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We've all visited a zoo or circus every now and then to see the many creatures of the world. But there are many other events that offer a glimpse into the wonderful worlds of animals. From the quirky to the unimaginable, they give every animal lover the perfect excuse to come together to observe the nonhuman species of the earth. So if you're a crazed admirer of the feathered, scaly, rugged and furry then each of these 10 celebrations is waiting just for you.
Scotland: Golden Retriever Festival (Guisachan Gathering)
You'll have to be a Golden Retriever to be invited to this celebration, but that doesn't mean you can't stand by and watch. A grassy field in the Scottish Highlands transforms into a golden sea as hundreds of the furry canine are seen intermingling with each other by frolicking, barking and wagging their tails harmoniously. It may take the dog whisperer to crack through this code, but the general consensus of the pups is they seem to happily appreciate the Golden Retriever's Club of Scotland's yearly dedication to the breed, which has been located in their native land since 2006.
If you thought 101 Dalmatians were an eyeful of dogs, you haven't been to this doggy-fest, which was attended by 222 members of the golden retriever breed last year. And of course what would a dog festival be without seeing man's best friend compete against each other in dog-friendly competitions.
Australia: Phillip Island Penguin Parade
After a long day of fishing and swimming, the little penguins of Phillip Island Nature Park waddle to their burrows everyday around nightfall. Just like any other parade, these peculiar birds march in unison with each other while the music of their pitter patters along Summerland Beach create a quirky rhythm that goes hand-in-hand with their wobbly stride.
And with thousands of them lining the sandy coastline, the Phillip Island Penguin Parade is an interesting spectacle, especially because it is centered on a species of penguins that only measure about 33 centimeters in height.
Thailand: Surin Elephant Round-up Festival
Although we're used to seeing elephants perform headstand tricks at the circus or capturing parades of them frolicking at the zoo, did you know that these natural born performers play soccer and tug-of-war as well?
In order to see them suit up in their best gear for a world-class gaming event unlike any you've ever seen before, you'll have to pay a visit to the Surin Elephant Round-up Festival in Thailand. Typically held in the third week of November, a myriad of the rugged animal puts on an exciting show that also involves staged reenactments as well as the Elephant Breakfast Show, where they are seen carrying prominent visitors before feasting on a buffet filled with their favorite foods. When you have seen the elephant skillfully entertain the crowd like this, no circus act can compete.
Switzerland: Appenzell Cattle Show
The Appenzell Cattle Show might just be one of the only events in the world where the stars are rewarded prizes for having great teats. The official ringing of cowbells worn by the proud beasts means you better get out of the way as they flood the streets of Appenzell. Led by their yodeling owners who are typically dressed to the nines in embroidery jackets, large hats and white stockings paired with buckled shoes, this cattle-infused show signifies it's time for the cows to make their home or to another field for grazing.
The cows are also specifically groomed for the event so that they can strut their stuff in order to win the grand prizes up for grabs like the lifetime achievement award. If you're an avid admirer of the mooing beast, the Appenzell Cattle Show promises you'll be udderly blown away.
California: Dana Point Festival of Whales
From below the ocean's surface to the whimsical streets of Southern California, the Dana Point Festival of Whales is one massive celebration. In honor of the gray whale's journey to Mexico from Alaska, revelers of all ages partake in a variety of events including whale watching, concerts, car exhibits, art shows, and the Whale of a Block Party parade.
The festival gives every type of admirer the opportunity to raise their floats high in the sky or explore them in their natural habitat without getting completely soaked. There's no place like the Dana Point Festival of Whales to express your admiration, which also becomes a life-sized aquarium by offering a day in the life of the aquatic animal.
England: Birdfair
This celebration is so large three days are required to fully grasp the importance of the birding industry. That's because not only birds flock to Rutland, England but birdwatchers and admirers from all over the world in hopes of learning and lending their support to conservation efforts made for the feathered animals.
Making bird watching as fun as possible, visitors can purchase every tool necessary from scopes to bird food from the local vendors featured at Birdfair. Even a great pair of binoculars will come in handy, which can be bought here too.
New Mexico, USA: World's Greatest Lizard Race
While most Americans will be cheering because of the brilliant fireworks burning across the sky on the 4th of July, many citizens of Lovington, NM will be cheering from the sidelines in hopes their lizard will come in first place. Since 1976, Charparral Park has been the go-to place for seeing these scurrying small reptiles take their mark at a 16-foot ramp that empties into a plexiglass container.
From the gecko to the mountain boomer and skink, almost every type of lizard is qualified for this race. However, if you're over the age of 16 you are not allowed to compete.
Canada: Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival
Can you imagine the haunting stares of one of the world's most viscous birds staring you deeply in the eyes? Can you bear the feeling of having their huge bodies hover over you while watching your every move? That might just be what you're in for at the Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival. During the festival, thousands of bald eagles migrate to British Colombia for the salmon spawning season during the winter months. That means these celebrated birds are quite hungry and are ready to get their grub as much as possible.
Every third week of November you are invited to observe the lifestyle of these interesting yet daunting creatures. Just make sure you refrain from eating fish so that those sharp beaks don't inhale the scent and think you're a juicy piece of salmon waiting to be devoured.
China: Litang Horse Festival
Move over Kentucky Derby, because you haven't seen an equestrian event like that of the Litang Horse Festival. At this Tibetan celebration, which occurs for an entire week during the first week of August typically displays horsemanship in its truest forms. Unlike the sturdy steeds we are accustomed to seeing at races, the horses here are small but quite fast, and are typically ridden by Khampas (herders) who also expected to be nomads.
Along with the horses, spectators also decorative themselves, decked-out in colorfully dressed outfits and eccentric jewelry which perfectly demonstrate the cultural Chinese spirit hovering over the festival. And if you're in need of some fascinating home supplies while you're here, traders come from near and far to sell their intricate merchandise for the highest bid.
North Carolina, USA: Woolly Worm Festival
In the same manner we avidly look to the groundhog's shadow to predict spring, North Carolinians forecast the winter's brutality by the size of the wooly worm's stripes. Whether or not you believe that the cold season is all in the details of the animal's colorful streaks, you'll have to admit that Wooly Worm Festival is truly one of the strangest events to ever hit the U.S.
Held every year in October, the race involves worms scampering to the finish line, which is usually a string. The winning wooly worm's stripes are described for the crowd, which will then determine winter's fury.
Want to take your pet with you on your animal adventure? Check out 10 pet-friendly vacation spots. Want to see the more human side of strange events around the world? Check out the Weird World of Sports.
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