Smithsonian.com
From rare orchids to grizzled desert
plants, experts weigh in on which flora
they most want to see before they die.
Which species do other botany fans
want to stalk like celebrities or witness
like world landmarks?
The Washington Post
Pete cocked his head and fixed his sharp eyes on the people
gathered to watch him. The blue-crowned mealy Amazon parrot gave no indication on this late August day that he knew something remarkable was happening.
The first big cheer at Lincoln Financial Field occurred when the Philadelphia Eagles ran onto the field. The second roar came during “The Star-Spangled Banner” — when an actual eagle swooped around the stadium.
Pet360
Laura Jacques couldn’t imagine life without her beloved dog, Dylan. Although she didn’t set out to clone her dog, the $100,000 price tag was worth what turned out to be a harrowing ordeal.
Quartz
When scientists discovered a new species of black tarantula living near Folsom State Prison in Folsom, Calif., the name they chose made complete sense: Aphonopelma johnnycashi. It's far from the first or last species named after someone famous.
The Washington Post
Some humans consider mulberry trees
little more than oversize weeds, but Stella
the giraffe loves them. Utility companies
routinely trim trees to keep branches
from damaging power lines and a
growing number are are donating the
collected trimmings to zoos.
The Washington Post
Alba is one of the rarest creatures
on earth: She’s the only known
albino member of a dwindling
population of Borneo orangutans.
She is such a target that humans
are taking unprecedented measures
to keep her safe.
The New York Times
horticulturalists are using a tactic
they’ve borrowed from horse breeders
and zookeepers, building breeding
registries or “studbooks” to avoid
inbreeding. Naturally, they’re starting
with a plant with a Latin name that
means “large misshapen penis.”