animals

Sloth Orphanage [video]

Meet the sloths from Amphibian Avenger on Vimeo.

I knew sloths were, umm, sloth-like, but check out these baby sloths. They’re so snuggly and have an adorable little built-in smile. What’s not to love!

From the person who filmed this footage:

“I filmed this at the Aviaros del Caribe sloth sanctuary in Costa Rica – the world’s only sloth orphanage. Baby 2 and 3 toed sloths, whose mother’s have either been run over or zapped by power lines are brought to the sanctuary and looked after by legendary sloth whisperer Judy Arroyo.”

(Thank you to Jon for this submission!)

Prickly and Cute – The Difference Between a Baby Hedgehog, Baby Porcupine, and Baby Echidna

If Google Image Search is any indication, there seems to be some confusion about what’s a baby hedgehog and what’s a baby porcupine. I felt the need to do some research and get to the bottom of this. Here’s what I learned.

baby hedgehog

Pictured above is a baby hedgehog. You’ll be happy to know that their spines are not barbed and do not come off in self-defense like porcupines. (Photo via Flickr user riussi)

baby porcupine

Pictured above is a baby porcupine. They’re kinda fugly. And then there’s the whole part where barbed spines rub off on you if you make contact. Did you also know that adult porcupines are the third largest rodent? (Photo via zooborns.com)

baby echidna

And while we’re at it, pictured above a baby echidna which is also known as a “spiny anteater.” Echidnas are one of only two egg-laying mammals in existence. The duck billed platypus is the other. (Photo via thistasmania.com)

Now, aren’t you glad to have this all cleared up? I know I am!