People Debate Which Adorable Animal Would Make A Horrible Pet
Cute and fuzzy does not a good pet make.
Many animals that seem adorable from afar would be far less pleasant inside your house.
Redditor yourrenotthebossofme asked:
Which animal is adorable but would make a horrible pet?
Chaotic Koala
"Koala"
-usmarine7041
"They're among the most finicky eaters in the animal kingdom--they only eat eucalyptus leaves and even then, only a few species of eucalyptus."
-CryptidGrimnoir
Problematic Panda
"Panda bears ain’t that nice."
-Successful_Gap8927
"There was a zoo in China where someone went in and tried to play with the pandas. of course they got attacked. I think they lived and one of the zoo workers being interviewed said 'people need to remember that Panda's aren't kittens...they're bears...'"
"I'll always remember that quote because it's just one of those things that shouldn't have to be said...but...it does because people are dumb."
-MyStationIsAbandoned
Ornery Otter
"Otters!"
-anxious_otter_89
"Yes, I love otters for their cute human like behaviour. But they make loud unpleasant noises and their poop smells."
-johansugarev
"That sentence also describes my children."
-popejubal
"We used to live in Anchorage, and as part of a 'blind auction', we won a behind the scenes tour of the Seward Sealife Center. These people were so nice! We must have wandered around there for hours with the staff. We got up close and personal with octopus, harbor seals, stellar sea lions, (and trust me, you have not known fear until a 600lb female comes 'running' at you with her mouth wide open) but the one creature they made sure to keep barriers between us and them? THE OTTERS. The staff described them as 'chainsaws with fur.'"
-tinykitchentyrant
Complicated Capybara
"Capybaras are very cute, but apparently they are pretty high maintenance. They are, essentially, a wild animal (although not typically aggressive towards humans), and they need a fairly large body of water in their environment (I believe this is where they relax, and also excrete), which is automatically not really viable for a lot of people. They are also social creatures, and they get stressed if they are alone, so if someone was to have one as a pet, they would need more than one for the wellbeing of the animal."
-Vegetable_Month_8293
Duck-billed Problem
"The Platypus."
-Infamous_Coyote7923
"This is why the creators of Phineas and Ferb gave them a pet platypus (Perry). They wanted the characters to have a pet but were worried that the kids watching the show would see this pet and beg their parents for one because this could potentially result in thousands of impulse purchases and abandoned or neglected animals. They settled on a platypus because"
"1. It's strange appearance might be off-putting to some people"
"2. Doing any amount of research at all, even the bare minimum, is enough to convince most people that a platypus would be a terrible pet."
"3. Where the f*ck would you get a platypus?"
-PersonMcRealHuman
Giant Ferrets
"Pine Marten. Imagine a ferret that can kill a deer."
-SigmaLord69420
"Vastly cool animal that I don't want to pet."
-SquigglePig52
Big Eyes Big Problems
"Kinkajous. I have no idea why people keep them as pets but, as a zookeeper, don’t do it."
-mileysmustache
"They're strictly nocturnal, can be aggressive, and dislike noise. Out of all the members of the raccoon family, I'd wager that the kinkajou is the worst one to try and keep for a pet."
-CryptidGrimnoir
"I saw a guy skateboarding by my house with one on his shoulder. Felt so bad for it. It couldn’t have been having a good time. Stressing out an animal so you can look cool is so sad."
-pickle-runch
Polar Mistake
"Polar Bear. They look adorable right up until they eat you."
-nota_an_Alien_Robot
"Did you know that their hair is clear? It is basically a tube that holds air (a good insulator believe it or not) against their body to protect themselves. It only appears white because of refraction. Just like snow!"
-whitoreo
"Yes! It's bizarre to look at closely. Disclaimer: Never look closely at polar bear fur that's still walking around. It will eat you."
-nota_an_Alien_Robot
Vexing Vixens
"A Fox, they’re beautiful but they really don’t domesticate well."
-VTX1800F
"and some of them scream like bloody murder when they're happy. and when they arent screaming, they're laughing like the joker."
-MyStationIsAbandoned
"Funny story. A few months ago I was hearing ungodly scream-like laughter in my backyard in the middle of the night. Freaked out and called the cops, they were at my house in about two minutes."
"I direct them, guns drawn, toward the ruckus…they come back laughing. Foxes doing the hibbity-dibbity in plain sight. Apparently they scream when mating, or looking to mate. I felt like an idiot."
-hippiechick725
Bunny Troubles
"I think that animals that are considered to be adorable can also make horrible pets. For example, rabbits can be extremely cute, but they require a lot of care and attention. If you're not willing to put in the work, then a rabbit is not the right pet for you."
-Platters-Oak9
"Omg yes. Everyone I've known who had rabbits inevitably ended up pretty much abandoning them to the little rabbit area, which was always filthy, and the rabbits never got enough love. It's heartbreaking. I'd say at least 90% of rabbit owners shouldn't have gotten a rabbit at all."
-havron
Cute does not equal cuddly or friendly. Choose your pets wisely.
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Google Is Honoring Steve Irwin On His Birthday With An Awesome Google Doodle
There are few people who've had as much of an impact on wildlife conservation as Steve Irwin. The reality TV star dedicated his life to protecting nature long before many Americans had heard the word "crikey."
Irwin passed away in 2006, when he was fatally stabbed by a stingray fish while filming an underwater documentary. He was only 44, and he left behind his wife Terri and two kids.
To honor Irwin's 57th birthday, Google has changed its Doodle to a series of illustrations highlighting his life.
Steve has been honoured with a #GoogleDoodle! Happy Birthday for tomorrow, to the greatest Wildlife Warrior. We’re… https://t.co/thUbXWi93a— Australia Zoo (@Australia Zoo) 1550747215
I’m honored to have gotten to make the art for the Steve Irwin doodle today. It was a labor of love for a man who t… https://t.co/Rik2LajkqX— Shanti “#NewDeal4Animation” Rittgers (@Shanti “#NewDeal4Animation” Rittgers) 1550786285
The main DoodleDoodle features Irwin holding a crocodile. While, that alone would be a great tribute to "The Crocodile Hunter," if you click it, it expands and near wordlessly tells you about his life.
From the way his park grew in size, to meeting his wife and becoming a TV star, to having his kids, Bindi and Robert. The literal slide show ends with his family in front of the Australia Zoo, which they now run in Irwin's memory.
It's rather touching.
#Google’s home page 🤗 #SteveIrwin 🐊 https://t.co/d7PIfdPUdU— Raʾs Al-Ġhūl (@Raʾs Al-Ġhūl) 1550802064
PLEASE THE GOOGLE ART BEING MULTIPLE STEVE IRWIN ARTWORKS IS MAKING ME CRY LOOK AT THIS https://t.co/QKUusrOrma— Regular Jumpy (@Regular Jumpy) 1550764758
That was a brilliant Steve Irwin tribute, @Google. Well done! https://t.co/sxIu9Rka2w— Jordan De Leon (@Jordan De Leon) 1550802893
Irwin had been working with dangerous animals since the age of nine. Despite his "Crocodile Hunter" title, his work was devoted to protecting them, capturing and relocating the animals for their own safety.
His family has a park in Queensland, originally a tiny roadside park called Beerwah Reptile Park, but now called the Australia Zoo. It was there he met his wife, Terri.
While on their honeymoon, the Irwins shot footage capturing crocodiles. This would become the first episode of The Crocodile Hunter. The show exploded in popularity, and the fame and money allowed the Irwins to put a lot more into their conservation efforts.
After his passing, his family has carried on his legacy. Terri and her kids, Bindi and Robert, are very involved in conservation efforts, and gave their blessing and assistance with the Google Doodle.
Looking through the images is enough to make you cry.
And I’ve only had one glass of wine am I alright— Gracey O'Connell ⚡️ (@Gracey O'Connell ⚡️) 1550797085
Terri wrote a post about today's Doodle, expanding on their story.
"Today's Google Doodle acknowledges the life and achievements of my husband Steve Irwin, whose efforts to protect wildlife and wild places have been recognised as the most extensive of any conservationist.
"We are so proud that his legacy lives on, as that was his greatest wish. He once said, 'I don't care if I'm remembered, as long as my message is remembered.'"
She also spoke on the expanded efforts of the Australia Zoo and her family's conservation efforts.
"Today, Australia Zoo is still growing with more than 1,200 animals, and nearly 1,000 acres. We protect nearly half a million acres of habitat, and our non-profit organisation supports conservation projects around the world.
"We even have a Wildlife Hospital that has treated over 82,000 sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife, solely to return them back to the wild."
Let's wish a happy birthday in remembrance of a man who loved nature so very much.
Today 12th is Steve irwins birthday and we didn't forget you it's been almost 13 years since you've passed away ..… https://t.co/hZoM0SgaLI— 悟 (@悟) 1550802351
@newscomauHQ Steve Irwin was larger than life. Happy Birthday my men and have a blast party in the heaven. Sorry be… https://t.co/TSImiV9Eoh— Sail (@Sail) 1550793474
Who is the best crocodile hunter-man? 🐊 For me it always be Steve Irwin. 💐 ***Happy 57th Birthday to YOU, Mr, Stev… https://t.co/qZgdLXMmkT— Stupid Heart Idiot Brain ✌️🙂✌️ (@Stupid Heart Idiot Brain ✌️🙂✌️) 1550779467
His family runs the Wildlife Warriors charity, whose efforts are dedicated to wildlife conservation and animal care. If you'd like to help, you can find out more and give donations at this link.
Wildlife Photographer Captures Stunning Photos Of An Incredibly Rare Black Leopard AKA A 'Black Panther'
Wakanda forever!
That's what's going through our heads upon learning that earlier this week British wildlife photographer Will Burrard-Lucas took several high quality images of a wild melanistic leopard, also known as a black panther, while on a trip near Kenya's Laikipia Wilderness Camp, a local wildlife haven.
The black leopard is considered ultra-rare, and this one is believed to be the first of its kind on African soil in nearly 100 years.
"The biggest challenge in this project was knowing where to put my camera traps. When I heard that a black leopard had been seen up at Laikipia Wilderness Camp in Kenya my ears pricked up and I contacted the owners Steve and Annabelle Carey to find out more," Burrard-Lucas revealed in a blog post.
(In a separate interview with The Daily Mail, he revealed that photographing the elusive creature had been his dream since childhood.)
Burrard-Lucas noted that he, in collaboration with biologists from the San Diego Zoo who were working in the area, set up camera traps in an area the leopard was said to frequent.
In a video documenting his photography expedition, he recalls how he felt once he'd reviewed the images and realized he'd finally achieved his childhood dream of photographing the creature:
As far as I know none of these leopards has never been photographed properly in Africa before... So I've left the cameras for a few days and now I'm heading back to see if I've got anything...
'Scrub hare, mongoose… we have something. All I can see is eyes but this is a black leopard emerging from the darkness. Look at this!
'I can't believe it really. I think when I started this project I didn't actually think I was going to be able to achieve a shot of a black leopard in Africa but that it is exactly what is here on the back of my camera. Just the most stunning, spectacular creature I think I've ever photographed!'
According to Dr. Nicholas Pilfold, a biologist with San Diego Zoo Global who worked with Burrard-Lucas in the field, the recent on-camera sightings are incredibly rare:
"We had always heard about black leopard living in this region, but the stories were absent of high quality footage that could confirm their existence. This is what Will's photos and the videos on our remote cameras now prove, and are exceptionally rare in their detail and insight.
Collectively these are the first confirmed images in nearly 100 years of black leopard in Africa, and this region is the only known spot in all of Africa to have black leopard."
Dr. Pilford also explained that most recorded sightings of black leopards had been limited to the forests of Asia and elaborated on just how rare this sighting really is:
Melanism occurs in about 11 per cent of leopards globally. However, despite African leopards having the largest remaining range out of any of the subspecies, there has only been one confirmed case of melanism prior to these images.
In addition to confirming black panthers in Africa, our observations are unique because Laikipia is a semi-arid shrubland, and previous melanistic observations come from more shaded habitats in tropical forests, which is in keeping with the understanding that melanism is an adaptation to camouflage against dark backgrounds.
We hope our future research will cast a light on why these black panthers occur here, just how many there are and how being melanistic in an unshaded environment affects their hunting strategies.
Melanism is a recessive trait in leopards, so both parents have to be carrying the gene in order for it to be expressed. Genetic research indicates melanism comes from a mutation in a gene that causes a loss of the normal function and colouration. However, although they appear solid black during the day, black panthers still have the iconic leopard rosette patterns in their coats.
The images quickly took social media by storm...
...and many wildlife enthusiasts lined up to congratulate the beaming photographer, too.
What a stunning creature!
Wilfred Warrior Is The Crazy-Looking Cat The Internet Can't Help Falling In Love With
As strange as it may sound, pet lovers know there is nothing cuter than an animal that looks absolutely disgusting and/or terrifying.
For proof, look no further than Wilfred Warrior.
Wilfred W. is the Chinchilla Persian cat who's taken the internet by storm following his appearance in a viral video.
You may already recognize him!
The video, which has been shared all over the internet and contains an unseen voice fearfully making fun of Wilfred's appearance, is actually a dubbed version of the much-more-soothing original video.
That original video was posted to Wilfred's own Instagram account.
When viewed outside the context of the original video, Wilfred's Instagram is filled with many adorable shots of the crooked-toothed feline.
It turns out Wilfred loves going to "the bottom of the garden" even though he "knows that he is not allowed to go to the bottom of the garden."
Wilfred's just a chill little gremlin who likes to hang out.
When the sun hits him just right, Wilfred is truly majestic.
He even has a sense of humor about himself, posing next to a couple lookalikes!
All in all, you'd be hard pressed to find a better cat than Wilfred Warrior.
Twitter loves Wilfred Warrior, plain and simple.
Somehow I didn't realize the weird cat in that video is Wilfred Warrior, aka the cutest cat ever. Dude stole the vi… https://t.co/QUKNA8GG0k— Sensorium139 (@Sensorium139) 1542067346.0
I love this cat #wilfredwarrior https://t.co/Q3lM3Luku2— Ruth (@Ruth) 1542141489.0
@HPSKate @wilfred_warrior Omg he's doing his best— stephanie 🍁 (@stephanie 🍁) 1542062370.0
Wilfred is just living his best life, snaggletooth and all!
@wilfred_warrior is amazing.— Beatrix Blotto (@Beatrix Blotto) 1542124652.0
@NinjitsuPrincss Oh gosh mom, I dunno. All I have is love and this ugly cat named Wilfred Warrior. https://t.co/etS9Tn7iSe— Ms Butterball Natural (@Ms Butterball Natural) 1542147080.0
He's won the hearts of millions.
i love you wilfred warrior— 🌸🍑🍰 ...phi time (@🌸🍑🍰 ...phi time) 1542112013.0
@JacquiGeeGee @walegates Aw @wilfred_warrior warrior is a lover not a fighter.— samslackey (@samslackey) 1542094539.0
Hopefully, Wilfred's face will be remembered for all time.
Was gonna draw something serious and then decided to draw Wilfred Warrior #cat #persiancat #funnycat #digitalart https://t.co/ZkhZSknOX2— Anastasia Goldyn (@Anastasia Goldyn) 1542298704.0
<i followed wilfredwarrior the cat on ig and im https://t.co/VxnZ2j9Ni2— tin (@tin) 1542258133.0
Thank you for just being you, Wilfred Warrior!
We can't wait to see what you do next.
Frisky Lioness Pulls Out All The Stops Trying To Get The Attention Of Oblivious Male—And She's Truly All Of Us
Both in human society and the animal kingdom, females often have to express their interest with all the subtlety of a steamroller to make their intentions clear to oblivious males. No one understands the struggle better than the lioness in this viral video, who goes far out of her way to try and attract a nearby male lion's attention to no avail.
YouTube
Twitter could relate far more than they'd like:
@MailOnline Loool me on my crush in the club— IV (@IV) 1536613013.0
@MailOnline We've all been there..— Dave (@Dave) 1536606094.0
Boy...he must be really pissed off at her.....she's really trying tho...😊 https://t.co/Hb7RFqexQ9 https://t.co/Hb7RFqexQ9— Shanti Singh (@Shanti Singh) 1536629195.0
@MailOnline I think alot of females have this issues!— lianne young CAC, CAT (@lianne young CAC, CAT) 1536606981.0
Many recognized the male lion's gaze from many football games on the couch...
When you’re just trying to watch the game #ignoranceisbliss https://t.co/rg8BkTEcjG— bailey bird (@bailey bird) 1536628460.0
Human females do the same thing the female lion doing ...he look like he trying to watch the game. 🤷🏾♂️😂 https://t.co/9VyiZkcS0L— Terrance L. Bankston (@Terrance L. Bankston) 1536733336.0
Consent is super important, as one Twitter user reminded us in a raunchily frank way.
When she's horny but can't say it 🤣🤣🤣 Dude be like, ain't gon' assume consent, you gotta say it bitch. Oh my hoen… https://t.co/gKZInFHQj2— LadyG (@LadyG) 1536751138.0
YouTube commenters also had a field day with the video:
Despite the lioness's best efforts, however, the male lion is eventually forced to simply step over her and move away.
Don't worry, lioness—we've all been there. We've all, very sadly, been there.
@MailOnline Typical male.— Carol Rosenberg-Fox/Belle AmbassacattoIsrael 🇮🇱 (@Carol Rosenberg-Fox/Belle AmbassacattoIsrael 🇮🇱) 1536606655.0
@MailOnline Just like humans!— boringfileclerk (@boringfileclerk) 1536606101.0
H/T - Daily Mail, YouTube