pink outfits.
Two giant pandas tuck into their wedding cake having exchanged vows during a traditional Chinese wedding ceremony.
These loved up elephants can’t keep their trunks off each other.
Puppy love…. London’s Harrods was the choice of venue for this extravagant pair…..
…. And a quick get away for the honeymoon.
You are here: Home / Animals / Horse Fight In China
Horse Fight In China
Chinese spectators smile sadistically at the inhumane spectacle of two beautiful horses savagely attacking one another.
With ears back, eyes rolling and nostrils flared in fury, the enraged horses pummel each other with their hooves and bite and head-butt each other in a horrifying fight, sometimes to the death.
Men, women and children watch, and a roar of approval goes up as one horse delivers the equivalent of a double-uppercut to its opponent with its hind legs.
The cruel “sport†of horse fighting has been outlawed almost worldwide, but it still thrives in countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, South Korea and here in China, as these disturbing images of a “tournament†prove.
Chinese spectators watch as two beautiful horses savagely attack one another
They were taken in Guizhou province in south-west China, where local people claim such events are a part of a 500-year-old tradition. The horses have been goaded to fury by their owners who urge them on as they hang on to halter ropes to prevent the horses running off.
All around wildly cheering crowds lay bets on which one will be standing when the fighting ends.
It goes on for half an hour or more, until one or the other collapses or is simply too exhausted to continue.
The Chinese government would prefer you not to see these pictures as it tries to clean up its image for the Beijing Olympics which are only eight months away.
Local people claim such events are a part of a 500-year-old tradition
But critics say horse fighting is as widespread as ever in the huge country’s far-flung provinces, especially among the Miao ethnic group.
Like bear-baiting and cruelty to circus animals, authorities say it is difficult to stop an event that is embedded in local culture, and frequently celebrated at festivals along with fireworks and fancy-dress dragon parades.
In outlying towns horse fights often take place in the main football stadium.
The stallions are driven into a frenzy by the simple ploy of leading them to a mare in heat, then taking her away when they are roused. Mares are often injected with hormones to keep them in heat longer. If they are still reluctant when the mare is removed, they are whipped, and gunshots are fired to stir them up.
A losing horse is often pitted against a much stronger opponent in its next fight to ensure it dies and the spectators get the bloody finale they enjoy. Then, according to reports from some of the remote regions, the dead horse is barbecued as part of the festival.
The cruel ’sport’ of horse fighting has been outlawed almost worldwide, but it still thrives in countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, South Korea and here in China
Vivian Farrell, who has waged a long campaign against the fighting as founder and president of the International Fund for Horses, said: “It is very hard to tackle. They say it’s a tradition. Well, it used to be a tradition to sacrifice children, but we’ve moved on from that.
“Sadly it is mostly driven by the Chinese love of gambling, although people get fired up over the blood, gore and intensity of the fighting.â€
She sees some hope for progress as China emerges more into the international community. “I get emails now from younger Chinese people saying they don’t like this image and asking what they can do.
“With the Olympics coming, young Chinese people want to be seen to be more humane. But it’s going to take a lot of education and a long time.â€
A spokeswoman for PETA ? People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals ? who are campaigning for a worldwide ban on the fights, said: “Torturing these magnificent animals in the name of entertainment is deplorable. Tradition never justifies cruelty and has no place in a civilised society.â€
You are here: Home / Animals / Glass Bone Skeletons
Glass Bone Skeletons
melli ink editions’ at cramer + cramer
ganz unverhofft’, 2008
melli ink editions
cramer + cramer, geneva september 19 – november 7, 2008
melli ink is a zurich based artist who explores nature in her work by transforming bone into glass. her artwork consists of life size skeletons and bones recreated in glass. ink began her career as a set-designer and also worked as a performance and video artist. the show will be held at cramer + cramer, who’s founder philippe cramer studied with melli ink at parsons school of design over 15 years ago. the two are currently collaborating on a project that merges their disciplines together. the special edition should be ready by early 2009.
http://www.melli-ink.com http://www.philippecramer.com
You are here: Home / Animals / Most Painful Animal Bite
Most Painful Animal Bite
‘Becoming a man’ in the Setere-Mawe society means intentionally letting yourself get stung by these ants. Not just by one but by hundreds of them at once. And not just on one occasion. There, you are not a man until you have done this ritual twenty times.
Twenty times wearing a pair of gloves each laced with hundreds of live bullet ants, stingers pointing inward, for ten minutes at each go. At first it seems like a horrible practice almost on the level of honor killings, but the boys themselves really seem to have a positive outlook on it. And in America, kids cry when daddy gets them the wrong color car for their sixteenth birthday.
Click on images to enlarge!
The Most Painful Animal Bite on Earth
The Setere-Mawe people of Brazil have found something really bad.
Meet the bullet ant. So named because those unfortunate enough to have been stung by one compare it to a gunshot wound – very unfortunate people; apparently, they have also all been shot. It reportedly has the most painful sting of any insect on Earth.
You are here: Home / Animals / Seven of the Deadliest Delicacies
Seven of the Deadliest Delicacies
Poisonous or dangerous food is considered a special delicacy by some cultures in several parts of the world. In most cases, a nice feast may turn into a deadly game of Russian roulette.
1):-“Fugu” or Pufferfish
This goes on top of my list as the world’s deadliest delicacy. Even a drop of toxin from a Pufferfish or Fugu (in Japanese) can immediately leave you paralyzed, followed by death.
Fugu is considered an authentic Japanese delicacy and it would take years for a chef to master the art of preparing the dish. The toxin, called tetrodotoxin is concentrated in the roe, ovaries and the liver of the fish.
2):-“San Nak Ji” or Live Octopus
A slight error during the removal of the toxic parts can allow the toxin to contaminate the entire flesh of the fish. Despite the risk of eating Fugu, it is reported that yearly,there are dozens of death from Fugu poisoning in Japan.
“San Nak Ji†or live octopus is a popular delicacy in Korea and Japan. The enjoyment of eating this food is when the octopus is still moving with the tentacles sticking to the roof of the mouth. The challenge is to munch and swallow the live octopus without choking. It is reported that there are on average of 6 deaths due to choking (on live octopus), each year in South Korea. 3);-Cassava
This is one of the world’s popular staple food. Cassava is often used to make the tropical delicacy in the form of tapioca starch or flour. However, if not properly washed or cooked, cassava leaves and roots contain toxin called cyanide which is fatal to humans even in small doses.
4):-Giant Bullfrog
Giant bullfrog is considered a delicacy in Namibia. The Namibians eat the entire giant bullfrog except for the internal organs. In most cultures, only certain body parts of the frogs such as the legs are consumed as most frogs have poisonous skin and poisonous internal organs. A premature bullfrog is said to contain a certain toxin which could lead to kidney failure in most cases. 5):-Ackee Fruit
Ackee plant is originated from West Africa. Later, it was introduced to Florida, USA.
The fruit looks like a pear, red in color when it’s ripe. The ackee fruit must be picked after it has naturally opened and revealed the seeds. The fruit must be eaten at the right time. The fruit is poisonous if it is both immature and overripe. The fleshy part around the seeds is the only part which is edible. The rest of the fruit contain a type of toxin called hypoglycin which can be fatal if consumed. 6):-Silver-Stripe Blaasop
The silver-stripe blaasop is a delicacy among the locals who live in some parts of the Indian Ocean.The locals are experts in removing the toxic parts of the fish before cooking and consuming it. The poison is concentrated in the liver,reproductive organs and also the skin of the fish which can cause paralysis and breathing problems if consumed by humans.Somehow, the silver-stripe blaasop made its way to the eastern Mediterranean waters. In early 2007, there are about 10 reported deaths relating to the poisoning of the fish which include 8 in Egypt and 2 in Israel. 7):-Echizen Jellyfish
The giant Echizen jellyfish is a huge, poisonous jellyfish which moves in swarms in the Japan waters. The jellyfish lives on tuna fish and this poses a problem as the tuna supply is affected by the huge consumption. So, the solution is to catch the jellyfish and turn it into a delicacy.
Like “Fugu†the tricky part lies in the preparation of the dish. The toxic parts must be removed and the jellyfish must be properly cooked for safe consumption.
You are here: Home / Animals / 7 role models from the animal world
7 role models from the animal world
The shallowness of the world can bring discouragement and frustration to many. Not succeeding or just finding it difficult to have a purpose in life can easily bring you down. You’re looking for ideas. Most role models prove to be exactly the opposite of what they claim to be, so where is the key? Maybe looking just a little further may give you the necessary impulse. Discover new values within yourself!
1. ELEPHANT
Elephants are known to live in groups which are lead by an elder female. The babies are practically raised together with no discrimination and if one of them hurts his or her leg for example the whole group will walk slower with no complaints. Elephant families are also famous for adopting lost or orphan babies and especially for returning to their old cemeteries.
Family- Most of us consider it to be the most important value of all but not everyone actually takes this idea further. A stressful, time-consuming job, some new prospects, the lack of time, the competition… Family life has changed in the last years quite dramatically especially in the powerfully industrialized cities. Many young people even refuse to start their own family for the reasons mentioned above. But is it all worth the effort? Neglecting your family can have severe effects for everyone involved especially from a psychological point of view. With a little respect, affection and…time just for a short visit or a phone call you can get rid of depression, loneliness and sadness also bringing joy to the ones you care about. Also married people are known to live more and they are more likely to have a stable life. Give it a second thought! It’s not necessarily about legalizing but about offering and receiving affection!
2. DOG
Dogs can create remarkable bonds with their human masters which seem to pass beyond the instinct limit as many times dogs endangered their lives to save someone. There are numerous cases when faithful dogs returned to their owners after traveling hundreds and hundreds of miles or when the death of the master meant the end of the animal as well.
Friendship-next to family is considered one of the most important elements in one’s life as these relationships influence practically every life aspect: spare time, work, way of thinking, the choices to make. Investing in friendship is highly beneficial, of course when the other person does just the same. A lasting friendship brings the best out of someone as it involves deep affection, the unique opportunity to confide without a care, to receive advice from another point of view and also to feel safe and relaxed. Many people all around the world claim to feel alone most of the time but this happens ion most cases because today’s lifestyle can easily affect one’s social skills and even desire to bond. However, investing in what you have or just discovering the ones around you will bring you more benefits than just some time spent in front of the PC.
3. ALBATROSS
The albatross is a sea bird which is known to live as much as 50 years which is remarkable for a bird. But what is the most remarkable is the fact that these birds are monogamous which made them a symbol for sailors traveling far away.
Fidelity- a subject all like to joke about but few actually prefer to take it seriously. We’ve all heard stories from the tragic ones to the most hilarious but the reality behind them may not be as entertaining. Usually in these situations this is a sign that the couple has a serious problem which is definitely not solved the right way. Infidelity is a source of distress for everyone involved leading to negative psychological effects such as guilt, underestimating, frustration, lack of confidence in anyone, adaptation problems. It’s always been there and will probably never disappear. However, putting fidelity behind a glass and calling it unreachable is not where we want to be.
4. PUFFIN
Puffins are sea birds which lay their eggs on cliffs in order not to be eaten by predators. However, when the babies hatch they prepare for a long journey to the beach. When the time comes to follow their parents, they jump from a remarkable height, most of them arriving safe on the beach.
Courage- Desiring is human…but daring? Taking a decision, most of the times risky, is something many would not rather do. Asking for a raise, leaving home for a college abroad, talking about your feelings- not easy. But the torment of deciding what to do is nothing compared to the regret of missing a once in a lifetime opportunity because of fear. We hear of people who could have done so much and so well but were afraid, everyday. The ones who take the tough decisions are on the front page of the newspapers. So when you truly have a feeling that this may be the right decision, analyze the situation (making quick decisions without thinking is not the best thing to do) take a deep breath and go for it. It may be the right thing.
5. SALMON
Salmons travel thousands and thousands of miles to get to the rivers they began their lives in. Many never reach their goal, but the ones who do offer the new generation the chance to make the same journey.
Perseverance- Once you’ve made the decision don’t give up on it immediately because of a reason or another! People giving up is a problem maybe not many take into consideration when they should. Many things, some very important remain unfinished just because giving up seems a very attractive alternative. Continuous effort is however the key in many cases as luck rarely strikes. Leaving behind the idea, value or impulse is what causes these things to happen. A few difficulties, some bad comments and it’s hard to go on. And still what if others gave up on their dreams or plans? Would the world still be the same now? Of course, being a Don Quixote is something totally undesirable. Be sure that it’s worth fighting for!
6. Wolf
Wolves are strong and resistant animals, being able to hunt various types of prey. However, a wolf knows that hunting in packs is the key towards reaching a bigger lunch. When hunting together, wolves can even kill a 500 kilo-moose, which is 10 times bigger than any of them and capable of putting tremendous fight.
Teamwork – Trusting your own powers and involving in various activities is something everyone is recommended to do. But only to rely on yourself may not be the best solution. More heads means more ideas. Of course, it’s normal to want to achieve glory and maximum of results by yourself; however, history was rarely changed by just a person, there were definitely others by his or her side. Jealousy can also be there. Still, working like this will show you that you cannot be the best at everything but that collective effort is the key to the problem. So, work with others to achieve a goal, share ideas, give a hand! The results will worth making a change. But teamwork is not just about work and school, it is about your spare time too: socialize, interact, be part of a group! What would sports be without it? Or how would any humanitarian action be successful? Maybe there is some truth in those old sayings…
7. Golden-fronted Bowerbird
One of the most impressing mating rituals belongs to a species of birds from the rain forest and concerns a special care for beauty, called the Golden-fronted Bowerbird. Every male builds some kind of presentation tent where he puts all the beautiful things he can find especially blue things and arranges them so that they will attract a female. The ladies come, analyze what they see and many times are not satisfied so that the males have to start working again until it’s perfect.
Beauty- it fascinates each and every one of us, we have to admit it. Finding and admiring the real beauty can be one of the most amazing things to do. The beauty is everywhere, in nature, in the people around us, in our homes. Becoming more attentive to details, having higher standards, improving the way you see the world is what you should do. Beauty is not a shallow value as long as it is appreciated correctly. Find the beauty around you and enjoy it, learn to smile at all the small things around you like a walk in the evening while the sun sets.
Animals react the way their instinct and senses dictate and still prove to be remarkable role models. Finding the right value in them and using it in real life is what makes people remarkable.