Animals

September 8, 2021

Female Shark Has Rare “Virgin Birth” Without Any Mate for First Time Ever Recorded for This Species

There's a new baby shark to celebrate at an aquarium in Sardinia, an island which is part of the nation of Italy. The new arrival at the Cala Gonone Aquarium is named Ispera, meaning “hope.” A member of the smoothhound shark (Mustelus mustelus) species, this baby is the first known example of a “virgin birth” among the species—a phenomenon scientifically known as parthenogenesis.

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September 2, 2021

Mr. Bilk the Pet Rat Plays the World’s Tiniest Harmonica in New Spotify Track

You may have heard of Keyboard Cat, but there’s a new four-legged musician on the scene. Meet Mr. Bilk, the pet rat who plays the harmonica. Rats are famously intelligent, but Mr. Bilk seems to be particularly talented. His owners (known as spacecaptainz on TikTok) recently shared a video of him playing a catchy tune on the mouth organ, and he even produced his own track. Okay, so maybe Mr.

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September 1, 2021

Shelter Cat Called “Ugly” Finally Finds a Home Where She Gets the Love She Deserves

Those who have ever adopted a pet know that when you meet “the one,” you just know. This was the case for Germany-based Francisca Franken when she came across a rather unusual-looking cat named Bean on an animal shelter website. Describing her new feline friend as “an exotic mix between the Grinch and Maurice from penguins of Madagascar,” Franken was besotted with Bean’s grumpy face from the get-go.

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August 24, 2021

Joel Sartore Reflects on 15 Years of Photographing At-Risk Species for Photo Ark [Interview]

Since 2005, photographer Joel Sartore has been on the hunt to document the world's biodiversity through the National Geographic Photo Ark project. Now in its 15th year, Photo Ark has become an important tool for raising awareness about conservation issues. As Sartore travels to zoos and wildlife sanctuaries around the globe, he reminds the public of the precious species that we are at risk of losing.

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My Modern Met

Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening.