Paradise Philippines

The big news yesterday in animaldom is the Komodo dragon from a British zoo in Chester, England that hatched baby Komodos without ever having been associated or never once interacted with any male Komodo. Yep, it's the animal version of the virgin birth, and Flora, the eight-year-old Komodo virgin mom, is apparently oblivious to the much excitement caused by the fact that she is now both a mom and a dad (isn't that such a single-parent cliche? lol). Other reptiles are known for reproducing asexually (parthenogenesis), but Flora's virgin birth is the first record of such with Komodos.

Komodos mainly inhabit central Indonesia, and is a part of the monitor dragon species. They can grow to approximately 2-3 meters, and they are the largest living specie of lizards. They have such a limited population, with only about 4,000 Komodos still alive--another reason why Flora's virgin birth caused such excitement with the proprietors of the zoo and every animal enthusiast (yeah, that includes me).

According to Buley, the leader of the zoo's expert care team, the newborns are thriving, healthy and are now enjoying a diet of crickets and locusts.

And I must say, with (small) miracles such as this, who could deny the existence of a higher being?  

[[more critter babble]]

Bandila featured one Suzanne Lanares (I'm not sure if I spelled her name right, my apologies) last night, who founded Animal Kingdom Organization. The organization's main goal is to save askals (impounded dogs) from being "put to sleep", or, more accurately if you're in the Philippines, save them from becoming this night's pulutan.

If I had to state a reason why I am so attached to kids and animals, I would have to say that it's because they're really the only creatures on the planet who has no concept of ulterior motives. Especially with dogs: if you have one you know that they're the kind of critters who would give their love no matter what.

It broke my heart to see Bandila's videos of those doggies being captured. I'm glad that there are still some people like Suzanne who cared enough to try and save them. I couldn't have said it better than she did: "Importante and magmalasakit sa dogs. Hindi lang sa dogs, sa lahat ng animals. Kasi wala silang voice, tayo lang ang voice nila."

One of these days, I'm going to visit their place in Tarlac. And the pawikan sanctuary in Batangas. 

One of these days.

Some Boy: No one’s leaving no one. We own the sun. We own each other.
That Girl: Is that a promise?
Some Boy: No, it’s the truth.

 Like he said, yun yon eh. :D