Mane Squeeze and More

By Karey Burek

In the world of lions, looks are everything. Recently there was a study done that proved female lions judged male lions on their looks! The University of Minnesota researchers set out actual size stuffed toy lions in Tanzania's Serengeti National Park in East Africa. The toy lions had manes in four different "styles" long and dark, short and dark, long and light, and short and light. The researchers then observed that female lions approached the darker-maned toy lions 90 percent of the time, while male lions steered clear of all the toy lions except those with short, light-colored manes. The researchers believe that for female lions, a male's dark mane is the sign of a strong and healthy mate, and for males, the dark mane means a powerful rival.

Giraffes are native to southern Kenya and Tanzania-like the lions. However, giraffes can run up to speeds of 35 miles per hour, while the lions are left in the dust. Another cool fact about giraffes is that their patterns are like a fingerprint; no two patterns are exactly the same! Do you know what other animal species has this quality? The mountain gorillas have noses that are unique-they are all different and are what researchers use to differentiate them! Their noses are like fingerprints.

DNA samples are amazing things. Recently, researchers found out the Iceman's last supper! According to scientists at Italy's University of Camerino, DNA samples taken from the contents of Otzi's (the Iceman) intestines reveal Otzi dined on grains, plants, and ibex or wild goat. Then, after climbing to a higher mountain elevation, he ate a second meal of red deer and possibly more grains.

The last amazing thing I found this week was a group of kids called the Dragon Slayers. They are from Aniak, Alaska and they are between the ages of 13-18 years old. They rescue hikers, put out fires and even have been known to help out the local wildlife. This group makes up more than half of their rural community's only emergency rescue squad. The Dragon Slayers are all Yupik Eskimos or Athabascan Indians. Until recently, the Dragon Slayers were all girls! Way to go!!