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.
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...
Try Not to Laugh: Hilarious Pet Reactions
Besides the love and companionship, keeping a pet around is worthwhile for the never-ending laughs they provide...
How Could Anyone Abandon This Puppy?
This little dog was abandoned on the streets, but was lucky enough to be found by a shelter owner.
Adorable Cats & Dogs Sure Make My Day!
You can witness hilarious, adorable situations and more in the compilation of funny videos featuring delightful cats and dogs.
Meet Ajax, the World's Most Courageous Dog
Meet Ajax, the professionally-trained border collie who's helping to locate and protect New Zealand's endangered alpine kea parrots.
14 Signs Your Cat Sees You as Their Real Parent
Watch for these behaviors to understand just how much you mean to your cat, less an owner and more as a parent.
Tourists From All Over Flock to See this Beautiful Island
Wouldn't you want to visit this beautiful island, filled with nothing but flowers?
Nature's Brilliant Blues Will Brighten Your Day
We live on the 'blue planet', underneath a blue sky, but instances of blue elsewhere is actually quite rare. Here are some of the most beautiful examples.
2022 World Nature Photography Awards: 15 Winning Images
Check out the spectacular winnings images from the 2022 World Nature Photography Awards.
In Pictures: 17 Award-Winning Nature & Wildlife Shots
Check out the best winning images and finalists from the Big Picture Natural World Photography Contest.
Incredible Undersea Photography: 16 Award-Winning Pics
Check out the breathtaking winners of the Underwater Photographer of the Year 2023 contest.
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!
Imagine Sharing Living Space with These Watery Weirdos!
The ocean is an even greater unknown than outer space, and some of the life forms you find in it are incredibly bizarre. Take a look at these odd sea creatures.
A Dolphin Asks a Human for Help!
We have seen animal rescue, but rarely have we seen the animal search for humans to save it!
This Incredible Animal Video Had Millions Talking About It!
From the moment these baby iguanas hatch, they are faced with a life or death situation. Can they survive the snake gauntlet?
Witness the Beauty of Birds in This Gorgeous Collection
In this collection, we’ve compiled the very best bird photos we could find - from stunning birds or paradise to most exotic birds on Earth
14 Birds that Are Nature's Gemstones
While you may have seen birds native to your area, we're sure you've never seen these before......
Together, These Animals Create Breathtaking Scenes
When people stand together, they become strong! When animals come together, the results are magical!
The Colors of Nature Are Truly Spectacular
Sometimes, those that differ from the crowd shine the brightest, as these unique brightly-colored animals prove.
These Animal Facts Are Both Adorable and Interesting
Twenty fascinating animal facts that we bet you never knew about!
17 Utterly Beautiful Photos of Japan's Cherry Blossoms
The sight of blooming cherry blossoms is synonymous with springtime Japan. Take a look at these beautiful photos to remind you what a wonderful season this is.
7 Fascinating Natural Phenomena Science Can’t Explain
From the Great Blue Hole in Belize to the Sailing Stones in CA, this video will introduce you to 7 natural phenomena science isn't fully able to explain.
These Photographs Beautifully Capture Stunning Sunsets
Enjoy this stunning series of orange, red and golden sunsets, and share with those who have beauty in their heart.
Photographer Captures Myriad Moods of Stunning Big Cats
Observing big cats from up close is rare. Here are some brilliant big cat portraits that take you real close to these magnificent animals.
11 Incredible Animals with Even More Incredible Abilities!
Forget imaginary superheros and science fiction! These real animals have their own super powers and abilities such as camouflage, immortality and more!
You Have to See These 18 Hybrid Animals to Believe Them
I'd never even heard of a liger, a zonkey or a beefalo. But these pictures go to show that they actually exist - in real life!
Photographer Captures the Ethereal Beauty of the Sea World
Check out some truly stunning photographs of the animals of the sea world by noted photographer Greg Lecoeur.
These Siberian Cats Are Truly Stunning!
Alla Lebedeva has turned her homestead into a "Catland" and she has now gone viral thanks to some incredible photographs of her glorious Siberian cats.
Animal Dreams: The Funny Ways Animals Sleep
In this humor-filled video, we're going to explore some animals with fascinating, silly and downright bizarre ways some animals go about the act of sleep.
Australia is the Land of the Most Bizarre Creatures!
Australia is the land of the most bizarre creatures!
There Are Awesome New Dog Breeds in the World...
21 of the most adorable new canine cross breeds.
19 Gorgeous Birds You Might Not Have Seen Before
Birds are one of the most varied and beautiful species. These 19 exotic birds are absolutely beautiful!
21 Gorgeous Reasons Nature Needs No Photoshop
You'll be impressed by 21 nature pictures that prove the world is beautiful the way it is if you only know where to look.
Llamas Can Be Both Mean and Hilarious!
Llamas are some of the most hilarious animals on our planet. Watch this compilation video to find out why!
Hummingbirds Come in the Most Beautiful Rainbow Colors!
There are hundreds of gorgeous species of hummingbirds. Have you spotted any of these near you?
Adorable: These Birds Woke up on the Wrong Side of the Bed
Ossi Saarinen's bird photos always make everyone go "awww." Check them out for yourself!
I Bet You've Never Seen Animals Like These Before!
From a pink dolphin to a brown panda, you have probably never seen these weird and rare variations of animals.
16 Stunning Gardens I'd Be Delighted to Stroll Through...
A stunning collection of 16 different landscape designs that will excite every nature lover out there.
Hilarious Nature: True Facts About Elephants!
Come with us as we explore this huge mammal, make some jokes and meet one of the smartest and most fascinating of all animals, the elephant.
25 Cute and Curious Animals Just Discovering the Snow
25 adorable animals are experiencing the simple pleasures of playing outside in the snow for the very first time.
Keep Your Bouquet Fresh for 3 Weeks with These Handy Tips
Bouquets may not last long, but you can increase their lifespan by 3 weeks with these handy tips.
17 Trees Almost Too Beautiful and Strange To Be Real!
Trees are great, aren’t they? Nature is full of great wonders, but few are as startling as these bizarre but beautiful trees.
Nature's Marvel: The Fascinating Biology of Seahorses
The seahorse is one of the most unique creatures of our planet. Let’s find out some interesting facts about its insane biology.
These Ocean Species Look Like They're From Another Planet
These ocean species are unlike anything I've ever seen before.
16 EERIE Close-Ups of Bugs Under a Microscope
Take a look at these terrifying close-ups of insect faces.
10 Vegetables and Plants You Can Grow in the Fall
Just because we're approaching fall it doesn't mean you should hang up your gardening gloves. There's still plenty of things you can plant in your garden.