Tuah Helped By His Older Sister

Tuah is a 5 month old baby orangutan at the Hogle Zoo in Utah, USA. He is really tiny at just 14 inches tall and 5 kgs. Tuah was only a few weeks old when his mother died. This posed a big problem for the zoo keepers as baby orangutans spend most of their time on trees clinging onto their mothers. A baby orangutan instinctively clings to his mother's fur. This happens while the mother builds nests and scavenges for food. Tuah couldn't be swaddled and put in a crib like a human baby. 

He needed to hang onto someone, even while sleeping.

That’s when a zoo employee came up with a brilliant idea and used specialized sewing machines and old fleece jackets to make a vest with strips that simulate an orangutan's fur. The animal keepers took turns wearing the vest and crawling in hay. Meanwhile, Tuah held tight to their chests, developing his muscle strength. However, Tuah can't cling to humans forever. That's why his sister Acara who is 10 years old, was trained to look after baby Tuah.

For this, they first taught Acara to be gentle. Then they gave her a stuffed animal. The idea was to teach her how to pick the baby up, hold it and flip it over. The two were introduced when Tuah was 3 months old. For the last month, they have lived together full time.

Acara has adjusted to child-rearing and will retrieve Tuah for animal keepers and carry him between exhibits. She also helps Tuah navigate the ropes and stops him from tripping on toys.

*Image Credit: thespectrum.com

The Story of Bakri Eid

Eid-Ul-Zuha or Bakri Eid as we call it in India is a grand celebration for Muslims. Muslims all over India and outside India celebrate Bakri Eid from the tenth to the twelfth day in the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah. In the international (Gregorian) calendar, the dates vary from year to year, drifting approximately 11 days earlier each year.

There is a fascinating story behind the significance of Bakri Eid. Once, Allah (God) challenged Prophet Ibrahim. Ibrahim had to prove his faith in Allah who asked him to sacrifice the dearest and nearest one in his life. Ibrahim, who was a devout worshipper of Allah, had to take up the challenge. He decided to sacrifice his son Ismail…who was dearest to him. 

His love towards his son was as strong as his faith in Allah. And with a heavy heart, he put his son on the altar at the mount of Mina near Mecca. It was difficult for him to see his son dying in front of his eyes. He could not imagine slaying his own child but he could not deny the order of God either.

He closed his eyes and raised the sharp sword. Reciting Allah's name he divided the head from the body. He opened his eyes and could not believe his eyes. His son Ismail was standing healthy and hearty in front of him. A dead ram (goat) with his head apart was lying in a pool of blood where his son had been. Ibrahim emerged as a winner as he accepted god's challenge with complete faith. 

Since then people ardently believe in the mercy of Allah. They devotionally sacrifice a ram on Bakri Eid to celebrate Ibrahim’s faith in Allah. That is why on this occasion, prayers are offered and animals are sacrificed to Allah. 

So this year when you celebrate Bakri Eid, remember Ibrahim and his sacrifice. Learn to have faith in God and yes…wish you a Happy Bakri Eid!

How Ganesha Became a Lord

Ganesha is the eldest son of Lord Shiva and his wife, Goddess Parvati. Today, in Hinduism; Ganesha is considered the lord of all living things. But the story of how this boy became a lord is an interesting one. Once, Ganesha and his brother Kartikeya made a bet. They decided to see who would be the first to complete a run around the world. Instead of bolting across the earth like his brother did, Ganesha simply circled around his parents – the sources of life, his world – to win the race. 

There are many stories that explain how Ganesha came to have the head of an elephant. However, we shall save that for some other time. But what we can tell you is that his elephant ears have served him well, the better to hear the needs of is people. 

Ganesha was granted a very special gift to make up for the fact that he had an elephant’s head. His gift was that no one would start a new venture or a puja without seeking his blessings first. Ganesha is also believed to bring goodluck and clear obstacles that trouble his worshippers. 

And like all of us, he also has a sweet tooth. He loves all kinds of mithais...modaks being his favourite. So be sure to offer him lots of sweets this Ganesh Chaturthi!

Things People Do!!

Since it’s a special issue, we thought we would something fun this time. Which is why we have for you 3 of the most weird yet real jobs that people in the world do. It may take a while for you to believe it; but we assure you, these most definitely are real professions!

Ear Cleaners – India

Odd as it sounds, professional ear cleaners can be found all over India, especially in Mumbai. What’s even more surprising is that these cleaners are found on the streets. Yes, it’s true. They usually can be found cleaning ears on some footpath or under a tree. All they use is cotton, a long wooden or metal ear pick, some hydrogen composition and coconut oil. Take a look at the picture here. It should tell you all that you need to know!

*Image Credit: goawaves.com

Oshiya – Japan

This profession is weirder than ear-cleaner. Oshiya in Japanese means a professional pusher. So what exactly does a professional pusher do? Well...he pushes! Seriously. The local trains in parts of Japan are so over-crowded that people cannot get in. So they hire Oshiyas or professional pushers who make sure they are pushed into a compartment on time. Sounds like a funny thing to do, right? But we are sure you’ll get the point to it once you see the photograph. 

*Image Credit: therichest via huffingtonpost.com

Cuidacarro

Cuidacarro means “car watcher”. It’s a profession that’s peculiar to Costa Rica. People here hire a Cuidacarro to watch their cars while they are parked! Yes, you read that right. Car thefts are so common in Costa Rica that people now pay professionals just to make sure that their car isn’t stolen while it’s parked on the road or in a public parking lot!! Cuidacarros charge anything from one dollar to 5 dollars for watching your car for a couple of hours. Bizarre...right?

*Image Credit: scoopwhoop.com

Barbie Hangs Up Her Heels

After more than 50 years in high heels, Barbie finally has some relief for her aching feet. Barbie is finally kicking off her heels! A new version of the iconic doll will now be able to wear flat shoes for the first time in 56 years!!

Mattel, the toy company behind the famous doll, which first made her debut in March 1959, has announced the launch of a new version of the doll which will, for the first time ever, feature adjustable ankles that will allow her to wear either a high heel or a flat.  

The new version of the doll is part of the company's 'Fashionista' range - which will also see the Barbie dolls being made available with eight different skin tones, a choice of 23 hair colors, 22 different hair styles, 14 facial sculpts, and 18 eye colors.

*Image Credit: metro.co.uk

Birthday Card Reused For 40 Years!

Two brothers from New Zealand, Jeff and Ron, have a rather strange birthday tradition – they have been exchanging the same birthday card for over 40 years!

Ever since 1973, Ron and Jeff have swapped the same birthday card back and forth and signing it each time. Around 84 cards were saved by the brothers reusing this one each time.

*Image Credit: kiwikidsnews.co.nz