It’s a Boy!

Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s Giant Panda Cub Is Male

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s 6-week-old giant panda cub is a male, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) scientists confirmed. During the cub’s first veterinary exam Sept. 19, Zoo veterinarians obtained a swab from his cheek for DNA analysis. Outwardly, male and female cubs appear similar at birth, so a genetic test was the most accurate way to determine the cub’s sex. Veterinarians brought the swab to SCBI’s Center for Conservation Genomics, where scientists sequenced a short fragment of the zinc finger protein gene. The X and Y chromosomes both have this gene, with slightly different DNA sequences. Scientists determined that the swab sample taken by the Zoo’s veterinarians has both sequences present—confirming that the cub is male. A painting created by male giant panda Tian Tian (tee-YEN tee-YEN), the cub’s father, was used to reveal the sex of the cub to giant panda keepers and fans online.

To read more on this story, click here: It’s a Boy!

You may also be interested in reading: 

National Zoo Says Panda Mei Xiang Appears to be Pregnant, Could Give Birth Soon

The National Zoo's Giant Panda, With A Yearly Window of 24-72 Hours to Become Pregnant, May Be Expecting

Birth Of Panda Cub Brings ‘Joyous News’ To The National Zoo

Last Night Around 5:40 p.m., Mei Xiang Placed the Cub on the Floor of Her Den for Just a Few Seconds

National Zoo Panda Update: Mom Mei Xiang Leaves Cub on its Own for the First Time (LISTEN)

FOLLOW US!

Hypothyroidism In Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatments

Hypothyroidism in dogs is a disorder where the thyroid gland in the neck doesn’t secrete enough thyroxine, a hormone that controls metabolism. This means that a dog’s body is no longer able to convert food into fuel at an appropriate rate.

Age, breed, lifestyle, and exposure to certain substances can all influence the onset of hypothyroidism in canines. Symptoms can range from lethargy and weight gain to seizures and heart problems.

To read more on this story, click here: Hypothyroidism In Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatments

FOLLOW US!

Zoo Removes Parrots From View After They Kept Cursing At Visitors

There is no audio in this story. So you will not hear the parrots.

Polly’s got a potty mouth.

A group of parrots at a UK zoo have been removed after repeating obscene language at visitors.

Lincolnshire Wildlife Park received the five African grey parrots back in August and quarantined them together in the same room, Lincolnshire Live reported. However, the close proximity seemed to have brought out the worst in the birds.

To read more on this story, click here: Zoo Removes Parrots From View After They Kept Cursing At Visitors

FOLLOW US!

Black Dog Syndrome: Why Black Dogs Are Less Likely To Be Adopted

Black dogs have a difficult time at the shelter than most people realize. It is especially true of larger dogs. Although there is not a lot of research that proves it is true, most shelter workers will tell you that big black dog syndrome (BDS) does exist and the reasons why are beyond sad.

Shelter workers will likely tell you that black dogs, as well as black cats, will not get adopted from the shelter as readily as other dogs and they are more likely to be euthanized. There are some studies that show the opposite is true but since there is not any data pointing toward the scientific facts, I would be likely to trust the people who actually see it for themselves, the workers at the shelters.

To read more on this story, click here: Black Dog Syndrome: Why Black Dogs Are Less Likely To Be Adopted

FOLLOW US!

How to Tell If Your Cat Has a Broken Tail

If your cat’s tail is hanging down, it might sign that it’s broken or injured. Find out how long a broken tail takes to heal and what’s involved with treating it.

Is your kitty’s tail drooping down? If so, your cat may have a broken tail or another type of tail injury. 

A cat’s tail is usually erect and moving. It can clue you into your cat’s mood, like when she's irritated and it angrily swooshes back or forth. It also helps your cat with balance. 

So when your cat’s tail is pointing down, it’s a red flag that something serious is going on. Read on to learn more about cat tail injuries, their treatment, and how long they take to heal.

To read more on this story, click here: How to Tell If Your Cat Has a Broken Tail

FOLLOW US!

Dog's Heartfelt Obituary Goes Viral: 'He Was Best At Unconditional Love'

A very good dog got one last special treat from his favorite human.

Charlie, a beloved golden retriever, was the first dog Sallie Gregory-Hammett of Greenville, South Carolina, ever had on her own. Gregory-Hammett, 30, got Charlie when she was 23, single and had just moved to a new city.

“I know it’s cliché but he was my best friend,” Gregory-Hammett wrote to HuffPost. “He went with me everywhere —work, hiking, trips to Home Depot. He was just a constant source of comfort and companionship and joy. Everyone that knew me knew Charlie and knew how much I loved him.”

To read more on this story, click here: Dog's Heartfelt Obituary Goes Viral: 'He Was Best At Unconditional Love'

FOLLOW US!

Benadryl For Cats: Uses, Dosage, & Side Effects

Benadryl an antihistamine medicine that cats might take primarily to treat a range of allergies and motion sickness. It’s actually a brand name for the generic drug diphenhydramine.

The medication works by calming the symptoms that are caused by histamine. It comes in tablet or syrup form, and you can purchase it over-the-counter without a prescription from a veterinarian.

To read more on this story, click here: Benadryl For Cats: Uses, Dosage, & Side Effects

FOLLOW US!

Rescue Bear, Lion, And Tiger Were Best Friends For Almost 16 Years

We sometimes hear about “strange bedfellows” and there may be times when this occurs between different animals. The following story will convince you of the possibilities that exist in nature. It is about the bond that was formed between an American black bear, a Bengal tiger, and an African lion.

Bored Panda reported that Baloo the bear, Leo the lion, and Shere Khan have been living happily together at Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter in Georgia for almost 16 years. The trio of unlikely friends is usually known as BLT. They were rescued from the same basement of a house in Atlanta during a drug raid in 2001.

To read more on this story, click here: Rescue Bear, Lion, And Tiger Were Best Friends For Almost 16 Years

FOLLOW US!