Nearly blind gorilla can now see!

A lowland gorilla, named Josephine, now has the gift of sight. She underwent a state-of-the-art surgery Friday at Miami’s Metrozoo to remove severe cataracts and implant new lenses in each of her eyes. Prior to the surgery, she was nearly blind.

Video provided by: WSVN.

Boston to host Kitten Adopt-a-Thon

The MSPCA’s second Kitten Adopt-a-Thon of 2009 will take place this weekend in Boston. The MSPCA-Boston adoption center received 309 surrendered kittens in August 2009 versus 156 during the same month in 2008. On October 3, 2009, more than 40 neutered or spayed kittens will be placed up for adoption at the MSPCA-Boston adoption center between 4:00-7:00p.m. Kittens will receive their first vaccinations and micro-chip IDs, all included in the adoption fee of $200. Potential adopters (the entire family should be present) should be prepared with proof of homeownership or landlord contact information and proof of vaccinations for current pets in the home.

New England Aquarium introduces ‘Bear’

A 450-pound fur seal has joined the New England Aquarium’s New Balance Marine Mammal Center.

“Bear” is the largest northern fur seal to join the aquarium’s recently-opened New Balance Foundation Mammal Center. There are only 15 northern fur seals on exhibit in American zoos and aquariums.

Mischa and Cleo are looking for some love

Gail Crowell from the Animal Welfare Society in West Kennebunk, Maine is in search of a great home for two kittens — Mischa and Cleo.

These two do not need to go to the same home, but it is suggested, because they enjoy each other’s company.

For more information, visit AnimalWelfareSociety.org.

Oh, baby! Rhino right at home in Germany

At almost 130 pounds, it’s hard to miss the latest arrival at the Allwetter Zoo in Germany.

It’s a baby rhino, who’s become quite a hit with the zookeepers. The one-week old calf was separated from its mother shortly after birth, after the mother showed signs of becoming aggressive toward the baby. Zookeepers are feeding the calf every two hours, and keeping it company constantly.

The newborn is said to responding well to bottle feeding and seems to enjoy all the attention. (More great video after the soundbite, which is in German.)

Puppy training: Part one

Meet Achoo!
No, we didn’t sneeze…
Achoo is a Belgian Malinois puppy we’ll be following for the next few months!
Tune in for Scott Dunmore’s tips, in a training program you can follow along with at home!

The secret life of snakes

Can you identify this striped species?
Learn more about the secret life of snakes from Bunny Watson at the Museum of Science in Boston.

Bedding – without the battle

Finally – pet linens that won’t leave you ready for a nap after laundering!
Confused? Just think back to the last time you had to wrestle with your dog’s mattress cover!
Vicki shows off one of her favorite products in this week’s Pet Gear.

Interested in learning more?

One “pawsh” hotel

Trade in the kennel service for a little room service the next time you visit Boston.
The hotel staff at XV Beacon offers a wide variety of services aimed at helping travelers with dogs – and other pets in need.
Click on the video to step inside.

XV Beacon Dog Biscuits

2 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup graham flour
½ cup rolled oats
1 ¼ cup peanut butter
2 tablespoons molasses
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 ½ cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 350. Mix together flours, oats, and powder. Mix milk, peanut butter, molasses, and vanilla until smooth. Add to dry ingredients. Dough will be stiff. Knead dough with hands. Roll out to ¼ inches and cut into shapes.
Bake 20 minutes until lightly browned. Turn off oven and leave in oven until crisp and dry. Cool and store in airtight container.

(Compliments of Mooo and ten licks approved by XVB GM’s dog Heidi.)