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Zeus and Athena, a pair of North American Porcupines at Zoo Boise, had a porcupette on April 8th. The male baby hasn't been named yet. He is doing very well under the care of his mother Athena, and is on exhibit at the zoo. He weighed 517 grams at birth, and had gained 300 grams by his checkup just two weeks later. 

The little male is the second porcupette to be born at Zoo Boise: in July 2012, Olympus ("Oly") was born to the same pair. Mostly arboreal, Athena spends most of her day sleeping in the trees while her baby stays on the ground. She comes down to care for him and to sleep near him at night. Within a few weeks, the porcupette will begin to eat vegetation and will learn to climb trees with her. 

Photo credits: Zoo Boise

Porcupettes are born with open eyes and soft quills which harden within thirty minutes after birth.  Contrary to popular belief, porcupines do no shoot or throw their quills as a defense.  When attacked, a porcupine will tuck its head between its front paws and turn so their quills face the attacker. The hollow air-filled quills fall out of the porcupine’s skin easily.  One North American porcupine can have as many as 30,000 quills.

Related articles Prickly New Baby Arrives at Stone Zoo Trio of Big-Eyed Baby Maras Born at Artis Zoo Shy North American Porcupette Weighs In at Zoo Magdeburg Prickly Porcupette a Surprise for Woodland Park Zoo

Late on Friday night, April 26, Ellie, the Saint Louis Zoo's 42-year-old Asian Elephant, gave birth to a baby girl. The zoo's veterinarians and elephant caretakers were in attenance of the birth and will continue to monitor the baby's health. The calf is about 38 inches tall and weighs 251 pounds. Both Mom and baby spent the night quietly bonding and are doing well.

For the past two months, zoo staff has been on a 24-hour pregnancy watch. They monitored Ellie's progress with an ultrasound exam and tracked her progesterone levels every day. When Ellie's progesterone dropped five days ago, they knew she would deliver within 1-13 days. Martha Fischer, Curator of Mammals, said, "The baby appears healthy and is already walking around well. As an experienced mother and grandmother, Ellie was very nurturing, caring for her newborn from the very beginning. She did a great job."

Photo credits: Katie Pilgram/Saint LouisZoo

The Saint Louis Zoo has been actively involved with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan for Asian Elephants. Dr. Jeffrey P. Bonner, Dana Brown President & CEO of the Saint Louis Zoo said, "There are only between 35,000 and 50,000 Asian Elephants left in the wild, and they are facing extinction. Given the shrinking population of Asian Elephants, the Saint Louis Zoo shares a common vision with other professional elephant conservation organizations and with our elephant care colleagues—a vision that includes elephants in the world's future forever, both in zoos and in the wild."

The Zoo will soon announce a naming poll through a news release, social media and its website.

Read more about the Elephant family and the Zoo's conservation program below the fold: 

This is Ellie's third baby and the fourth for the baby's father Raja, the first Elephant ever born at the Saint Louis Zoo. Now, at age 20, he has his own three-generation family, with daughter Maliha, born on August 2, 2006; Jade, born February 25, 2007; and Kenzi, born on June 24, 2011. Mother and baby are not yet on public display, and a debut date has not been set.

"The Zoo's Elephant care team has been busy preparing for this baby for the past two years," Fischer continued. "It's so rewarding to have made it to this day. In addition, we are all just overjoyed to have her with us to help us continue to build a matriarchal herd. Elephants form deep family bonds and live in tight matriarchal family groups of related females so the addition of a fourth female youngster further cements these strong ties and mirrors the natural family structure for Asian elephants found in the wild."

In addition to participating in the AZA Species Survival Plan, the Zoo supports the welfare and conservation of Asian Elephants in Sumatra and other countries in Asia through the International Elephant Foundation, as well as the conservation of African Elephants in Kenya.

Also, with Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV) a common health issue for elephants both in the care of zoos and in the wild, the Saint Louis Zoo has been instrumental in pursuing the latest EEHV detection and testing protocols. For several years, the Zoo has joined other North American elephant care facilities in actively supporting an EEHV research effort. The International Elephant Foundation is facilitating this study to find a cure.

"Because Asian Elephants are so endangered in the wild, this birth is important to the conservation work we do with other North American zoos," said Dr. Bonner. "Together AZA-accredited zoos cooperatively manage the breeding of Asian Elephants to maintain healthy populations that are as genetically diverse and as demographically stable as possible.

“Swear to God, I can’t stand to hear a woman claim that she thinks like a guy and hates women because they’re all catty. That’s misogyny. The very fact that you, as a woman, think differently than how a socially-stereotyped woman is supposed to think is proof that our gender “norms” are fucking us over. Women are not all alike. Some of us like football. Some of us like talking on the phone. Some of us like religion. Some of us are emotional. Some of us speak three languages. Some of us have boyfriends. Some of us have girlfriends. Some of us wear lipstick. Some of us don’t shave our pits. Some of us have kids. Some of us worry we’ll drop our best friend’s baby. Now please stop claiming that you don’t act like a woman. It doesn’t make you a special fucking snowflake. It makes you a perpetrator of misogyny.”

-

owlonthesill (via gogogadget2lesbiansdoingit)

Egg-fucking-zackly. I know women who seriously think they’re special or part of some elite breed of women because they “get along better with men.” Please.

(via lawbyrd)

can I tattoo this on my forehead 

(via theuppitynegras)

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cellohray:

is he serious?

corgiaddict:

acorginamedollie:

Oliver: the hero America deserves.

AMERICORG

georgialobbe:

sweetshibes:

(by: http://maco123.blog76.fc2.com)

portable pocket shibe

doge carrier

see it’s fine

UNC-CHAPEL HILL (US) — Researchers have shown how a molecule produced by trees combines with pollutants to create a potentially hazardous form of air pollution.

It has long been known that trees produce and emit isoprene, an abundant molecule in the air known to protect leaves from oxygen damage and temperature fluctuations.

However, in 2004, researchers, contrary to popular assumptions, revealed that isoprene was likely involved in the production of particulate matter, tiny particles that can get lodged in lungs, lead to lung cancer and asthma, and damage other tissues, not to mention the environment. But exactly how was anybody’s guess.

Wee Rex, if you want honey just go to the store!

Salzburg Zoo's new baby South American Tapir that ZooBorns first covered HERE is growing and thriving. Though it was born on March 1, vets only recently determined that it's a girl! Since then, the zoo has been asking the public to submit names for her and will decide on one very soon.

In the mean time, Mom Bibi has had to keep a watchful eye, since her little one has been into all sorts of mischief. What kind? You can see for yourself on the zoo's webcam, found on their website's homepage. You can tune in to see the the baby napping, playing or cuddling with Bibi, or nursing as seen on the webcam yesterday morning.

Photo Credit: Zoo Salzburg

The IUCN lists the South American Tapir as vulnerable, due to the 30% population decline that has occurred over the past three generations. They are threatened by deforestation, competition with grazing livestock, and hunting. As large foragers, they are especially sensitive to habitat disruption. 

americastestkitchen:

Introducing: DIY Energy Bars. Deliciously addictive, packed with protein, naturally vegan, and gluten-free. These bars are our new favorite office snack.

pickleandharveybulldogblog:

Today is Harvey’s birthday!!!!!

2 years ago Pickle became a dad again.  When we went to visit the pups we immediately fell in love with the lonely one in the corner, the breeder then told us about his issues.  He was born with a tear in his abdominal wall, which was then made worse when one of his siblings bit him in his stomach.  The breeder could not in good conscience sell him to a family knowing how many surgeries he would need in the future.  We decided to scoop him up and take him home. 

True to his now personality he fooled us all.  When he was with his brothers and sisters he was always the quiet one, we thought “great, Pickle is so laid back Harvey will fit in well.”  Little did we know he would become a little man with a BIG personality.  When he’s not pawing at us to pet him, he’s leaping off the end of the couch to chase a toy.  When he’s not trying to sleep on pickle (sometimes it looks like he’s trying to smother him in his sleep) he’s headbutting pickle with a toy begging him to play tug with him. He is a good sport when mom puts clothes on him, he is one of those dogs that is just happy about life no matter what he’s been through.  He still holds the record of being the only dog at our vet that wanted to immediately play after coming out of anesthesia.

Tonight Harvey will get a nice juicy steak, a new toy, and plenty of belly rubs.

Do you see that it is Harvey’s birfday

*Man walks into a store and finds employee*
Man: Alright, I've had enough. Why haven't you guys hired me?!
Employee: Uh...well sir, when did you put in your application?
Man: I never filled out an application.
Employee: Well sir, we can't consider you for employment if you've never filled out an application.
Man: No, that's bullshit, because I've been coming here for years now, and every single time I tell you all how much I love this store and how much I appreciate your customer service, unlike some of your other customers might I add!
Employee: Well, but that doesn't-
Man: AND I even told you that I didn't have a job!
Employee: But sir, that doesn't indicate to us that you would like a job at our store. And again, if you've never filled out an application, we can't consider you. Besides, we're not hiring.
Man: OH! Not hiring, HA! What a laugh. I see your store go through seasonal workers all the time. They come and go like nothing, but you won't consider me as a part-time employee even though I KNOW you've been looking for workers to fill positions? That's insane!
Employee: Sir, we've been looking to hire a few people for management positions. Do you have any management experience?
Man: Well no, but what does that matter?
Employee: ...Well sir, that's what we're looking for. You won't be suitable for the position without management experience.
Man: Oh that's such a load of crap. You know, you'll be waiting around a long time for a manager if you don't lower your standards a little. Who cares if someone knows how to manage a store? I LOVE this store and I'm willing to work here, that's all that should matter to you.
Employee: That...doesn't make any sense.
Man: NO! I'm done. This is over. From now on, no more Mr. Nice Guy.
Employee:
Man:
Employee:
Man: Fuck you, slut.

concertoinc4:

Fake Geek Girls (x)

tell it girl

realgrumpycat:

The Daily Grump | April 25, 2013

still grumpy

I know there’s been snow and floods in the USA midwest, but this is the first I’ve heard of cyclones. You bein’ straight with us there, Maymo?

Photo spotted here. See more of Mischievous Maymo on FB and YT.

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And now everyone, for your Peg, the-kind-hearted-Mom-who-helps-Edward-Scissorhands, moment!

Fave, “My, those are your hands? Those are your hands! What happened to you? Where are your parents? Um… Your mother? Your father? Are you alone? Do you live up here all by yourself?” Frame:

Lydia K., via YouTube. Video possibly from Bat Rescue Inc. Unconfirmed. Any info appreciated!
“Each year vaccinated wildlife rescuers hand rear baby flying foxes. At the end of the hand rearing process, (usually at about 13 weeks of age) the weaned babies are sent to baby bat crèche where they learn appropriate battie socialization skills. Tobermory had wing tip injuries sustained on rescue and shared the hospital aviary with several others, including 2 little guys who still required a morning bottle feed. As I searched in the bedding materials for the recipients, (weaned) Tobermory snuck over and made off with one of the bottles. I was impressed with his stealth and ingenuity and the fact he knew the bottle needed to be upended for the milk to flow. He afterwards got a bowl of warm milk for his trouble. Tobermorey is a grey headed flying fox and after his injuries were resolved, he was released back into the wild with his 60 crèche companions.”

Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: bats, Cute or Sad?, ResQte, Unusual Animals

Ed. note: Katie is off this week, so Arikia Millikan is guest blogging in her place. Arikia is a Brooklyn-based journalist and former Wired editor who writes about science and technology. She was Nate Silver’s research assistant for the NY Times bestseller The Signal and the Noise.

The Supreme Court is currently hearing a precedent-setting case regarding the patenting of human genes, specifically the two genes that are most closely linked to breast and ovarian cancer. When Myriad Genetics aided in the discovery of BRCA1 and BRCA2, they patented the discovery, securing a monopoly over use of the genes for decades. Now, a group of researchers and medical groups, including the women’s health collective Our Bodies Ourselves, have sued.

 From Vitamin W:

The oral arguments boiled down to two key opposing points. The attorney for the Association for Molecular Pathology and other plaintiffs in the case argued that the genes cannot be patented because they are found in nature. The attorney for Myriad Genetics essentially argued that because the company found and isolated the gene, it should be able to patent it. There was a great deal of discussion about this point, with analogies such as whether finding and removing a plant from the Amazon should entitle someone to patent that plant as an “invention.”

In addition to the fact that it makes no sense to claim legal responsibility for human evolution, the ALCU weighed in citing all the practical problems that could result from allowing a pharmaceutical company to patent a human gene. Judy Norsigian from Our Bodies Ourselves summarized the issues as such:

Myriad’s monopoly of the genes prevents others from conducting diagnostic tests on the BRCA genes and from developing alternative tests. This means that there is no way for a woman to know if the test has been done properly, to confirm whether the results are accurate, or to get a second opinion. Because it has no competition, Myriad can charge exceptionally high rates for its testing – currently more than $3,000 – which many women cannot afford, locking out many women who seek the test to determine the best course of action for their treatment.

This comes at a time when our staple tool for screening breast cancer–the mammogram–was found to be hugely flawed. One thing is clear: When it comes to our health, we should have access to every tool in the toolkit and use the best combination along with expert opinion to make educated decisions, and any entities preventing this from happening should be questioned.

Image via.

Earlier this month, in the city of Marivan, Iran, a judged sentenced a man convicted of domestic abuse to be paraded around town dressed in traditional Kurdish women’s clothing. This was a “punishment” since obviously being a woman is so embarrassing, amirite? In response, a local feminist group held a rally, and 17 members of the Iranian parliament wrote to the justice ministry complaining it was “humiliating to Muslim women.”

But perhaps the most creative protest has come from the Kurd Men For Equality campaign that sprung up on Facebook. In solidarity with the women’s protest, hundreds of men have submitted photos of themselves dressed in women’s clothing to visually send the message, “Being a woman is not a tool to humiliate or punish anyone.” And a few women have joined in too.

See more photos after the jump. 

There's a spikey new addition to Zoo Magdeburg's family of North American Porcupines: a porcupette, whose sex is still undetermined, was born on April 1st. Recently, the shy porcupette sat quietly on a scale to be weighed, but scurried back to mom as soon as the adventure was over. The baby weighed a healthy 870 grams. Fully grown, North American Porcupines will weigh from five to ten kilograms. 

In addition to the newborn, Zoo Magdeburg has two adult females and one adult male, which live in an exhibit with Black-tailed Prairie Dogs. The zoo's first successful breeding occured in 2003, with the offspring now living at Duisburg Zoo. 

Photo Credits: Zoo Magdeburg

Read more about North American Porcupines below the fold. North American Porcupines are a common species, ranging from Canada and Alaska through northern Mexico. Mainly nocturnal, these herbivores eat leaves, seeds, fruits, nuts and bark, and often rest in trees. They are the second largest North American rodent, after American Beavers, and can live for up to twenty years. After mating, which occurs during the fall season, the male porcupine will spray the female with a foul-smelling secretion that warns other males to stay away. The gestation period lasts about 210 days. In the spring, porcupettes are born with soft quills that harden within a few hours. The porcupette will begin to forage for food at a few days old, but stays close to mom for the first six months. 

 

Related articles Trio of Big-Eyed Baby Maras Born at Artis Zoo Prickly New Baby Arrives at Stone Zoo Critically Endangered Tiger Cub Born at Point Defiance Just Say 'Mo': Oregon Zoo's Baby River Otter Gets A Name

STANFORD (US) — A study of a major urban school district reveals that high-achieving students tend to get the best teachers, leaving others to less experienced instructors.

Even within the same school, lower-achieving students often are taught by less-experienced teachers, as well as by teachers who received their degrees from less-competitive colleges, according to a new study.

GEORGIA TECH (US) — A new wearable system measures the physical environment of an explosion and collects information that could match a soldier’s experience to his or her long-term medical outcome.

Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are becoming a global problem for the US armed forces. To prevent injuries to soldiers and provide better care to those who are injured, the US military is striving to better understand how blasts impact the human body.

STONY BROOK (US) — Researchers have made a surprising prediction about one of the main materials inside planets.

They calculate that magnesium oxide (MgO) can exist in several different compositions. The predicted compounds would be radically different from traditionally known or expected materials.

BOSTON U. (US) — Three decades of research suggest that kids of gay parents are faring well, a new report argues.

When the Supreme Court took up the issue of gay marriage recently, Justice Antonin Scalia claimed that experts debate whether same-sex parents are bad for children.

“

Reduce cellulite. Be gone dry skin. Vanish unwanted facial hair. Diminish stretch marks. Fade age spots. Eliminate feminine odor. Lose weight. Dissolve belly fat. Erase wrinkles.

I think someone wants me to disappear.

”

- Guerrilla Girls (via calloway)