Scientists have lifted the lid on an incredible 70-day journey that wild turtles, some younger than six months old, take for the first time.

Researchers tagged some of the smallest and youngest ever baby turtles to be tracked, revealing the epic 4,500 mile journey in the Atlantic Ocean.

The young Loggerhead turtles were monitored by satellite as they made their journey - the equivalent of travelling from London to Mumbai.


Scientists customised the 9gm tracker tags normally used for birds, making them waterproof, before gluing them onto the reptiles' shells.

Jeanette Wyneken and Kate Mansfield, from Florida Atlantic University, said they were amazed at the length of the journey made by the 17 tiny turtles.

'This is the first time turtles aged four months have ever been tagged and tracked by satellite,' said Dr Wyneken.

'Previously we have never known what these young turtles do once they leave their beach nests and swim off into the ocean.

'It was important to us that the tags did not stop them from behaving normally. Thankfully they acted as as if there was nothing attached to there backs at all.

'Seaweed is an important habitat for the turtles and they had no problem moving around it.'

Using data transmitted by the tags, the team was able to map every movement.

Dr Wyneken said: 'The turtles varied a lot in their movements, more so than we expected. They're likely doing much more than just paddling straight to the deep water and riding the current.

'We're very happy and excited by the results.'

The 17 satellite tags cost £32,000 and allowed the animals to be monitored from anywhere on the planet.
The little loggerhead turtles were captured from their Florida beach nests especially to take part the tagging project.

The hand-sized reptiles were between four and six months old when they were released 10-miles east of Palm Beach and weighed only 300 grams.

When they are between six and eight months of age they outgrow the tags which fall off into the sea.

'We're trying to protect them from harm,' said Jeanette.

'The question is one of basic natural history: where are they going? For how long and what are the risks in between?

'If you don't know where they are or what places they're visiting you don't know what areas you need to protect.

'And if you don't have this information you're gambling with the method you're using to protect them and enhance their survival.'

Funding for the project came from the University of New Hampshire's Large Pelagics Research Center, Save Our Seas Foundation, Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund, and the Florida Sea Turtle Licence Plate Grants Program.

The full results of the tracking are expected to be published later this year.






Source: Dailymail

As shaggy dog stories go, the one about Norman the very bright Briard who is a wizz riding his scooter ranks high on the list.

The clever canine, who lives with the Cobb family in Canton, Georgia, competes in many obedience competitions and received his Companion Dog Title at just 15 months of age after four first place finishes.
But it's his razor scooter that has remained the pooch's passion since he was a mere pup when his owner, Karen Cobb, took him out for his first spin.

'He began playing with the kid's scooter in the backyard and we thought it would be fun to give him a ride on it,' says Karen. 'Then we decided to teach him to push it, and now he loves riding his scooter.'


His scooting antics have already made him popular on the Internet, and his Facebook page has quite a following.
Norman, now 20 months old, has even attracted the attention of television show host and comedian David Letterman and last month made an appearance on Stupid Pet Tricks on The Late Show.

Briards originate from France and their recognised talents include search and rescue, police work, military work, herding, watchdogging and guarding, but they also also make excellent companions, finding favour with Napoleon and Thomas Jefferson.







Source: Dailymail

 With the 135^th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show under way, we thought we’d check out some of the most amazing dogs we’ve ever heard about -- they’re all winners.

Laika the Space Dog

 This stray from the streets of Moscow would become the first living being to orbit the earth in 1957 on a Russian spacecraft.  Her journey was as groundbreaking as it was controversial. Use this interactive gallery to see human astronauts.

Rin Tin Tin

 Often called the world’s most famous German shepherd, the original Rin Tin Tin made 26 films for a well-known Hollywood studio until his death. He was succeeded by his son and the bloodline continues to this day.

Roselle

 Michael Hingson was on the 78th floor of the World Trade Center with his guide dog on September 11, 2001,  when the building shuddered and filled with smoke. His trusted yellow Labrador led him quickly and safely out of the building and even ran with her owner toward safety when the tower began to fall.

Taz Saves Danelle

 When endurance runner Danelle Ballengee suffered a fall that left her unable to walk in the Utah desert,  her faithful companion tried to keep her warm at night and led rescuers to her after two brutal nights.

Dog fights mountain lion

 Hiking a trail in Cleveland National Forest , the Morse family says that a mountain lion charged at them and Hoagie,  intervened. Though injured, Hoagie and his human family survived the scuffle..

Balto

 In 1925, this now-legendary sled dog led his team through blizzards in 1925 on a special delivery that would treat an outbreak of diphtheria  in Nome, Alaska.  His heroic journey is commemorated each year at a famous sled dog race.

Judy, the only dog POW

 Judy , would alert her crew aboard this vessel to the approach of hostile forces during World War II. After the boat was sunk, she became the only animal officially registered as a Japanese prisoner of war.

Lassie

 Perhaps one of the most recognizable and beloved dogs is Lassie. Though fictional, the character and the dogs that portrayed her on filmbecame superstars.

Bobbie the Wonder Dog

 After getting lost while on a family road trip in 1923, Bobbie  traveled many miles  from Indiana to Oregon to reunite with his family. He won the hearts of people around the world who heard his amazing story of loyalty.

Trakr the WTC hero dog

 This Canadian canine  and his handler were heroes when they found the last 911 survivor in the rubble at Ground Zero, but that did not stop his handler from being fired for taking unwarranted leave.

Greyfriars Bobby

 This doggy  lived in 19th-century Edinburgh and reportedly spent years  guarding the grave of his deceased owner until his own death.  The loyal dog was immortalized in a statue.

Moose

 This veteran canine actor was described by one magazine as “Hot, Sexy and Pure Bred.”

Togo

 Thought by many to have been overlooked in the 1925 race to deliver diphtheria serum, Togo and his handler traveled double the distance of other sled dog teams. Balto got the recognition simply by arriving last. There is another sled dog rarely mentioned too.

The Taco Bell chihuahua

 This dog  has become a symbol of loyalty in Japan. The dog came to a train station at the same time every day for nine years, waiting for his master to return.

The World’s Tallest Dog

Measuring 43 inches tall at his shoulder blades, Giant George   has quite the life. He gets to sleep in a queen bed, and tools around his neighborhood in a sweet ride. Oh, the dog’s life!