In the past, orca whales, also known as killer whales, despite the latter name, rarely had harmful encounters with humans. Earlier in my career, I researched orca whales around the San Juan Islands of Washington State. Even though boats and the noise created by them are a problem in the area, the majestic cetaceans were a benign presence. However, recently a population of orca whales has been attacking boats around the Iberian Peninsula of Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. And researchers theorize that they are doing it for a unique reason.
Many incidents of orca whales ramming boats around the Iberian Peninsula in the past 3 years
Over the past three years, marine biology researchers have documented hundreds of incidents of orca whales approaching or colliding with boats around the Iberian Peninsula. These incidents typically follow the same pattern. The whales approach the back of the boat. They then ram into the rudder until it makes the ships stop.
While the damage caused by most of these encounters has been minimal, there were three cases in which the attacks sank sailboats. At first, researchers couldn’t figure out why these attacks were happening — and why they were exclusive to the Iberian Peninsula. However, now, some think they found the reason.
Researchers believe orcas are imitating the behavior of White Gladis, a whale traumatized after getting hit by a boat
Orca whale near sailboat | Good Morning America via YouTube
Marine biology researchers theorize that these attacks can be traced to a single event with a female orca whale named White Gladis. She is likely traumatized by a “critical moment of agony,” according to Alfredo López Fernandez, a marine biologist at the University of Aveiro in Portugal. He states that White Gladis was probably hit by a boat — and in response, attacked other ones when encountering them.
“That traumatized orca is the one that started this behavior of physical contact with the boat,” said López Fernandez in an interview with LiveScience. And then other orcas are intimidating White Gladis and ramming into boats as well.
Imitating behavior might be playful in nature
As I’ve seen with my research, orca whales are very intelligent and social animals. They adeptly learn and adopt behaviors from each other. Sometimes these behaviors are intentional — and other times they are not. However, what is clear is that the ramming behavior is spreading throughout the orca population around the Iberian Peninsula. Also, a greater number of whales in this population are partaking.
While some researchers postulate that the ramming of boats is tied to White Gladis being triggered by getting hit by one, there’s another explanation. The imitating behavior from the whales might not have an aggressive intent. Conversely, the imitation could be playful in nature.
It might not be accurate to describe the ramming of the boats as “attacks” — even though that’s what it seems from the perspective of people sailing them. Andrew Trites, the director of the Marine Mammal Research Unit, discussed this possibility with Insider.
“They’re very tactile. They have a sense of touch,” said Trites. The orcas engage in such activities as bumping and rubbing into each other — and raking their teeth over the body of other whales. With this in mind, Trites thinks the ramming incidents with boats are probably a “playful activity that’s gotten way out of hand.”
Ramming behavior is limited to the Iberian Peninsula — and unlikely to spread to other orca populations
Even if all of the whales in the Iberian Peninsula population engage in the imitating behavior, it’s unlikely to spread to other populations, such as the Southern Resident population around Washington State and British Columbia.
This is because whales from different populations typically don’t interact with each other. Also, they have different behaviors. “They’re not hanging out, swapping stories,” said Trite.
Nonetheless, the ramming incidents around the Iberian Peninsula are concerning — for they could lead to injuries or death to both humans and whales. However, Trites speculated that the incidents could eventually fade away — like most “fads.” The whales might stop partaking as they get “bored” with the ramming of the boats.
I’m Mark Putzer, and my passion for animals and all things nature is a life-long love affair. Growing up in Wisconsin, I had many cherished memories of hiking, skiing, and enjoying the abundant wildlife in the Badger State.
My passion for animals led me to marine biology research for my studies at the University of Wisconsin. I researched the behavior and communication of humpback whales around Hawaii and Orca Whales around the San Juan Islands of Washington State. The experience of being close to these massive and magnificent creatures is amazing. Later, I taught outdoor education to children in California — passing along my knowledge of animals and nature to the curious minds of the next generation. I also love pets. This includes a Labrador Retriever dog named “Molly” when I was a kid — and now, an adventurous tabby cat named “Rosy.”
I’m here to share the wonders of the animal kingdom with you. Whether it’s a cherished pet at home or an animal out in the wild, there are many unique stories and interesting information to share on Weird Animal News! Enjoy!
Horses are very fast animals. The average domestic horse can achieve a running speed of 30 mph, while some racehorses and wild horses can go over 50 mph. In comparison, humans lag behind. The top speed ever reached by a person is 27.8 mph, briefly achieved by sprinter Usain Bolt in 2009. However, recently, a fast man defied expectations and beat a horse in the annual Man v Horse race.
Man v Horse race in Wales, UK
Typically for races, horses face off against each other in such events as the Kentucky Derby or the Preakness Stakes. However, in the annual Man v Horse race in Wales, United Kingdom, humans joined the mix, as detailed by Runner’s World. More than 1,000 runners and 60 horses raced each other — and for only the 4th time in the event’s history, a human came out on top.
Runner Daniel Connolly edged out a horse to win the race
Man v Horse race | doktorob via YouTube
Despite having the disadvantage of running on two legs versus four for a horse, bipedal runner Daniel Connolly won the race. With a time of 2:24:38, he edged out a horse named DNS Ronaldo, (2:34:25), which was ridden by Kate Atkinson. The fastest time for a female at the race was Suzy Whatmough, who completed the course in 3:08:24.
In an interview with the BBC, Bob Greenough, a race organizer, said, “It’s the first time the event has been won two years in a row by a runner, and only the fourth time overall in 42 years of the race.”
Race was on a mountainous 22-mile course
The mountainous 22-mile course posed quite a challenge for runners, horses, and riders. It features many rises and drops in elevation, rock shambles, boggy marshes, and stream crossings.
The Man v Horse race was first held in 1980 — and it was born out of a debate at a local pub at the Neuadd Arms Hotel. And the debate was, “Who can run faster over mountainous terrain: a human or a horse?”
With four legs and long strides, horses, unsurprisingly usually win the races. Their strides can reach over 12 paces, and even when cantering, move at a pace of around 15 mph. And for a flat-out gallop, they can go much faster.
However, there are some situations where humans have an advantage. According to Mike Thomas, another race organizer, warmer weather is better for the runners. Conversely, he said that “horses struggle in hot weather.” The recent race had temperatures in the mid-70s with high humidity, which is unusually warm for Wales.
Runner missed out on World Championships but is happy to beat a horse
Connolly shared his thoughts on Instagram following his victory. While he recently missed out on the 2023 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships, beating a horse was a nice consolation prize.
“Since I started running, I’ve had an eye on doing Man v Horse one day. As I just missed out on the World Champs in Austria, I was looking for an inspiring event to keep the fire burning hot. The timing was right.”
He added, “Very happy to have beaten the horses but also to have shared a wonderful day with my family.”
As noted by race organizer Bob Greenough, this is the second year in a row that a human beat a horse. Last year’s race was won by Ricky Lightfoot, who claimed that he had been awake for 29 hours before the event.
Nonetheless, a human winning the race is a rarity. The first time was in 1989, nine years after the race’s inception. However, that was when bicycles were allowed. The first runner to win was Huw Lobb in 2004, crossing the finish line on foot ahead of the equines.
I’m Mark Putzer, and my passion for animals and all things nature is a life-long love affair. Growing up in Wisconsin, I had many cherished memories of hiking, skiing, and enjoying the abundant wildlife in the Badger State.
My passion for animals led me to marine biology research for my studies at the University of Wisconsin. I researched the behavior and communication of humpback whales around Hawaii and Orca Whales around the San Juan Islands of Washington State. The experience of being close to these massive and magnificent creatures is amazing. Later, I taught outdoor education to children in California — passing along my knowledge of animals and nature to the curious minds of the next generation. I also love pets. This includes a Labrador Retriever dog named “Molly” when I was a kid — and now, an adventurous tabby cat named “Rosy.”
I’m here to share the wonders of the animal kingdom with you. Whether it’s a cherished pet at home or an animal out in the wild, there are many unique stories and interesting information to share on Weird Animal News! Enjoy!
One of the wonderful things about dogs and other pets is they often bring out the best in people. Many have a soft spot for animals, resulting in people showing their loving and gentle side. Earlier in June, a dog diagnosed with terminal cancer went for a “last walk” around the town of Dupont, Pennsylvania. The response from the community was overwhelming, as they said goodbye to the dog and filled the streets with love.
Flyers sent to neighbors for ‘Mellow’s Last Walk Around Dupont’
Mellow is a beloved rescue dog who’s been a faithful companion to her owner, Kevin, since 2019. Sadly, though, the canine was recently diagnosed with lymphoma — and she isn’t expected to live beyond this month.
Many in the Dupont know Mellow from her walks with Kevin around the neighborhood. She has a friendly and affable demeanor, and both humans and dogs alike enjoy her company.
Kevin wanted to do something special for his dog before she died. So, he created flyers titled “Mellow’s Last Walk Around Dupont,” and dropped them off in mailboxes throughout the community.
Invitation for the community to say goodbye to Mellow before she goes to ‘doggie heaven’
“Mellow’s Last Walk Around Dupont” flyer | Inside Edition via YouTube
The flyers had a heartfelt message, with an invitation to join Mellow for her last walk. It also had photos of the dog.
“You may have noticed us walking in the neighborhood twice a day, every day — rain, snow, or shine. Some neighbors may have pet me or given me treats before, while others I may only know through their own dogs that say hello to me as we pass by.”
The letter then expressed gratitude to members of the community: “Regardless of how well we know each other, you have made my life so much richer than any rescue dog could have hoped for. I am grateful to have such caring neighbors and live in a community that looks out for one another so well.”
Later in the letter, “Mellow” broke the sad news about her health.
“I have definitely slowed down throughout the years and unfortunately that’s why you’re receiving this letter. I was recently diagnosed with lymphoma and will be leaving for doggie heaven in June.”
“Mellow” then expressed how she wished to say goodbye “face-to-face” one last time. “Come out to pat me on the head or rub my belly and I will be forever grateful (I love people after all!).
The letter also included a map of the route and the likely times that the dog would be passing by her neighbor’s houses.
Droves of people in Dupont came out to support the cancer-stricken dog
The response to the letter was overwhelming. Even people in the community who didn’t receive a flyer came out to support the cancer-stricken dog, as word quickly spread about her last walk.
People spoke to KJ Warunek about the experience. She said, “I run the town’s community page, and a member sent the photo of Mellow’s letter to his neighbors to be approved for posting. I was in tears when I read it and said to my husband Mark, ‘We need to go see him on his final walk.”
The community bonded over the dog — and there were “20 people on every corner” for Mellow’s walk. Also, children were especially excited to see her. Additionally, some created signs that read, “We Love Mellow.”
In response, the lovely dog enjoyed the attention. “Mellow is the sweetest boy. He was very gentle with everyone, and he was soaking up all the attention. He knew that it was his day,” added Warunek.
Facebook page for ‘Mellow’s Last Walk’
Mellow on “Last Walk” | Inside Edition via YouTube
Also, Warunkek felt a close connection with Mellow, for she previously had a dog that died from cancer. “As a person who lost a dog to lymphoma and knowing how fast and aggressive it is, we’re just happy he’s still getting around.”
Warunkek was so touched by the experience with the sweet dog and the love shown by the community that she shared photos of the last walk on the Dogspotting Society Facebook page. The post already has over 9,000 interactions and 1,000 comments, with many users moved by Mellow and the “amazing send-off.”
While it’s sad that Mellow will soon be gone, it’s wonderful that so many people could come together in a pure gesture of love to say goodbye to the sweet dog.
I’m Mark Putzer, and my passion for animals and all things nature is a life-long love affair. Growing up in Wisconsin, I had many cherished memories of hiking, skiing, and enjoying the abundant wildlife in the Badger State.
My passion for animals led me to marine biology research for my studies at the University of Wisconsin. I researched the behavior and communication of humpback whales around Hawaii and Orca Whales around the San Juan Islands of Washington State. The experience of being close to these massive and magnificent creatures is amazing. Later, I taught outdoor education to children in California — passing along my knowledge of animals and nature to the curious minds of the next generation. I also love pets. This includes a Labrador Retriever dog named “Molly” when I was a kid — and now, an adventurous tabby cat named “Rosy.”
I’m here to share the wonders of the animal kingdom with you. Whether it’s a cherished pet at home or an animal out in the wild, there are many unique stories and interesting information to share on Weird Animal News! Enjoy!
Unfortunately, missing dogs are an all too common occurrence. Whether it’s a canine exploring and never making it back home — or stolen by an abhorrent thief, a dog gone missing is an ordeal that many pet owners have sadly faced. However, sometimes, there’s a happy ending to the story, such as this remarkable one in New York City. Recently, a family, after thinking that they’d never see their missing dog again, miraculously found her at a pet adoption event when looking for a new puppy.
Dog likely stolen by sitter while family was away on vacation
In January, a family from Queens, New York, went on vacation for a week. They left their pit bull Mocha with a sitter. However, they never saw the dog sitter or Mocha again — or so they thought.
Previously, the sitter showed suspicious behavior. In an interview with the New York Daily News, the owner, who wished to be unnamed, described how the sitter always “seemed to have an excuse” for not handing over their pet.
“I realized the guy was playing games. He wasn’t answering my calls, he wasn’t answering my wife’s calls. What am I going to do? I don’t know what to do. To report it to the police — I doubt police investigate incidents like that.”
After the disappearance, the owner’s children often prodded him about the missing hound. This includes a six-year-old girl and two boys (ages 10 and 11). “They kept asking me every day, ‘When are we gonna go get her?’” More recently, the younger son asked, “Dad can we go to the guy’s house and get Mocha back?”
Tied to a post near the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Mocha at pet adoption event | NYC Animal Cares Center via Instagram Video
Unbeknownst to the family, a month earlier, Mocha was found tied to a post near the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). She was later brought to a pet shelter in Brooklyn by the NYPD.
Staff and volunteers at the shelter remarked how Mocha had the temperament of a “true family dog.” Jay Damashek, a shelter volunteer, said, “We named her Sandy, and she quickly became a staff and volunteer favorite.”
The shelter then put the canine up for adoption at the Paws in the Park pet adoption event at Union Square Park in Manhattan. With her pleasant demeanor, she was the “odds-on favorite” to find a new home.
Family found Mocha while looking for a puppy at Pet adoption event in NYC
While the family never completely gave up hope, they were ready to move after not seeing Mocha for five months. So, they went to the Paws in the Park pet adoption event — in search of a new puppy.
“We had enough time and we decided to take a ride over there, and take a look, not expecting to find Mocha,” said the owner. He continued, “Just take a look to see if we could find a puppy. And as soon as we walked in, she was right there.”
The owner’s wife was the first one to spot the pit bull
“My wife says, ‘Hey, that looks like Mocha,’” said the husband. “I turn around, I take a glance and I said, ‘That is Mocha.’ I called her name out and she started jumping, perked her ears up to her name and that was it. That was the end of it. She answered to her name.”
After showing the event organizers photos of Mocha, the husband persuaded them to release their beloved pet to her “rightful owners.” The family never looked at other dogs. They found their missing dog — and that’s all they needed.
After the ordeal, the family plans on ‘spoiling’ their dog all summer
While the family is happy to get back their dog, her disappearance remains a mystery. The owner hoped that Mocha just ran away from the dog sitter and then someone found her tied to a post.
Given that Mocha is a pit bull, though, the owner was concerned that she was stolen for use as “fighting or bait.” Fortunately, he was relieved to find that Mocha didn’t endure either of these awful things, for she has no scars or other signs of serious physical harm.
However, when the family found the dog at the pet adoption event, she looked exhausted and lost much weight. With all that Mocha has endured, the family plans on spoiling her all summer. This includes giving her her raw meat, her favorite food, as well as doing another thing she loves: scratching her belly.
I’m Mark Putzer, and my passion for animals and all things nature is a life-long love affair. Growing up in Wisconsin, I had many cherished memories of hiking, skiing, and enjoying the abundant wildlife in the Badger State.
My passion for animals led me to marine biology research for my studies at the University of Wisconsin. I researched the behavior and communication of humpback whales around Hawaii and Orca Whales around the San Juan Islands of Washington State. The experience of being close to these massive and magnificent creatures is amazing. Later, I taught outdoor education to children in California — passing along my knowledge of animals and nature to the curious minds of the next generation. I also love pets. This includes a Labrador Retriever dog named “Molly” when I was a kid — and now, an adventurous tabby cat named “Rosy.”
I’m here to share the wonders of the animal kingdom with you. Whether it’s a cherished pet at home or an animal out in the wild, there are many unique stories and interesting information to share on Weird Animal News! Enjoy!
Delhi, the capital of India, has an incredible array of birds, such as eagles, hawks, peacocks, pigeons, and doves. Unfortunately, the city has multiple dangers for the avian population, including heavy vehicle traffic, low-hanging wires, and flying kites. The resulting injuries inspired two brothers to create a unique solution: a bird ambulance motorcycle service.
Indian brothers saved 50,000 birds in Delhi with their avian ambulance service
Jain brothers with bird ambulance motorcycle | Dilli Tak via YouTube
Over the past five years, brothers Amit and Abhishek Jain have rescued sick and injured birds in Delhi. They self-funded this noble enterprise with their own earnings — adapting a motorcycle into a unique bird ambulance. Amit runs a pharmacy, while Abhishek owns a clothing shop.
With the growing success of their endeavor, the Jain brothers garnered more support, and last year, set up the Vidyasagar Jeev Daya Parivar Trust. To date, their service has saved an estimated 50,000 birds.
The Jain brothers spoke with the Guardian about their bird ambulance — and how it all started in 2018 when they encountered a trapped bird. “One day, during our commute to work, we came across a heart-wrenching scene. A helpless bird was entangled by its wing, dangling from a branch. We couldn’t remain passive,” said Amit.
After struggling to free the trapped bird for 30 minutes, the brothers called firefighters to rescue it. Fortunately, the firefighters were able to free the bird, but the brothers wanted to do more to help the at-risk avian population in the Indian capital. At that moment, they decided to dedicate their free time to saving birds.
The initiative now has 600 members, rescuing 30-35 birds per day
Rescued bird | Dilli Tak via YouTube
What started as a small endeavor between two brothers has since grown into something much bigger. As word spread about their bird ambulance motorcycle service, more people joined the initiative. Now, it has a team of 600 active members, along with another 1,000 supporters. “People from all walks of life joined us,” said Amit.
In addition to the team that rescues the birds, there are three people who work at a call center. It’s the avian equivalent of an EMS dispatch center. Species that have been rescued include pigeons, peacocks (Indian peafowl), black kites, eagles, and owls.
A major portion of the rescued birds are pigeons. This is due in part to the soaring pigeon population in Delhi from the sale of grain that people buy at the side of the roads to feed them.
Apply the convenience of ‘fast deliveries’ to bird rescue
The thinking behind using a motorcycle is to harness the convenience of fast deliveries that are the norm in people’s lives — and apply it to bird rescue. “In today’s world, everyone craves convenience, such as doorstep pizza delivery,” said Amrit. He continued, “We embraced this concept and adapted it to bird rescue. By making our contact information widely available, we ensure that injured birds can swiftly receive the assistance they need.”
In the Indian capital, birds get injured in multiple ways. This includes poisoning, being struck by cars, and getting entangled in wires and kite strings. With the avian ambulance service, the brothers and their team save these birds from a slow and painful death.
Jain brothers also aim to raise environmental awareness to help birds
The efforts of the brothers to help birds have expanded to other areas. This includes their Vidyasagar Jeev Daya Parivar Trust raising environmental awareness, particularly the crucial role that trees play in avian habitats.
“Birds have an equal right to exist in this world, just like humans. In the name of progress, we have destroyed their natural habitats.”
The trust also lobbies officials to consider ecological needs when planning developments. Additionally, the brothers have campaigned for better government facilities to treat sick and injured birds.
When they first started the bird ambulance motorcycle service, people made fun of the brothers. “This concept seemed so alien to them,” said Abhishek. However, after people saw the success of the initiative, support grew, showing that many in the city care about the welfare of birds.
Rescuing birds is an act of compassion for the brothers. Also, says Amit, it’s a joyful thing to do. “Saving a life brings more happiness than any party ever could.”
I’m Mark Putzer, and my passion for animals and all things nature is a life-long love affair. Growing up in Wisconsin, I had many cherished memories of hiking, skiing, and enjoying the abundant wildlife in the Badger State.
My passion for animals led me to marine biology research for my studies at the University of Wisconsin. I researched the behavior and communication of humpback whales around Hawaii and Orca Whales around the San Juan Islands of Washington State. The experience of being close to these massive and magnificent creatures is amazing. Later, I taught outdoor education to children in California — passing along my knowledge of animals and nature to the curious minds of the next generation. I also love pets. This includes a Labrador Retriever dog named “Molly” when I was a kid — and now, an adventurous tabby cat named “Rosy.”
I’m here to share the wonders of the animal kingdom with you. Whether it’s a cherished pet at home or an animal out in the wild, there are many unique stories and interesting information to share on Weird Animal News! Enjoy!
