SeaWorld.

mmoyerssd1, YouTube What with TV, video games, and the Internet demanding so much attention, it's hard to get today's kids off their duffs and outside for some exercise. That's not saying anything you parents out there don't already know. But here's something you might not know: there is a definite solution to this problem. All you need to do is install an industrial-sized aquatic tank (preferably outdoors, most likely in the backyard unless your neighborhood association's bylaws are particularly flexible), make its environment suitable for habitation by otters (plants, branches, rock formations; consult your local library), and then put some otters in there. Why would anyone want to play ...

AP Photo/Katy Winn Robert Pattinson Adopts a Rescue Dog to Deal With Loneliness in Hotels Twilight star Robert Pattinson recently adopted a stray dog to be his travel buddy when filming in remote locations. In rags-to-riches fashion, his new puppy went from living at a shelter to private jet-setting. Pattinson told ContactMusic.com that his new spoiled pet will help keep him company. Pets Help Sell Manhattan Apartments The real estate market may be suffering, but some agents have found a new secret weapon to selling: cute pets. The New York Times reports that well-behaved pets of all kinds can be a valuable selling tool and help potential buyers feel more comfortable in a space and -- ...

Claire Epting You might think that as an animal ambassador for SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and Discovery Cove -- not to mention having traveled to the jungles of Africa, Borneo, Southeast Asia and Australia -- Julie Scardina would have seen it all. But as it turns out, there was something else out there: Antarctica. AOL's Good News Now (GNN) reports that on her first visit to the icy continent, Scardina and close to 100 other passengers, including an AOL journalist, witnessed hundreds of emperor penguins and their chicks in their native habitat. A sight that none of them will soon forget. The interview with Scardina took place as "a thousand Emperors, chicks and adults, were gathered nearby." ...

SeaWorld Orlando Manatees might not be known for their good looks, but don't tell this little sweetie; being cute is all she's ever known! The 41-pound, three-and-a-half-foot baby manatee was rescued by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission on July 24 after being orphaned by her mother in the waters of Daytona Beach, Fla. The weeks-old pup was then taken to SeaWorld Orlando's rehabilitation center, where animal care specialists are watching her around the clock. She's being bottle-fed every three hours by specialists like Jeff Braso, shown in the picture here. The park's staff weighs her every other day to make sure she's growing at a proper rate. She remains in guarded ...

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Two red-ruffed lemurs were born at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on April 21, adding to the ranks of this endangered species. The babies, now weighing a bit more than half a pound each, can be viewed by guests in the Jambo Junction section of the park, where they reside with their mother and father, Maditra and Bozeny. The parents are only 3 years old themselves. Sea World tells us that lemurs, a type of primate, reach maturity between 2 and 3 years old. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay The sex of the infant lemurs has yet to be determined, but they are developing well overall, according to trainers. Lemurs grow to about 8 to 10 pounds. There are at least 50 species of ...

SeaWorld What animal lover hasn't daydreamed about ditching their desk job and applying for a job at the zoo? Or at a doggy daycare? Or tracking gorillas in Africa? We sure have, but since most of us may never actually get to work with the animals we love, we thought we'd introduce you to a few people who do. Name: Laura Dray Age: 33 Job: Aviculturist/Penguin Keeper at SeaWorld Orlando What education is required to be a penguin keeper? I have a biology degree, but you can also do animal sciences or zoology. There's actually a zoo teaching school in Gainesville, Fla. What qualities do you admire in penguins? They have a great little personality. They're not graceful on land -- they're ...