Oi! Come down right now! Moment mother orang-utan hauled in her baby who was climbing too high

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Break for freedom: Charlie begins his short ascent up the tree before his mother notices his attempt


Just like a curious toddler this adorable baby orang-utan wandered too far from his mother before she reeled him back in with her firm grip.

In an incredibly human-like scene naughty Charlie's mother clearly thought her mischievous baby had climbed far enough as he explored a tree at the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre in Sabah, Borneo.

And when Britt has had enough she simply extends one of her gigantic arms and scoops up her tiny king of the swingers before giving him a relieved cuddle.


Gotcha: Charlie's mother's long reach stops his climb as she grabs onto his neck to ensure his safety


Another astonishingly tender moment comes when Charlie's father Miskam wanders over to make sure his son is ok.

British photographer Dave Stevenson, 28, from London, caught the perfect moment as the doting father lovingly stares down into Charlie's eyes.

Dave pictured the touching scene of the primates - all rescue animals - during a visit to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Borneo, last month.


Family meeting: Dad Miskam comes over to check on his family, while Charlie upholds his mischievous reputation as he swings on the ropes


He said: 'Just like any mum, the further he moved away the more closely she watched, until her nerve gave out and she pulled him back.

'Charlie was doing what comes naturally to all babies - just exploring.

'He had been clinging to mum while she ate, but he started climbing solo. She looked away for a heartbeat and he started exploring higher and higher.


The camera captures this touching moment showing the incredible bond between mother and child as they are locked in an embrace


'Orangutans are amazingly adept climbers, but before he could get out of arms' reach she reached out a huge hand and brought him back down.

'It was a very gentle moment and it was very touching to see such a large animal treat such a small one so carefully.

'Watching dad Miskam come in at the end was great. Male orangutans tend not to play a role in raising infants, so witnessing a tender shot like this is rare.'


source: dailymail

Where did all the snow go? The polar bear who can't understand

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Where there should be snow, instead there is a field of purple flowers, confusing this polar bear


This confused polar bear looks as though he's taken a bit of a wrong turn - the Arctic landscape is covered in beautiful purple flowers instead of crisp white snow.

Far from being camouflaged, the bear can be seen from far away as he stands among thousands of fireweed flowers.

The pictures were taken by photographer Michael Poliza, 53, who couldn't believe his eyes when he saw the bear wandering across the landscape.


A changed landscape: Normally this area would be covered by snow at this time of year, but climate change means the ice has already retreated


He said: 'The polar bear was all by himself as they are very solitary animals anyway.
'But this one looked particularly sad as it wandered around, almost a though it didn't understand where the snow had gone.'

However stunning the pictures are though, they show the serious effect that climate change is having on our planet.

Polar bears are having to adapt to the changing world and forage for food inland.

Normally they do all their feeding on ice during the winter months, but each year the ice is melting earlier in the spring and forming later in autumn.

That means they are facing increasingly longer summers without fat reserves from seals.


Looking for food: Polar bears are solitary animals, but this one appeared particularly sad



The pictures were taken by Michael Poliza in Hudson Bay at Point Hubbard, Canada


Mr Poliza, from Hamburg, Germany, said: 'During the Arctic summer polar bears fast and spend most of their time resting.

'This polar bear still had three months to go before the seal hunting season began again. Because there are only about 25,000 polar bears left in the wild their future looks more uncertain than ever.

'The southern-most populations along the Hudson Bay are the most affected by climate change. And if this polar bear knew all that, he'd definitely look sad.'


source: dailymail

Rescued by the Mail, how Mely the orangutan found a friend

By BILL MOULAND

Two's company: Despite initial shyness, mely (top) has forged a strong bond with fellow orangutan orphan Nicky at Borneo's International Animal Rescue Centre


She hadn't felt the touch of another orangutan since the day her mother was cruelly snatched from her more than 15 years ago.

So when Mely — the orangutan rescued thanks to the generosity of Daily Mail readers after a lifetime in shackles — met fellow orphan Nicky there was plenty of catching up to do. They stared at each other with inquisitive brown eyes before reaching out for a hug.

Then they romped around their new living quarters at the International Animal Rescue Centre in Borneo, before Mely decided it was time for a contented doze in a hammock.


Mely (right) meets Nicky another orphaned orangutan for the first time since her mother was shot dead 15 years ago


Such innocent pleasures had previously been denied to both animals, forced from their rainforest homes as vast swathes were cut down to make way for palm trees and the lucrative palm oil industry — and by the mistaken belief that they make good pets.

Mely was snatched after a fisherman — who wanted her as a trophy — callously shot her mother and left her to rot. The young orangutan was then chained and padlocked to a ramshackle verandah at the man’s riverside home — and thrown unsuitable scraps of food such as raw noodles and chilli powder to survive.


Freedom: Mely's rescue last October


She became so weak that her arms and legs, which are naturally supposed to propel her though the rainforest canopy, could barely support her.

Finally, Mely was rescued last October after the Indonesian government — which had ruled that snatching orangutans is illegal — gave rescuers the go-ahead to save her.

After her plight featured in the Mail last year, more than £8,000 was raised to help International Animal Rescue re-home her. Mely was subsequently taken by boat, plane and truck to the sanctuary. She arrived malnourished, underweight and with a raw, badly rubbed neck after years of being chained up.

Now, after several months of a normal orangutan diet of fruit, such as mangoes, figs, lychees and the occasional egg, she has acclimatised to her new life — and even overcome her shyness to make a friend. Nicky, another female aged between six and seven, has been at the sanctuary for two years since being rescued from life as a pet.


Home comforts: Relaxing in a hammock after a good romp


Charity spokesman Lis Key said: ‘A family had bought her but, when she started to grow, they left her running loose around the family property. People don’t realise these animals do not make pets.’

After a delegate from the sanctuary recently visited Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre in Dorset, work is now underway back in Borneo to build a 60-acre enclosure for the animals to monkey around in and enjoy their newfound freedom.


Mely, right, pictured here with Nicky, was snatched after a fisherman ¿ who wanted her as a trophy ¿ callously shot her mother


The ultimate goal, however, is to release them back into protected areas of rainforest, ‘where they can live safely in their natural environment’ says Key.

‘The project is an ambitious one, but we are committed to doing whatever we can to protect and preserve these endangered primates.’

● INTERNATIONAL Animal Rescue, Lime House, Regency Close, Uckfield, East Sussex TN22 1DS, tel: 01825 767688; internationalanimalrescue.org

source: dailymail

Kristen Stewart walks Robert Pattinson's dog in New York

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

New York walkies: Kristen Stewart takes Bear, the rescue dog she shares with boyfriend Robert Pattinson, out for a walk in New York's East Village


Being the pet of a famous movie star may have its perks, but being left behind while your owner travels the world isn't one of them.

Luckily for Robert Pattinson's dog Bear his owner's girlfriend Kristen Stewart is happy to take over walking duties when he isn't there.

With Pattinson was in London promoting Water For Elephants, Kirsten took the reigns as Bear's carer.


Leading the way: Bear and Kristen head out onto the street for their blustery walk


Dressed in skinny jeans, Converse trainers and a grey T-shirt, Kristen, 21, and her canine companion braved the wind and rain as they made their way across New York's East Village.

Clutching his blue lead, Kristen was careful to keep a tight hold on Bear as they set out across the city together.

Pattinson found Bear in an animal shelter while shooting Breaking Dawn in the Baton Rouge area of Louisiana.


Undeterred: Kristen and Bear don't let the New York weather stop them from heading out as they leave The Bowery Hotel on the Lower East Side


The dog was originally called Yogi Bear, but Pattinson and Kristen decided to shorten his name to Bear after Rob admitted he thought Yogi was 'a bit much.'

Kristen, and her canine companion, have been staying at one of the actress's favourite New York hotels, The Bowery, on the Lower East Side of the city.

Meanwhile, the Twilight actress is set to welcome a new man into her life after it was announced today that British actor, Sam Claflin, has been cast alongside her in Snow White and the Huntsman.

The 24-year-old actor will play Prince Charmant to Kristen's Snow White.


source: dailymail

Children splash water to elephants to celebrate the Songkran festival

Children splash water to elephants to celebrate the Songkran festival, the Thai traditional New Year from April 13 to 15, at Dusit Zoo in Bangkok Monday, April 11, 2011.




Elephants spray water at teenagers during Songkran festival in Ayutthaya province on April 11, 2011. Songkran is the Thai New Year which starts on April 13, during which people celebrate by splashing water at each other.




Elephants spray water at foreign tourists during Songkran festival in Ayutthaya province on April 11, 2011. Songkran is the Thai New Year which starts on April 13, during which people celebrate by splashing water at each other.



Elephants spray water at foreign tourists during Songkran festival in Ayutthaya province on April 11, 2011. Songkran is the Thai New Year which starts on April 13, during which people celebrate by splashing water at each other.



Elephants spray water at foreign tourists during Songkran festival in Ayutthaya province on April 11, 2011. Songkran is the Thai New Year which starts on April 13, during which people celebrate by splashing water at each other.



Elephants splash water to children in celebration of the Songkran festival, the Thai traditional New Year from April 13 to 15, at Dusit Zoo in Bangkok Monday, April 11, 2011.



Children splash water to elephants to celebrate the Songkran festival, the Thai traditional New Year from April 13 to 15, at Dusit Zoo in Bangkok Monday, April 11, 2011.



Thai people celebrate New Year's from April 12 to April 14. The celebration is called the Songkran Festival and it is known across the globe for being a holiday where people play with water.




Thai children spray water each others during the water festival or commonly known as the Songkran festival to mark the New Year, Wednesday, April 14, 2010, in Bangkok, Thailand. The annual festival is a mixture of religion and chaos involving heavy drinking and water fights.




Elephants spray water at teenagers during Songkran festival in Ayutthaya province on April 11, 2011. Songkran is the Thai New Year which starts on April 13, during which people celebrate by splashing water at each other.



Thai people pour water on a statue of Buddha as part of celebrations of the Songkran festival marking the Thai new year in Thailand' southern province of Narathiwat on April 12, 2011. Songkran celebrates the Thai New Year.



A Thai woman parades on a float as part of celebrations of the Songkran festival marking the Thai new year in Thailand's southern province of Narathiwat on April 12, 2011. Songkran celebrates the Thai New Year.


source: Daylife
photo: AP photo, Gettyimages

Outfoxed: 20 firefighters pull free Chester the dog after he trapped himself chasing a vixen

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Help! Chester the West Highland terrier was trapped under a footbridge after chasing a fox - and unsuccessfully catch it


Trapped and looking helplessly out from a gap in a footbridge, you would hope that Chester will think long and hard about whether it is worth it before chasing a fox again.

The West Highland terrier was on a walk along the River Arun in West Sussex with his owner Barry Rice yesterday when he bolted off to chase the wild animal - and he was totally outfoxed.


The vixen was chased into a tight hole and Chester squeezed through a nine-inch gap between under the Shoreham footbridge.


Rescue team: Some 20 firefighters eventually got the dog from under the bridge over the River Arun


And while the fox escaped Chester suddenly realised that he could not get back out of the tiny gap

A team of about 20 firefighters spent hours trying to free him.

They eventually cut through the bridge after gaining permission from the county council. And the ordeal seemed to wear out the dog.


Daft dog: A fireman waits in a dingy underneath the bridge, while one of his colleagues attempts to coax Chester out


Mr Rice said afterwards: 'Chester's fast asleep on my tummy!

'I owe those boys a big favour. They had everything out to rescue him.'

Let's hope Chester thinks twice before chasing another fox.

source: dailymail

Don't PUSS it: A cat takes matters into its own paws after a pesky dog goes a step too far

By MATT BLAKE

Mog-hamed Ali: The patient puss has been nicknamed Tyson after he was filmed throwing a knockout punch at a pesky dog as the pair grappled over a cushion


You've heard of a Boxer dog... but this pugnacious puss could go 12 rounds with even the toughest of hounds.

The cat has been nicknamed Tyson after he was filmed throwing a knockout punch at a pesky dog as the pair grappled over a cushion.

The 25-second clip shows Tyson preparing for a nap on his favourite spot when his Japanese owner's dog begins to play.


Patient puss: At first Tyson appears only mildly cheesed off as the mut nudges him with his nose and nibbles his ear


At first Tyson appears only mildly cheesed off as the mutt nudges him with his nose and nibbles his ear.

In a bid to stop the annoying pooch, Tyson issues a couple of warning blows across his wrinkly face.

But the dog is hellbent on having the last say and issues a yelp of protest into Tyson's ear.


Million Dollar Kitty: In a bid to stop the annoying pooch, Tyson issues a couple of warning blows across his wrinkly face


A dog's strife: But the dog is hellbent on having the last say and issues a yelp of protest into Tyson's ear


The rage descends and the irate grey-and-white cat throws an almighty left jab straight onto the chin of the unsuspecting canine, sending him flying into a heap on the floor.

Tyson stands triumphantly over the felled mutt, who gives his unlikely assailant a pathetic kick and defeated bark before swooning back onto his four paws.

The heroic cat has now become an internet sensation since the clip was posted on YouTube after being shown on a Japanese television show and has had over 37,000 hits.


The mutt's uppercuts: The rage descends and the irate grey-and-white cat throws an almighty left jab straight onto the chin of the unsuspecting mut, sending him flying into a heap on the floor


Puss off: The embarrassed dog looks up at the camera and gives his unlikely assailant a pathetic kick and defeated bark before swooning back onto his four paws


Cat lovers will probably just revel in the sight of seeing a cat dole out some serious punishment to an animal much bigger than itself.

Just yesterday MailOnline revealed a similar video of a cat dishing out punishment to a much larger dog after it nudged it with its nose.




source: dailymail

The furry fists of fury! Raging cat pounds dog with a stunning flurry of punches

By MIKE O'BRIEN

Don't touch me: The cat shows its displeasure after the dog gently nudges it once with its nose


They say you're either a cat lover or a dog lover - but this amazing film should appeal to both, for very different reasons.

The extraordinary clip shows a cat going nuts after the dog gently nudges it with its nose.

Dog lovers will admire the restraint the canine assault victim shows.

And they're sure to enjoy the 'awww' factor from the sad, pitiful look on its face after taking a pounding.

Cat lovers will probably just revel in the sight of seeing a cat dole out some serious punishment to an animal much bigger than itself.

In the video the cat is sitting quietly looking out of a closed door.


And that! The dog is taken by surprise as the cat swings in for a second time


The curious yet docile dog simply wants to know what's going on.

After getting nudged once near its rear end, the cat flies into a rage.

The feline fighter delivers 13 left hooks straight to the face in quick succession, before following up with a right-left-right combination that would make any pugilist proud.


Pow! The dog takes one on the chin as the cat delivers 13 blows in quick succession


Wow! Not content with single punches, the cat goes for a two-pawed attack


The dog soaks up the punishment with little reaction.

Whether the dog was being a perfect gentlemen (or lady) by merely letting the other animal let off some steam, or whether the dog was genuinely dazed by the onslaught, we will never know.

The video was burning up YouTube on Wednesday, getting nearly 120,000 views in four days. It comes complete with its own menacing soundtrack.





source: dailymail