Tube worm

Tubeworms scientific name - Riftia pachyptila looks like a giant lipstick. It lives in the Pacific Ocean at a depth of one mile. They size of the tube worm is about 3m long. Tough natural material called Chitin makes the worms white tube home.

Tubeworms like other worms have eyes, stomach and mouth. They feed on millions of bacteria. They use chemical based food making process called as chemosynthesis to catch the prey.

Tube worms depend on bacteria that live on their bodies for food and energy. These tube worms also provide food for the deep sea dwellers. The worms red plume is chewed by the fish and crabs in the sea.

Five of the best: Zoos

Bronx Zoo, New York

In US Bronx zoo is the largest metropolitan zoo. The zoo has 265 acres of land for parklands and naturalistic habitats. This is the worlds largest man made rainforest and is the home of many endangered species.

Taronga Zoo, Sydney



Taronga zoo has all the furry animal friends from all over the world. You can reach the zoo from the central Sydney with 12 minutes. Few of the Australia’s best loved creatures can be headed here.

Night Safari, Singapore



This is the world first night park zoo built especially to watch the nocturnal species at night. The safari is divided into eight geographical zones. These zones can be watched either on foot via three walking trails, or by tram.

Whipsnade Animal Park, UK



Whipsnade has about 2500 animals in 600 acres of land along the country side. We can watch cheeky chimp Elvis, faster land animal the cheetah rock etc.

Hannover Adventure Zoo



This is the zoo that has Artificial Rivers which carry visitors to closely watch the animals. The main aim of the zoo is to save the exiting animals and to promote the creation of natural environments.

Keeping Chinchillas as Pets

Chinchillas are attractive, sociable and highly active animals. Since chinchillas need plenty of space, time and attention considering it as a pet is quite uncomfortable. They originate from South America and can live for more than 15 years. They require one hour of exercise daily and are more active during evening and at night.

Housing

Chinchillas can be kept in a cage sized 85*100*40 and should be kept indoor as they cannot withstand the extremes of temperature. Chinchillas love climbing so platforms, ramps and perches can be placed in their cage. The cage should not be kept out focusing on direct sunlight and away from draughts. A bed can be provide for sleeping.

Feeding

Naturally chinchillas are herbivores that feed on fibrous and dry vegetation. Pellet food makes an ideal diet for the pet chinchilla’s and can be served along with plenty of fresh hay.

Tips for a happy healthy Chinchilla

Chinchilla should be provided with a sand bath daily. It is essential for its good condition. The sand for the bath is available in all pet shops and the bath should be kept about 25 cm deep along with lot of space for the chinchilla to move around. And the sand can be changed once in a week.

For a healthy life of chinchilla following tips can be used.

1. A good balanced diet
2. Clean dry housing, cleaned once a week with a gentle antiseptic
3. No sudden changes in temperature
4. Water bottle and feed bowls cleaned daily
5. Fruit tree branch to help wear their continually growing teeth
6. Daily 20 minute sand bath
7. At least one hour of daily exercise