I said no pictures! Shy lion covers eyes with his paw as photographer snaps him

By OLIVIA WILLIAMS

No photos please: This lion covers his face with a giant paw to play hide and seek - or the photographer's attention was proving too much for him

Lions may be the kings of the jungle but this one has come over a little bashful all of a sudden.
Covering his eyes with an enormous paw, the lion was either finding the intense African heat in Rwanda too much, or he was feeling camera shy.
The retiring lion then settled down to keep his cub company in the undergrowth as the sun went down, but always kept an careful eye out for predators or potential dinner.

Resting with his cub: The lion shares a tender moment in the wilds of Rwanda, Africa

The lion's hide and seek moment was captured up close by amateur photographer Nelis Wolmarans in Sabyinyo, near the borders of Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Mr Wolmarans, who runs a gorilla trekking lodge in Rwanda, said: 'He covered his eyes as if to hide himself. It was a really unique moment.'
Seeing a lion, known for their ferociousness, looking vulnerable has captured people's imaginations.
'The reactions to the shy lion picture have been overwhelmingly positive,' he said.

Majestic: Keeping an eye out, the lion's beautiful mane took on a reddish colour in the sunset

Contrary to popular belief, lions spend large parts of their day resting, conserving energy ready to hunt prey.
Males like this one can grow up to around six-and-a-half foot in length and weigh between 265 and 420 lbs.
This lion was careful to lie down behind his cub, keeping an eye out to protect him from harm. He will also have a responsiblity to protect his whole pride's territory, which can stretch over some 100 square miles.
In recent years, Rwanda has had to bring lions and rhinos over from South Africa.
Their numbers of lions, as well as other wildlife, had become dangerously low after widespread poaching.
The wars of the 1990s had a devastating effect on the wildlife as animals were hunted in ever larger numbers.

source: dailymail

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Care for a monkey massage? Grey langurs spotted treating a wild dog to a grooming session in India

Pampered: The monkeys set about grooming a wild dog in Rajasthan, India

This wild dog enjoyed extra special treatment when a group of monkeys included it in their pampering session.
The pampered dog lay down to make itself more comfortable as the grey langur monkeys fussed around it and stroked its fur in Rajasthan, India.
After treating the dog to a head massage, the monkeys set about grooming one another.

Special treatment: The monkeys appeared to massage the dog's head as it basked in the heat in India

The unique moment was captured by wildlife photographer Cyril Ruoso, from Lailly in France, who had been observing the monkeys.

Fastidious: Groups of monkeys are often spotted grooming one another

'I was following a gray langur troop and they came across a wild dog,' the 42-year-old said.
'People were offering food to the monkeys and several dogs were around to take advantage of the kind visitors. The monkeys and dogs interacted in a very friendly manner, and the langurs even started to groom the dog - it was very happy about that
'The dog decided to make itself more comfortable by resting on the floor and the monkeys continued to stroke it,' he said.

Social: Wildlife photographer Cyril Ruoso said it was unusual to see this kind of social interaction taking place between different species

Grooming: Langur monkeys are usually grey with a black face and black ears

Mr Ruoso, a keen observer of monkeys and apes, said it was the first time he had witnessed a scene like it.
'When I take photographs I like to be surprised by what I've seen,' he said.
'And this kind of inter-species reaction was very surprising as you don't expect this kind of behaviour from different animals.'

source: dailymail

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Researchers graft working eyes onto the TAILS of tadpoles in 'stunning' breakthrough that could lead to new treatments for blindness

By MARK PRIGG

Researchers were able to surgically remove the eyes of donor tadpoles and grafted them onto the posterior of recipient tadpoles - where they worked perfectly

For generations mothers have been accused of having eyes in the back of their head.
Now, it could become a reality.
For the first time ever, scientists have shown that eyes transplanted onto the tail of a tadpole can still see - and say their results are 'stunning'.

The eye which the team was able to attach to the tail of the tadpole, which allowed t to see again

This discovery has many implications, especially in the fields of regenerative medicine, say biologists at Tufts University School of Arts and Sciences.
‘The [tadpole’s] ability to see when ectopic eyes are connected to spinal cord and not directly to the brain was stunning’, said Dr. Michael Levin, who led the research.
'A primary goal in medicine is to one day be able to restore the function of damaged or missing sensory structures through the use of biological or artificial replacement components.

'There are many implications of this study, but the primary one from a medical standpoint is that we may not need to make specific connections to the brain when treating sensory disorders such as blindness.'
For the experiment, biologists surgically removed the eyes of donor tadpoles and grafted them onto the posterior of recipient tadpoles, which induced the growth of ectopic -– or abnormally placed –- eyes.
Recipient tadpoles had their natural eyes removed, so only the ectopic, spinal cord-connected eyes remained.

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Does my head look big in this? Squirrel's hunt for peanuts in unusually shaped feeder

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Big headed: The adorable little squirrel was too busy searching the inside of this feeder to notice anything else

Yes, your head does look big in that. Not that this squirrel minded a bit, he was busy chomping away at the peanuts and peanut butter stored inside this unusually shaped feeder.
John Horne, who runs a nature reserve in Southampton, installed the feeder for the resident squirrels, sat back, and waited for the laughs.
Sure enough, a curious squirrel soon braved the hollowed out vinyl head to find the feast inside, giving John and his wife Alison the giggles as they watched his antics.

Intrigued: The grey squirrel discovers the hidden gems inside the feeder shaped like a squirrel's head

When the squirrel stumbled across the novel feeder, it spent 15 minutes helping himself to the stash of treats inside it. Other animals, including a couple of robins, tried to access the snacks but were unsuccessful.
The hanging feeder was installed in the Secret Garden Nature Reserve in Southampton, run by John Horne, and his wife Alison, who set up the feeder and filled it with peanuts.
Before long the feeder had three regular visitors who were only too happy to accept the treats inside - while proving a source of amusement for John and Alison.

What are you looking at: Although the squirrel was pleased with his treasures inside the feeder the outside has a menacing grin

John, 67, from Southampton, said: "The squirrel was a bit wary of the feeder at first, but he soon realised there were peanuts inside and began poking his head in to get them.'
'It was really funny and looked very unusual to see a squirrel eating nuts from inside the huge head.
'This novel feeder seems to make it much easier for the squirrels to access the peanuts.
'A pair of robins had tried to get to the peanuts but they couldn't manage to.'
The Southampton-based nature reserve is of national importance as it is home to a very rare colony of lesser glow-worms.

source: dailymail

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Is this the world's cutest kitten? Daisy becomes an internet sensation after heartwarming pictures are posted online

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

She may be small enough to hold in the palms of your hands, but what this adorable little kitten lacks in size, she makes up for in personality.
Daisy is fast becoming an internet sensation after these heart-warming photographs were posted online by Australian owner Ben Torode.
The 35-year-old translator began snapping the 11-month-old tabby last year in the house he shares with his wife, Miki, 32.
The pair, who live in Tokyo, have been stunned by the worldwide response.



Ball of fluff: Daisy has secured fans all over the world after these cute pictures were posted online

Sitting pretty: I've been warned not to spill kitty litter over their new carpet - it's a Persian, naturally

Feline frisky: I'm so tickled by this feathered fancy, I could play with it all day

Dish of the day: Hopefully they'll take the hint and open a tin of Whiskas

Narrow squeak: You can't be too careful when there's a mouse in the house

Fame? I'm lapping it up: But every superstar needs to unwind, so make mine a double cream

Cat in the hat: This beanie's a bit too big, but it's just right for peek-a-boo

Paper tiger: If people say I'm just an attention-seeker, it's a tissue of lies

Purrfection: I feel a song coming on - 'A-tisket, a-tasket, it's a cat in a basket'

source : dailymail

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Don't worry, Valentine's Day is nearly over… but here's just one more set of the world's most adoring animals

By HELEN LAWSON

This kitty probably won't be the only one wanting their partner to stay awake longer today

The annual day devoted to love - and last-minute panic buying - is nearly done.
But there's still plenty of time left for animal magnetism to work its magic, as these cute photographs show.
The pictures, uploaded by the Cutest Paw site, show animals getting close to the object of their affection. And there's not a wilting garage-bought rose in sight.

Unrequited love? A squirrel's advances catch a tabby cat off-guard

Bears take a romantic stroll and kittens curl up together in the sweet snaps - even though one cat looks unimpressed with its squirrel suitor.
It's not just humans feeling the love today. And if the day hasn't gone to plan, a bit of puppy love should warm your heart.

This duo got into the mood for love by baring their souls to each other

Pucker up: they may be pups but these two have already learned how to show affection

This kitty cuddle forms a calendar-appropriate heart shape to mark the occasion

They called it puppy love - with a side of a wet nose rub for good measure

Who needs a Valentine's card when you can have a cat nap for two?

This guinea pig and ginger cat are getting along just fine, despite the species barrier


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All odd cons: World's wackiest hotel where you can spend the night in a Trojan horse, a troll's lair or even sleep with a mermaid

By DANIEL MILLER

Mythical: The 'Cheval de Troie' (Trojan Horse) suite at the magical La Balade Des Gnomes hotel in Belgium

A Belgium enthusiast has created one of the world's weirdest and most wonderful hotels where you can spend the night inside a Trojan horse or even sleep with a mermaid.
La Balade Des Gnomes, near the picturesque town of Durbuy, in Belgium, offers guests a unique experience where they can unwind in an imaginary world.
The fairytale resort is comprised of extraordinarily unique bedrooms from a spaceship in a lunar landscape to a troll's habitat complete with running stream and goldfish.

Accommodation: The interior of the Trojan Horse offers a unique mix of comfort and craziness

You can even share a room with a mermaid floating in a pool on a yacht.
The owner Dominique Noel took inspiration from the four corners of the world and created the innovative abode an unassuming farmhouse. Mr Noel, an architect, said: 'The hotel was created by people who have a strong interest in nature.
'It is built from completely natural materials and celebrates the simplicity of modern times.

Mod cons: It might be based on a Greek myth but you can still unwind in a wooden jacuzzi bath

The hotel's owner Dominique Noel says he took inspiration from the four corners of the world to create the magical resort

Cosy: Gnarled wood and rustic fittings create a magical experience

La Balade Des Gnomes, near the picturesque town of Durbuy, in Belgium, offers guests a unique experience where they can unwind in an imaginary world

'I wanted the hotel to be almost imaginary, with a youthful essence and work harmoniously with nature.'
La Balade Des Gnomes was built to compliment Mr Noel's restaurant, La Gargouille, which is conveniently placed next door.
Mr Noel charges between £50 - £125 a night for the rooms which he believes excite guests and offer them a unique staying experience.

Kipping on the moon: The 'Sur un quartier de Lune' suite offers guests the chance to sleep in outer space

Lap of luxury: The bedroom in the lunar suite

La Balade Des Gnomes was built to compliment the owner's restaurant, La Gargouille, which is conveniently situated directly next door

Fairytale: Another of the hotel's brilliant bathrooms

Charms: Mr Noel charges between £50 - £125 a night for the rooms which he believes excite his guests and offer them a unique experience

Inspiration: Architect and visionary hotelier Dominique Noel said he 'wanted the hotel to be almost imaginary, with a youthful essence and work harmoniously with nature'

An aerial view of one of the rooms at La Balade Des Gnomes

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A balanced diet: Collie dog can hold just about anything on its head… from a cake to a roast dinner!

By SUZANNAH HILLS

Barking mad: Border Collie Zelda incredibly manages to balance a plate full of food on her head

This border collie could give a trapeze artist a run for their money after learning how to balance everything from a tennis ball to a plate loaded with a roast dinner on its head.
Owner Rebecca Johnson realised that her Border Collie Zelda had the unique ability to keep a tennis ball perfectly still on her nose.
From there she tried other objects, which kept getting bigger and bigger until Zelda could balance books, drinks and plates of food on her head.

One way to diet: Zelda demonstrates her self control as she foams at the mouth while balancing a cupcake on her head

Miss Johnson then posted the pictures of her dog's amazing fetes on the internet, which quickly went viral.
Among the images are pictures of Zelda balancing a plate with an entire meal on it.
In another snap, she stays perfectly still balancing a tube of Pringles on her head. Incredibly she can even manage not to move when a glass of water is placed on top.
Others show her with two oranges, an egg, and even a mixing bowl.
Miss Johnson, 18, from Pennsylvania, said: 'Her favorite thing to do is play fetch with a tennis ball - it's more like an addiction than a hobby for her.

Balancing act: Zelda licks her lips while balancing a cream cake - complete with a cherry on top - on her head

Reading up: Zelda manages to balance this book about Border Collies on her head despite not being able to see

'It's rare to see her without a tennis ball in her mouth or at her paws. I would put the tennis ball on her snout and try to balance it.
'I thought if she could balance a ball, why not other things, just for laughs.
'It became a running joke with my family and friends to see what was the most bizarre item she could balance.
'As you can imagine, Zelda seemed confused that I was putting various items from around my house on her head.'

A towering feat: Border Collie Zelda balances a tube of sour cream and chive Pringles on her nose

Time for a drink: Zelda offers her owner Rebecca Johnson a cool glass of water

Talented: Owner Rebecca Johnson, 18, from Pennsylvania, took this picture of Zelda balancing a washing up bowl on her head

source: dailymail

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