Animal fun facts

Cats have a very well develop sense of smell. It is believed they have between 45 and 200 million olfactory receptors. They use these receptors to pick up on aromas of even the smallest concentration within their environment. The privileged nose of felines means they use it as an important tool to find...

Although rabbits have the reputation of being quiet animals, this doesn't mean they don't make noise. In fact, rabbit sounds have a wide variety of function and purpose. Rabbits make noise to communicate with other rabbits, other animals and even we humans. As rabbit guardians, it's imperative we learn what...

The wolf is a carnivorous animal which is considered a relative of the domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris). While this is true, the extent of their connection is complicated and you can read up about the genetic history of dogs to learn more. While we know there are many different types of dog breed,...

When we think of the mongoose, many of us might picture a ferret-like creature which is known for attacking snakes. However, the animal we call a mongoose is actually a term used for all the mammals in the Herpestidae family. This is a more diverse group of animals than you might think. It even includes...

Also known as orcas, killer whales (Orcinus orca) are marine mammals in the group known as cetaceans. Although they have the word ‘whale’ in their common name, orcas are actually considered a type of dolphin. However, the word ‘killer’ is fairly accurate. While they are highly appreciated for their beautiful...

Some animals are almost defined by a certain characteristic. While this can be somewhat reductive, the reason it happens is because these animals may have a feature which is so unique, we can't help but associate them with it. Such is the case with the giraffe. There are many fascinating facts about giraffes...

Birds are indeed renowned for their diverse and remarkable characteristics, including their captivating plumage and melodic songs. However, their most distinctive feature is undoubtedly their ability to fly. While most birds possess this incredible skill, there are exceptions such as flightless birds...

New Zealand, renowned for its stunning landscapes and unique biodiversity, is home to a remarkable array of wildlife. Isolated from the rest of the world for millions of years, this island nation has developed a distinctive ecosystem with many species found nowhere else on Earth. The country's animal...

The ocean teems with a diverse array of life, including the mesmerizing -and feared- jellyfish. Among these gelatinous creatures, the fried egg jellyfish is instantly recognizable for its distinctive appearance. While their beauty is undeniable, a common concern for water enthusiasts is the potential...

Sharks, with their ancient lineage and diverse species, have lifespans that vary widely, from just a few decades to over a century. Understanding the secrets of shark lifespan offers a unique window into the remarkable adaptability of these apex predators and the intricacies of their life cycles. From their...

The Peruvian Inca Orchid and the Xoloitzcuintle are two dog breeds that are often confused with each other. This is understandable since they have many key characteristics which are similar. They are both from Latin America, an area of the world from which only a minority of recognized breeds originate....

Animals that are solitary are those which have minimal interaction with other members of their species. This is in comparison to gregarious animals which live in social groups, although the size of these groups can vary greatly. Living in groups allows animals to pool resources to find food and provide...

Beavers are large rodents which belong to the Castoridae family. They are characterized by their unique ability to transform aquatic landscapes through the construction of dams and lodges. While their populations are spread throughout various types of habitat, they always live near bodies of water. This...

When a male dog mates with a female, the copulation process involves a period where the two dogs are stuck together. This is due to engorgement of the genitals and its purpose is to ensure that as much sperm as possible can be introduced to have the best chance of egg fertilization. When intertwined, the...

Also known as the man-o-war or bluebottle, the Portuguese man o' war (Physalia physalis) is a species of cnidarian. This means it is in the same taxonomic phylum as jellyfish, corals and sea anemones. Despite bearing similarities to jellyfish, these marine animals are actually hydrozoans. It is actually...

You’ve probably noticed that your dog loves to sleep in a specific position. But have you every wondered what the meaning of this dog sleeping position is? Firstly, it is important to remember that an adequate amount of good sleep is necessary for a dog’s well-being. Therefore, we suggest respecting your...

Because of their adorable appearance and their restless nature, hamsters often attract attention and arouse a lot of curiosity, especially among children. However, it is very important to inform yourself about everything you need to know about hamsters before adopting one. Once all the important hamster...

Cats have a reputation of being frightened easily. So much so it has lead to the phrase ‘scaredy-cat’. However, some of the things that scare cats the most might be something you haven't considered before. You may be unaware you have been scaring them which has lead to cat anxiety. This is why AnimalWised...

There's a reason why dogs don't normally wear shoes. The soles of their feet are durable enough for them to walk across different terrain. If we were to go out in the snow without shoes, we wouldn't last very long. Huskies somehow manage to trek across snowy terrain on their paws alone. And yet, a dog's...

Categorizing nature is a worthwhile endeavor. It allows us to see the interconnectedness of all nature and helps us to understand not only where we came from, but where we might be going. It engenders respect for all living beings. Categorization is also not easy and sometimes nature throws a spanner in...

We know that adopting a cat, regardless of breed, color, sex or age, is an act of pure love. In addition, cat adoption gives us the opportunity to live with a charming, caring and beautiful animal. How often have you been genuinely surprised by the skills and abilities that your cat has presented? There...

Clams are bivalve mollusks that play an essential role in aquatic ecosystems. They contribute to their habitats not only by providing a food source for other animals, but also in water filtration, nutrient recycling and other important benefits. They can do so thanks to a specialized anatomy which is...

Contrary to popular belief, sharks don't sleep in the same way humans or other land animals do.Their unique aquatic environment and physiological adaptations have resulted in a distinct approach to rest. Rather than experiencing deep, unconscious slumber, sharks engage in periods of reduced activity. This...

Jellyfish are captivating and diverse marine creatures that belong to the phylum Cnidaria, which also includes corals and sea anemones. Jellyfish are known for their unique stinging cells called cnidocytes, which contain venomous structures. While many species are harmless and pose little threat to humans,...

Black cats, perhaps more than any other type of cat, evoke such a response in we humans. Culturally, black cats have appeared in folk tales, art, films, internet memes and much more. This is not to say that the image of a black cat means to same to all cultures. Some see black cats as ominous figures,...

The slow movement of the sloth is where they derive their name, first being used in English in the early 17th century[1]. Since then they have captivated animal lovers across the world. Their slowness also connotes gentleness and it is hard to argue the docile grin they display isn't one of the most endearing...

We might stereotype people who watch funny cat videos as people who are easily distracted or who don't have enough taste to do something more productive, but we all know it's not true. Cat videos are for all. This is partly because there are many different types of cat videos. Some are boring and inane....

Our responsibility when adopting a dog is feeding, watering and caring for their basic needs. Our joy when living with a dog is getting to give them all the love they deserve. This means pampering when we can, giving them plenty of caresses and petting them like crazy. Fortunately, for most dogs, this is...

To know how dolphins breathe, we should get rid of some preconceived notions. Just because a dolphin lives in the sea, does not mean they are a fish. As they are not fish (or some other aquatic creatures such as crabs), they do not use gills to take oxygen into their body. Despite having fins and spending...

The diversity of birds on the planet ranges from tiny to very large species. These large species often remind us why birds are one of the closest living relatives of extinct dinosaurs. Birds are also quite different from one another. Some possess a hypnotizing colorful plumage and their feathers are even...