Throughout the ages, many a great story representing the deep bonds between mankind and the natural world have been told, and the present day is no exception. In fact, YouTube is now the home of many of these stories, caught on video for our collective viewing pleasure. From an interesting college project to ensure the continuity of the rarest big cats, to war veterans being healed of their PTSD by means of wolves, here are four endearing animals stories that you can enjoy on video:
Meet Colorado’s Mountain Rescue Dog Squad
The US state of Colorado is famous for its beautiful rocky mountains, and is highly popular with skiers. As is common in many mountainous areas around the world, the risk of avalanches is high, so the Breckenridge Resort employs a group of six dogs and handlers that are specifically trained to rescue people that get lost in the woods or end up buried under a sudden torrent of snow. The dogs are said to be able to do the work of 30 men in the same amount of time.
A Dog That Raises Baby Cheetahs (And Wallabies and Ocelots)
Cincinnati Zoo is home to an Australian Shepherd dog named Blakely. This patient canine is employed by the zoo to help them raise baby wild animals, such as cheetahs, wallabies, foxes and even the occasional warthog. His role is to teach the animals how to play and socialize properly, showing them what acceptable behavior is prior to them returning to a group of their own kind. While the job is demanding, Blakely seems to take it all in his stride.
Bringing Back Extinct Tigers with Surrogate House Cats
It’s a sad truth of life that some 20 to 30 species are lost to extinction every single year, but at the University of Georgia, there’s a real-life Jurassic Park – for big cats. The scientists there have extracted DNA from rare big cats in an attempt to save them from going extinct. Eventually, this DNA will be used for the artificial insemination of a domestic cat, which will then give birth to a tiger or other big cat. Domestic cats have been chosen for this purpose because scientific knowledge of their reproductive system is much more comprehensive than that of big, wild cats.
Post-traumatic stress disorder is the bane of many a war veteran’s existence, with traditional treatments not always being effective at helping them readjust to normal life away from the battlefield. However, things are different at the Lockwood Animal Rescue Center. This unique place allows veterans to interact with rescued wolves, allowing them to forge a deeper bond and heal each other in the process.
How We Domesticated Our Pets and Farm Animals
Have you ever wondered why it's impossible to breed a pet lion? Or how we managed to domesticate cats? Find all your answers in this series about domestication.
Challenge: Try Not to Laugh at These Hilarious Dogs
Dogs, as you're about to see, are extremely funny creatures. This video compilation will leave you laughing out loud.
Dogs Meeting Kittens for the First Time Are Too Adorable
When friendly dogs meet kittens for the first time the results are just too adorable. Check it out for yourself. You won't be disappointed.
These Hidden Heroes Need To Be Recognized
Here are some of the most unappreciated heroes you'll see, showing rare moments of bravery when things get tough.
This is the Cutest Thing You Will See All Day!
Watching our pets play, eat and sleep is the cutest thing.
WATCH: This Lost Otter Pup Was Reunited With Its Family
When this otter pup got separated from its family after falling into a canal, its future looked bleak - until a very kind retiree happened to pass by...
16 Bizarre Facts That Are So Strange They Could Only Be True
Sometimes science is so bizarre it blows the mind. Read These 16 fascinating facts that prove that truth is stranger than fiction.
Have You Ever Seen Animals As Odd As These?
These animals will shatter any stereotypical notion of what, say, a pig, or a turtle, should look like. Here are 15 animals you've probably never seen before.
There Are Awesome New Dog Breeds in the World...
21 of the most adorable new canine cross breeds.
Hilarious! Someone's Gonna Get Fired for This...
I've never seen so many pictures that seem too perfect to be real as here!
These Creatures Are So Scary You'll Be Happy They're Extinct
Once you read more about these extinct animals - you'll be happy you won't have to see them in real life.
Let These Animal Quotes Be Your Source of Inspiration
Animals are inspirational to many of us in this world, and the same can be said for some of its greatest names. Here are 12 truly great animal quotes.
Amazing Nature: Can a Lion Fend Off 20 Hyenas?
What happens when Red the lion gets attacked by a pack of hyenas?
The First 3 Months of a Panda's Life is Amazing to Watch!
The first 100 days in a panda's life. They don't start out looking like pandas!
A Royal Beast: Celebrating the Beauty of the Horse
These stunning photos and beautiful quotes about horses made me remember how much I admire them.
These Orchids Look Like Anything Else Other Than Flowers
Orchids are some of the most unusual flowers in nature. As you'll see in this next post, there's a lot of them that don't actually look like flowers at all...
9 Heartwarming Instances of Wild Animals Saving Humans
Animals are more intelligent and kind than we give them credit for, and these 9 touching stories prove that
If You Love Dogs, You'll Love Learning This About Them..
I love dogs, and so I love learning about them. These facts have really surprised me.
These Magnificent Cherry Blossoms Will Take Your Breath Away
Cherry blossoms are beautiful flowers associated with Japan and springtime. Discover the other parts of the world lined with these exquisite flowering cherry trees.
Hilarious! Nobody Tells Mother Nature What to Do!
Here are 18 ironic photos that prove that nature doesn't care about what people want!
These Are Definitely the Oddest Couples I Could Imagine...
These strange couples destroy all my previous notions about animal relationships.
GUIDE: 15 of the Smallest, Sweetest Dog Breeds
If you're interested in meeting some of the smallest and cutest dog breeds in the world, check out these 15 breeds.
The Most Amazing Facts About the Powerful Tiger!
If lions are kings, then tigers are emperors. Get to know the largest of all big cats with some very fascinating facts.
9 Incredible Animals You Weren’t Taught about in School...
Lesser known animals from around the world that deserve more recognition
15 Things You Never Knew About the Panda Bear
When you hear about pandas, you think big, cute and cuddly, but there is much you might not know about these gentle giants...
West Canada is Wild, Strong and Ever So Pretty
The wilds of West Canada are some of the most jaw dropping natural scenes in all the world we live on.
Have You Ever Seen Birds More Stunning than These?
Among all species, birds are perhaps the prettiest. Take a look at the world's most beautiful birds:
This Incredible Video Takes You Swimming With a Polar Bear
Go on a swim right next to one of the world's biggest apex predators.
Slovakia is Nature’s Masterpiece! (12 Gorgeous Photos)
Photographer captures breathtaking nature photographs from Slovakia. Take a look at some of his best ones.
Just How Clever Are Wild Parrots? See For Yourself!
Just how clever a wild cockatoo parrots? This man created a puzzle with seeds in it to see if they could solve it, and here's the footage...
True Friendship Survives Beyond Time - Beautiful!
Gorilla Reunites With Carer 5 Years Later...
The 19 Most Breathtaking Fall Photos From Across the Globe
Let's celebrate the unique beauty of autumn! Admire this beautiful season in 19 different places around the globe with these stunning photos
Human Cultivation Changed These Plants Beyond Recognition!
These 8 familiar fruits and vegetables changed so much when people started cultivating them, you won't be able to recognize them!
Equestrian Grace: 15 Majestic Horses in Icelandic Scenery
These photographs of beautiful horses in Iceland by Petra Marita look like beautiful paintings.
Our Planet is Full of Beauty! Take a Look at These Photos
Our planet is incredibly beautiful. Here are 15 stunning photos of planet Earth.
INTERACTIVE: Click to See the English Tide Come and Go...
This interactive photo presentation lets you click on images taken by Michael Marten, and see the English tide coming in and going out.
WATCH: 12 Stunning Underwater Landscapes On Video
Live under the waves is fascinating and beautiful, but it's only recently that we've been able to capture it in all its glory. View these 12 stunning videos.
An Inspiring Collection of Moments in the Lives of Animals
Some of the most poignant stories and photos of animals from around the world.
The Crystal Waters of Fiji Are Pure Underwater Heaven
There are few waters more beautiful than the crystal clear waters of Fiji.
Witness The Magical World of Brazil’s Terra Ronca Cave
Treasures buried in the heart of the earth are not only silver and gold but also rare natural wonders. This is the Terra Runica Cave, enjoy your tour!
These Animal Facts Are Both Adorable and Interesting
Twenty fascinating animal facts that we bet you never knew about!
Must Watch: The Invisible Miracles of Nature
This filmmaker takes you on an in-depth journey of the incredible expansive universes present in our universe.
The Colors of Nature Are Truly Spectacular
Sometimes, those that differ from the crowd shine the brightest, as these unique brightly-colored animals prove.
The Deadliest Volcanic Eruptions in Human History
Volcanoes are one of Mother Nature's deadliest phenomena. Here are the 5 most deadliest volcanic eruptions in human history.
Turbulent Waters: Unbelievable Sea Moments
The ocean can be a big and scary place. Here are some of the craziest sea moments caught on camera.
Lovable Baby Animals You Just Want to Cuddle Up With!
A collection of cute and adorable baby animals you will love.
When Animals Love, We Get Wonderful Moments Like These
18 gorgeous moments of animals showing affection and love to each other in wonderful photography by Goran Anastasovski, see how they kiss, hug and show love.