This and That

Special Needs

How can you positively engage individuals with special needs?

1. Every person is uniquely created by God. Not everyone with a particular disability or condition is the same. Consider each individual’s personal wants, needs, and preferences.
2. In general, use person-first language when talking about disabilities or special needs. You might say “a person with autism” instead of “an autistic person.” This language defines an individual by their personhood, not their disability or condition.
3. Assistive devices, like wheelchairs, canes, or braces, are part of an individual’s personal space. Refrain from leaning on, touching, or handling these devices without an invitation.
4. In a conversation, look the person in the eye, even if that means adjusting your position. Talk to the person and not to a caregiver or interpreter.
5. Some people may be open to personal contact like a handshake or hug, while others are not. When in doubt, ask the person and respect their decision.

Whale on the Scale

Because the blue whale’s aquatic lifestyle provides extra buoyancy for its big body, it can weigh up to 200 tons. But how do scientists measure the mass of the world’s largest animal? By taking its picture! As a whale surfaces for breath and rolls and flips in the water, drones capture aerial photographs of the creature. From these pictures, along with information from old whaling records, scientists can calculate the length, width, and height (volume) of the whale, which they then convert to mass. Rumor has it the camera adds 10 pounds—but what’s a few extra when you’re already the largest animal on earth?

Rainbow of Rarities

God’s artistry is on display throughout his creation—including in unusual pops of color, like the pink lake you read about on page 24. Check out these other brilliant hues in nature.

Meet Our Furry Friends!

From loyal horses to gentle rabbits to cuddly cats, domesticated animals have long been our furry companions. But the only creatures called man’s best friend are dogs. And the Answers magazine staff think they have some of the cutest canines around!

Snack Time

Now that you know the science behind your hunger pangs, try making these easy, protein-packed energy bites to keep your growling stomach silent for longer.

Watching the Winged Wonders

Karina Altman, animal presenter for the Creation Museum and Ark Encounter, shares her experience caring for the world’s largest bird.

How many ostriches do you care for?

Ostriches are social animals, so we keep two at the Ark Encounter’s Ararat Ridge Zoo. Both are females because they tend to be less aggressive than males.

Is there anything special about an ostrich egg?

Ostriches lay the largest bird eggs in the world. Their eggs weigh about 3 pounds (1.3 kg) and are around 6 inches (15.2 cm) long. Ostriches lay their eggs on the ground, so the shells have to be extremely tough to endure the kicking and knocking around. It takes either a drill or a cinderblock hammering a screwdriver to crack into the hard shells.

What is something interesting you’ve learned about ostriches?

I’ve worked with about 100 species of animals during my career, and ostriches are by far the densest. I adore them, but even God describes how silly they are in Scripture (Job 39:13–18). Their eyes are bigger than their brain, which is about the size of a walnut. Sometimes they get scared of their own shadows, spin in circles, peck at the air, or just stare at things. And we always have to watch them! They are curious and explore everything (hats, watches, radios) by pecking.

What do ostriches eat?

Ostriches are omnivores, so their grain contains protein. They also eat leafy greens, fruits, and vegetables. They can swallow a whole head of lettuce at once, and you can watch it travel down their throats!

What has caring for ostriches taught you about God’s design?

Every inch of an ostrich’s body is incredibly designed—from its toes and legs, which allow it to be one of the fastest animals on the African savannah, to its 46-foot-long (14 meter) intestines that enable it to absorb every possible nutrient from its food. With that amazing design, the ostrich doesn’t need smarts to survive.