cool animal pages

Crabs

2007-04-27T18:51:00.000-07:00

Many people believe that the term "crab" refers to any crustacean with a flat shell and pinchers. However, many well-known "crabs" are not actually crabs at all, such as king crabs and hermit crabs, the latter often being kept as pets by small children. True crabs are visually distinguishable from other crustaceans by their number of legs; they have five pairs. Many people also envision crabs as walking sideways. While this is sometimes the case, crabs can in fact walk in any direction. Below are links to some cool crab merchandise:

Cartoon Crab Mug

Crab Mug

Crab-shaped bread from Boudin

Framed Blue Crab Print

Framed Watercolor Crab Print

Vintage Movie Poster

See ya later, Alligator

2007-04-13T15:42:00.000-07:00

There are only two living species of alligators: the American Alligator and the Chinese Alligator. The United States and China are the only 2 countries on Earth that have wild alligators. In the U.S., alligators live mainly in Florida and Louisiana. In China, they live along the Yangtze River and are endangered. In sharp contrast to Chinese Alligators, it is estimated that there are over 1 million American Alligators in Florida alone. Alligators are cousins of the crocodile, and the U.S. is the only nation on Earth that has both alligators and crocodiles.

Cheetahs

2007-04-07T16:30:00.000-07:00

The most well known fact about Cheetahs is that they are the world’s fastest land animal. They can reach speeds of up to 70 miles per hour, enabled by their flexible spine, large heart and liver, wide nostrils, and increased lung capacity. When Cheetahs reach top speeds, only one foot touches the ground at a time. Some Cheetahs have a fur pattern mutation, in which the spots are larger and merged. Once thought to be a separate subspecies, these “King Cheetahs” have only been seen a few times in the wild, but have been bread in captivity. Unlike most big cats that can roar but not purr, Cheetahs can purr but not roar. Also unlike other big cats, Cheetahs hunt by speed rather than strength. They are listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). Only about 12,000 Cheetahs remain in the wild today. Visit the Cheetah Conservation Fund to learn about how you can help protect Cheetahs. Then take a peek at these neat Cheetah items:

elephants

2007-04-06T07:08:00.000-07:00

Elephants are the largest land animals alive today. There are 3 species of elephants: the Asian (or Indian) Elephant, the African Brush Elephant, and the African Forest Elephant. Until recently, the 2 African species were not recognized as separate species, and simply known collectively as the "African Elephant." In 1978, at the Chester Zoo in the United Kingdom, an Asian Elephant gave birth to a baby that was fathered by an African Elephant. The baby, named "Motty" was a miracle because it was thought impossible to breed two animals from different species. Motty had characteristics of both his mother and father.

Vintage Elephant Gifts

White Elephant Gifts

Ganesha Elephant Gifts

Elephant Stuff

Elephant Illustration

E is for Elephant Mug

Eagle

2007-04-05T22:41:00.000-07:00

Did you know that there are only two species of Eagles, the Bald Eagle and the Golden Eagle, that inhabit North America? Eagles are birds of prey. They are very powerful, possessing both strong beaks and talons, and have very keen eyesight. Eagles are the national symbol of many nations. The Bald Eagle is the emblem of the United States, and the Golden Eagle can been seen on the flag of Mexico.

Golden Eagle Shop

Eagle Painting

Always Faithful Marines

Patriotic America Calling

Wings Over America Air Corps

Brown Bears

2007-03-09T12:58:00.000-08:00

Brown bears include the sub-species of Grizzly bears, Kodiak bears, and Mexican Brown bears. These bears can weigh as much as 1500 pounds and have non-retractable claws that can grow to almost 6 inches! Despite being more than outfitted to hunt prey, Brown bears actually obtain about 75% of their food from plant sources. Brown bears, especially Grizzly bears here in the U.S., are often seen as a danger to humans. This is true in certain instances, but in fairness to the bears, it is primarily the loss of habitat that forces these bears to seek out food sources in human-populated areas. Bears are becoming more and more attracted to garbage bins and dumpsters, and when they are spotted frequenting a certain area, they are often captured and relocated to areas such as Yellowstone National Park in California, which houses an enormous reserve for bears. Due to the encroachment of humans into their habitat, Grizzlies are listed as threatened in the United States. The now-extinct California Grizzly can be seen on the state's flag.

Check out this cool Brown Bear shop:

Grizzly Bear Gifts

B is for Bear Mug

To find out more about Grizzlies and how you can help protect them and their habitat, visit the National Wildlife Federation

Turtles and Tortoises

2007-03-09T12:05:00.000-08:00

What is the difference between turtles and tortoises? Well, the distinguishing characteristics vary from language to language. In American English, those species living in freshwater are called "turtles," those living in sea water are called "sea turtles," and those living on land are called "tortoises." Turtles are one of the oldest living reptiles, emerging over 200 million years ago. Turtles are most recognizable by their outer protective shell, in which they can "fold" their neck to escape danger. Another well-known characteristic of turtles is their slow pace, which is a cause of both their heavy shell and short, stubby, bent legs. Follow these neat turtle links below:

tortoise and Hare greeting cards

Cute Turtle Gifts

Sea Turtle Cards

Framed Turtle Print

T is for Turtle Mug

Lobsters

2006-11-21T17:53:00.000-08:00

Did you know there are lobsters that don't have claws? Spiny lobsters are commonly known as crawfish or crayfish. The largest lobster every caught, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, was in Canada and weighed in at 44.4 pounds! Because they live in murky waters, lobsters have very poor eyesight and rely primarily on their antennae as sensors. Although lobsters generally move about the ocean floor at a slow pace, when they are in danger and need to flee, they swim backwards at speeds of up to 5 meters per second. Like humans, lobsters carry their young for 9 months and can live to be over 100 years old! Check out this link to read about how some sympathetic activists saved a 40 year-old, 15 pound lobster from the boiling pot. Did you know that boiling lobsters alive is illegal in Reggio, Italy, and that violators face fines of up to $600? Jump on over to lobsterlib.com to learn more about the crusade to save lobsters. Finally, follow the links below to some cool lobster gear:

Vintage Lobster Art

Red Lobster Tote Bag

Lobster T-shirt

Vintage Lobster Poster

Lobster T-shirt

Monkeys

2006-11-12T13:05:00.000-08:00

Many people refer to apes, such as chimpanzees, as monkeys, but scientists do not consider them to be monkeys. Monkeys are broken up into 2 groups: New World and Old World. Because there are so many species of monkeys, there are few traits that they all share. However, there are a few general characteristics that they have in common. New World monkeys have prehensile tails, meaning they can grasp with and hang by their tail, while Old World monkeys cannot. Monkeys either live in trees or in grasslands, and eat mainly fruits, seeds, and insects. Unfortunately, many monkeys, as well as apes, are used in laboratory testing worldwide each year. Visit the International Primate Protection League to find out what you can do to protect these wonderful animals! And don't forget to take a look at these cool monkey gifts:

M is for Monkey Mug

Robot Monkey Shop

Sock Monkey Shop

Monkey Art Shop

Monkey Gifts

Horsing Around

2006-09-22T17:45:00.000-07:00

Throughout history, horses have been viewed as regal and strong, yet pure and prideful. Many made-up mythological creatures were derived from horses. Greek mythology tells of a creature that is half man and half horse, called a Centaur. There is also an animal that is half horse and half Griffin (which is half eagle and half lion), called a Hippogriff. Other creatures include the Unicorn, which is a horse with a single horn on its forehead, and the Pegasus, a winged horse who can be seen plaguing the streets of Dallas, Texas.

Black Beauty Gifts

Mustang Shop

Horse Coasters

H is for Horse Mug

Puffin

2006-09-12T22:46:00.000-07:00

Puffins are most recognized for their brightly colored beaks, but did you know that their beaks are only colored like this during their mating season? After the season is over, Puffins shed the outer parts of their bill, leaving a much duller beak. Puffins are birds that are able to fly as well as swim. They do most of their fishing by diving. Here are some cool Puffin items below:

Puffin Gift Shop

Puffin Mug

Puffin Framed Print

Puffin Print

Deer

2006-09-08T12:10:00.000-07:00

Did you know that there are about 34 species of deer? A key characteristic of deer is that they have antlers, which are boney growths that form from the deer's head. Unlike horns, antlers are not covered in keratin, but rather with a thin layer of skin, called velvet. The world's smallest deer, the Pudu, is a native of Argentina and Chile. The Pudu averages only 14-16" tall! It can also climb trees, and often climbs bamboo stalks to escape danger. Check out some cute deer gifts below:

Deer Gift Shop

Fawn Forest Gift Shop

Framed Deer Print

Deer Journal

Pink Deer T-shirt

Koi Fish

2006-09-06T11:55:00.000-07:00

Koi are a variety of Carp that originated in China, but are most popular in Japan. Domestically bred for ornamental purposes, Koi have become a symbol of luck. Early on, Japanese farmers noticed that most Carp were a dull grey color, while some were bright orange and red. They began to capture and breed the brightly-colored specimens, and eventually developed many different varieties of Koi based on coloration. The hobby of raising Koi has now spread outside of Japan, as transporting the fish has become easy and safe. Some Koi fish sell for up to $100,000.

Koi Fish Gifts

Koi Fish Clock

Koi Fish Cards

Bison

2006-08-29T15:00:00.000-07:00

Although there were at one time 6 species of bison, only 2 still exist: the American Bison and the European Bison. Although the American Bison is commonly referred to as "buffalo," this animal is not really a buffalo, as real buffalo are only native to Asia. American Bison are the largest land mammals in North America, and European Bison are the largest land mammals in Europe. During the 1800s, American Bison were almost hunted to extinction, until in 1890, only around 750 existed. Around this time, individuals began to purchase Bison and keep them on privately owned ranches, in an effort to raise the population. There is only one herd that has been continuously wild in the United States. Many advocates believe that this herd, which lives at Yellowstone National Park, should be protected under the Endangered Species Act, although at present time it is not.

hippos

2006-08-26T14:05:00.000-07:00

Hippos are gregarious, living in groups of up to 40 animals, called a pod, herd, school or bloat. A hippo's lifespan is typically 40 to 50 years.

The eyes, ears, and nostrils of the hippo rest high on the top of his skull. This allows him to spend most of his day with the majority of his body submerged in the waters of tropical rivers to stay cool and prevent sunburn.

For one of those oh so charming inter-species stories click here to read about Owen and Mzee. This hippo and tortoise have formed a unique bond of friendship, even working out their own unique vocal communication.

Hippo

Hippo Art

Gorilla My Dreams

2006-08-25T12:07:00.000-07:00

Gorillas are the second closest relative to the human being that are still alive today. Gorillas move around using a method called knuckle-walking, which they share with anteaters and platypus. Sadly, both species of gorilla are endangered due to poaching and the Ebola virus.
Gorillas are thought of as being very intelligent, mainly for their use of simple tools and ability to learn simple machines.

Gorilla T-shirts

MONKEY ROOM

Ladybugs

2006-08-19T09:56:00.000-07:00

Insects give most people the creeps. Roaches, spiders, and beetles are enough to make people run in the opposite direction. But for some reason, this same sentiment is not shared with ladybugs. Maybe its because of their cute name, or colorful red and black polka-dotted shell, or the fact that they are harmless to humans. But whatever the reason, ladybugs are seen by many people as cute, not scary like other bugs. But did you know that ladybugs are actually a type of beetle? In fact, scientists generally refer to ladybugs as "lady beetles." Check out some cool, non-creepy ladybug gear below:

Cocoa Ladybugs Mug

Ladybugs and Flowers Mug

Ladybug Dreams

LadyBugs Tile Coaster

Ladybug Fairy Tote

Ladybug Mug

Robotic Squid

2006-08-09T19:26:00.000-07:00

Ok one more squid post. Check out the amazing work of Nemo Gould. His giant robotic squid is a must see.

I Wouldn't Want Chemoreceptors in My Arms...

2006-07-11T13:21:00.000-07:00

Octopus are extremely intelligent cephalopods that are known for their problem-solving abilities. They have eight suction-cupped arms(not tentacles) that have chemoreceptors in them- that means that they can taste whatever they're touching! The only hard part in their body is their beak, so they can squeeze through tiny openings and maneuver easily through corrals and coves. One of my favorite tricks of the octopus is their ability to camouflage completely! I just found this amazing video on YouTube: Click here to check it out.

Check out these fun Octopus goodies:

Ribbet Ribbet

2006-07-10T13:21:00.000-07:00

Frogs are among the most diverse groups of animals. With over 5,000 species, frogs live in all parts of the world and in many different climates, but most can be found in tropical rainforests. Many people believe that frogs and toads are different species, but in fact there is only one family that is officially called "toads" by scientists. Some people refer to all frogs that have drier skin and live in drier climates as "toads," but this is not necessarily their scientific description. Frogs can be seen in popular culture today. Kermit the Frog is one of the most well-known children's characters of all times. Many people are also familiar with the story of the Frog Prince.

Girl and Frog

Tree Frog by Alicia

Sunny Day Frog

Check out these interesting frogs from Japan:

Frog House made of sugar

Frog Statue guarding Matsumoto Temple in Japan

Painted Animal Hands

2006-06-18T10:26:00.000-07:00

Check out the painted hands and body art by Guido Daniele

Alien Cow Abductions

2006-06-06T11:02:00.000-07:00

Ok this is just about the funniest and silliest site I have seen in quite awhile. It is very well done. My Dad runs a tiny little cattle ranch here in Texas and I can not wait to forward him the link.
Alien Cow abductions: a reality or a spoof site ... you be the judge... lol.
http://www.cowabduction.com/

Armadillos

2006-06-01T08:10:00.000-07:00

Here in Texas, most everyone has seen our state mammal, an Armadillo, scampering along the side of the highway. To those outside of Texas, however, Armadillos might be unheard of. They are small mammals, about 30 inches long, and their back is covered by a shell of armor. This shell is actually plates of bone covered in scaly skin. In the center of the armor, there are bands which allow the back to contract, kind of like an accordion. It is the number of bands in an Armadillo's shell that is the primary distiguisher between species. Although some can roll themselves into a ball, the 9-banded species that lives in Texas cannot. You would probably think that this shell is what Armadillos rely on to protect themselves, but in fact, their main strategy for escaping predators is to run away or dig themselves into a hole. Armadillos have a very unique reproductive system. Each time a mother gives birth, she has 4 identical quadrulplets, all of the same sex.

Check out this cool Armadillo shop:

Flying Armadillo

Check out this cool Armadillo art:

by Vladimir Kleymenov

by Nathaniel P. Jensen

Penguins

2006-05-30T09:14:00.000-07:00

Did you know there are between 16 and 19 varieties of Penguins? The exact number is still being debated today. Contrary to popular belief, not all Penguins live in bitterly cold climates. In fact, a few species live in the tropics. Most of the larger species, such as the Emperor Penguin, which averages 3.6 feet, live in colder climates, while smaller species live in warmer areas. Penguins are one species that many people believe exhibit proof that animals feel emotion. When a mother Penguin loses a chick, due to harsh conditions or predators, she will often try to steal a chick away from another Penguin mother. Scientists who have studied this behavior believe that its is not an instinctual response, but rather an emotional response to losing its young. Penguins took a spotlight in Hollywood in 2005, after the documentary March of the Penguins was released and won an Oscar.

Penguinardo da Fishy

Antarctic Under

Northern Lights Penguins

P is for Penguin Mug

Who You calling chicken?

2006-05-29T08:48:00.000-07:00

Did you know that chickens are the most common bird in the world? In 2003, there were an estimated 24 billion chickens on Earth. That's roughly four times the entire human population! While many people associate chickens primarily with food, they are an important part of many cultures. In fact, chickens play a role in several religions. In India, roosters symbolize Karthikeya, the God of Destruction, and in the Chinese Zodiac Calendar, the chicken represents bravery and resiliency. Chickens are also seen throughout popular culture. Think Big Bird and Chicken Little. In Japan and other parts of Asia, chickens with exceptionally pretty plumage are kept as pets.
For fun and laughs check out these cool chicken web sites:
Chicken Boy

Subservient Chicken

Check out these cool chicken products:

Art Paw's Chicken Art

Henny Penny

Chicken Illustration

Victorian Chickens Bike Racing Light Switch Cover

Easter Greeting Cards (Package of 6)

Karen Fincannon's cool chicken art

Flamingos

2006-05-27T10:12:00.000-07:00

Flamingos are quite unusual birds. Their long legs and necks make them somewhat of the giraffe of the bird world. When Flamingos are sleeping, they balance themselves on only one of their long, bony legs in order to control the amount of body heat that escapes into the water. Have you ever wondered where Flamingos get their hot pink coloring from? Well, the pinker the Flamingo, the more healthy it is. This is because they get their coloring from the large amounts of shrimp they eat. Shrimp contain a pigment called carotene, which is also the reason for the orange color in carrots, and this is what makes Flamingos pink!

Check out these cool Flamingo gifts:

Alice and Flamingo

Flamingo Room

Flamingo Tile Coaster

Flamingo Paradise Grill

Tiger, Tiger, Burning Bright

2006-05-19T14:05:00.000-07:00

Did you know that each Tiger has an average of 100 stripes? Tigers are the largest and most powerful of all cat species, and they also have the strongest and longest canine teeth. Despite their strong and noble nature in the wild, tigers are frequently seen in popular culture as cute and cuddly creatures. "Tigger" from Winnie the Pooh and "Tony the Tiger", the mascot for Frosted Flakes, are some well-known cartoon Tigers.

Tiger Art Gifts

Tiger Greeting Cards

Click here to read William Blake's poem, "The Tiger".

Bomb sniffing bees

2006-05-17T12:08:00.001-07:00

I was just listening to public radio and heard a fascinating story about bomb sniffing bees. Evidently using traditional training methods involving food, bees can be trained to sniff out explosive materials. Andrew Revkin has an article on the subject here.
http://www.cyberbee.net/news/beemine.html

Pincushions

2006-05-06T14:22:00.000-07:00

Many people confuse Hedgehogs with Porcupines, because both have spikes! Hedgehogs are much smaller than Porcupines, and are actually rodents. Although it is fairly uncommon to see a wild Hedgehog in the United States, in England they are as common as Squirrels, where they are a welcome presence in gardens because they eat unwanted bugs. When a Hedgehog is scared, it will roll itself into a spiky ball, hiding its head in its belly. Although a Hedgehog's spikes may scare off some, their cute little faces and white furry bellies make them loved by many people, and often kept as pets. Beatrix Potter's Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle
and "Sonic the Hedgehog" are a couple of famous Hedgehogs!

Whimsical Hedgehog Art

Hedgehog Mousepad

Hedgehog Gifts

Toddler Hedgehog T-Shirt

Hedgehog Art Gifts

Yipes Stripes

2006-05-06T13:45:00.000-07:00

There are a few accepted theories as to why Zebras don their characteristic black and white stripes. One of the more recent ideas is that the contrasting stripes serve to confuse the blood-sucking tsetse fly. Whatever the reason, Zebras' unique and bold stripes are sure visually stunning!

Zebra Art Gifts

Z is for Zebra mug

Zebra Art Gifts

Unique Zebra

Zebra T-shirt

Zebra Greeting Cards

"Rainbow Zebra" Print

Easter Animals

2006-04-15T10:28:00.000-07:00

Throughout the years a variety of animals have represented Easter. The Easter Bunny of course is the first that comes to mind. It is said that he brings brightly colored eggs to children on Easter. The story of the Easter bunny is believed to have originated in Germany when the Protestants wanted to continue the Catholic tradition of eating colored eggs, but did not want to teach their children to fast during Lent. The Easter Bunny traveled to America in the early 18th century. But there are also other animals that represent Easter. Chicks, roosters, hens, and birds of all kinds welcome in not only Easter but spring as well. Below are some vintage Easter postcards from our collection. We love how the bunny in the first one is so cute, yet looks almost sinister! For more vintage Easter postcards, follow this link: Easter Postcards

Here are some fun Easter goodies- Check them out!

Happy Easter Cards

Easter Postcards

Easter Bunny Tile

R is for Rabbit Mug

When Pigs Fly

2006-04-12T16:20:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you have all heard that scientists are now messing around with Pigs so that we can have genetically engineered healthy bacon.
Being a vegetarian I really wish these nut balls could find better use of their time and money. I don't really want to post about the science of better bacon. Today's topic is about Pigs and aviation.
Did you know that John Steinbeck used a winged pig that he called Pigasus in his signature and his exlibris? Michael Quinion states that the phrase "when pigs fly" seems to have been a traditional Scottish proverb, which was first written down in 1586 in an edition of John Withal's English-Latin dictionary for children. Check out Wikipedia for more fun flying pig facts.

To grab up some flying pig gear head on over to Cafe Press. We have posted a couple of our favorites here.

Flying Pig Infant Creeper

Got milk?

2006-03-30T08:49:00.000-08:00

Did you know that a cow gives nearly 200,000 glasses of milk in her lifetime?

Cow Entertainment:
Cows with Guns / flash.
The Meatrix/ flash
Holy Cow Game

I really enjoyed the offerings at the Cafe Press shop "Cow Balls".
The Clockwork Cow is very clever as was "tweak".

Full Moon Emporium has a fun tote bag with Holy Cow design.

Bees Bees Bees

2006-03-28T07:50:00.000-08:00

Spring is in the air and I saw my first honey bee this weekend while planting flowers. I decided to get on-line and see just what I could discover about this important insect. Did you know that honeybee wings beat at a constant rate of 230 beats per second or 13,800 beats/minute? For more fun Bee facts visit Wikipedia.

The web is buzzing with great gear for Bee lovers. Check out BeeGeek.com

Clarissa from Brazil offers up great original art at devianart.com. Doing an image search for "cool bee art" I stumbled across the poster below of the artist as bumble bee.

And one other stingingly great find is an illustration site from Japan called Bee Design Box. The site is not specific to just bees and instead showcases charming illustrations of all types.

Cool Monsters

2006-03-23T13:58:00.000-08:00

I don't know if monsters count as "cool animals" but Daniel Davis' imaginative creatures are very hip, and his site is very well designed. I'm buying some of his posters this week. Check out his inexpensive offerings at Cafe Press and be sure and check his main site Steamcrow.com