South Carolina Aquarium’s Post

🦋 This week is the start of Butterfly Conservation's Big Butterfly Count 2024! 🐛 👉From 12 July - 4 August, we are encouraged to spend 15 minutes in a sunny spot to help gather vital data on butterflies and moths, as sensitive indicators of the health of our environment. 🦋 Head to their profile to find out more on how to get involved, where to download the app, and how you can help save our beautiful summer 🌟So why are we looking for moths as well? Aren't moths night-flying insects? Well, there are many moths that you will only see at night, but there are many that can be seen out in the day. This can come as a surprise, and it may be that what you thought was a butterfly is actually a moth! There are always exceptions to rules though so here are the two basic ways to distinguish between butterflies and moths: 🌟 Antennae - UK butterfly antennae are usually thin, always clubbed, and never feathery! 🌟 Wings - Butterflies normally fold their wings high and closed when at rest, while most moths rest with their wings open, or down their backs. 🦋 We're sharing a link to our day flying moth chart below, and a few close-ups in this post to help you distinguish the difference, and maybe ID what you spot! https://ow.ly/nsfs50SA8Vy Good luck with your count! #Butterflies #Moths #Lepidoptera #BigButterflyCount

Reflecting on a year of pet-care evolution! From tech upgrades to societal shifts, 2023 has transformed how we pamper our furry pals. Let's explore the top trends that redefined our bond with pets! ⬇️ 🐶 https://bit.ly/4azjeoT

Litter on our roads is costly to clear up and harmful to our environment, so it’s time to do something about it. We are pleased to work with Hubbub to tackle roadside litter with a targeted approach: putting signage at locations where vehicles go slowly, asking road users to ‘keep it ‘til you bin it’ and placing bins paired with signs as showcased at our Brooklands Retail Park, Cardiff. Roadside litter is found mostly at slow speed locations like junctions, slip roads, roundabouts and traffic lights, according to a litter survey by Ellipsis Earth. So, did it work? It’s proven that interventions targeting litter hotspots worked 4-5 times better than those placed randomly. Watch Hubbub’s video to find out more on how we’re keeping tidy roadsides. #TidyRoadsides #KeepWalesTidy #BrooklandsRetailPark

We spend most of our days with seals. In our rescue videos, we make a point to highlight entanglements and raise awareness of the plastic crisis. We talk very little about the species itself. We might not be scientists, but we thought it a good idea to share our knowledge of these cute and curious animals. Stay tuned, as we discuss the Cape Fur Seal in more detail.... #ocn #capefurseal #gettingtoknowseals #ocnfaq #sealrescue #seals #raisingawareness

If you liked this week's episode with Kevin Hancock, you might also enjoy this one from the archives: Looking Out for Bumblebees - This episode my guest is Gill Perkins, CEO of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust. We talk about bumblebee populations and habitats, what we can do to encourage and care for bumblebees in our gardens and about the role of bumblebees in tomato pollination, which came as a complete surprise to me! https://zurl.co/Bnxn

World Animal Day is the perfect day to shed light on a crucial issue: the impact of artificial light on our feathered friends. 🐦 Birds migrate at night, guided by the natural glow of stars and the moon. 🌜 But our city lights can lead them astray, causing disorientation and even collisions with buildings. The good news? Many communities and cities such as Denver, Chicago, and Flagstaff are taking action to reduce these hazards through "lights out" programs! Wondering how you can help? Click the 🔗 below for some tips you can use at home to reduce light pollution and benefit the birds. https://lnkd.in/e-Tc_PAv #WorldAnimalDay #ProtectOurBirds #LightsOutForBirds

Zoos have long been heralded as leaders in wildlife conservation, but a recent exploration delves into the true nature of their contributions. With mounting evidence pointing towards a primary focus on entertainment rather than conservation, it's crucial to assess the ethical implications of keeping wild animals in captivity. This comprehensive article by Kenny Torrella via Vox sheds light on the ongoing debate and raises essential questions about the future of zoos in our evolving society. 🌍🦓🐊 #wildlifeconservation #ethicsinzoos #sustainablefuture #animalwelfare

🌍 Learn: Impacts of Microplastics 🚯 Dive into this bitesize lesson exploring the far-reaching effects of microplastics on our environment, wildlife, and ultimately, ourselves. 🦠🐢 Let’s raise awareness and take steps towards a cleaner, healthier planet! 💙 How are you reducing the presence of microplastics in your life? Let us know in the comments! #microplastics #environmentalimpact #protectourplanet

We are incredibly proud to announce that after 3 years of development and a year of trials, we've done it...WE'VE BEATEN THE BIRDS! Since recognising just how intelligent cockatoos have become in their quest for food and fun, several attempts have been made to mitigate the problem with little to no success in outsmarting the clever cockies...until now. Litter Lock has completed its trial in Lorne on Victoria's Great Ocean Rd where the cockatoo populations have created a serious environmental problem, with the Surf Coast Shire Council now committing to change by installing thousands of devices in homes and businesses across the shire. Being able to make a difference in our own backyard is so exciting - it's why we started this journey.  No more wind-blowing bin lids open.  No more birds and animals spreading rubbish.  Just imagine the difference we could make if every local government implemented Litter Lock devices. Read the full article below. https://lnkd.in/gmMSg3Tr #cockatoos #environmentalsolutions #wastemanagement #localgovernment #jointhemovement

 I found this interesting what are your views? What the guardian is saying well back in the sixties invention of the contraceptive pill heralded the sexual revolution of the 1960s, and now scientists are looking to revolutionise wildlife control by getting animals in on the action. Trials are under way in the UK and elsewhere in Europe of how to get contraceptives into pigeons, wild boar and grey squirrels, with scientists also proposing other rodents, invasive parakeets and deer as other target species. As destruction from invasive and pest species grows, researchers are looking to fill special feeders and bait boxes with hazelnut spreads and grains laced with contraceptives. They believe this could be a more humane and effective way of controlling populations that have previously been poisoned, shot or trapped. The aim is to find “creative solutions”, says Dr Giovanna Massei from York University: “The main message is that the economic and the environmental impact of wildlife are increasing worldwide, and we are running out of options. “Traditional methods such as culling are ineffective, can be inhumane, unsustainable, environmentally harmful, and are increasingly opposed by the public,”   Do Register and join the competition a winner every month Join Getcatcrazy https://lnkd.in/efdZdGX2