Six more weeks of winter in OKC
Grizzly bears Will and Wiley predicted six more weeks of winter today as part of the annual Groundhog Day activities at the Oklahoma City Zoo. Here are photos from Oklahomanphotographer Paul Hellstern.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Conserve wildlife or else
A wildlife advocacy group in South Africa produced this commercial, reminding folks that if nature isn’t protected, we all lose.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Countryside tour with an otter
A postman in Scotland rescued a baby otter on the side of the road, then took her on a 220 mile tour of the country in his mailbag.
Kenny Wilson spotted the otter, which he named Orla, on the side of the road. He stopped his car and put her in his mailbag to keep her warm.
Wilson fed her kitten milk through the tube of a ballpoint pen, then took her with him in a Mini car enthusiasts’ rally before dropping her at an animal rescue.
Wilson said Orla was nearly frozen when he found her and he didn’t think she would survive. He stopped for milk when he started hearing squeaks from his bag that made him think Orla was hungry.
Orla is now eating fish and being hand-reared at an animal sanctuary.
- Staff Writer Bryan Dean
Drink beer, save a salamander
As if beer drinkers needed an excuse to drink beer, here’s a new one: it helps wildlife.
A Fort Worth brewing company has created a series of beers called Rare Species. Read the full story on our beer blog, The Thirsty Beagle!
By the way, The Thirsty Beagle himself gave the brewer a thumbs up. And if a dog says it’s good, you know it’s the truth.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Indian elephanats and their decorations skip parade
The elephants are sitting this one out.
The giant creatures have been a part of the India Republic Day parades every year since 1950. They’re decked out in jewels and are the stars of the show. But officials have decided to leave them out this year because of their “berserk” behavior.
I’m sorry, but I have to take the elephants’ side here. I’m not opposed to elephants being in the parade, but I do understand why they were acting “berserk,” as officials said. Hello! You’d go berserk too if you were Beadazzled and put on display. No one wants to be rhinestoned to death.
My guess is that somehow Indians will still celebrate their big holiday, with or without sparkling elephants.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
OKC Zoo gators cheer for OU
Just in case you were wondering, no.
The alligators at the Oklahoma City Zoo most certainly are not cheering for the Florida Gators. They’re University of Oklahoma Sooner fans, of course!
Apparently, rumors about the gator’ loyalty began circulating at the zoo. The lions told the owls who told the buffalo who told the bears who told the gorillas that the gators were Florida fans. Of course, this got back to the gators, who were all very upset that their loyalty to the Sooner State had been questioned. So the gators typed up a petition requesting the mess be straightened out and turned it in to the zookeepers at a formal meeting.
Staff put these animal rumors to rest:
“Boomer Sooner!” the head gator said.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Orangutan on a jet ski
Sometimes there are only two reasons to post a blog… an orangutan on a jet ski and a woman in a bikini. This story satisfies both. 
Surya, a 4-year-old orangutan living at The Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species in Miami, Fla., has learned to ride a child’s jet ski. He wears a child’s wet suit, riding around the pool and waving at onlookers. He also wears a life jacket because he doesn’t like getting his head wet.
Picutred below is Surya with one of the lovely trainers who taught him to jet ski.
- Staff Writer Bryan Dean
Pets in the paper
Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman today, yesterday and Saturday -
- - Story unleashes help for dogs. (Wilson)
- - Buffalo killings trigger inquiry. (Adair)
- - Zoo has high hopes for more giraffes. (Oklahoma City)
- - Warm weather shines on area eagle watchers. (Arcadia)
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Happy Birthday, Tanner
Tanner turned 23 last week, which might sound young, but it makes him the oldest bat in captivity in the world.
Instead of cake, Tanner celebrated with a bowl of papaya, mango and melon at his home at the Cranbrook Institute of Science in Michigan.
Tanner is a golden bat, a rare species found only on a small island in the Indian Ocean. There are only about 1,000 golden bats in captivity in the world.
Happy Birthday, Tanner!
- Staff Writer Bryan Dean
Pets need you to pack right for your trip
If you’re heading out of town, don’t forget to pack all the things your pet needs, the folks at Bamboo remind us. Here are their travel tips:
- Pack a travel bag. Obviously we all know to take food and water, but pets need other amenities. Take some toys to keep them busy, but also include a blanket or bed they’re familiar with. It will help reduce their stress (and yours).
- Tags, tags, tags. Make sure your pet’s tags are updated. Going far from home? Don’t just trust your vet’s tag to work. Get one that includes your full address and phone number with area code.
- Don’t forget to take your pet’s picture with you, just in case she gets loose.
Happy travels!
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
