Special Species: Birds, Reptiles, Wildlife and More!

Special Species

10 Colorful Facts About These Fascinating Fish

Perhaps you've stopped in your tracks to admire their vibrant red, green, and royal blue hues and maybe you've even brought one home. But you may not have known how these intelligent, feeling beings can learn to recognize their owners and perform tricks.

Special Species

The Link Between a Common Parasite and Mental Illness

The jury is still out on whether this brain parasite associated with certain household pets is causing mental illness in humans, but there does seem to be a link between the infection and schizophrenia. It’s known to change the behavior of rodents, and now wolves at Yellowstone.

Special Species

10 Animals That Say 'Till Death Do Us Part'

Much of the animal kingdom couldn't care less about monogamy, but here are 10 exceptions. They usually stick with the same mate until one of them dies, often creating stable family groups to raise their children. How many can you name?

Special Species

The Wild Animal That Doesn't Belong in Your Home

They may look cuddly and cute, but don't think for a second that they make good pets. Not only will you be unable to find a vet willing to provide care, you'll be a 24-hour-a-day warden for the next 10 to 15 years as you struggle to safeguard your home and protect your family and pets.

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Special Species

The Greatly Misunderstood One-of-a-Kind ‘Living Fossil’

Many consider these critters loathsome, dirty and disease-ridden, but nothing could be further from the truth. Rather, they provide many benefits, as they are pros at making ticks, slugs and snakes vanish. The next time you see one in your neighborhood, I invite you to view it with different eyes.

Special Species

The Most Surprisingly Smart Animals

Many people already know that dogs and elephants are intelligent, but what about these other species? One 8-year old girl feeds one of these species in her back yard and has accumulated over 70 'gifts,' including a 'best friend' charm they've brought her in return.

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Special Species

The Deplorable Plight of the ‘Mini’ Potbellied Pet Pig

At 8 weeks and 35 pounds, potbellied piglets resemble cuddly, small-sized pets that can live indoors or outside. But don't be fooled. Even 'teacup' piglets grow up into pigs, with the potential to weigh as much as 300 pounds.

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Special Species

The Exotic Pet That Ends Up Suffering More Often Than Not

A survey of 744 owners shows more than half don't provide adequate housing, and that can lead to both physical and behavioral issues. Others simply don't give their exotic pet the special care they need. And that's too bad, because when they receive the right care, they make wonderful pets.

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Special Species

The Most Unlikely Zoo Animal Ambassador

This zoo recently introduced a new addition to their Ambassador Animal Program, a program that offers up-close experiences with guests. Norman, who lost his home and mobility to loggers, is blazing the trail as the first of his kind to become an ambassador.

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