This outgoing llama proves that shows business is not just for people. Llamas want to make it in the big apple too! And that’s just what Linda, the llama below, set out to do. In this photo, taken in 1957, photographer Inge Morah shot this iconic image of Linda casually cruising through Times Square in the backseat of her trainer’s car, on her way home from a gig she had just completed.
A member of the Camelid, more commonly known as the camel family, the ancestors of the llama first migrated to South America approximately 3 million years ago. It wasn’t until 4,000 to 5,000 years ago that the first evidence of llama domestication appeared in the Peruvian highlands. Here, they were used as pack animals. Today, many of the descendants of these ancient Incan peoples still use the llamas for similar purposes.
Baby Otters: Very Much Blind, Very Much Toothless
Unable to see upon first entering the world, for newborn otters—born both blind and toothless—life, at first glance, is actually not seen at all. While popularly known for their rambunctiously cheeky, playful nature, as well as for their immense swimming capabilities—an adaptation the otters owe to their webbed feet—following their exit from their mother’s womb, at first, they are not able to witness any of the curiosity and fun had by the baby’s fellow furry, water-loving family members.
As reflected in the above photograph, which captures the first moments of this litter of newborn otters, these adorable little creatures are basically helpless, balls of fur. Following their birth, these baby otters will remain in their mother’s nest for the next few weeks, where they will be carefully guarded under the watchful eye of their mother and relatives.
One of the World’s Most Venomous Creatures: the Blue-ringed Octopus
The photograph below captures the unique beauty of the venomous blue-ringed octopus. Considered one of the world’s most venomous creatures, the blue-ringed octopus is found in coral reefs all across the Pacific and Indian oceans. Though a beautiful, seemingly harmless specimen, don’t be fooled by its misleading appearance. While tiny, within minutes, the blue-ringed octopus has enough venom in its body capable of killing a whopping 26 adult humans. Indeed, in reality, this minuscule, golf-ball-sized creature is widely known as one of the most toxic creatures on the planet.
This creature's deadly toxins are packed tight into its venom, which contains the powerful neurotoxin tetrodotoxin, a toxin also infamously carried by the pufferfish. According to experts, the consequences of tetrodotoxin include severe paralysis, an effect which eventually leads to a number of other unpleasant secondary impacts, including slow body shut down, and eventual death from lung failure. So what does one do when encountering this blue and yellow sea creature, one may ask? Do not pet, and quickly back away.
Whatchu’ Looking at, Blue Footed Booby?
Named after their blue-footed feet, the blue-footed booby bird, known by the scientific name of Sula nebouxii, was named after this bird’s silly, boob-like, foolish and goofy demeanor. This carnivorous bird’s clown-like notoriety is reflected in its clumsiness on land, similar to the awkward movement of many other seabirds on land. Additionally, these odd birds are also known to be unusually trusting of humans.
Of the many weird facts pertaining to the blue-footed booby bird, perhaps the strangest of them all is the birds’ unique mating ritual. Taking great pride in their name, and (more likely) their blue feet, during Blue-footed mating rituals, the males will flaunt their blue feet, displaying them to prospective female mates with a pompous, high-stepping strut movement. The key to finding a successful mate? Blue feet. The bluer the feet, the more attractive the mate.
The Flight of the Gulls and the Eagle
Shot in the skies of Alaska in June of 2018, this incredible photo captures the rare, violent moment between a bald eagle and two seagulls. Like raptor birds, eagles are a carnivorous species of hunting bird whose diet is mainly composed of small mammals and, believe it or not, even birds. Unique to North America, this bird has a distinct brown body and contrasting white head.
According to the story retold by the photographer responsible for the above picture, this image showcases the two seagulls in the fight of their lives. The seagull above was trying to save its friend, who was caught by the vision eagle, willing to risk his life for his soulmate's companionship.