WHAT?

I'm too horrified to come up with any other blog post title for this news item from Denmark:

COPENHAGEN Zoo turned down offers from other zoos and 500000 euros ($760000) from a private individual to save the life of a healthy giraffe before killing and slaughtering it to follow inbreeding recommendations made by a European association. 

The 2-year-old male giraffe, named Marius, was put down on Sunday using a bolt pistol and its meat was fed to carnivores at the zoo, spokesman Tobias Stenbaek Bro said. Visitors, including children, were invited to watch while the giraffe was dissected.

Oh my God.  That second paragraph is a nightmare.

Only In Australia

The new prime minister can't move into his official residence because the place is infested with possums.  No, really.

Say Cheese: The 25th Annual National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest!

Spectacular!  I think my favorite is the little fennec fox in Morocco, along with the cheetah running to catch up with his companions ("Wait for meeeeeeeee!").

Disgustingly Cute: Clouded Leopard Babies

I think we could all use a little pick-me-up:

More awwww-inducing images here.

Happy Valentine's Day, Superb Bird-of-Paradise Style

Is that a shape-shifting feather display adaptation, or are you just happy to see me?

Hey Girl.
 

Mynd You, Møøse Bites Kan Be Pretty Nasti

So use quadcopter videocameras if you want to spy on your local moose in Norway!

The Seal Who Came In From The Cold

... and curled up on the sofa.

Privatizing Elephants

Here's something I'd never thought about!  More here.