Animals are wonderful creatures – they have emotions just as we do and we can learn so much from them. Here are some facts and videos of some of my favourite animals:
GORILLAS
- The DNA of a gorilla is very similar to humans (98-99%) – more than any other animal in the world
- Gorillas interact with other species and sub-species – these types of interactions are very amicable
- When male gorillas are about 12 years of age, they can develop silver colouring on their back, this is where the name ‘silver back’ comes from
- A group of gorillas that live together are called a troop
- Gorillas are not meat eaters
- Every gorilla has a unique fingerprint – just like humans
- Gorillas are considered to be one of the most intelligent animals in the world. They are able to process information and to think independently
- Gorillas never sleep in the same place two nights in a row
- Mother gorillas will continue to carry their offspring for about 2.5 years even though they are able to walk when they are 8 months old
- They are able to see in colour. All of their senses are very highly developed
ELEPHANTS
- Largest animals in the world – The largest ever recorded was an adult male who weighed 24,000 pounds and was 13 feet tall at the shoulder
- Can live to be over 70 years of age
- The only mammal that can’t jump
- Have highly developed brains and the largest of all land mammals. The brain is 3 or 4 times larger than the humans although smaller as a proportion of body weight
- Elephants have poor eyesight but an amazing sense of smell
- Elephants have the longest pregnancy of all the animals. It takes a female 22 months from conception to give birth
- Elephants purr like cats do as a means of communication
- Tusks are an elephants incisor teeth. They are used for defense, digging for water, and lifting things
- Elephants wave their trunks up in the air and from side to side to smell better
- Elephants cry, play, have incredible memories, and laugh
- Elephants are highly sensitive and caring animals, if a baby elephant complains, the entire family will rumble and go and go over to touch and caress it. Elephants express grief, compassion, self-awareness, altruism and play
- Elephants have greeting ceremonies when a friend that has been away for some time returns to the group
- Elephants are social creatures. They sometimes “hug” by wrapping their trunks together in displays of greeting and affection
- Elephants pay homage to the bones of their dead, gently touching the skulls and tusks with their trunks and feet. when an elephant walks past a place that a loved one has died, he/she will stop dead still; a silent and empty pause that can last several minutes
- Elephants use their feet to listen, they can pick up sub-sonic rumblings made by other elephants, through vibrations in the ground. Elephants are observed listening by putting trunks on the ground and carefully positioning their feet
DOLPHINS
- Dolphins are extraordinarily intelligent animals who also display culture, something which was long-believed to be unique to humans (although now recognised in various species)
- Dolphins have been observed teaching young how to use tools. They cover their snouts with sponges to protect them while foraging
- Dolphins have several highly developed forms of communication. They have a “signature whistle” which allows other individuals to recognise them
- Dolphins are altruistic animals. They are known to stay and help injured individuals, even helping them to the surface to breathe. Their compassion also extends across the species-barrier. There are many accounts of dolphins helping humans and even whales
- Dolphins are incredibly social animals. They live in groups and cooperate with each other to get food and in raising offspring (calves)
- Dolphins are extremely playful and curious animals. They play-fight with each other and also play with seaweed. They have also been known to play with other animals such as dogs
Here are some other amazing animal videos…..
Dog playing in leaves:
Trailer for the Disney movie – Chimpanzee:
And finally…..some cute cat videos:
We can learn a lot from the videos above – these animals show compassion, tolerance, respect and love for one another. We must remember that we share this planet with these lovely creatures and must do all we can to ensure they are not harmed and that the planet is not harmed. Animals are not ours for fashion, entertainment, or to eat.
If you would like to make a difference in the lives of wild animals or the planet, please visit Greenpeace, WWF (World Wildlife Fund) or your local animal shelter and make a donation or volunteer.
COALITION OF POSITIVE ENERGY 