New York Bans The Retail Sale of Dogs and Cats

beluga whale :: Article Creator

BelugaST Fleet Goes Belly-up As Airbus Closes Cargo Airline

Airbus has shut down its new for-hire cargo airline focused on transporting oversize shipments using the odd-shaped Beluga superfreighter because of self-described operational challenges and what appears to be weak demand for the service.

The aerospace manufacturer last week terminated Airbus Beluga Transport (AiBT), the specialized airfreight business introduced last March for hauling outsize cargo, and suspended BelugaST flights, Airbus confirmed in a statement.

French business daily Les Echos first reported on Airbus' decision to ground the third-party cargo service due to a lack of external customers, resulting in the loss of 75 jobs. Airbus said operational issues, not weak demand, were the biggest challenge. But the two problems went hand in hand, according to an air cargo professional familiar with the market for heavy-lift cargo.

"I believe the lengthy internal procedures to permit new cargo types on the aircraft and high charter costs prevented ABT from being a competitive player. I would also say chartering the Beluga externally wasn't a high priority for Airbus," said Brian Davis, commercial director for Neo Air Charter, an aircraft broker based in Ruesselsheim, Germany, that matches logistics companies and other shippers that need custom airlift with available cargo airlines.

"The limitations on cargo weight as well as the complex requirements for organizing and relocating special loading conveyors closed them off to a lot of business," he added.

While the BelugaST can accommodate oversize loads, it's not as versatile as the Antonov An-124 or Boeing 747 because of weight limitations and the need for special loading equipment. With a maximum payload of 44 tons, it isn't able, for example, to transport tanks, generators or other heavy industrial equipment that can easily be rolled onto other freighters that have front or rear ramps.

Loading and unloading is a complex process that requires a dedicated, trained crew. The loader is basically scaffolding with a built-in rail system that allows the plane to be filled from a high point, above the cockpit. The platform has to be assembled, put in containers, and transported to each destination. It takes several hours to position the platform in front of the aircraft, connect it with the aircraft handling system and load/unload shipments, with the assistance of a crane.

When the loader is carried on the same flight as a load, it reduces the available capacity.

The BelugaST completed a total of six missions for external customers in 2024, the Airbus spokeswoman said by email.

In addition to meeting customers' requirements for safe carriage of sensitive equipment, Airbus' aircraft design office had to approve different types of payloads to make sure lashing systems and other systems would hold large shipments in place.

AiBT operated four BelugaST superfreighters. Aircraft tracking site Flightradar24 shows the planes were parked in Toulouse and Bordeaux, France, starting in the first week of January.

No decision has been made yet about their midterm and long-term future, an Airbus spokeswoman told FreightWaves. The ultralarge aircraft for now will be placed under the air operating certificate of Airbus Transport International, the in-house airline that operates larger BelugaXL jets that transport aircraft sections between different Airbus manufacturing sites in Europe. Whether they will be used again for internal purposes depends on future circumstances, she said.

The unique aircraft's design is based on an A300-600 and borrows features from the beluga whale, a species with a distinctive white color and prominent forehead found in Arctic coastal waters. Airbus modified the frame by lowering the cockpit and adding a bulbous fuselage shell to accommodate large aircraft sections so they could be moved from factories to assembly plants in Europe by its in-house airline.

Airbus announced plans in January 2022 to commercialize its fleet of BelugaST freighters after replacing them with the BelugaXL, which is built on a larger A330-200 frame. The business offered dedicated transport services to shippers with cargo that is too tall or wide to fit in a traditional freighter aircraft.

With the largest cross section of any transport aircraft in the world – 50% higher and 10% wider than alternatives such as the Antonov An-124 or Boeing 747-8 – the Beluga was well suited for nonstandard shipments such as satellites and helicopters. But the limitations on heavy-lift cargo and complexity to operate reduced its overall appeal. The aircraft also is unable to make long journeys without multiple trips because it was designed for regional flying in Europe.

Capacity for project cargo?

Over time it will become extremely difficult to transport oversize and heavy cargo, Neo Air Charter's Davis explained. The biggest issue is the lack of replacements for the ultralarge An-124.

In the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, only a handful of An-124 ultralarge freighters are available to charter in the European and North American regions. Ukrainian freighter operator Antonov Airlines, which relocated to Leipzig/Halle airport in Germany when the war started, has only two An-124s in commercial service. Two other An-124s are committed to flying military cargo for Ukraine, and the three remaining aircraft have been inactive for months or years, according to industry sources and Flightradar24 data. Meanwhile, Russian cargo airline Volga-Dnepr, which operates An-124s and Ilyushin IL-76s, is banned from U.S. And European airspace.

The only other An-124 operator is Abu Dhabi-based Maximus Airlines, which has a single aircraft.

The An-124s are getting very old, and finding replacement parts is increasingly difficult, said Davis.

Atlas Air and Cargolux operate the largest fleets of Boeing 747 freighters.

Airlines are gradually phasing out Boeing 747-400s because of their age and high fuel consumption. Boeing stopped making the 747-8 last year. The largest production freighter currently available from Boeing is the twin-engine 777, but it lacks the nose-loading capability of many 747s.

Azerbaijan-based Silkway Airlines also operates two IL-76s that can operate in the U.S. And Europe.

Click here for more FreightWaves stories by Eric Kulisch.

Farting Whale Behind Russian Submarine False Alarm Media

The UK's Royal Navy reportedly mistook a marine mammal for the ?Red October?

British ships spent several days tracking down a suspected Russian stealth submarine before concluding the suspicious sonar signature may have actually belonged to a farting whale, a Royal Navy source has told The Sun.

Two mystery sounds were picked up off the northwestern coast of Scotland, between Applecross and the Isle of Raasay, according to the UK tabloid. Convinced they were man-made, the Royal Navy went on a deep-sea hunt.

"We have been analyzing the sounds and now believe it was a marine mammal. A whale," an anonymous naval official told The Sun, adding that the whale may have been passing gas at the time.

"We are taking it very seriously," another Royal Navy source said. "We have to assume the worst."

The first signal was detected traveling north towards the open sea. The second was heard "days later" moving south, before turning around and leaving again.

The admiralty had assumed that the Russian military's Main Directorate of Deep-Sea Research (GUGI) may have been trying to deploy sensors in order to obtain the acoustic signatures of Royal Navy submarines, such as the Vanguard-class missile carriers and Astute-class attack boats.

The actual location of the UK submarine fleet is supposed to be a closely guarded secret. According to the New York Post, the suspicious sounds of flatulence were detected "about 100 miles" (160km) from where the submarines are based.

The US outlet lampooned the incident as "the Hunt for Red Fart-ober," a pun on the title of the 1990 film about a stealthy Soviet sub.

Ballistic missile submarines are considered a key component of a country's nuclear deterrent, ensuring that its atomic arsenal cannot be eliminated by a surprise first strike. Earlier this month, the French navy cracked down on the use of a fitness-tracking app at its nuclear submarine base, fearing that the online posts from Strava could reveal the boats' patrol schedules.

Tensions between NATO and Russia, exacerbated by the Ukraine conflict, have caused Western navies to sometimes jump at shadows. A beluga whale spotted off the northern coast of Norway in 2019 was described as a "Russian spy" and tracked by the Norwegian navy for years. The whale, nicknamed 'Hvaldimir', was found dead last August, supposedly of natural causes.

(RT.Com)

68 Times Animals Were So Unintentionally Hilarious, They Were Turned Into Memes (New Pics)

Just like every year, 2024 was an amazing one for animal meme lovers. The star of the show was, of course, Moo Deng, the pygmy hippo, who, with her dewy skin and chaotic spirit, won over the hearts of netizens. We also can't forget Pesto the Penguin, who achieved viral stardom for being a chocolatey, chunky chick, and Hvaldimir, the beluga whale, who gained fame for (allegedly) being a Russian spy. Other memorable mentions include Peanut the Squirrel and Ava, the golden tiger—both adorable in their own right.

2024 was a truly fruitful year for animal memes so we're manifesting for another one with a fresh batch of them, courtesy of the Instagram account "Openly Gay Animals." Scroll down to find the best the page has to offer and make sure to upvote those memes that deserve a spot on this list.

While you're at it, don't forget to check out a conversation with world-renowned board-certified veterinary surgeon and CEO of Dr. Fossum's Pet Care, Dr. Theresa Fossum, and world-renowned integrative veterinarian and founder of Chagrin Falls Pet Clinic, Dr. Carol Osborne, who kindly agreed to tell us how we can keep our pets healthy and safe in cold weather.

Image credits: openlygayanimals

Most pet owners are already equipped with the knowledge of how to take care of their pets in extreme heat. But what about the cold? Bored Panda reached out to world-renowned board-certified veterinary surgeon and CEO of Dr. Fossum's Pet Care, Dr. Theresa Fossum, who kindly agreed to tell us how pet owners can help their companions deal with chilly temperatures.

But before diving into expert recommendations, we first have to understand how pets generally cope with cold weather so we can see the signs and address them. "Pets, like people, have varying degrees of tolerance for cold weather. Some breeds, like Huskies and Malamutes, are built for it, while others—especially short-haired, small, or senior pets—struggle much more," explained Dr. Fossum.

Image credits: openlygayanimals

"Their ability to cope depends on coat thickness, body size, age, and health condition," she explained further.

"Puppies, elderly pets, and those with conditions like arthritis or heart disease may have a harder time regulating body temperature, making them more vulnerable in colder months. Always pay attention to shivering, reluctance to go outside, or signs of discomfort, as these indicate they may not be coping well," Dr. Fossum advised.

"Young animals cannot regulate their body temperature, so they must stay indoors," noted world-renowned integrative veterinarian and founder of Chagrin Falls Pet Clinic, Dr. Carol Osborne. "Breeds like the Mexican hairless—with no hair, very short-coated breeds, and toys are usually safer inside. Elderly pets and those suffering from chronic health conditions are often best going outside only as needed to eliminate, versus taking long walks."

Image credits: openlygayanimals

If your furry companion enjoys spending time outside during the colder months, the safe amount of time they can be outdoors depends on the temperature, wind chill, and your pet's size, coat type, and overall health, says Dr. Fossum. "A large, double-coated breed may handle 30 minutes in near-freezing temperatures, whereas a small or short-haired dog may struggle after just 5–10 minutes.

"Unless your canine is bred for cold weather like Huskies and Malamutes, keep the basics in mind," said Dr. Osborne. "Short-coated breeds need jackets, and if it's too cold for you to walk outside barefooted, consider pet booties. Today's pet market offers an array of canine winter weather gear available to fit every size, shape, and style."

Image credits: UncleDuke1969

Image credits: AdamCSharp

Image credits: openlygayanimals

It's important to supervise pets outside in freezing temperatures because if they're left there too long, their body temperature can get dangerously low, increasing the risk of frostbite, especially on ears, paws, and tails, tells Dr. Fossum. Signs of hypothermia include shivering, weakness, lethargy, and slowed breathing, while skin that is frostbitten turns gray.

If you notice any of these symptoms, "bring pets inside, wrap them in towels, and offer warm fluids. Never rub frostbitten tissue and always call your vet for advice to ensure your pet's best," recommends Dr. Osborne.

Image credits: openlygayanimals

A good way to tell if it's too cold for your pet to be outside is to evaluate if it's too cold for you, says Dr. Fossum. "I always tell pet owners, 'If it's too cold for you, it's too cold for them.' Never assume a pet can handle freezing temperatures just because they have fur. Pay attention to their behavior, adjust their routine, and prioritize their safety."

Image credits: openlygayanimals

Image credits: JasmineKenSZN

Image credits: openlygayanimals

Some additional recommendations for cold weather that Dr. Fossum gives to pet owners include:

Limit outdoor time: Only take your pet out for short bathroom breaks and walks when temperatures drop.

Provide warm shelter: If your pet spends time outside, ensure they have an insulated doghouse or sheltered area with warm bedding.

Use pet-friendly paw protection: Ice, snow, and road salt can crack paw pads and cause irritation. Consider paw balm or booties to protect their feet.

Adjust their diet: Pets that stay indoors more often may require fewer calories, whereas outdoor-active dogs may need a higher-calorie diet to generate warmth.

Dry your pet's coat after exposure to wet snow or rain: Wet fur loses insulation, increasing the risk of hypothermia.

"Also, be mindful of antifreeze spills," she adds. "It has a sweet taste but is highly toxic to pets. Keep your driveways and garage floors clean, and use pet-safe de-icers when possible."

Image credits: openlygayanimals

Meanwhile, Dr. Osborne leaves pet owners with the following recommendations for winter:

Avoid walking on lakes and ponds as they may not be completely frozen.

Wear reflective gear when walking outside in the evening when it is dark and keep a pet emergency kit on hand.

Keep your pet's skin and hair coat clean and free of mats and tangles. Regular bathing and grooming are a must.

Keep toenails trimmed and foot pads free of fur, which helps reduce ice balls forming between pet toes.

Humidify your home to add some moisture to the air. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements boost internal health and help combat dry skin and hair coats.

Stray cats often hide inside your car's engine to stay warm, so bang on the hood and honk your horn before starting your car.

Visit your vet before the season turns cold to be sure your pets are healthy.

Pets living outside need appropriate shelters, warm water, and more food.

Image credits: openlygayanimals

While spending more time outside (for their own good), more active pets may have a lot of pent-up energy and get restless. To avoid pets turning the house upside down, they need to release their energy. For this, mental and physical stimulation is important, says Dr. Fossum.

Image credits: openlygayanimals

A few great options for mental and physical stimulation activities as suggested by Dr. Fossum include:

Puzzle feeders & treat-dispensing toys to engage their brain.

Indoor fetch or tug-of-war in a safe, open space.

Short training sessions to reinforce commands and tricks.

DIY obstacle courses using household items to encourage movement.

Interactive play with other pets in a controlled indoor environment.

For cats, climbing trees, window perches, and automated toys can help keep them active and prevent boredom.

"Winter can be a fun season for pets, but only if we take the right precautions to keep them warm, healthy, and safe!" Dr. Fossum concluded.

Image credits: sasijayaram

Image credits: openlygayaliens

Image credits: ProfMAGeorge

Image credits: punnyhow

Image credits: openlygayanimals

Image credits: punnyhow

Image credits: openlygayanimals

Search This Blog

Gastrointestinal Diseases from Animals