Animals of the Week: Cute, informative and distracting news part 6

YEEE-hahahaha

By Hannah Sarney

Hello! I would like you to imagine that I resemble a Scottish Fold (bear with me) and I'm nudging my head into you every time you get distracted by something else while reading this post.

First up (nudge) I've got a swingin' treat that you need to watch before I get too excited and spoil the ending:

I think the only thing that would improve that outcome (nudge) would be no glass and a heavy electronic soundtrack. Kidding! I just wanted to segue into this cat with a moustache and glasses busting out some sweet moves:

Have you ever seen a Hectors dolphin? You probably haven't - they're one of the world's most endangered species of dolphin. Two of the beautiful creatures have been found dead on a beach north of Christchurch. Illegal fishing within the Banks Peninsula Marine Mammal Sanctuary is being blamed.

Do you think dolphins and whales should be granted rights in international law due to their intelligence? A group of scientists and ethicists (nudge) believe there is sufficient evidence of intelligence, self-awareness and complex behaviour in the marine mammals to allow them to have their rights enshrined in legislation.

In China, incredibly tall basketball players (nudge) and other famous faces have been helping to boost the animal rights movement. There has recently been "a storm of criticism" in China over share listing plans by a company that sells tonics made with bear bile.

Meanwhile, an architecture student has proposed a new Matrix-style system for the mass production of chickens bred for their meat. It involves removing the birds' cerebral cortex and feet so they apparently wouldn't have to realise how awful the situation is inside the farms (nudge).

NICE STORY BREAK: Did you know that sailors mistook manatees for mermaids?

Forest & Bird have invited you to participate in a nationwide count to find out where keruru live. Go here to find out how to be a 'keruru counter' until February 27.

Wellington Zoo has welcomed a band of Bolivian squirrel monkeys from France and they're undergoing health checks at the moment.

Want to know how to save a shark "we know nothing about"? Simon Berrow, a marine biologist, has given a really interesting TED talk (nudge) on the basking shark.

Once you're finished listening, you can immerse yourself in the live-streaming 80-feet-high Decorah Bald Eagle Cam. It's back! There are eggs and parents and you can watch it literally all the time.

Who left the dogs out? I did. A glaring omission from last week's post was the stunning photographic series by Seth Casteel. He's captured a multitude of dogs mid "flight" as they dive underwater chasing balls. The shots will be coming out in a book called Ruff Water. Good one, Seth. I wonder if it was shot in ana-dog.

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