The week in tiny animals
When I think of what a “Xenoglaux” could be, I imagine some sort of oracular monster that can scan your brain and explode it. But it means “strange owl”, and in fact it’s a 5-inch tall owlet. An owlet being a miniature owl, just like towelette is a miniature towel. And it hasn’t been seen in the wild since its discovery in 1976… until February. Maybe it came out to warn us of the perils of global warning. Or to tell us to read books. Or not litter. In any case, I’m sure it’s going to guilt-trip us about something right before exploding our brains. More here.
For the pony set, there’s the world’s smallest horse, Thumbelina, who made the news for a new charity auction. Miniature horses are simply bred to be small, just like a toy-sized dog. But Thumbelina is a miniature who also suffers from dwarfism. The owners probably have to beat George Lucas back with a stick.
Finally, there’s Knut, the 15-week-old polar bear at the Berlin Zoo who has become a star in recent weeks. In a brilliant PR move, animal rights campaigners suggested euthanasia because he’s been reared by humans. But OMG LOL he’s adorable !!!
