Scientists Are Going Crazy About This Bizarre Creature… And You’re About To See Why.

Evolution can create the creepiest creatures, and nothing’s more creepy than the ones that live in the oceans. Because there is very little interaction between sea animals and humans, many of them haven’t been influenced by the course of events of history. That’s why many of them still look like prehistoric creatures out of time.

And the ghost shark is definitely one of those. Native to Australia and New Zealand, these bizarre sharks are definitely interesting to look at, if not a little creepy.

It’s also known as the elephant shark because of the floppy skin that hangs from the front of its face. It uses this “proboscis” to root out small animals in the sand that it uses as food.

Image Credit: Boredom Therapy

The end of this pouch has pores that can sense movement and electrical fields so they don’t have to root around very long to find a tasty meal.

Image Credit: Boredom Therapy

Like people, they can see things in color, which seems to be rare in the animal kingdom. However, unlike people, they have a poisonous spine in their dorsal fin that they use to protect themselves.

Image Credit: Boredom Therapy

They’re not like other savage hunting sharks of the deep blue sea with sharp teeth and dangerous grins.

Image Credit: Boredom Therapy

Because they essentially “forage” and dig around for their food, they need some means of defending themselves.

Image Credit: Boredom Therapy

Also take a look at their egg sack.

Image Credit: Boredom Therapy

This species of shark is extremely old, ancient even, so studying their genomes can help us to unlock the progression of these animals from their ancestors into what they are now.

Image Credit: Boredom Therapy

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“I’m Not Leaving You, Mama!” This is What Love Looks Like.

UPDATE: Lizzie and Phantom are currently recovering in an outdoor koala ward within the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital . They’re doing swimmingly; Phantom is both gaining weight and exploring his temporary habitat. And of course, mama and baby are sharing more adorable cuddles! For most species in the animal kingdom, the bond between mother and baby is incredibly strong. That's pretty much inarguable. But last week, two koalas in Australia further proved it. After they were hit by a car, Lizzie and her joey, Phantom were welcomed into the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. Six-month-old Phantom had escaped the accident unscathed. Lizzie, however, wasn’t looking so good, what with facial trauma and a collapsed lung. In order to survive, she needed to go under the surgeon’s knife. But this marsupial mama wasn’t alone during the life-saving procedure. Phantom accompanied her and clung to her as she received treatment. The vets let them be; Phantom was too y...

The Sound Of This Baby Rhino Wailing After Its Mother Was Killed By Poachers Will Haunt You

It’s one of the most sorrowful sounds you’ll ever hear, but it’s also a sad reality check for anyone who thinks protected species are safe from illegal poaching. In a video released this in July, a baby rhino named Davi cries for his mother after she was shot and killed by poachers. Most rhinos spend at least three years with their mothers before weaning, the Dodo reports, but Davi’s childhood was cut short at just 8 months old. The baby rhino stood close by his mother’s lifeless body until rescuers arrived. They fitted her with earplugs and a blindfold to calm his anxiety on the way to The Rhino Orphanage in South Africa. Source: YouTube/Terrence Daniels Davi huddles close to his mother’s dead body. It was there that Davi spent the night crying. “His calls for mom echoed deeply and urgently throughout the night, but two carers have been with him every step of the way,” caretakers posted . “At least he is in good physical condition [and] has no injuries...

Speak out against the cruel dog meat trade

Much of the world sees dogs as their trusted companions, but in parts of Asia they suffer terribly as victims of the trade in dog meat for human consumption. In some Asian countries, dogs used for this industry are mostly stolen pets and they are sometimes tortured before being slaughtered. The dog meat trade is not only cruel, but is also linked to the spread of rabies and other diseases. HSI is working with local organizations in South Korea, China, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, and India to sensitize the public about the harmful dog meat trade that thrives in these countries. We actively shut down farms in South Korea, assist farmers as they transition to more humane livelihoods, support our local Chinese partners in intercepting dog meat traders’ trucks, fund the care of confiscated and rescued animals and lobby for better laws throughout Asia. Take the pledge to fight the cruel dog meat trade >>> SIGN PETITION HERE <<<

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