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...
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.
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.
This Funny Pet Compilation Had Us In Splits!
In this compilation you will witness some of the most hilarious pet videos from the past year - be warned, keeping a straight face will be impossible!
It's Time to Be Staggered by Germany's Beauty...
Germany is often thought of in terms of its past, but it's an amazing place to visit in the present. This truly stunning land will enchant you. Take a look.
I Can't Stop Laughing at These Cows Who Think They're Dogs
A cow probably isn't the first thing that springs to mind when thinking of man's best friend, but here are 16 photos which prove that they actually are!
These Rare Mushrooms Can Glow In the Dark
Only about 70 mushroom species out of 14,000 have this beautiful and rare ability.
Experience Pinnacles National Park in Crisp 4K Resolution
Check out this incredible time lapse video of California's Pinnacles National Park, which was filmed in crisp 4K resolution.
Wildlife Is Even More Beautiful In 4K Definition!
The wildlife in Myanmar is beautiful, and we're lucky enough to witness it being captured in 4K definition. Enjoy!
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!
Life in the Treetops: A Look at Tree-Dwelling Animals!
Let’s take a deep dive into the secret lives of arboreal animals and the challenges they face in their natural habitat.
Animal Kingdom: Meet the World’s Grumpiest Cat
Pallas’s cats are perhaps the most unusual wild cats of our planet.
This Animal Is the Best Mimic in the World...
How intelligent and clever IS this animal??
These Award-Winning Wildlife Photos Are Phenomenal
View some of the best entries from the 2017 edition of GDT's ‘European Wildlife Photographer of the Year' competition. Take a look.
These Animals Are All Black & Beautiful Thanks to Melanism
Melanism is a genetic mutation that results in beautiful black animals, which stand out from their species counterparts. Here are 15 melanistic animals.
18 Breathtaking Photos Depict Nature as Heaven on Earth
These photos enable us to appreciate the beauty in mother nature and all that she has to offer.
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...
The Astonishing Story of the Horse Who Could Do MATH
One of the most mathematically gifted and famous animals ever known was Clever Hans - a horse who lived in Germany in the early 1900s
Beautiful & Weird Creatures of the Sea - Collection
In this collection, you'll find some of the most strange, beautiful and remarkable creatures under the waves.
INTERACTIVE: Click on the Colorful Birds to See Them!
Click on a bird and see a video of a real bird.
15 Magical Pics Presenting Nature in Its Finest Glory
Take a look at this magnificent collection of nature pictures that will transport you to a different world.
5 HUGE Waves You Wouldn't Believe if it Wasn't On Video
These huge waves are probably not the biggest to ever happen, but they're definitely the 5 biggest waves ever caught on video.
Adorable Miniature Donkeys Are Here to Make Your Day!
These diminutive donkeys aren't babies or dwarves, but an adorable breed of smaller donkeys. They’re so cute you’ll want to adopt a few.
These Landscape Photos Won Awards for a Good Reason
The winners of The International Landscape Photographer of the Year contest have been announced, and it’s the perfect excuse to gaze at their stunning pictures.
Weird Science: 12 Phenomena That Scientists Can’t Explain
Scientists think they're got the world covered but so many mysteries remain. Here are 12 bizarre phenomena that even scientists can't explain.
The Following Deadly Beasts Are Not Man's Best Friends...
These 20 animals are responsible for killing the most humans each years. Some of these will definitely surprise you, have a look.
In Pictures: 17 Award-Winning Nature & Wildlife Shots
Check out the best winning images and finalists from the Big Picture Natural World Photography Contest.
10 of the Largest Living Birds in the World
Check out this list of the largest and heaviest birds that inhabit our planet today.
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.
Witness the Raw Beauty of Nature in These Incredible Pics
Check out some of the best winning images from the 2020 Nature Photographer of the Year contest.
20 Jaw-Dropping Natural Landscapes That Grip Your Soul
It's impossible to put words to these glorious pictures. We just can't.
Bird Watchers’ Paradise: 7 Stunning Bird Sanctuaries
If you love birds, then pack your bags and take a trip to these wondrous bird sanctuaries.
Admire the Never Ending Beauty of the Rocky Mountains
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most beautiful and awe-striking natural wonders of the USA - take a tour through this must-see location in this video.
22 Award-Winning Photos That Capture the Power of Nature
The International Photography Awards has many categories, but today, we will focus on nature, with 22 stunning highlights from the 2020 competition.
Time Lapse Extreme: Over 800 Days in 8 Minutes
The satisfaction of sowing a seed and watching it grows is amplified when you see it at high speeds. Enjoy.
These Amazing Nature Pics Will Leave You Speechless
Check out these unique and amazing nature photos from around the world.
Spring Is Here: 8 Spring Flowers You Can Plant Right Now
These flowers will make your garden look marvelous in the spring time.
This Video Proves That Pigs Are Both Cute and Hilarious!
These pigs have the ability to melt your heart, but they often end up making you scream with laughter in the process!
4 Simple Steps to Befriending Your Local Crow
Discover the secrets of befriending a wild crow with just four simple steps in this captivating video.
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.
Nature is Amazing in So Many Ways – 20 Beautiful Pics
The wonders of nature never cease to amaze us. Check out some glorious nature pics here.
Do Animals Talk? You’d be Shocked at What They Have to Say
Videos about animals learning to communicate with people
The Most Beautiful Birds in the World Are in Costa Rica
The Jungles of Costa Rica are rich in beautiful animal life, none more beautiful than the many birds that call it home.
These 20 Cute Bonsai Are a Cut Above the Average Tree
Trust the Japanese to have the most beautiful miniature trees in the world. These 20 bonsai's are so fabulous!
This Botanical Garden in Pennsylvania Is Out of This World
Take a look at these terrific photos of stunning Botanical garden, Longwood Gardens.
These Photos Prove Mother Nature Can Be So Creative!
These photos prove that Mother Nature has a creative side.