Radical squid fabric, heroic pets, and the extraordinary Moo Deng
Last time we explored the latest bunch of miracle fabrics due to replace animal leather, made from strange, weird and wonderful stuff like pineapples and mushrooms. This time we have some deliciously positive animal news for you, kicking off with the fabric inspired by squids that changes temperature along with your body. Let’s dive into the amazing world of our fellow living beings and the amazing things they do to help, support, entertain and save us. We hope these lovely stories warm your heart.
Radical squid fabric
Scientists say there’s another new fabric on the block, this time a ‘radical’ new material inspired by squid skin, being used to make temperature-controlled clothes. We already have lightweight sports fabrics that can adapt to every climate, but this one can be adjusted by wearers to create the exact temperature they want. The colour-change properties of squid skin sit at the heart of the innovation, harnessed by a team at the University of California to make a heat-adjusting substance that breathes, is washable, and can be woven into a flexible fabric. Squid skin changes colour using multiple layers that work together to manipulate light via special organs. The new material manipulates and adapts to the infrared light given off by the human body when we get hot, containing clever ‘thermoregulatory features’ that can fine-tune the temperature.
Senior dog saves her owner’s life
As it turns out, an old dog can learn new tricks. In Washington USA a clever old dog has saved her 84-year-old owner’s life. When he fell and couldn’t get up, Gita ran to the main road and stood there waiting. When police officer Deputy Wright drove past, saw her and stopped to see what was going on, Gita lay in the middle of the road and refused to move until he got out of his patrol car. Then she led him up a steep, unmarked rocky track to where her owner was lying injured, and had been lying for hours.
Goat joins in with half-marathon
Every year, in Newfoundland, they hold a half-marathon. This year they had an extra runner joining in, an excited goat who thought it’d be fun to join the humans instead of staying home at Taylor’s Pumpkin Patch. The goat, called Mr. Joshua, ran almost two and a half miles alongside the human runners before his owner, Mr Taylor, caught up with him and accompanied his sociable hairy friend through the final quarter of a mile to the finish line, where the Mayor awarded the goat a medal for completing the race.
Chile’s government pits penguins above profit
The Chilean government has refused to permit a new iron mining and sea port project worth $2.5 billion in a bid to save a nearby colony of super-rare Humboldt penguins and various other endangered species. The country’s environmental minister said the mine company’s compensation measures weren’t good enough and couldn’t guarantee the safety of the wildlife in the area, adding that all new economic development must come with ‘adequate solutions’ to their impact.
Beautiful little Moo Deng is an internet sensation
Moo Deng, a ridiculously cute baby pygmy hippopotamus born at Thailand’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo, went viral in September as images of her were shared online. Her parents Tony and Jonah, two siblings Nadet and Moo Tun and four half-siblings Ko, Kanya, Phalo, and Moo Wan have proved incredibly popular thanks to being so sweet but apparently Moo Deng – whose name translates as ‘bouncy pig’ - is extra-special. Moo Deng is so much more playful and lively than the other hippopotamuses that she’s fast become a huge star, with Moo Deng merchandise on sale all over Thailand and a make-up tutorial inspired by her funny little face. There’s a flurry of fan art being made all over the world and her antics have doubled the number of visitors to the zoo. Look her up on YouTube to see her in action, the sweetest little creature full of life, humour and fun.
Alternative fashion made with love and kindness
Our beautiful alternative clothing is made with skill and love by people who are paid fairly and work in comfortable conditions. When you buy from us you place kindness at the heart of your wardrobe, as well as buying gorgeous things that last and last.
