These Things Are Washing Up On Beaches Everywhere, And You Won’t Believe What They Are.

Finding shells on the beach can be a wonderful experience for any kid. They get to learn about the ocean and the animals that once lived in these shells. The beach alone can be a wonderful learning environment, surrounded by sand and the waves to make everything peaceful. But you have a lot of explaining to do if you see one of these wash up on shore.

Image Credit: Boredom Therapy

It’s called a geoduck (pronounced ‘gooey-duck’), and it’s one of the most obscene looking creatures to come out of the ocean.

Image Credit: Boredom Therapy

They’re native to North America but they’re seen as a delicacy around the world.

Image Credit: Boredom Therapy

They can get to be quite large, which surely provides a lot of meat to the table, but that’s what they’re known for in America.

Image Credit: Boredom Therapy

Image Credit: Boredom Therapy

Because of their ability to dig very deep in order to escape from predators, they can live as long as 150 years, and that gives them a lot of time to grow.

Image Credit: Boredom Therapy

Their average size is about three feet long, but they can get to about six!

Image Credit: Boredom Therapy

And how they mate is even weirder.

Image Credit: Boredom Therapy

They can do it without coming into contact with each other: the male sprays a sea of sperm from his spout, while the female does the same with her eggs, and the mixtures are left to create life all on their own. Talk about leaving things up to chances!

Image Credit: Boredom Therapy

Image Credit: Boredom Therapy

The geoduck is definitely one of the strangest creatures to exist on earth, and because they live so long, scientists have been able to use the rings on their skin to tell what the water conditions were like years ago.

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...

Protect Our Waters: Say No To Plastic Waste!

Plastic garbage. It’s something we all see everyday. Don’t be fooled to think that these plastics are merely an eyesore. We’ve become so accustomed to using plastic utensils, straws, water bottles and bags that it’s easy to forget the impact this has on our environment and climate. My name is Tyler and I’m in my fourth year of university in Canada, where I’m earning a degree in Environmental Studies. I'm also an environmental activist. Even for someone like me, it’s hard to avoid using plastic at places like fast food restaurant, and that needs to change. I’ve started this movement to highlight calls to action happening around the world, and to grow a community of everyday citizens pressing governments and companies to get serious about cleaning up our rivers, lakes and oceans . When we work together, and keep the pressure on, we really can make an impact. I know this firsthand, after collaborating with activists across Canada to successfully urge th...

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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