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Animal Information Database Created by Sea World and Busch Gardens, this Web page is loaded with information, not only about aquatic animals, but also on a variety of terrestrial critters. Learn about manatee bodysurfing, hippos that sweat pink oil, and other interesting animal facts that will make you the life of any party. Web:
Animal Rescue and Adoption Let me tell you a true animal rescue story. Every night, my cat (The Little Nipper) sleeps on my bed. If he happens to be outside in the evening, he knows to come in when it is time for bed and, as soon as he comes in, I close all the doors. One night a few years ago, after he was inside and I had shut all the doors, The Little Nipper disappeared. He didn't show up all night. I was worried about him and had trouble sleeping. Early in the morning, I got up and started a comprehensive search. I looked in every closet, behind every door, and on top of every shelf. The Little Nipper had vanished. By now it was light, so I started to look around outside, just in case he had found a secret exit even though the doors were closed. However, my efforts were fruitless. I walked all around the house with a bowl of tuna, a treat that had never before failed to attract him, but The Little Nipper was gone. I checked with the neighbors. No one had seen him. My options had run out. With trembling fingers, I dialed the local animal control office. Calmly and professionally, they took a report and offered general advice. I hung up the phone and, within five minutes, in walked The Little Nipper. With the air of a United States congressman helping himself to a substantial donation, The Little Nipper swanked over to the bowl of tuna and, demonstrating a quiet dignity that became him well, lowered his head and began to indulge himself. To this day, I have no idea where he was -- a swanky hotel, perhaps. If you like pets, I bet you will enjoy reading more rescue stories about animals (some of which are even more gripping than this story). If so, check the Net, where you can also find information about rescue organizations and animal shelters. If you have a pet of your own, take a moment to see what organizations exist in your area. Don't wait until tragedy strikes to identify the sources of professional help. After all, one day you may find yourself involved in a situation in which even a bowl of tuna is not enough. Web:
Animal Rights My cat (The Little Nipper) and I have developed an Animal Bill of Rights: (1) All animals are entitled to tuna once a day. (2) Having your teeth brushed every morning should be voluntary. (Actually, The Little Nipper made up the Bill of Rights. I did the typing.) However, the world is not always so simple. Many people think that it takes more than guaranteed tuna to fulfill our responsibilities toward animals. In that, I agree. Animals are an important part of our culture and our economy, and how we treat them -- and think about them -- affects our society more than most people appreciate. Take a look at the animal rights resources on the Net, and see if you agree with me that there is room for kindness and reason in all aspects of our lives. Web:
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Animal Talk and General Discussion Animals are for more than eating or making into pets. Some are pretty or lovable, and some are to be admired for their skill in stalking and devouring small prey or unsuspecting pizza-delivery boys. On the Net there are several places you can go to participate in discussions of your favorite animal. Usenet:
Aquariums What does it mean when your gourami is leaning thirty degrees to the right? He could be trying to steer, but that's probably not the case. Splash around with the rest of the ichthyophiles as they explore the true nature of tropical fish. Learn a wide variety of new things, like the best way to earthquake-proof your tanks, how to name your fish after famous Internet book writers, or what to feed your black piranha when all he really wants is you. Web:
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Bird-Keeping Birds, birds, birds. There are 28 different orders of birds, comprising the class Aves. Within the bird world there is a great deal of variation with respect to what birds eat, how they live, where they live, where they migrate, how they build nests, and the sounds they make. It's hard to give an exact definition that covers every bird in the world, but most birds do share a number of characteristics. First, they have wings and feathers. Second, birds are streamlined -- contoured feathers, no external ears -- and fly with their feet held tightly against their bodies. Finally, birds have fast metabolisms, with a low body weight and light bones. Bird-keeping is no fly-by-night hobby, so to help you, I have found some cool avian-related resources. Web:
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Bird-Watching This is a hobby that can be as simple or as elaborate as you wish. Basic pieces of equipment are a lawn chair, a bird book, and a pair of binoculars -- and some birds, of course. On the high end, you can use complicated camouflage, blinds and camera equipment. No matter what your aim is, bird-watching is an endlessly fascinating pastime. Web:
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Cats No doubt about it, cats are très cool. (And my cat, The Little Nipper, happens to be the coolest cat of all.) The Net abounds with cat information, and just about everything cat-wise is out there waiting for you. Cats are also involved in some of the most amazing coincidences in the world. For example, my chief researcher's mother's name is Kitty and -- get this -- my maternal grandmother's name was Kitty. Farm out or what? Web:
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Dogs By their nature, dogs are pack animals that crave companionship. Combine this with over 10,000 years of domestication and a wide range of genetic variability, and you have the perfect companions for human beings. Even a cursory look at our culture will show you how important the canine dominion is to mankind. When I was growing up, I watched Huckleberry Hound, Rin Tin Tin, Lassie and Mighty Manfred the Wonder Dog. When I learned how to swim, I started with the dog paddle; when I was hungry, I would eat a hot dog; and when I felt argumentative, I would be dogmatic. If you like dogs, you are in good company on the Net, where there are more dog lovers than you can throw a stick at. Web:
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Electronic Zoo Whenever I go to the zoo, I find so many interesting things to look at, I never have time to visit everything. The Electronic Zoo is the same. I have been visiting this Web site off and on for years, and it grows so fast I always find something new to explore. So if you love animals, this is the place to spend your spare time. Enjoy a compilation of animal-related resources: mailing lists, Web sites, Usenet discussion groups, archives, databases, and much more. I bet you'll find something to distract you from your work. Web:
Endangered Species Endangered species are animals whose numbers are diminishing to such an extent as to threaten their very existence. Throughout the history of the Earth, countless species have developed, flourished, and died out. In this sense, species extinction is natural and normal. However, many people believe that a great many species are becoming extinct because of changes produced in the environment by people and their activities. Although your personal life may seem remote from, say, the Moschus chrysogaster leucogaster (Himalayan musk deer) in Afghanistan, we do share the same world, and changes in remote areas can affect the ecological balance. So, when a species in Afghanistan becomes threatened, it is not necessarily something we can ignore with impunity. Still, I want you to be aware that the culture of the environment is filled to the brim with politics. A lot of people -- perhaps most people -- who argue passionately about saving the environment are misinformed and ignorant. For example, talk to any kid, and you will find that children get a lot of politically correct pro-environment propaganda at school. (My philosophy is that ten-year-old kids should have certain responsibilities, but that saving the rain forest should not be one of them.) So where does that leave us? The idea that the Earth is a large ecosystem in which all species are indirectly dependent on one another is a sound, even brilliant observation. However, running around like Chicken Little, moaning that the ecological sky is falling, gets us nowhere. Try to see past the propaganda and figure out for yourself what is real and what is important. Web:
Ferrets The weasel-like ferret is actually a type of domesticated polecat. Traditionally, ferrets have been used to chase rabbits, rats and mice. They are as playful as kittens, good-natured, energetic and entertaining. However, when they are not sleeping, ferrets are often very, very active. Ferrets can be a lot of fun, sometimes even more fun than you can stand. In one sentence, this is what a pet ferret does for a living: He runs around your home, exploring every opening and every object he can reach, and then he does the whole thing all over again. Web:
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Fleas and Ticks Learn how to rid your pet or home of fleas and what to do about ticks. (The ol' gasoline trick probably isn't a very good idea anymore.) Web:
Hamsters Hamsters can be a lot of fun, and they are as cute as the dickens. When I was a kid I had a hamster named Hamlet. He used to stay up all night, running around inside a wheel in his cage. Aside from that, he was pretty easy to get along with. He never ate the last corndog; when we were watching TV, he didn't mind if I changed the channel to Dick Van Dyke; and he always saved the comics for me to read before he started ripping them apart. If you would like to find out more about our pleasant little golden-brown friends, here are some Net resources that are even more fun than running around inside a wheel. Web:
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Horses I have a friend named Debbi who has had her own horse for many years. She used to have Colty, and now she has Gunny (both Arabians). During the week, Debbi is a responsible, hard-working, small-business owner. But every weekend, she travels over a hundred miles to a pleasant lake-area property, where she spends one happy hour after another in personal communion with her equestrian companion and her like-minded human friends. In addition, four times a year, Debbi goes on a long trail ride with a group of women, riding and camping in the California wilderness. Why do so many women, especially young women, love horses? And why do so many older women continue to ride? Debbi says that horses get in your blood, but I suspect it has something to do with being able to form a bond with a large, powerful beast, one who can be trained to serve you and carry out your every whim, but still surprise you every now and then, just to make your life interesting. Web:
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Iguanas An iguana is a large lizard, found in the tropical regions of the western hemisphere. Even in the dark, it is easy to tell an iguana from a cat or a dog, because iguanas have spiny projections along their backs. Here is information for every iguana lover or potential iguana lover about housing, feeding, health, reproduction, and so on. Web:
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Marine Mammals I love spending time in the ocean. Occasionally, I will be sitting on my board, waiting for a wave, when a group of dolphins will swim by. Just having them nearby is a special treat. Dolphins are one of the few animals that are always cool, even when they are lying around doing nothing in particular. There is something intriguing about dolphins, porpoises, manatees, whales and seals. They are mammals, but they live in the water. Sometimes, when I am snorkeling, I will lie with one eye above the water, staring at the sky and the shore, and the other eye under water, looking at all the plants, rocks and fish. The underwater environment is so different from where we live, it is almost like being on two planets at the same time. Perhaps that is why marine mammals are so enchanting: they manage to live above and below, and still fit in so well. Web:
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Monkeys I never had a pet monkey when I was growing up, but I did have a little sister. Of course, there are important differences. For example, many sisters do not live in tropical or semi-tropical climates. And monkeys do not tie up the telephone when you are waiting for an important call. If you need even more information, here are some good places to look. Web:
Pet Loss Pets are so important that, when we lose one due to illness or accident, the gap in our lives can feel as large and devastating as when we lose a friend or family member. One thing that makes it difficult is that other people don't really understand how much the pet meant to us. Some people, who perhaps don't have pets, may not even understand the bond that forms between a person and an animal. However, pets are ubiquitous in our society, and if you have lost one, there is lots of assistance available to help you deal with your grief, make good decisions and, if you are so inclined, create an online memorial to your pet. Web:
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Pet of the Day Any pet is eligible! Just send in his or her picture with some information, and your pet might become the Pet of the Day. If you like animals, this is a great place to visit when you have a few moments. You can browse through the archives and look at the previous Pets of the Day. Of course, none of them is as adorable as my cat (The Little Nipper) or your pet (but they are cute). Web: Pet Talk and General Discussion If you have a pet, or want a pet, or happen to be cooking a pet for dinner, check with the general pet discussion groups first. Share information and experiences on a range of topics, including exotic animals, nutrition, grooming, behavior, veterinary care and recipes. Usenet:
Pet Travel Sure it's possible to go on a trip without your pet, but why would you want to? Your cat won't complain if you stay in the bath for hours and then use up all the towels, and your dog will never drag you off to an art museum when you should be soaking up local color at the beer festival. But if you're going to take The Little Nipper or Casey or Bowser on your next trip, it's best to be prepared. Make sure you know the best way to make your special companion feel as special as possible. Even better, see if you can find a pet-friendly hotel to visit, one that will welcome the little brute, so he or she can be as comfortable as possible while you're doing research at the beer festival. Web:
Pet-Keeping Dos and Don'ts Before my brother was born, the doctor asked me what I hoped the baby would be. I said I wanted a pony. However, my mother knew I was too young to take care of a pony by myself, so she got me a brother instead. Pets can be a lot of fun, but we do have a responsibility to look after them. Here is a wealth of advice on how to select and care for a pet. For example, before you take a trip, make arrangements with your family or friends as to who should take care of your pet if you don't come back. Web:
Plants Harmful to Animals It sounds like a job for a professional politician, but truly, there are people who like to grow poisonous plants for a living. At least they do it for the common good. At these Web sites you can check out plants that are toxic to animals and humans. You can look up the plants by common name or by scientific name. These are important resources if you have kids or animals that chew on things they aren't supposed to chew on. Web:
Rabbits Cuddly, soft, lovable little animals that you can dye pastel shades when Easter rolls around, bunnies are not just for kids. They make great pets for everyone. Learn how to care for a pet rabbit and get information about rabbit psychology and diseases that afflict bunnies. On the mailing list, non-bunny-lovers are not welcome unless you can mind your manners. Web:
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Rats and Mice I once lived with someone who had a pet rat. One day she let it get away and it hid in the couch. Eventually, we were able to retrieve the rat, but the couch was never the same. Another time, she was playing with the rat by holding its tail. Much to her chagrin, the outside of the tail pulled off, leaving a raw, red inner core. Eventually, the rat healed, but the tail was never the same. As you can see, rodents are pretty cool pets, and if your day-to-day existence is missing something or other, maybe you should get yourself a rat or mouse. Web:
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Reptiles and Amphibians Herpetology is the study of reptiles and amphibians. Both reptiles and amphibians are cold-blooded (that is, they do not maintain a constant internal body temperature). However, where reptiles use lungs to breathe, amphibians breathe with gills when they are young (under water), and with lungs once they become adults. Another difference is that reptiles -- such as snakes, lizards, turtles and crocodiles -- have bodies that are covered by scales or horny plates. Amphibians -- such as newts, frogs, toads and salamanders -- have a moist, scaleless skin. Why do people enjoy keeping such animals? Because they are creepy. Kewl. Web:
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Sharks Okay, let's get the strange stuff out of the way. (1) Sharks don't have bones, they have cartilage. (2) There are 250 different species of sharks. (3) Fully grown sharks can range from cute pygmy sharks measuring only 60 cm (2 feet) up to large whale sharks stretching to 15 meters (50 feet). (4) The most feared shark is the white shark (called the "Great White Shark" in the movies). This animal can grow up to 6 meters (20 feet), and will attack and try to eat just about anything, even without provocation. (The huge whale shark, by the way, is much less dangerous, as it lives on microscopic plankton.) Although many people are afraid of sharks, such fears are more a testament to the movies than to common sense. I have been swimming in the ocean for years, and the closest I ever came to a shark was going snorkeling with my lawyer. Web:
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Tarantulas The name "tarantula" refers to several species of large, hair-covered spiders native to North and South America. A large tarantula can measure up to 7.5 cm (3 inches) wide, stretching up to 25 cm (10 inches) with its legs extended. Despite their formidable appearance, tarantulas, if handled properly, are not dangerous to people and can make good pets. By the way, the easiest way to preserve a tarantula -- or any spider -- is to put it in a glass jar filled with 90-100 percent ethanol (regular drinking alcohol). Of course, you should make sure the tarantula is dead, but, if he isn't, you probably won't get any complaints. Web:
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Veterinary Medicine If you were always the one to bring home the bird with the broken wing or if you liked to wrap the dog up in gauze bandages, then maybe your calling is veterinary medicine. There is a wealth of information on the Net about animals and the veterinary field. The vetstu-l mailing list is primarily for veterinary students. The vetplus-l mailing list is for veterinary medicine professionals. The vetmed mailing list is for general discussion. Web:
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Wildlife Outside of downtown Los Angeles or the U.S. Republican National Convention, most people don't get a chance to see real wildlife in their native habitat. However, as a Net user, you can virtually visit various types of wildlife, including species that are extinct or endangered. Web:
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Zoos Who doesn't like to visit a zoo? We live in a controlled environment with very few animals (aside from pets) and visiting a zoo reminds us that most of the world is populated by many different types of non-human animals. There are a lot of zoo-oriented resources on the Net, and before you visit somewhere, you might want to check out the local zoo. By the way, although zoo animals live behind bars and fences, they are well-fed and cared for. Indeed, zoo animals often live better than people. (For instance, no one would ever think of forcing an animal to wake up to an alarm clock, drive 45 minutes in heavy traffic, and sit behind a desk all day.) Web:
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