wildlife

2020 has been one rocky year but luckily, in the world of animals, it's never been better! Since the beginning of the pandemic, it was the Earth and animals that have benefited from the lack of us humans destroying the world. 

And with the yearly competition, Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards, we're further able to celebrate the magic that is animals, majestic or not. The incredible photographers that have been selected for this year's finalists have really delivered some animal gems! The following photos, captured at the moment, are hysterical and show us all that we're not alone when it comes to looking funny when our photos are taken! 

We were able to talk to Michelle, the head of Comedy Wildlife Photography Award's press office, and asked about the process of narrowing down so many wonderful photographs into the top finalists, she had this to say about the process, "... it is a brutal process. We started with over 7000 images - and whittled them down based on: level of humour, quality of photography, ability to get people's attention. It sounds relatively vague the last point, but we want to get our message of conservation across to as many people as possible, and the images must attract their attention!"

Well, these photographs selected definitely capture our attention! 

The winners will be announced on October 22nd, but the following images are all winners in our eyes! Congrats to all the photographers who made it to the finals and thank you for sharing such imagery with us -- we all could use this fantastic pick-me-up! 

Animals always have a way to just be so captivating. Or so we thought...

Who knew animals were just like us?! They too have their unphotogenic moments in front of the camera! But oddly enough, we still think they are adorable! (Goofy, but adorable!) 

Nothing like seeing the majestic wildlife of animals, not looking quite so majestic! 

Don't believe us? Well just scroll on down and take a look for yourself!

Scritches. Scratches. What's the difference? Well, scratches are those lines of damage when you drop your phone, and scritches are what you give a cat on top of its head or under the chin. 

So, now we all know! Scritches is the correct term to use when giving a kitty (or other animals) some fingernail love. 

Today, we're going to let you into a secret that saves your life from wild animals (and non-wild animals)... and that foolproof method is scritches. No animal can resist a good scritch!

Don't believe us? Check it out for yourself! 

Over the past 12 years, India has nearly doubled its tiger population! Did you know that Tigers in India hold up to 70% of the world's tiger population? How wild is that! 

In honor of International Tiger Day, Prakash Javadekar, Union Minister, released a report about the current status of Tigers in India. His report states, "In 1973, there were just nine tiger reserves which have now increased to 50. It is important to know that none of these reserves are of poor quality. Either they are good or the best."

Three tiger reverses (out of 50 reserves) shared in 2018 that they have no tigers left. The reserve with the most tiger population is Corbett at 231 tigers, followed by Nagarhole with 127 and Bandipore with 126 tigers. 

Check out some gorgeous tigers from India's Tiger Reserves below:

Story via Business Insider

Many of you recall the heartbreaking story of Tahlequah, the orca whose love and actions for her dead calf was seen around the world. 

Almost to this day two years ago, this devoted mother lost her baby calf and was so heartbroken, she kept her calf afloat for 17 days as she continuously carried it. It was a heartbreaking sight and it's a moment we can never forget. Whoever says animals don't have emotions -- you tell them Tahlequah's story. 

And now, two years after those gut-wrenching 17 days, Tahlequah is officially pregnant once again! This orca was obviously a born-to-be mother and we're so incredibly happy for her and her second chance at motherhood. 

According to Seattle Times, Tahlequah is still a ways away from a successful birth, and like all orcas, she will be requiring luck on her side to bring her baby into this world, and keep it alive. 

We wish her all the best. 

The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) holds a photography competition once a year and recently, they have announced the 2020 winning images.  

2020 has been a challenging year for zoos and aquariums around the world who had to deal with the financial impacts of closures as well as taking care of the animals in times of social distancing and loneliness.   

The winning images of the competition, only open to zoo or aquarium staff and volunteers, have managed to capture incredible behind the scene moments from the daily routine of animals and staff alike.
Judge and BIAZA spokesperson Andrew Hall said: "Every day our zoos and aquariums are sharing the extraordinary beauty and fragility of the natural world and this is evident in the incredible winning photos."

Up till now, zookeepers and veterinaries who wanted to monitor vital signs or do regular health checkups for wild animals had to use specialized equipment while sedating them and disturbing their daily routine.   

But now, a new promising camera software offers a non-abusive way to do that without the need for anesthetics.  

Story Via: Phys.org

Animals make our worlds an easier and better place to live in, giving us reason to pause and smile and — in some cases — serving as true companions and friends.

Prepare your heart: These incredible images of birds, reptiles, primates, and more will restore your wonder in the world.

Here's a link to our previous list of amazing animal photos

Shaaz Jung is an Indian wildlife photographer and Cinematographer who specializes in capturing the great moments of big cats. 

In the following photo series, he provides us with a fascinating glimpse into the life of one beautiful black panther in the jungles of Kabini.