The Pet Tree House - Where Pets Are Family Too : November 2019 The Pet Tree House - Where Pets Are Family Too : November 2019

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Follow Bei Bei’s Plane With Fedex Flight Tracker!


Bei Bei is off to China but you can follow the plane every step of the way by using the link below.

To stay updated on his flight, click here: BEI BEI’S PLANE







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Monday, November 18, 2019

The Goodbye Celebration Continues for Bei Bei the Giant Panda


WASHINGTON — The giant panda Bei Bei was born at the National Zoo in 2015, and he's been captivating minds and capturing hearts ever since.

"When he first got here he was so excited to come here. And I'm just going to miss him so much," Caris Counts said.

Counts drove two hours on Sunday morning with her mother to catch Bei Bei before he heads on a 16 hour non-stop flight to China Tuesday.

To read more on this story, click here: The Goodbye Celebration Continues for Bei Bei the Giant Panda


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Here's How The National Zoo Will FedEex Bei Bei The Giant Panda


Say goodbye to Bei Bei as he heads to Chengdu, China as part of the panda diplomacy program between the US and China.


WASHINGTON — Bei Bei, the District's beloved giant panda, will play in his outdoor habitat for the last time Tuesday before he heads to China. The Smithsonian National Zoo is sending the four-year-old panda to China as part of the panda diplomacy program. This program between the U.S. and China requires all pandas born at the Zoo be sent to China when they turn four.

Bei Bei will make his way to Dulles Airport on Tuesday, and will be transported to Chengdu, China on a specially chartered FedEx cargo plane. He'll ride on a direct 16-hour flight with the National Zoo's animal care team, a panda keeper and a veterinarian.

To read more on this story, click here: Here's How The National Zoo Will FedEex Bei Bei The Giant Panda


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Bye Bye, Bei Bei: Beloved Giant Panda Leaving DC for China in Private Jet


WASHINGTON – No cramped leg space and blah entertainment in coach for Bei Bei, the giant panda at the Smithsonian's National Zoo in DC. He's off to China this week -- and he's traveling in style.

As if flying in his own Boeing 777F private plane dubbed the Panda Express is not enough, handlers will be feeding him his favorite treats during the trip. And the zoo is asking for song recommendations for a mixed tape for the long trip -- just change the title of the original from "baby" to "Bei Bei."

To read more on this story, click here: Bye Bye, Bei Bei: Beloved Giant Panda Leaving DC for China in Private Jet


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Thursday, November 14, 2019

Farewell Celebration for Giant Panda Bei Bei


Join the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute “Bye Bye, Bei Bei” (BAY-BAY,) a series of online and on-site celebratory events to bid a fond farewell to giant panda Bei Bei before he departs for China from November 11 to November 18, 2019.

Fans can pick up a postcard memento at the Zoo and write their own notes to Bei Bei that will travel with him to China. For fans joining the festivities remotely, Panda Cam 1 will show Bei Bei 24/7. Bei Bei will receive special treats and toys twice each day. All three of the Zoo’s giant pandas will receive ice cakes at 9am on Nov. 16 and Nov. 17 in honor of Bei Bei’s farewell. In addition, free hot chocolate will be served on Nov. 16 and Nov. 17. Click here for a detailed schedule of events.

To learn more about this event, click here: Farewell Celebration for Giant Panda Bei Bei


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Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Shark Experts Say the Coast of Florida Is Starting to Heat Up with White Shark Activity


Key West, Florida - Great white sharks are moving to Florida for the winter. A research group, OCEARCH, says the annual migration to warmer waters off the Florida and Carolinas coasts is underway. 

The Palm Beach Post reports that eight white sharks tagged by the Utah-based research group were spotted from New Jersey to Florida in the last week.

Three other sharks that had been tagged were detected Wednesday in waters on North Carolina beaches, and two more sharks —Helena and the 2,076-pound Unama’ki —made their presence known with toothy grins just west of Key West in September.

Unama’ki had been tagged off Nova Scotia in September. She’s a big girl —some 15-feet, 5-inches.

It’s not unusual for great whites to call southern waters home during winter and sightings are common near popular fishing and diving spots in Florida through spring.

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Did You Know Cockatiels Are Among The Most Popular Of Pet Birds?


Did you know that cockatiels are among the most popular of pet birds? Normal cockatiels are gray, with white patches on the wings. They have a yellow/white face with a bright orange patch over the 'ear'. Variations include : Pied (varing white patches cover body), Pearl (each feather retains gray color, with white intersperced), Lutino (Bird white with yellow/white/ orange face), and Albino (white bird). Another popular bird is the Budgie also known as the Parakeet.

The life-span of Cockatiels is usually around 15 – 20 years, however, it has been reported that some have lived up to 30 years!  Having one bird is fine, but you must spend a lot of time interacting with the cockatiel on a daily basis. Having two birds will make it a little easier, but they will bond with each other, and may not bond with the owner.

I have often heard people say, “I don’t want a bird, they are dirty!”  This is simply not true. If a bird’s cage isn’t clean, it’s the fault of the owner, not the bird! All pets require care.


One thing that I do want to mention, is to never keep your bird in your kitchen. A friend of mine has a cockatiel that she used to keep in her kitchen. I asked her why she had it there, she said that because she spends a lot of time in her kitchen/dining area. Her bird did end up getting sick. The kitchen is generally a poor choice for your cockatiel’s cage. There are a number of fumes in the average household kitchen that can be toxic for birds. A good place the cage is where you and your family spend time so that you can interact with the bird.

Cockatiels are vocal creatures. Some make very loud noises. It may sound like they are screaming, but it’s just the natural sounds of the bird. When you arrive home your bird may make noises at the excitement of seeing you.



How to tell the sex of your Cockatiel:
Males tend to have a brighter facial color. Females have a duller facial color, and have barring under their tails. This method of sexing becomes more difficult in the variations of birds.

Feeding your Cockatiel:
A seed diet is not adequate, but tends to be high in fat and deficient in vitamin A, calcium, and protein. Seeds can be part of a healthy diet but only a minor percentage. There are other human foods that birds like. Millet is another great food.

For a well nourished bird include a variety of fresh fruits crisp or lightly steamed veggies and other table foods in your bird’s diet. Always serve them chopped, sliced, diced, minced and mashed.

There are human foods that you can give your Cockatiel:
Cooked chicken/ turkey; Eggs/hard boiled/scrambled; Cottage cheese; Yogurt; Asparagus; Beets/beet tops; Broccoli; Brussel sprouts; Carrots; celery; corn; chicory greens; cilantro; collard greens; green/yellow beans; kale; mustard greens; peas and pods; parsley;  pumpkin; red/green sweet pepper;  romaine lettuce; spinach; turnip greens; water crest; yellow squash; zucchini; bananas; berries; cantaloupe; cherries; cranberries; honey dew; kiwi; mango; oranges(seedless); papaya; pineapple; watermelon; cook pasta; cooked brown rice; dried fruits; whole wheat toast; oatmeal; cheerios; rice krispies; grape nuts; Un salted popcorn; and animal crackers.

Foods you should never give your Cockatiel:
Avocado, chocolate, coffee, lima beans, milk, sodas, sugar, teas, rhubarb, leaves from potatoes, tomatoes, egg plants, bean plants, alcohol, salt, greasy foods, tobacco, fruits seeds or pits from, apples, apricots, oranges, cherries, or peaches.

Tips on caring for your Cockatiel:

1. Your cockatiel needs to have fresh water every day. Change the water every day, even if it looks full. If you find any droppings or feathers in the water cup, change the water, so your bird will not get sick.

2. Some bird noise is very loud but is not screaming, it’s just the natural sounds of birds. Since they are very vocal creatures and you can expect them to greet dawn and sunset with enthusiasm. They may get rowdy just before mealtimes and especially, if you work and the house is empty all day, when you arrive home.

3. Offer foods that have different colors shapes, textures and flavors also vary the presentation.

4. Some birds get startled in their sleep and awaken in a panic. They may start trying to flee the cage and bumping into toys, feeding bowls and their perch.

5. Don't ever give food from your mouth, or kiss your bird.  This is harmful to your bird since your mouth carries germs that can make your bird sick.

6. Cockatiels are very dusty. They use a powder to keep their wings water proof. After petting the bird, one normally has a powdery finger.

Signs that your bird may be sick:
  •  Birds often pretend to be fine when someone is watching nearby (survival instinct), so observe very carefully
  • Sleeping excessively. Like people, birds who sleep a lot more than usual may be in trouble.
  • Any sign of blood, is a bad sign. If your bird is bleeding, you need to stop the bleeding immediately, and contact your Vet.
  • If a normally playful bird doesn't play very much any more, it may well be sick.

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Are You Thinking About Getting A Rabbit As A Pet?


Are you thinking about getting a rabbit as a pet? The first thing that you must understand is that a rabbit is nothing like a cat or a dog.

Rabbits aren't for everyone, but make loving pets. You will need to spend time with them every day. If you leave them alone with only other rabbits for company, some tend not like human attention. You will need to make your home rabbit friendly.

Take time to think about what you are getting into. While they are cute in the pet store, you must look past the cuteness and consider the care. Do some research before making your decision.


Things To Think About Before Getting A Rabbit As A Pet:

1. Some have a very long life-span. Most live between 7 – 10 years, and some into their teens. Are you
prepared to devote this time?

2. They are very messy and can be destructive, sometimes burrowing into mattresses and furniture.

3. Pretty independent and could do without human interaction rabbits do not like to be picked up. The act of bending over them and grabbing them by their ribs to pick them up is very similar to being picked up by a hawk and is very scary to them. Please read the article below called, “Rabbit References”, it will tell you the proper way to pick up a rabbit.

4. They are prone to dental problems, as their teeth grow constantly during their life.

5. Male rabbits, especially make the best pets because they are more attentive and affectionate. They make the best pets for kids because they are interactive, curious, and easy to handle.

6. When a female rabbit reaches sexual maturity, she may begin to view her cage as her potential nesting space and become protective of it. A female rabbit that feels nature urging her to breed can become very testy.

7. Rabbits should always be kept inside. Their body temperature rises far more quickly than that of many other animals, and is already at a higher average than other animals. It is necessary to make sure that the area they are in is appropriately heated or cooled as warranted by the environmental conditions around it.

8. You should not leave them in the sun for long periods of time. Seems obvious, but if you put it in a cage near a window, make sure you provide some shade.

9. Vet visits are expensive for rabbits as compared to cats and dogs. You will need to find a good vet who has experience with rabbits.

10. A rabbit screaming is a sign that the rabbit perceives itself to be in a life or death situation.

11. Rabbits can be trained to use a litter box and some can learn to come when called.


Fun Facts About Rabbits and Hares:

A rabbit is different from a hare. A hare is usually born with hair and its eyes open. While a rabbit is born with no hair and its eyes closed.

Did you know that baby rabbits are called kits or kittens?

Baby hares are born above ground with fur and open eyes. They are called leverets. While rabbits are born underground, blind and naked.

The word Bunny is a nickname for rabbits. It comes from the word "coney" (pronounced like "honey"), which used to be the name for a rabbit. The word "rabbit" used to be the name for a kitten (that is, a baby "coney").

Pet rabbits kept indoors are referred to as house rabbits. House rabbits typically have an indoor pen or cage and a rabbit-safe place to run and exercise, such as an exercise pen.

A rabbit will teach you a new way of looking at the world! Although they can be ornery at times, rabbits are wonderful, fun, and loving companions.

Are you the right kind of person to live with a rabbit? 

If you have decided to get a rabbit as a pet, would you please consider checking your local animal shelter. They often have rabbits that are looking for a forever home!


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New Google Feature Lets You Bring Lions, Tigers, And Bears Into Your Home


Ever wonder what it would be like to have a pet panda?

It’s not a good idea. It’s not even legal. Still, there’s nothing stopping you from finding out with a new feature from Google.

The biggest name in internet search, and arguably in the world, is using augmented reality (AR) technology to allow users to see what it might be like to bring home a lion, a tiger, or even a bear. Oh my.

“it’s one thing to read that a great white shark can be 18 feet long,” Google reports. “It’s another to see it up close in relation to the things around you. So when you search for select animals, you’ll get an option right in the Knowledge Panel to view them in 3D and AR.”

To read more on this story, click here: New Google Feature Lets You Bring Lions, Tigers, And Bears Into Your Home

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Meet Unama'ki, the 2,000-Pound Great White Shark Who Reached the Keys


A massive great white shark that weighs over 2,000 pounds made its way from Nova Scotia, where it was tagged, down to the Florida Keys in just over a month.

According to OCEARCH, a nonprofit research organization that tags sharks to keep track of their movement and activity, the 15-foot-5-inch adult female "pinged" just off the coast of Key West on Saturday morning.

She's been named Unama'ki, a term meaning "land of the fog" in the language of the indigenous Mi'kmaq people of Nova Scotia.

OCEARCH stated on its website that it hopes Unama'ki will lead them to the site where she gives birth, exposing a new white shark nursery.

To read more on this story, click here: Meet Unama'ki, the 2,000-Pound Great White Shark Who Reached the Keys

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Sunday, November 10, 2019

The State of New York Has Passed a Law Allowing People to Be Buried Beside Their Pets in a Human Cemetery


Options used to be limited for people who wanted to be buried with their fur babies. Basically their only choice was to be buried in a pet cemetery if that’s what they wanted.

But if people can be buried at a pet cemetery, than why can’t pets be buried at a human cemetery?

It’s a question that one state is answering with a new law.

New York is changing up the rules when it comes to pets and where they’re allowed to be buried. They passed a law that allows people to be buried alongside their pets if they so choose, in a human cemetery. And the law isn’t just limited to dogs and cats. It allows for a range of different animals to be buried with their owners.

It’s a decision that many pet owners are applauding, as their fur babies are part of their family. There are some exemptions to the law, of course. Religious cemeteries don’t have to comply with this new law, and individual cemeteries can still choose to refuse to bury any pets if they so please.

A pet cemetery in Westchester County stated that, every year, at least five people choose to be buried with their pets in their cemetery, rather than being apart from them in a human cemetery. It’s a way for them to stay close to their loved ones even after they’re gone.

New York is finally allowing pet owners to rest in peace next to the living creatures who provided so much comfort, companionship, and happiness during their time on earth. After all, it doesn’t quite make sense that humans could be buried in pet cemeteries, but not vice versa.

Sometimes family is who we choose, not who we’re blood-related to — and that applies to our pets too. Pets are family. Why make such a distinct separation between what constitutes as family?

With New York leading the way, hopefully other states will fall in line and create similar laws.

For some people who wish to be buried with their pets, they have to resort to somehow sneaking them into the cemetery. This can be dangerous for the friends or family members who are asked to do this after the pet owner has passed away.

But now, in New York at least, there doesn’t have to be any slinking around in a cemetery, performing secret burials for loved ones. You and your pet can be together forever, if you want to!

Again, each cemetery must agree to let you be buried with your pet — it’s their right to opt out. However, for people whose pets are family, it’s certainly a step forward.

New laws seem to crop up all the time, and they can be confusing — but this is one law that many of us understand the importance of.

Share this information with the animal lovers in your life who want to be buried with their pet family.

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