Woman Cuddles Large Ostrich in Incredible Viral Video

The best friendships are the ones that transcend our differences, and no pairing could illustrate this more than the closeness between one woman and her ostrich.

Posting to TikTok, Wendy Adriaens, known on the app as wendy_adriaens shared a clip of herself and one of her pet ostich's locked in an embrace.

The video begins with the Adriaens, who calls herself "The Ostrich Whisperer" standing in a muddy enclosure, holding aloft a large white blanket.

The huge bird can be seen walking towards her, before the camera cuts to her sat down and the animal lowering itself to sit opposite.

Adriaens, who is from Wuustwezel, Belgium then, edges closer, pulling the bird into an hug as the animal rests its long neck on her shoulder and she adorably strokes it.

She captioned the heartwarming post, which was shared on February 6, writing: "I so love my life #ostrich #cool #routine #coolbird."

                                                        Click on video below

Emerald Colored Stray Cat Turns Heads After Sleeping on Heap of Synthetic Paint

Stalking along the backstreets and failing miserably to blend into the background, the sight of this emerald colored stray has caused uproar in a Black Sea resort town.

Locals in Varna, Bulgaria, assumed the cat was the victim of a cruel prank by vandals and set up a Facebook group called 'Punishment to the the perpetrator of this criminal act'.

But it has now been revealed that the cat has developed a green hue because it usually sleeps on an abandoned heap of synthetic green paint in a garage.

Varna is a popular tourist destination as it is the largest city and seaside resort on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast

The RSPCA has warned that dying or painting animals for cosmetic reasons could have 'potentially fatal consequences'.

Green with envy: The sight of this stray roaming the backstreets in Varna, Bulgaria has caused uproar

Feline jealous? A video has appeared on which shows the emerald-green feline playing with a ginger cat

Eye-catching: Locals in the Black Sea resort town assumed the cat was the victim of a prank by vandals

But it has been revealed that the cat usually sleeps on an abandoned heap of synthetic green paint

This has been backed up by reports which say the stray cat becomes more green each day

Blending in: Varna is a popular tourist destination as it is the largest seaside resort on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast

Locals set up a Facebook group called 'Punishment to the the perpetrator of this criminal act'

They were calling for vandals to be taken to court and punished for the act of animal cruelty

The RSPCA has warned that dyeing or painting animals for cosmetic reasons could have 'potentially fatal consequences'

Thinking About Getting A Ferret?

Ferrets are cute and fun, but are they good pets? Ferrets may not suit everyone, but they can be wonderful companions due to their playfulness, affection, and quiet nature for most of the day. It's crucial to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of owning a ferret to thoroughly understand the commitment involved before bringing one home. If you're contemplating a ferret, continue reading to discover more about their requirements and whether they're the right choice for you.

Pro: Ferrets Are Cute

With mischievous eyes and sweet faces, ferrets are undeniably adorable. They are a small size and can provide your family with a sweet long-term pet. Most ferrets live for about six to eight years, though some pet ferrets can live up to 12 years.

Female ferrets usually grow to 13 to 14 inches long and weigh anywhere from 3/4 pound to 2 1/2 pounds. Male ferrets are often slightly larger. They typically grow to 15 to 16 inches long and weigh 2 to 3 1/2 pounds if neutered. They can grow larger (4 or more pounds) if they are not neutered.

Con: They Are High-Maintenance

Ferrets aren’t the type of pet that you can keep in a cage all day or let do their own thing. They have certain dietary requirements that have to be met to ensure their health, and they require socialization, interaction, and playtime with appropriate toys. Also, they need an enclosure that will provide them with everything to feel safe, happy, and comfortable, and their cage needs to be cleaned often.  

Pro: Ferrets Are Playful and Curious

They will entertain you endlessly with their antics and will happily play with ferret toys, tubes, and tunnels. Watching ferrets play for the sheer joy of it is guaranteed to lift your mood. Owning pets has proven health benefits for the owner because of the joy and affection they bring.

Con: They Have a Smell

Ferrets have a musky, offensive odor that comes from the anal glands. Having your pet spayed or neutered can reduce this odor but won’t eliminate it, so you’ll still need to take steps, such as keeping the cage clean and in a ventilated area, to keep the smell at a minimum.

Pro: Ferrets Are Sociable, Friendly, and Affectionate

It is often recommended (though not essential) to have more than one pet ferret. Having two or more ferrets increases the fun factor for the owner and the ferrets, as they will interact and play together, sometimes with wild abandon. Despite having other ferrets to socialize with, they will still crave attention from their owners.

Con: They Require Lots of Exercise

Ferrets require a lot of interaction along with supervised time outside of their cage so they can run around and release their energy. You need to find ways to keep these animals occupied physically and mentally, so having a variety of toys for them is important—your ferret will have fun and get the exercise they need at the same time. 

Pro: Ferrets Are Intelligent

Some owners are amazed at how adept ferrets become at solving problems. Ferrets are very determined and will work at figuring something out with surprising persistence. They enjoy challenging puzzles and games and it's recommended to provide them with puzzle-based toys or games.

Con: They Are Illegal in Some Locations

There are places where you aren’t allowed to keep ferrets as pets. States like Hawaii and California, and cities like New York City, are examples. So, before you get a ferret, check your state and local laws to be sure it’s legal to keep one as a pet.

Pro: Ferrets Are Quiet

While they can and do vocalize, for the most part, ferrets are very quiet. The most noise they will make is if they are very frightened or injured. They also sleep away a large portion of the day.

Con: They Get Hairballs

Like cats, ferrets groom themselves and can develop hairballs. In serious cases, a hairball can cause an obstruction. Other symptoms include reduced appetite and vomiting. Brushing your ferret can help, and there are hairball products for ferrets too.

Pro: Ferrets Are Small

Ferrets don't need a huge cage, though the bigger the better. Ideal ferret cages are tall with multiple levels, so they still don't take up too much room. They do need to spend time out of their cage every day for playtime and exercise.

Con: They Require Socialization

Ferrets should be socialized while they’re young so they’re comfortable around people and won’t exhibit negative behaviors like aggressive biting. Your ferret should feel totally at ease, without any fear, when around people and being handled, but socialization takes time, effort, and patience.

Pro: Ferrets Are Easy to Feed

This is especially true now that a variety of good-quality ferret foods have become more widely available. Pre-made ferret food is available in most pet stores or online retailers. While you can offer them a variety of foods, it's helpful to use high-quality pet food as the base to ensure proper nutrition.

Con: They Bite and Chew Items

Ferrets like to bite and chew on things, and this means everyday items could end up destroyed by your pet if you aren’t careful. Rather than letting your ferret play outside of their cage unsupervised, monitor what they’re doing and make sure they play with their own toys that are safe to chew on. Take steps to keep dangerous and important items out of reach of your ferret.

Pro: Ferrets Can Be Litter Trained

Ferrets can be trained to go in a box, though not to the same extent as cats and there are bound to be a few accidents. Most ferrets can be fairly reliably trained to use a litter box in and out of their cages. This is a big plus when you have them out for exercise for a couple of hours a day!

Con: They Don't Always Make Good Pets for Children

Ferrets might be a good pet for older children who are gentle and respectful towards these small animals. However, they aren’t the best choice for young children because kids could get bitten by ferrets, and kids who don’t know how to handle a ferret properly could end up hurting their pet. 

Pro: Ferrets Are Easy to Exercise

They can get all the exercise they need tearing around your (ferret-proofed) home! With a ferret-sized harness and a little training, you can take them out for a stroll. Few things will start a conversation with strangers faster than walking your ferret in the park!

Con: They Are Prone to Health Issues

Ferrets can develop a variety of health problems, such as parasites, adrenal gland disease, dental disease, digestive issues, cancer, heart disease, and aplastic anemia. Consult an exotic veterinarian who can help you keep your ferret healthy.

Pro: Ferrets Have Distinct Personalities

Every ferret is unique and has their own personality. Some are independent and some are very cuddly, but each is an individual! If you are thinking about having a pet ferret, it can be helpful to meet a few pet ferrets first, as you'll see how their personalities vary and this will give you a good sense of what it means to be a ferret owner.

Con: They Can Get Out of Their Cage

Ferrets are known as escape artists. Set up a secure enclosure that will ensure your pets won’t be able to break out and get into trouble when you aren’t looking. Also, be careful when your ferrets are playing outside of their cage, as they might squeeze into small spaces and get lost.

FAQ

What are the downsides of owning a ferret?

Although pet ferrets can be loads of fun, you need to keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t escape, hurt themselves, or destroy your things by chewing on them. And they aren’t the best choice for families with young children.

Are ferrets high-maintenance?

Ferrets are considered high-maintenance pets that have specific requirements, from the right diet and cage to the right toys that they can chew on. They need to be properly socialized while they’re young, and spayed or neutered to reduce their odor. They also need plenty of time outside of their cage, interacting with their family. 

Are ferrets cuddly?

Provided that your ferret is socialized and used to being handled, they will enjoy being with you and cuddling. Holding your ferret can strengthen your bond and keep your pet happy.

Fat Bear Week 2025 Has Crowned a Winner! See the Results and Meet the New Champion

Fat Bear Week 2025 has crowned its winner!

On Tuesday, Sept. 30, voting in the 2025 Fat Bear Week competition concluded. The final match-up in the single-elimination, bracket-style contest came down to Chunk (also known as Bear 32) and Bear 856. Chunk ended up winning the final round with 96,362 votes, beating Bear 856's 63,729 votes.

After voting closed, Alaska's Katmai National Park and Preserve and Explore.org announced the winner of its annual competition, which lets fans vote online to determine which Katmai bear "best exemplifies fatness and success in brown bears" as the park's wildlife bulk up for hibernation.

World Animal Day 2025: Date, Theme, History, and Global Significance

 

World Animal Day is observed every year on October 4 to raise awareness about animal rights and welfare. The global event encourages compassion, protection, and action for all animals. In 2025, World Animal Day takes on even greater importance as it marks the 100th anniversary of its founding.

12 Curious Facts About White Cats to Know Before Adopting One

If you’re pondering adding a sweet, snow-colored ball of fuzz to the family, there is a lot you need to know. And we’re not just talking about the most popular white cat breeds, although that’s certainly a consideration. After all, you might want to go for a rare, expensive kitty (like the Khao Manee), or maybe a super fluffy Felix (hello, Turkish Angora), or one that’s known for friendliness (Persians, for example, are nowhere near as grumpy as they look). But there are other things about white cats you should be aware of, including some that impact their health.

For example, did you know that many white cats are deaf, and, according to Dr. Ashly Smith, Regional Medical Director for Small Door Veterinary, may need to learn visual cues? Even more surprising, “White cats have less melanin in their skin, which makes them more vulnerable to sunburns as well as certain skin cancers,” says Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, Veterinary Medical Advisor for Rover. “The risk of these cancers is greater in cats who spend more time sunbathing, so be sure to limit your cat’s exposure to harmful UV rays, especially on their more sparsely-haired faces, ears, and bellies.”

Jane Goodall, Pioneer Who Discovered Chimpanzees Use Tools, Dead At 91 During U.S. Tour

Jane Goodall, the trailblazing primatologist who taught the world about chimpanzees and their striking similarities to humans, has died at the age of 91.

Her death was announced by her foundation, the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI), on Wednesday. 

According to the organization, Goodall passed away earlier that morning "due to natural causes."

To read more on this story, click here: Jane Goodall, Pioneer Who Discovered Chimpanzees Use Tools, Dead At 91 During U.S. Tour

Meet the Black Barn Alpacas at a Fall Festival in Finksburg, Maryland

A Maryland alpaca ranch is holding a fall festival, where attendees can meet and feed alpacas along with other fall activities. News4’s Tommy McFly met some of the furry friends that will be there.

Black Barn Alpacas Ranch

 

 The animal-loving couple Travis and Yussy McManus owns Maryland’s Black Barn Alpacas Ranch. Travis was raised on a cattle ranch, and Yussy grew up riding horses—cementing their love of farm life from a young age. The couple lives on the ranch and looks forward to greeting the alpaca herd every morning with nose boops (and an extra handful or two of food). 

Travis manages the farm team, and Yussy leads the Y Interiors design team, dreaming up home goods made with genuine alpaca fleece. Together, they intend to expand Black Barn Alpacas, delivering well-bred animals, quality fleece products, and unforgettable experiences. Take it from the experts; there is nothing more rewarding than being able to snuggle up to an alpaca every day!

Black Barn Alpacas

2401 Bollinger Mill Rd.

Finksburg, MD 21048

Animal Shelters In The D.C. Metropolitan Area (DMV) Are Overcrowded And Need Your Help

Animal shelters in the D.C. metropolitan area (DMV) are overcrowded due to increased pet surrenders, reduced spay/neuter services, and informal breeding, leading to high numbers of dogs and cats needing homes. Shelters like the 

Montgomery County Animal Shelter, DC's Humane Rescue Alliance Humane Rescue Alliance and The Prince George's County Animal Services Division are experiencing capacity issues, necessitating urgent calls for community support through adoption and fostering. 

                                                 Why Shelters Are Overcrowded

Increased Surrenders:

A significant increase in pet surrenders has been noted across the DMV, partly due to economic hardships and people returning to work after the pandemic. 

COVID-Related Trends:

The pandemic saw a surge in pet adoptions, but this was followed by a period where people returned to work, impacting their ability to care for their pets, and now shelter numbers are rising. 

Reduced Spay/Neuter Efforts:

A decline in spay and neuter activities during the COVID years contributed to the current spike in animal populations. 

Backyard Breeding:

A rise in informal or "backyard" breeding has also contributed to the surplus of animals entering shelters. 

                                                            How You Can Help

Adopt:

Adopting an animal helps alleviate overcrowding and frees up space for other animals in need. 

Foster:

Fostering an animal provides it with a temporary home and helps the shelters manage their capacity. 

Volunteer:

Contributing your time to local animal shelters can help with dog walks, training, and other care duties. 

Educate:

Spread awareness about the issue of shelter overcrowding and the importance of responsible pet ownership, including spaying and neutering. 

Reunite Lost Pets:

Before bringing a found pet to a shelter, try to reunite it with its owner first, as this can help reduce shelter intake.

“ADOPT DON’T SHOP”

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Vomiting and Diarrhea in Cats

Cats often vomit or develop diarrhea, when should we treat? The reason for the vomiting or diarrhea may be simple, such as a hairball, however the cause could be more serious. Whether the symptoms stop on their own, or whether your cat needs to see a vet, will depend on how he or she is in themselves and what the vomit or diarrhea looks like.

To read more on this story, click here: Vomiting and diarrhea in cats

Man Spends Almost $23,000 on Realistic Costume to Fulfill his Dream of Becoming a Wolf

 

An unnamed man spent almost $23,000 on a wolf costume to fulfill his dream of becoming the carnivorous animal.

The man reportedly contacted Zeppet, a Japanese special modeling company, to create an ultra-realistic wolf suit, spending 3 million yen (approximately $22,700) to be transformed into the gray-furred canine.

“Because of my love for animals since childhood and some realistic animal suits appearing on TV, I dreamed of ‘being one someday,’” the man told Zeppet.

To read more on this story, click here: Man Spends Almost $23,000 on Realistic Costume to Fulfill His Dream of Becoming a Wolf

Man spends almost $23,000 on realistic costume to fulfill his dream of becoming a wolf

An unnamed man spent almost $23,000 on a wolf costume to fulfill his dream of becoming the carnivorous animal.

The man reportedly contacted Zeppet, a Japanese special modeling company, to create an ultra-realistic wolf suit, spending 3 million yen (approximately $22,700) to be transformed into the gray-furred canine.

“Because of my love for animals since childhood and some realistic animal suits appearing on TV, I dreamed of ‘being one someday,’” the man told Zeppet.

Hair Loss on Hind Legs in Cats

A cat losing hair on its hind legs is cause for concern. It's normal for a cat to be shedding, but sudden loss or thinning of hair on the back legs is not. Hair loss in cats, also known as alopecia, can be caused by a variety of issues from fleas, allergies, a bacterial infection, or stress, all of which are problems that must be addressed. Know the difference between normal shedding and abnormal hair loss so you can react appropriately.

To read more on this story, click here: Hair Loss on Hind Legs in Cats

‘A SENSE OF RELIEF’: Meals on Wheels offers pet care assistance to clients

HANCOCK COUNTY — Peggy McConnell was moved to tears when she opened her Meals on Wheels delivery a couple months ago.

It wasn’t the sight of the food that made her emotional, but the flyer attached on top, announcing that Meals on Wheels of Hancock County would start offering financial assistance for pet food, veterinary care and pet boarding.

To read more on this story, click here: ‘A SENSE OF RELIEF’: Meals on Wheels offers pet care assistance to clients

Can cats have twins? We asked a vet!

Unneutered cats are prolific breeders when left to their own devices, with females often becoming pregnant from multiple fathers. One of our readers asked us whether kittens from the same litter can be twins, and we asked Dr. Hannah Godfrey for an answer. So, can cats have twins?

Twins in cats

Wikipedia defines twins as two animals born during the same pregnancy. If we go by their definition, all kittens born in the same litter are technically twins, so cats can indeed have twins. But this is not the end of the story ..

To read more on this story, click here: Can cats have twins? We asked a vet!

Animals and COVID-19

What You Need to Know

•  The risk of animals spreading SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, to people is low.

•  The virus can spread from people to animals during close contact.

•  More studies are needed to understand if and how different animals could be affected by COVID-19.
• People with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 should avoid contact with animals, including pets, livestock, and wildlife.

To read more on this story, click here: Animals and COVID-19

Understanding Animal Ministers and Chaplains

Twenty years ago the idea of an animal minister or chaplain would have induced a fit of the giggles. These days if you say something about an animal chaplain, you are likely to be asked where a person might find one. Animals have become the cornerstone of many of our lives and these spiritual leaders don’t preach to pets, but rather assist others in finding meaningful way of living with animals.

What is Animal Ministry?

Animal ministry is actually about people and how we interconnect with the animals around us. Most religions have traditions regarding the spirituality of animals and that intersects with human life in a positive way. Some would argue that in American culture, this reverence for feathered, furred and scaled creatures has disappeared. This is where animal ministries step in.

To read more on this story, click here: Understanding Animal Ministers and Chaplains

Kitten Feeding Schedule: From Newborn to One Year

This chart shows you when, what, and how much to feed your fluffy bundle of joy.

Kittens, like human babies, start out life consuming liquid nourishment and slowly graduate to solid foods. Mother cats take care of a kitten’s nutritional needs through their milk from the day their kittens are born until they are around 4 to 6 weeks old. 

Feeding An Orphaned Kitten

But if you have a kitten without a mother, you need to provide food that’s formulated for kitten health. Whether your orphaned kitten is a newborn or one that's a few weeks old, you should bottle feed them. Bottle-feeding a kitten isn’t difficult, but it does take a little know-how to do it properly. These tips for how to bottle feed a kitten can help. 

To read more on this story, click here: Kitten Feeding Schedule: From Newborn to One Year

In Vietnam There Is A Dog That Looks Like A Cat, Meet H’mong

“Do you like dogs or cats?” is a common question when you meet someone, and it automatically puts you on one side. Like being left-handed or right-handed.

But you probably didn’t see this coming. It seems that in Vietnam there is a dog that looks like a cat, and it may be the answer to the eternal division between cats and dogs. The people of this subreddit immediately began to share their conspiracy theories about the breed of this animal. Some said that it looked like a cartoon, others explained that it was the H’mong breed, and still others said that they did not care what it was because it was so adorable.

To read more on this story, click here: This Puppy Looks Like A Hybrid Between A Cat And A Dog, And His Expressions Are So Funny

The Joys of Owning a Cat

Owning a cat can bring unconditional love and companionship to your life. Having a feline friend can also help to relieve stress and improve your heart health.

Owning a cat can be an extremely rewarding relationship. A cat has the ability to both calm your nervous system and provide an immediate outlet for fun and play. Although cats are independent animals who like to scavenge and explore on their own terms, they are also very affectionate with their owners and people they trust.

To read more on this story, click here: The Joys of Owning a Cat