A visit to the free Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park in Washington DC is always worth it, even if the weather might be inclement.
I captured a few of my favorite animals who just happened to be quite active today!
This article was originally posted at my Scientific American blog.
This enthusiastic movie line, lifted from the kids film, “Despicable Me“, about an evil villian whose heart is warmed by a trio of young girls who come into his life, is a very appropriate introduction to a movie that animal lovers simply must take time out to see . If you are along the west coast, the informative and stirring movie “Otter 501″ is debuting in theaters tomorrow! A list of screenings can be seen here.
This article was originally posted at my Scientific American blog. It was also picked up by io9 and boingboing.
Above is a video of Cayucos the otter being groomed, courtesy of Shedd Aquarium (no audio)
Mid-February, I took a science-themed trip to Chicago. I absolutely had to visit the new orphaned baby otter adopted by the Shedd Aquarium. I also could not turn down a chance to offer a one year happy birthday greeting to the two toed sloth born atLincoln Park Zoo last year around Valentine’s Day.
The Fantastic Fur of Sea Otters
The latest in the series, Deep Look, takes a close up peek at the fur of sea otters and why it is so good at keeping them warm in cold water.
“Sea otters aren’t just cute — they’re a vivid example of life on the edge. Unlike whales and other ocean mammals, sea otters have no blubber. Yet their body temperatures are twice as warm as the water they swim in. The secret to their survival? A fur coat like none other.”
I wrote about this new series a few months back at Scientific American.
10 years ago animals, More Science, otters, psivid, Video • Tags: KQED Science, otter fur, PBS Digital Studios, sea otters, videography