Duh! With its eyes closed, of course! Take a look at these cute photos of baby giraffes sleeping, using their own bodies as pillows for their heads, courtesy of their loooong necks (except the last one, whose head I think plopped to the ground in the sleep).

Next question: Do they wake up with a giant crick in their necks? (Images: Imgur - via Lost at E Minor)

Image: Monika Korzeniec/Wikimedia

Everything pees, even the weird-looking Chinese soft-shelled turtle. But not everything pees through its mouth, unlike the aforementioned creature:

When the turtle breaks down proteins in its liver, it ends up with an abundance of nitrogen, which it expels from its body in the form of urea. Humans are the same—we get rid of urea in the form of urine, via our kidneys. But the soft-shelled turtle has an altogether different route.

It’s well-adapted to life in the water, and lives in salty swamps and marshes. But Yuen Ip from the National University of Singapore noticed that when the turtle emerges from water, or is stranded on land during dry spells, it will plunge its head into puddles. While submerged, it rhythmically expands and contracts its mouth. Ip found that the turtle gets rid of most of its urea through its mouth rather than its kidneys, via gill-like studs in its mouth. It can breathe and urinate through the same structures.

Ed Yong of Not Exactly Rocket Science explains: Link

Pringles, though the company doesn't call them potato chips, always tasted like potato chips, even when they sprouted flavors like barbecue and pizza. But now they are releasing three limited-edition holiday flavors that seem quite contrary to the taste of potatoes: Pumpkin Pie Spice, White Chocolate Peppermint, and Cinnamon & Sugar. You should see them in stores November first. Please let us know if you have the courage to try them out. Link

The photo above was released this week by the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office in Ft. De Soto, Florida. It's hard to see here, but the woman is riding a wild manatee. Did you know that riding a manatee is illegal? I didn't, but then I don't often encounter manatees. According to Florida state law, "It is unlawful for any person at any time, by any means, or in any manner intentionally or negligently to annoy, molest, harass, or disturb or attempt to molest, harass, or disturb any manatee." Doing so is a second-degree misdemeanor.

After the photo circulated, Ana Gloria Garcia Gutierrez turned herself in, claiming that she had no idea that encountering a wild animal and hopping on for a ride was a criminal offense. 

Gutierrez was not arrested or charged, but the charges were referred to the state attorney's office, according to the Times.

Authorities say the penalty for the woman could be up to 60 days in jail and a possible fine of $500.

Authorities don't believe any manatees were injured.

Link | Photo: Pinellas County Sheriff's Office

Two baby gorillas were rescued from poachers in separate incidents in September in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and are being cared for at a shelter in Virunga National Park. Isangi is about nine months old, and Baraka is around five months old. The gorillas are being fed human formula, and steps are taken to ensure they don't catch any human diseases.

"Gorilla mothers are very attentive toward their babies," Eddy Kambale said. "The mothers feed them, sleep with them, carry them on their chest or back, groom and clean them, watch them, and protect them against predators, and even rain, at all times."

In the sanctuary, the orphans spend time outside in the forest yard, but mostly their caretakers carry them, as their mothers would. The caretakers use gorilla vocalizations to calm the infants.

"If no one will try to imitate their mothers' behaviors, the infant gorillas can shortly die from stress, as they are very fragile," Kambale said.

When they are deemed healthy enough, the gorillas will be taken to the sanctuary GRACE (Gorilla Conservation and Rehabilitation Education Center), which is operated by the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International. There, they will be integrated into a gorilla family in preparation for eventual release. See lots more pictures at National Geographic News. Link  -Thanks, Marilyn Terrell!

(Image credit: LuAnne Cadd, Virunga National Park)

Mummy Appetizer Plate with Tootpick Holder - $24.95 (toothpicks not included)

Did you learn everything you know about Halloween entertaining from your Mummy? Show off your party throwing skills with the Mummy Appetizer Plate with Toothpick Holder from the NeatoShop. This ghoulishly fun kitchen item features a spooky eyeball toothpick holder. It is perfect for serving up some your favorite yummy Mummy's recipes. 

Love Mummies! Mummy Dearest Apron also available. 

Be sure to check out the NeatoShop for more great Halloween items. 

Link

Our pal Geeks Are Sexy continues to upload tons of very neat photos of cosplayers at Dragon*Con 2012 (previously) This one, photographed by Nate Buchman, tapped the invincibility of Beaker to fight zombies. I mean, surviving all those Dr. Bunsen Honeydew lab accidents? It's pretty obvious that Beaker is unkillable.

We've only got one thing to say about this: Meep! Link

See also: Zombie Shop over at the NeatoShop

Photo: Scott Hart/Ripley's

Pennsylvanian artist Bill Secunda created this life-size silver-back gorilla from over 500 pounds of common hardware store nails. Bill, a professional welder and a nature lover, has also made numerous other nail art creatures, including full size elk, bears, and a moose.

Bill's amazing nail gorilla sculpture currently resides at Ripley's Odditorium in Williamsburg, Virginia - Thanks Scott!