Nature. Travel. Animals FYI

Welcome to the World of Animals and much more! We travel the world in search of fascinating creatures and cultures in some of the most spectacular places in the world. Join us as we explore the world!

A joyful white dog running framed within an oval shape, accompanied by an inspirational quote from the Viking World Cruise 2024.

Visit GeorgeSranko.com

You’ll find my latest updates on cruises we have planned, presentations, and books.

Resource Page

The resource page has some of the key pieces of information that I mention in many of my lectures.


Cover of Animal Facts book by B.B. Brilliant

Download Your Own Free Copy of Fun Animal Facts

This little e-booklet is loaded with amazing fun animal facts.

Great for sharing with kids and grandkids!

Download here

For example, did you know that the barrel eye fish has a transparent head?! It can look upwards through its transparent skull. The barrel eye fish has a 360-degree field of vision without moving its body. Better than having eyes in the back of your head!


Read George’s book on the Amazing Octopus –

The Octopus Paradox: 9 Brains, 3 Hearts, and 8 Arms Make for a Fascinating Creature” Learn how octopuses make nine brains work as one!

Dive into the mesmerizing world of octopuses with this captivating book! Explore their incredible abilities, from problem-solving to tool usage. Discover the intriguing behaviors that hint at their possible consciousness. Immerse yourself in a journey that unveils the mysteries of these fascinating creatures. Get ready to be amazed and gain a whole new appreciation for the extraordinary octopus.


Share Your Memories – the Easy Way!

Learn how easy it is to create your own free eBook to share your travel adventures and photos with family and friends. Download my FREE eBook written from personal experience as a world traveler and cruise ship lecturer for over 17 years.

George Sranko free PDF cover-  share your memories of travel the easy way.

  • Viking World Cruise 2024

    Viking World Cruise 2024

    Hi Friends, thank you for visiting! It is my great pleasure to join you for this exciting segment of the Viking Sky World Cruise from Asia to Africa and around the Cape to Lisbon, where we will disembark. I am one of your guest speakers on board and my focus is on the Natural Sciences.…

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  • Archer Fish Hunting Tactics, Adaptations, and Vision: Mastering Aquatic Precision

    Archer Fish Hunting Tactics, Adaptations, and Vision: Mastering Aquatic Precision

    Archer Fish Overview Archer fish display remarkable hunting tactics and unique adaptations that enable their survival in various environments. Their evolutionary background and physical adaptations play a crucial role in their ability to hunt and thrive. Evolution and Ecology The archer fish is a type of teleost fish known for its specialized hunting techniques. It…

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  • Flightless Birds: Nature’s Amazing Ground-Dwelling Wonders!

    Flightless Birds: Nature’s Amazing Ground-Dwelling Wonders!

    Flightless birds are a fascinating group of avian species that have lost their ability to soar through the skies. These unique creatures come in all shapes and sizes, from the tiny Inaccessible Island rail to the towering ostrich. With over 60 different species spread across the globe, flightless birds have adapted to a wide range…

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  • Wolves & Moose of Isle Royale: Ecosystem Effects of Moose

    Wolves & Moose of Isle Royale: Ecosystem Effects of Moose

    Moose and wolves are vital parts of the Isle Royale’s ecosystem. We’re diving into how moose impact the environment there. Understanding ecosystems involves looking at the flow of energy and materials, like how moose and wolves interact with their surroundings. You’ll also learn how these processes fit into bigger ideas like deep ecology. This concept…

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  • 7 Most Scenic Romantic Spots in Bali: Love Amid Nature’s Beauty

    7 Most Scenic Romantic Spots in Bali: Love Amid Nature’s Beauty

    Bali is a paradise for couples looking to immerse themselves in breathtaking scenery and serene natural spots. Discover the magic of Bali’s most picturesque locations that blend romance with stunning vistas. Whether you’re captivated by the fiery hues of a sunset at Uluwatu Temple or enchanted by the lush greenery of Tegallalang Rice Terraces, Bali…

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  • 10 Amazing Facts About the Secretary Bird: Stilt-Walker of the African Savanna

    10 Amazing Facts About the Secretary Bird: Stilt-Walker of the African Savanna

    The Stilt-Walking Secretary Birds of Africa In the open African plains, there’s a bird so unique that it could have sprung from the pages of an explorer’s wildest journal. The secretary bird, with its long legs and quill-like feathers upon its head, is a sight to behold. It’s a bird that wears its name like…

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  • How do we Inspire Young People? Using Fun Facts to Engage Young Minds

    How do we Inspire Young People? Using Fun Facts to Engage Young Minds

    How do we inspire the Young People in our lives? I’ve been reflecting on this as we come towards the end of our time on the Viking World Cruise.  Our lives have been filled with so many awesome experiences, stories and photos!  What are the messages we want to convey to our friends and family?…

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  • How Smart Is a Crow: Unveiling Avian Intelligence

    How Smart Is a Crow: Unveiling Avian Intelligence

    The Intelligence of a Crow Crows possess a remarkable level of intelligence that is evident in their behavior and social interactions. Their cognitive skills are on display when they encounter obstacles; they use a variety of strategies to navigate these challenges. For instance, they are known to select sticks as tools to retrieve insects from…

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  • Deep Sea Dragon Fish: 12 Fascinating Facts and Best Kept Secrets

    Deep Sea Dragon Fish: 12 Fascinating Facts and Best Kept Secrets

    Diet and Hunting Deep-sea dragonfish have a diverse diet, primarily focusing on smaller marine life such as crustaceans and various types of fish. Their unique hunting techniques allow them to effectively find and capture prey in the challenging deep-sea environment. You may find it interesting to know that the deep-sea dragonfish possess specialized adaptations for…

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  • Elephant Trunks: 10 Incredible Facts and Secrets Uncovered

    Elephant Trunks: 10 Incredible Facts and Secrets Uncovered

    Anatomy of Elephant Trunks The elephant trunk, an incredible fusion of the upper lip and nose, is a testament to the extraordinary adaptations found in these majestic animals. The anatomy of an elephant trunk, which lacks any bones or cartilage, consists of a muscular hydrostat, a powerful arrangement of muscles that makes it extremely flexible…

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Browse Our Posts – More Fascinating Creatures!

Rat Communication: Unraveling the Mystery of Rodent Laughter

Believe it or not, rats have their own way of expressing emotions, including laughter. That's right, these little critters can ...
Pair of Saarloos wolf dogs

Saarloos Wolf Dog: Your Ultimate Guide to this Fascinating Breed

Saarloos wolf dogs are a fascinating breed that has gained popularity in recent years. These dogs have a unique history ...
Photo of pregnant male seahorse

Seahorse Reproduction Latest Science (Pregnant Males, Fascinating Facts) Videos and Photos

Male seahorses, rather than females, are the ones that become pregnant and give birth to live young. Females produce the ...
Photo of people putting heads together

Shift Happens When People Collaborate: Great Bear Rainforest and South East Queensland Case Studies

Big shifts in environmental policy can be confirmed by the money and resources spent on instituting the policy decisions through ...
A man standing in front of a building, utilizing 360 videos for PowerPoint presentations.

Ten Tips for Using 360 Videos in PowerPoint Presentations

I’m a regular speaker in front of large audiences and have used 360 videos and panoramas in my professional presentations ...

The Biggest Great White Shark Ever Recorded: Facts about Size and Weight

Gargantuan Sharks: Their Size and Weight Might Surprise You! The largest great white shark ever recorded was a massive 20-foot ...
photo of blue-ringed octopus showing rings

The Blue-Ringed Octopus: A Shy, Venomous Creature That Can Kill You

The Blue-ringed octopus only shows its bright blue rings when it is disturbed and ready to bite in self defense ...

The Truth about Snorkeling in the Similan & Surin Islands of the Andaman Sea, Thailand

We recently returned from an exciting 4d/3n liveaboard snorkel cruise to the Similan and Surin islands in the Andaman Sea.  ...
Speaker dressed in suit and tie deliver presentation

Tickle Their Funny Bone: Understanding the Power of Humor in Presentations

You're about to give a presentation, and you're feeling nervous. You've got your notes ready, your slides are polished, and ...
Photo of Alligator gar showing two rows of fang-like teeth

Top 14 Deadliest Fish in the World with Photos (And They’re Not Pretty)

These are the world's most dangerous fish. You might find a few surprises on this list. Have you ever heard ...
Photo of Nikon binoculars

Top 6 Compact Binoculars for Birdwatching: Best Value Guide

As birdwatching enthusiasts ourselves, we understand the importance of having the best compact binoculars when out exploring nature. That's why ...
Scarlet macaw Costa Rica by George Sranko

Top Cruise Ports for Wildlife and Nature In Costa Rica

Costa Rica is famous for its protected areas and wildlife watching opportunities. In this article we've highlighted some of our ...
A joyful white dog running framed within an oval shape, accompanied by an inspirational quote from the Viking World Cruise 2024.

Viking World Cruise 2024

Hi Friends, thank you for visiting! It is my great pleasure to join you for this exciting segment of the ...
Whale shark swimming

Whale Sharks: the Biggest Fish in the Ocean Feeds on the Smallest Creatures

When it comes to the biggest fish in the ocean, the Rhincodon typus or whale shark takes the crown. These ...
photo of red panda

What do Red Pandas Eat? Is the False Thumb Used for Feeding?

If you have the slightest interest in one of the cutest creatures on this planet, I urge you to read ...
Endangered resident orcas leaping out of the water expose threats to their survival.

What is Killing Our Resident Orcas? Endangered Killer Whales

As a National Park warden and diver on Vancouver Island, in the 1970’s, it was my duty to protect wildlife ...
Elephant family drinking water with their trunks

What is the Cost of a Safari in Kruger National Park? (Self-Drive is Our First Choice!)

One of our favorite places on the entire planet is Kruger National Park. Every time we go, we feel like ...
galapagos tortoise, one of the longest living animals on earth

What is the Longest Living Animal? How Long Can an Animal Live? 500 Years?

Here are the ten longest-living animal species on Earth, along with some fascinating differences in physiology. Ocean Quahog Ocean Quahogs ...
Red fox with a grin

What Sounds Does a Fox Make? A Guide to Fox Vocalizations

Why would a male red fox make a loud, high-pitched scream that sounds like a woman's scream? Let's find out! ...
Bullet ant has the most painful sting of any insect!

What to Do if You Encounter a Bullet Ant? (World’s Most Painful Stinging Insect!)

I’ve always wanted to see a live bullet ant up close because of its reputation for having the most painful ...