Now, bivalves are back, but they’re not for eating. These oysters have a mission: ecological restoration. The Billion Oyster Project is an ambitious, volunteer-driven initiative manned largely by NYC middle school students. Why oysters? They can filter toxins from up to 30 gallons of water a day, helping restore the harbor’s ecosystem, which includes crabs, sea squirts and other aquatic wildlife. Project manager Samuel Janis says when kids “see the restora
Now, hear us out. The alpaca has long played second fiddle to more classic farm animals, like the sheep and goat. But with their long fuzzy necks and wry little faces (see above), we sincerely believe the alpaca has huge potential in this Age of Buzzfeed. Don’t take our word for it, though. Here are eight reasons why they should be the new goats, straight from the alpaca’s mouth. They Give Good Gif Major gifability. They Make Great Guards So stoic. No, Really
Breathe easy, livestock lovers. Housed in a vast storehouse in Fort Collins, Colorado, the USDA has 700,000 straws of liquid nitrogen-preserved sperm, from 18 different species. They’re ready. “Let’s say another foot-and-mouth disease comes along, killing off our cows,” says Dr. Harvey Blackburn, repository coordinator. “We have the ability to repopulate entire breeds.” The National Animal Germplasm Program (NAGP) started in 1999. Its fac
“I’m trying to push that wild hare gene,” says Eric Shevchenko, while cradling a bunny in one heavily tattooed arm. Instead of dried pellets from the feed store, his 100-plus rabbits – heritage breeds such as Blanc de Hotot, CrÁ¨me d’Argent, and Giant Chinchilla – forage for grasses, apples, pears, fruit branches, and fermented hay. “You can taste the difference in the meat,” insists the 42-year-old, who supplies chefs Thom