sea world.

Is there a new viral trend of people so emotionally overwhelmed by animal encounters that they burst into tears? Last week, actress Kristen Bell had a mini-breakdown after meeting a baby sloth who was literally too cute to handle. Now this Redditor's wife is crying with joy when her favorite animal, a penguin, gives her a hug on her birthday during an encounter at Sea World. How about you, dear Paw Nation reader? Is there a certain animal to which you feel such a connection that you'd cry if you ever got to meet one? ...

Kerrie Tatarka When it comes to the coveted Best in Show title at New York's illustrious Westminster Dog Show, it takes a precise blend of breeding, training and, of course, primping to impress the judges. Lucky for SeaWorld Orlando trainer Jamie Stanley-Bahnsen of Orlando, Florida, her Belgian Malinois, Harley, is all business when it's time to get in the ring. Meet Harley If the breed Belgian Malinois doesn't ring any bells, it's not just you. Although it bears a passing resemblance to the German shepherd, the Belgian Malinois isn't a breed you're likely to see at the dog park. Like other members of the herding group, Harley's breed is best known for its high energy level and ...

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 ...

Gerard Julien, AFP / Getty Images A tragedy that claimed the life of one of SeaWorld Orlando's animal trainers Wednesday has shut down the popular "Believe" shows and "Dine with Shamu" experiences at all SeaWorld locations indefinitely. According to details released by SeaWorld to CNN, Dawn Brancheau, 40, had just completed a session with killer whale Tilikum in front of a crowd at the Orlando theme park. Although she was standing outside the pool, Brancheau's long blonde ponytail was in reach of the whale, who grabbed it in his mouth and pulled her underwater. Cited as one of the park's "most experienced animal trainers" in a letter posted by SeaWorld CEO Jim Atchison on the company Web ...

"Birds of a feather flock together. Sometimes co-stars do too!" Photo: Bob Couey, SeaWorld/Getty Images Look at these love birds! According to People magazine, "True Blood" co-stars Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer stepped away from the world of vampires and shape-shifters to explore their softer sides at Sea World in San Diego this past Sunday. The couple, who are romantically linked on and off screen, spent time cuddling with a feathered friend at the Penguin Encounter attraction. Paquin, who plays Sookie Stackhouse, a telepathic waitress, and Moyer, who plays vampire Bill Compton, were in town for an appearance at Comic Con, a comic book and popular arts convention. The second ...