Goodies

In Kenya, elephants are iconic figures of the wild. They often roam freely in various national parks and reserves such as Amboseli, Tsavo, and Maasai Mara. These majestic creatures play a vital role in the ecosystem and are highly revered in Kenyan culture. It's a breathtaking sight to witness these gentle giants casually traversing the savannah, forging connections within their herds, and going about their daily routines. Their presence adds to the allure and beauty of Kenya's natural landscapes, making it a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike. A guide has just led these tourists to a majestic bull who is roaming casually in his wilderness. Massive and powerful, he fears nothing in this wild habitat. Bull elephants in Kenya are awe-inspiring creatures, known for their immense size, strength, and confidence. In their natural habitat, they exude a sense of authority and fearlessness, largely due to their dominance within their social structure and their lack of natural predators as adults. With their tusks and sheer bulk, they command respect from other wildlife and often fearlessly assert their dominance in encounters with other animals. However, it's essential to remember that while they may appear fearless, they are still vulnerable to human activities such as poaching and habitat loss. Despite their imposing presence, they rely on the protection of conservation efforts to ensure their continued survival in the wild. Their role as keystone species in the ecosystem underscores the importance of preserving their habitats and maintaining a harmonious balance between wildlife and human activities in Kenya and beyond.

The image of a mighty lion taking a drink at the river, with its reflection shimmering in the water, followed by the graceful awakening of the female lion and their silent stroll behind the tall grass, evokes a sense of tranquility and the beauty of nature's rhythms. Lions are the top predators here on the African plain. Few animals are a threat to these great beasts. The lion drinks so casually at the edge of the water simply because he can. The female in the pride sleeps peacefully at the water's edge as well, afraid of nothing in this wilderness. As the large male finishes his drink of water, he tenderly sniffs at his friend, awakening her as he does so. She seems to think about the matter and then she gets up on her feet, affectionately greeting him with a slow rub of her cheek against his. She walks off into the taller grass, checking over her shoulder as she goes, hoping he will follow her. As if he understands that they might be looking for a more private spot, he happily follows. We can only imagine the scene as the two reach their secluded spot in the grass, but what we see has played out like a love scene from a Disney movie.

Feeding sharks during scuba diving encounters is a highly debated topic among marine conservationists and enthusiasts. While it might seem exciting to interact with these majestic creatures up close, it is argued that it can have negative consequences for both the sharks and humans involved. Those opposed argue that feeding sharks can create a dependence on humans for food, altering their natural behavior and potentially leading to more frequent and aggressive interactions with humans in the future. It can also disrupt the natural balance of marine ecosystems by changing the feeding habits and territories of sharks. Additionally, when sharks are fed by humans, they may become more aggressive in their pursuit of food, posing a safety risk to divers and snorkelers. Sharks are wild animals, and even though they might seem docile during feeding, their behavior can be unpredictable. For these reasons, many responsible dive operators and marine conservation organizations discourage or even prohibit the feeding of sharks during dive encounters. Instead, they promote non-intrusive observation and education about these fascinating creatures to promote coexistence and respect for their natural behaviors. These scuba divers are among a group of biologists who are trying to record the behaviour of sharks when they are provided with lion fish. Lion fish are an introduced and invasive species in the Atlantic Ocean. Here in Belize, the fish are decimating the reefs and threatening the ecosystems. With no natural predators, the lion fish breed rapidly. They are voracious feeders, devouring up to 30 local fish each day. If they are not kept in check, the results will be devastating. It is hoped that teaching sharks and moray eels to see the lion fish as a food source will change the situation and make lion fish less of a threat. While still debated, this type of shark feeding aims to create a healthier reef and a chance for the fish populations to survive. What is obvious from the video is that the sharks behave very differently when food is offered. Scuba divers are wise to remember that the sharks are apex predators and highly competitive with each other. All of those razor sharp teeth in the vicinity of humans should not be taken lightly.

Building a homemade submarine is a complex and potentially dangerous endeavor that requires a deep understanding of engineering, materials, and safety protocols. However, enthusiasts have been inspired by the story of Karl Stanley, who built a homemade submarine named Idabel in Roatan, Honduras. Built with a steel hull and capable of reaching depths of over 2000 feet, Idabel is used for deep-sea exploration tours in Roatan. Stanley’s success was due to meticulous planning, rigorous testing, and a passion for marine exploration. While the idea of building a homemade submarine is exciting, it is essential to prioritize safety, thorough planning, and compliance with legal requirements. This project should not be undertaken lightly and ideally involves collaboration with experienced professionals. These tourists from Canada were curious about the prospect of exploring the depths and seeing the underwater world from the safety of a submersible. But the thought of doing so in a submarine built without the safety standards that we are accustomed to in North America made these guests decide that scuba diving might be a better option. Would you consider going more than 2,000 feet beneath the waves in a sub that looks like a minion from the famous animated movies?

Spectacular colour like this should be seen from a bird's eye perspective. Aerial footage from drones has captured these stunning views of Ontario's autumn foliage, showcasing the vivid colors of the season. Some of the top spots for experiencing these breathtaking views include Algonquin Provincial Park, where expansive forests and lakes create a vibrant tapestry of red, orange, and yellow. The Muskoka region, famous for its picturesque lakes and sugar maples, and the Agawa Canyon, known for its scenic train rides through a landsc0ape painted with fall colors, are also highlights​. These sugar maples near Peterborough, Ontario, are in full display of the fall colours in October each year. Skimming over the tops, this drone takes us on a voyage of colour and visual wonder.

Perched with an uncanny grace, this squirrel clings to the feeder, hanging downwards. With sharp, keen eyes fixed on its prize, it jumps nimbly to grasp the suet cage. It hangs upside down like it is imitating a vampire bat and feasts, keeping a careful eye on the sky around. Hawks are always watching these feeders and looking for an easy meal. A squirrel that is oblivious to the world around it will not last long. But the tasty treat in the suet cage is too good to resist. The squirrel is a very hungry acrobat, turning this bird feeder into a stage for its daring display. Squirrels are entertaining and a delight to have at the feeders, for the most part. But they compete with the song birds and eat more than their the of the seeds. People go to great lengths to deter them and it is always a struggle to win the battle against these crafty critters.

The Sloth Sanctuary of Roatan, located in Honduras, is a popular destination where visitors can get up close with sloths and other wildlife. This sanctuary is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation of sloths and other animals native to the region. Guests are typically allowed to interact with and even hold sloths briefly under the guidance of trained staff, ensuring a safe and educational experience. Sloths are fascinating creatures found in the wild in Central and South America, primarily in the tropical rainforests of countries such as Brazil, Costa Rica, and Panama. Sloths are arboreal, meaning they live in trees. They come down to the ground rarely, primarily to defecate, which they do about once a week. Sloths are primarily found in the dense canopy of tropical rainforests, where they spend most of their lives hanging upside down from branches. Their slow movement is an adaptation to conserve energy and avoid detection by predators. This slow pace is due to their low-calorie diet of leaves, which are hard to digest and provide little energy. In the wild, sloths face threats from predators such as jaguars, harpy eagles, and ocelots. Deforestation and habitat destruction pose significant threats to sloth populations. Road construction and urbanization also lead to habitat fragmentation, making it difficult for sloths to find food and mates. Efforts to conserve sloths include protecting large areas of their natural habitat in national parks and reserves. Ongoing research helps in understanding sloth behavior, health, and habitat needs, which informs conservation strategies. Organizations and sanctuaries work to rescue injured or orphaned sloths and, when possible, reintroduce them into the wild.

In recent news, Kenya has experienced intense flooding due to heavy rains, which caused a dam to burst, resulting in significant damage. The flooding has killed at least 17 people washed away crops and farmland, impacting the livelihoods of many farmers in the affected areas. The dam broke at 4am, taking many residents and farmers by surprise. Unable to escape the raging torrents of water, people were drowned, trapped, and swept away by unexpected flooding. Naomy, a famer in this area struggles to grow the carrots and beans that she needs to pay the bills and feed her family. Her crop was completely washed away by the rising water, leaving her broke and unable to pay the farm bills such as rent. She will not have the harvest that she was counting on to put food on the table for the coming months. In an effort to explain her situation to a Canadian friend, she recorded this footage of the dam close to her home. The intense power of the water is unbelievable. Efforts are being made to address the immediate needs of those affected and to plan for longer-term recovery and support for the farming communities impacted by this natural disaster. But there is no relief for the lost earnings that this disaster represents for Naomy, and for subsistence farmers like her. If you wish to help Naomy by donating any amount, this gofundme link allows you to show your support. https://gofund.me/63c7776e Questions can also be directed through David McNab, the video uploader at [email protected]. Thank you.

Roatan, part of the Bay Islands of Honduras, is a renowned destination for its stunning coral reefs and diverse marine life. These two pufferfish swimming over the reef are a captivating sight, blending the unique behaviors and appearances of these fascinating creatures with the vibrant underwater landscape. Diving into the crystal-clear waters off the coast of Roatan, a scuba diver is immediately greeted by the vibrant colors and bustling life of the coral reef. Among the myriad of marine creatures, two pufferfish glide gracefully over the coral formations. Their round bodies and distinctively expressive eyes give them an almost comical appearance, but their slow, deliberate movements suggest a creature very much at home in this underwater paradise. The reef itself is a tapestry of colors and textures, with corals ranging from the delicate branches of staghorn coral to the robust, mountainous shapes of boulder coral. Schools of smaller fish dart in and out of the coral, their silvery scales catching the sunlight that filters down through the water. The two pufferfish continue their leisurely exploration, seemingly unfazed by the presence of the diver. Their slow, purposeful movements and the serene beauty of the reef create a scene of tranquil underwater harmony. It's a perfect encapsulation of the diverse and vibrant marine life that makes Roatan a world-renowned diving destination.