Animals constantly amaze both people and scientists. Ongoing research continues to reveal incredible facts about various creatures, highlighting just how awesome they truly are. While it’s impossible to cover every fascinating animal in one list, here are 15 facts that will demonstrate the sheer awesomeness of the animal kingdom.
Goats Prefer Happy People
Did you know goats can read human emotions? A 2018 study showed that goats not only recognize human facial expressions but also prefer interacting with happy people. Researchers at Queen Mary University of London found that goats spent more time looking at images of happy faces, especially when those images were on their right side. This suggests they use the left hemisphere of their brains to process positive emotions.
Whales Used to Walk on Land
Whales are magnificent creatures, but their ancestors were even more surprising. Around 50 million years ago, the earliest whale ancestors walked on four legs! These creatures, known as Pakicetus, hunted small land animals and freshwater fish. Over time, they evolved to adapt to their changing environment, eventually becoming the marine giants we know today.
Bigfoot Might Have Been a Lemur
Lemurs are more than just characters from the Madagascar movies. There are over 100 different species, and they once were the size of gorillas. Native to Madagascar and the Comoro Islands, lemurs thrive in various environments. The Megaladapis, an extinct giant lemur, is particularly interesting. Some believe that encounters with this massive creature by early human settlers may have sparked the legend of Bigfoot.
Crows Leave Gifts
Crows are not only intelligent, but they can also be incredibly grateful. One heartwarming story involves a young girl named Gabi Man, who unknowingly attracted crows by accidentally dropping food. As she grew older, she started intentionally feeding them. Eventually, the crows began leaving her gifts, including polished rocks, an earring, and a small piece of metal with the word ‘best’ on it. They even returned her lost camera lens cap!
A Zebra’s Coat Can Be Used as a Barcode
Tracking wild animals can be challenging, but researchers found a clever solution using zebras’ unique stripes. In 2011, scientists developed StripeSpotter, a system that photographs a section of a zebra’s coat and converts it into a StripeCode, similar to a barcode. This allows them to identify individual animals without disturbing them, storing the information in a database for easy access.
A Fish Used to Be a Roman Party Drug
The salema porgy, also known as ‘the fish that make dreams,’ has hallucinogenic properties when its head is eaten. Ancient Romans used this fish as a recreational drug during parties. Polynesians also consumed it during special events. In modern times, people have reported experiencing vivid auditory and visual hallucinations after eating this unusual fish.
Lulu the Kangaroo Was a Heroine
Lulu the kangaroo became a local hero after saving her owner’s life. Rescued as a joey by the Richards family, Lulu repaid their kindness in 2003 when a tree branch knocked Len Richards unconscious. Lulu alerted the family by “barking” until they came to investigate, leading them to Len and saving his life. Her story quickly spread, making her an international sensation.
A Village of Wolves
Wolves exhibit remarkable communal behavior when it comes to raising their young. Unlike many other animals, every member of the pack, both male and female, participates in caring for the wolf cubs. Some female wolves even experience pseudo-pregnancies, enhancing their nurturing instincts and further contributing to the cubs’ upbringing. This collaborative approach truly embodies the saying, ‘it takes a village to raise a child.’
A Herd of Elephants Mourned The Elephant Whisperer
Elephants are deeply emotional animals with incredible memories. They grieve the loss of herd members, often covering the deceased with soil or grass. They also mourn the passing of humans with whom they share a connection. When Lawrence Anthony, known as The Elephant Whisperer, passed away in 2012, two elephant herds he had worked with traveled to his home, showing up unannounced after 18 months, staying for two days to pay their respects.
Crocodiles Can Gallop
While crocodiles may not be the first animal that comes to mind when you think of ‘awesome,’ they have some surprising abilities. They can sleep with one eye open, hold their breath underwater for over an hour, and even gallop! Research on various crocodile species revealed that they can bound and gallop, showcasing their unexpected agility.
Arab Horses Have Been Around as Long as the Egyptian Pyramids
Horses, with their ability to sleep standing or lying down and communicate through facial expressions, are fascinating creatures. The Arabian horse, one of the oldest breeds, has been around for approximately 4,500 years, dating back to the time of the Egyptian pyramids. These horses have been owned by historical figures such as George Washington, Alexander the Great, and Genghis Khan.
Cows Form Close Friendships
Cows are more than just placid farm animals; they are intelligent beings that form strong social bonds. A 2019 study demonstrated that cows experience less stress when penned with their preferred companions. Their heart rates remain lower, indicating a sense of comfort and security when they are with their ‘best friends.’
Cats Have Healing Power
Cats are beloved pets with unique traits, from their ability to meow and jump six times their body length to their unique nose prints. They also possess a remarkable ability to heal themselves. A cat’s purr, with a frequency between 25 and 150 Hertz, promotes bone and muscle growth and repair, potentially even benefiting humans facing bone density loss and muscle atrophy.
Sea Otters Hold Hands While Sleeping
Sea otters, known for their adorable appearance and dense fur, exhibit some of the cutest behaviors in the animal kingdom. They use rocks as tools and can spend their entire lives in the water. To avoid drifting apart while sleeping, they hold hands, a common practice among mothers and their pups, showcasing their intelligence and strong social bonds.
Alpacas Are Water and Fire Resistant
Alpacas, with their quirky looks and constant chewing, are highly sociable animals that should never be kept alone. Their fleece is not only flame retardant but also moisture-wicking, making it both water and fire-resistant. Additionally, alpacas are therapeutic animals, often brought to hospitals to bring joy and healing to patients, especially children.
What’s the most surprising animal fact you’ve ever heard? Leave your comment below!
