Special Species

Get insights for your birds, small mammals, reptiles, or other unusual pets to give them the special care they need, from dietary to veterinary requirements.
pig intelligence
Special Species

This Misunderstood Farm Animal That's Playful Like a Dog

Contrary to what you might believe, this animal species is highly intelligent and psychologically complex. They're empathetic and very social in their interactions with others and love to run and carry or shake balls and sticks. Should they have rights like other intelligent creatures?
— 4 min read
turtles salmonella
Special Species

Banned in 1975, yet These Pets Still Sicken People

Even though you can't legally buy one of these pets, they still sickened 473 people between 2011 and 2013. Tiny and cute, people are drawn to them like flies, so their presence in homes is making a comeback. Please resist the temptation to bring one home.
— 6 min read
horses ask humans help
Special Species

The Subtle Ways Horses Ask Humans for Help

In a first-of-its-kind study, researchers revealed that horses will ask humans for help when faced with a difficult problem. Though obvious in the study, the signals are subtle. Would you recognize the signs if a horse was asking you for help?
— 5 min read
pigeon facts
Special Species

The Bird Everyone Hates Has a Secret

They're dirty and despised. That's where it usually ends — till you gain an appreciation of the many fine 'stunts' these birds are able to perform. Things like telling people apart, learning math rules, deciphering medical images, and more. No wonder they can sell for up to $300K.
— 5 min read
10 long lived animals
Special Species

This Might Be the Closest Thing to 'Immortal' Nature Gets

These creatures never seem to age and may avoid natural death due to an ability to change one type of cell into another, allowing them to grow younger until they begin life all over again. You may live or visit a place where they are common, and this ability may change how you see them.
— 4 min read