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International Whale Shark Day
International Whale Shark Day
Every year on August 30, ocean enthusiasts come together to draw attention to whale sharks and advocate for them. These gentle giants have been around for more than 240 million years, but the first specimen was discovered off the coast of South Africa in the 1820s. As the world"s largest fish, whale sharks can grow up to 12 metres, with one reaching a record 18.8 metres. Found in tropical oceans around the world, these filter feeders glide through the water, mouth wide open, straining plankton and small fish. Each pattern on their dotted, starry skin is as unique as a human fingerprint. Sadly, the International Union for Conservation of Nature lists whale sharks as endangered due to overfishing, habitat loss and climate change. Amid adversity, there"s hope, like in Cenderawasih Bay in Indonesia, a whale shark oasis that"s pictured here. Here, these titans dine on the generosity of fishermen who feed them baitfish for luck, reflecting a unique bond between man and marine life.Desktop Version
Lake Bled, Slovenia
Lake Bled, Slovenia
Nestled amidst the Julian Alps is the 358-acre Lake Bled in Slovenia, inviting you to step into a storybook setting. The star of the show? A tiny island called Bled Island that beckons with the allure of legends and "rowmance." Hop on a traditional pletna boat and make your way to this island sanctuary. These flat-bottomed boats are unique to Bled, and only 23 boats navigate the lake, piloted by skilled oarsmen whose profession has been handed down through generations since 1740. The island is home to the 17th-century Assumption of Mary Church, which hosts a special bell that legend says will make wishes come true! If you look to the shore, you can spot Bled Castle overlooking the lake"s expanse. The castle—one of the oldest in Slovenia—is positioned on a precipice above the town of Bled on the northwestern shore of the lake.Desktop Version
Waitangi Day in New Zealand
Waitangi Day in New Zealand
What do you get when you bring together more than 500 Māori chiefs, representatives of the British Crown, and a treaty signed in 1840? A day that New Zealanders still commemorate: Waitangi Day. On this date, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed, establishing the principles for how the two cultures would coexist. Ceremonies are held at Waitangi Treaty Grounds—where the document was signed—featuring traditional Māori performances, speeches and the ever-dramatic waka (canoe) races. From festivals and concerts in cities like Auckland and Wellington to low-key community gatherings, the spirit of the day is about connection and culture.Desktop Version
Amphitheatre of El Jem, Tunisia
Amphitheatre of El Jem, Tunisia
This impressive structure is the Amphitheatre of El Jem, in the Tunisian town of the same name. Made entirely from stone blocks, it was built in the 3rd century CE, when this area was Thysdrus, a city of ancient Rome. Once capable of seating up to 35,000 spectators, it is the largest colosseum in North Africa and one of the largest in the world. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, it is one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres, almost equal in grandeur to the Colosseum in Rome.Desktop Version
International Talk Like a Pirate Day
International Talk Like a Pirate Day
Ahoy, mateys, it is International Talk Like a Pirate Day. Today, landlubbers and seafarers alike put on their tricorn hats and hoist the Jolly Roger. The origin of this holiday goes back to a 1995 joke between two friends, John Baur and Mark Summers. During a racquetball game, one of them exclaimed "Aaarrr!" in response to an injury, and the concept of a day dedicated to pirate lingo was born. Initially an inside joke, Talk Like a Pirate Day gained popularity after the duo shared the idea with humourist Dave Barry in 2002, who promoted it in his syndicated column. Since then, it"s become a day of fun and parodic celebration—people don pirate costumes, engage in pirate-themed activities, like the kid on the ship in today"s image, and embrace mock pirate language. Whether ye be a seasoned buccaneer or a greenhorn, today be for all to enjoy. So, batten down the hatches, set sail and remember: on this day, everyone can be a pirate.Desktop Version
Red rock formations, Sedona, Arizona, United States
Red rock formations, Sedona, Arizona, United States
Sedona, Arizona, in the United States, is a place where nature, history and spirituality converge amidst stunning red rock formations. These fiery sandstone creations, part of the Schnebly Hill Formation, were shaped over millions of years during the Permian Period as sediment accumulated in an ancient sea. Over time, erosion has further sculpted Sedona"s landscapes, which now glow brilliantly at sunrise and sunset. Notable formations such as Wilson Mountain, Seven Sacred Pools and Cathedral Rock offer iconic views.Desktop Version
Wallabies, Australia
Wallabies, Australia
Amid the hues of dawn, captured in today"s image, two wallabies stand alert in a field near the Adelaide River in Australia. These marsupials, smaller cousins of the kangaroo, are native to Australia and New Guinea. Wallabies have around 30 different species, including brush wallabies, rock-wallabies, hare-wallabies, nail-tail wallabies and swamp wallabies. These agile and sprightly mammals are herbivores, nibbling on grasses, leaves and fruits. With a height of 30 to 104 centimetres, wallabies have strong hind legs that help them take impressive leaps and serve as a defence against predators. During mating season, male wallabies engage in boxing bouts to show dominance in an attempt to grab females" attention. Social creatures, wallabies form small groups called "mobs," which provide safety and mutual grooming. Their playgrounds are forests that echo with the thudding of their hops as they navigate their home range with ease.Desktop Version
Holding back the tide
Holding back the tide
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Methow Valley, North Cascades, Washington, USA
Methow Valley, North Cascades, Washington, USA
If you"re looking for meadows blanketed with vibrant beds of wildflowers, the Methow Valley in the North Cascade Mountains, Washington, is the place for you. Lupines, with their characteristic spiky blooms in purple, blue and white and balsamroot, with its large, golden-yellow flowers, create a picturesque contrast with the rugged mountain backdrop. These flowers also play crucial roles in the valley"s ecosystem. Lupines are nitrogen-fixing plants; they help improve soil fertility by converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form that can be used by neighbouring plants. Balsamroot, on the other hand, attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, which helps in plant reproduction and, in turn, contributes to the biodiversity of the region. Whether you"re a seasoned botanist or nature enthusiast, the wildflowers of the Methow Valley will surely leave a lasting impression of the enchanting wilderness.Desktop Version
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, USA
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, USA
Under the glacial gaze of Mount Rainier in the state of Washington, USA, a carpet of wildflowers bursts into life. Every summer, the meadows around this mountain are coloured with vivid shades of blooming subalpine flowers: purple asters, pink coralroot and yellow tiger lilies are just some of the plants on show here. Also known as Tahoma, at around 4,390 metres, Mount Rainier is the tallest mountain in the state. It is covered by 36 square miles of glaciers and permanent snowfields, making it the mountain with the highest glacier cover in the lower 48 states.Desktop Version
Vineyards in Varnhalt, Black Forest, Germany
Vineyards in Varnhalt, Black Forest, Germany
The Badische Weinstraße is a picturesque route that stretches over 300 miles along the Black Forest, leading you through some of Germany"s most beautiful wine-growing regions. In today"s image, we find ourselves in Varnhalt, a charming wine village that is part of Baden-Baden. One of the region"s highlights is the Nägelsförsterhof winery, which has been in operation since 1588. This vineyard is well-known for producing Riesling wines, renowned for their exceptional quality.Desktop Version
What returned to this city 500 years ago?
What returned to this city 500 years ago?
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Porthcawl lighthouse, Wales
Porthcawl lighthouse, Wales
With waves crashing against its sturdy base and a stormy sea swirling around, this lighthouse in Porthcawl, Wales, has been standing resilient since 1860. At 9 metres tall, Porthcawl lighthouse, designed by the eminent engineer James Walker, is often pictured being battered by waves when storms hit this coast. The town"s rugged coastline, with its hidden rocky coves, has always posed a perilous challenge to sailors. Porthcawl lighthouse was built to help guide the increasing maritime traffic along the Bristol Channel. This cast-iron lighthouse was the last one in the United Kingdom to be powered by coal and gas. Although it was converted to electric power in 1997, the lighthouse still maintains its historical charm.Desktop Version
Roques de Benet, Els Ports Natural Park, Catalonia, Spain
Roques de Benet, Els Ports Natural Park, Catalonia, Spain
Jutting into the sky above Els Ports Natural Park, the Roques de Benet are a cluster of rock formations in the Ports de Tortosa Beseit region of Catalonia, Spain. The tallest peak out of this cluster stands at an elevation of over 1,000 metres above sea level. Overlooking the Ebro delta, the peak offers views of streams and pine forests, with trails that lead into the mountains. The word Benet comes from Arabic, hinting at the varied past that the area has had, including both Arabic and Christian settlers. These days, the park is home to a variety of fauna, from ibex and otters to vultures and eagles. Animals aren"t the only inhabitants of the area. The villages nestled at the base of this massif have a sense of community and still maintain their shared traditions, such as the age-old craft of using vegetable fibres to create baskets and kitchen utensils.Desktop Version
World Wildlife Day
World Wildlife Day
What better time to shine a spotlight on nature than on World Wildlife Day? This day serves as a reminder that wildlife conservation is a shared responsibility. This year"s theme is "Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet."Desktop Version
The Old Bridge, reborn
The Old Bridge, reborn
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Skógafoss waterfall, Iceland
Skógafoss waterfall, Iceland
Behold Skógafoss, one of Iceland’s largest waterfalls. This powerful cascade measures 82 feet across and drops 200 feet over what were once the sea cliffs of the country’s southern coast. The coastline receded seaward, but the cliffs remained, leaving behind this natural wonder, powered by water from two glaciers. Skógafoss, which translates as "forest waterfall," is frequently graced with single or double rainbows, formed by the refraction of sunlight through the mist. Legend has it that a treasure chest is hidden behind Skógafoss, left there by a Viking settler named Prasi Porolfsson.Desktop Version
Wooden path to Kennedy Lake, Vancouver Island, Canada
Wooden path to Kennedy Lake, Vancouver Island, Canada
Discover the beauty of Vancouver Island, Canada. The wooden pathway in today"s image, surrounded by ancient pine and cedar trees, leads to Kennedy Lake, the largest freshwater body on the island. The lake covers a surface area of 16,000 acres (6,475 hectares). It is part of the ancestral lands of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation where the Clayoquot and Kennedy Rivers meet.Desktop Version
Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, New Mexico, USA
Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, New Mexico, USA
Time is the great transformer, changing the world and all of us. For instance, this badland in New Mexico, United States—the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness—was once a lush, tropical forest. Nearly 70 million years ago, instead of twisted terrains and towering spires, this place was home to an array of Late Cretaceous dinosaurs, including armoured ankylosaurs, duck-billed hadrosaurs and mighty Tyrannosaurs. Today, the area is filled with wonders of a different kind, rock formations that look more like sculptures than natural phenomena. Bisti/De-Na-Zin is named after Navajo words: Bisti means "among the adobe formations," and De-Na-Zin comes from nearby rock carvings of a "standing crane." Visitors to the Four Corners region shouldn"t miss out on this otherworldly landscape of shale and sandstone.Desktop Version
Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Among untamed rainforests, rice paddies and steep ravines lies the village of Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali, Indonesia. According to legend, a Hindu priest, Rsi Markandaya, arrived at the island of Bali in the 8th century, discovering an area abundant in medicinal herbs and plants. The name of Ubud derives from the word "ubad," meaning medicine. Nestled within the verdant landscape, the village is rich in Hindu temples and bountiful in local mythology. The mythical character seen in today’s image is Barong, a panther-like creature, the king of spirits and a symbol of good fortune and prosperity. The Barong dance, performed in a decorated animal mask, is native to Bali.Desktop Version
Wolf Island, Galápagos, Ecuador
Wolf Island, Galápagos, Ecuador
The Galápagos Islands in the eastern Pacific are a paradise for wildlife. Its habitats range from arid regions to tropical rainforests. Because these islands are so isolated, many of the species that live here are not found anywhere else in the world. One species found in abundance is the Nazca booby, pictured here on Wolf Island. The name of these striking birds might raise a few eyebrows, but it actually comes from the Spanish word "bobo," meaning clown, because of the birds" clumsy demeanour when they"re walking.Desktop Version
Saint Patricks Day
Saint Patricks Day
Millions of people with Irish heritage across the globe today celebrate Saint Patrick"s Day. The country"s patron saint introduced Christianity to Ireland around 432 CE, and his passing on March 17, 461 CE, became a day of commemoration in his homeland. While the holiday is steeped in Irish tradition, the festivities have taken on a global flair. The celebration typically includes parades, traditional Irish music and dance performances and indulging in Irish cuisine and beverages. Moreover, wearing green is a fun nod to the Emerald Isle. So, have you pinned a shamrock to your jacket yet?Desktop Version
Lei Day
Lei Day
As the first day of May dawns upon Hawaii, Lei Day bursts forth in a riot of colour, fragrance and festivity. Leis are garlands crafted from various flowers, leaves and even shells, carrying significant cultural importance for the natives of the island state. Leis were brought by the Polynesians as they migrated eastward through the Pacific Islands before reaching Hawaii between 1000 and 1200 CE. They represent love, respect and the ever-present aloha spirit, described as "the coordination of mind and heart within each person." Lei Day is an all-day fiesta that includes parades, pageants, lei-making contests, hula dances and feasts.Desktop Version
Celebrating World Olive Tree Day
Celebrating World Olive Tree Day
Today, we"re not just offering you an olive branch—we"ve got the whole tree. November 26 is World Olive Tree Day, so we"re taking some time to appreciate this amazing plant. Olive trees were first cultivated in the eastern Mediterranean around 8,000 years ago. From there, they were spread to the Greek islands and mainland by the Phoenicians, then further afield, reaching Spain and the western edge of the Mediterranean by around 1000 BCE. The olive branch has been a symbol of peace since ancient times, and olive trees have been grown for their oil, wood and fruit for millennia.Desktop Version
Happy World Whale Day!
Happy World Whale Day!
On the third Sunday of February, World Whale Day highlights the beauty of whales and the challenges they face. This year, on February 16, we honour these majestic creatures, like the humpback whale pictured in today"s image, known for its enchanting songs and dramatic breaches. World Whale Day began in 1980 in Maui, Hawaii, led by Greg Kauffman of the Pacific Whale Foundation, to protect humpbacks from extinction. Today, it urges global action on threats like ocean pollution, climate change and habitat loss.Desktop Version