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Nelleke van Niekerk, B.Sc. Food Science (Biochemistry)

Nelleke van Niekerk, B.Sc. Food Science (Biochemistry)

Nelleke is an ex-food scientist turned copywriter chasing her dream of living a balanced and creative life filled with adventures and challenges. She is most likely to be found behind her laptop typing (and deleting) up a storm, reading a book in the sun, lost in the mountains admiring nature or playing in the waves somewhere.

Please send any feedback to feedback@animalsaroundtheglobe.com

Get To Know Nelleke van Niekerk, B.Sc. Food Science (Biochemistry)

Certification

  • B.Sc. Food Science (Biochemistry)
  • Red & Yellow Creative School of Business - Copywriting Diploma

Specialties

  • ....

Favorite Animals

  • Dolphins
  • ....

Pedigree conducted (excuse the pun) an experiment to see what would happen if dogs wagging their tails conducted an orchestra – and the results are amazing. The music produced allows a glimpse into what it feels like to experience our dog’s emotions. Sit back, and get ready to brighten up your day!  The Process The …

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This heartwarming video shares the story of a neglected rescue puppy becoming a style icon in her foster neighborhood. Let’s have a look at this wonderful turn of events for this adorable pup.  Her Rescue Reese, a one-year-old pup, was rescued by Wags and Walks. Her rescuers were incredibly worried about her condition, as she …

Read More about Rescue Puppy Becomes A Style Icon

All cat lovers would have heard of the cat distribution theory, and this video proves it is real! Well, according to me anyway. From never owning a pet to falling in love with a stray kitten, this story of Nala and Caleb will warm your heart.  What Is The Cat Distribution Theory?  Basically, the cat …

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My first reaction hearing about this rescue kitten living on a boat was “Wait, cats and water don’t mix!” Well, I couldn’t have been more wrong. Join us in learning more about the adventures of this boat cat.  The Rescue A couple who had been sailing and living on a boat came across this tiny …

Read More about Rescued Kitten Now Travels The World By Boat

In this video we see the maternal instincts of a mama dog kick in to save her puppies from the freezing weather in Mladenovac, Serbia. She asks a man to take her puppies hiding from the cold inside a pipe to warmth and safety, and shows her gratitude in the most heartwarming way!  Maternity Instincts …

Read More about Mama Dog Asks Man To Save Her Puppies From The Cold

One of our partners, Matthew Grosset, captured this incredible video of the extraordinary climbing abilities of a Leopard in the Kruger National Park, South Africa. Not only are leopards beautiful but as we can see, agile as well!  Big Cats If you’ve followed some of my other articles, you know how much I love big …

Read More about Video Showcasing A Leopards Extraordinary Climbing Abilities

In this video captured by Matthew Grossett, one of our partners situated in the Kruger National Park, South Africa, we see two white rhinos and two hyenas interact at a watering hole. The hyenas, predators in the wild, quickly moved away as the rhinos approached them – let’s look into why!  Quick Rhino vs Hyena …

Read More about White Rhinos vs Hyena Caught on Camera

Bring the tissues! This heart-melting video tells the story of how a stray dog hopped into a family’s car and crawled his way into their hearts.  The Chosen One One evening Lena left her garage door open and saw something sneak past and jump into her car. To her surprise, it was a stray dog …

Read More about Watch This Heartwarming Video of a Stray Dog Choosing His New Family

No one wanted to send troops into WWI without preparation, luckily the soon-to-be most decorated animal in US Military history was in their mists! It was at the training grounds at Yale University where US soldiers met the stray dog, Stubby. Initially seen as a mascot by the soldiers, he would come to save many …

Read More about Watch: The Stray Dog Who Became The Most Decorated Animal in US Military History

In the video, we hear the story of how a cow named Bonnie came to the Farm Sanctuary after she escaped being slaughtered. Join us in exploring this heartwarming story of Bonnie’s rescue.  Bonnie’s Escape Bonnie the cow was from a local farm and as they were herding the cows together to go to the …

Read More about Watch: Cow Escapes Slaughterhouse & Survives Winter with Wild Deer

Have you ever wondered what training police and military dogs go through to well, do what they do? In this article, we look at the training these heroes receive at the Lackland Airforce Base in San Antonio, Texas. Prepare to be impressed!  Where Do These Dogs Come From?  If you think about the expertise these …

Read More about Watch: How US Military Dogs Are Trained

Namibia, one of the countries in southern Africa, is currently in a state of emergency. They are considered the driest country in southern Africa, with an average of only 11 inches of rain per year. Namibia is currently facing another drought, which is affecting both the animals and people in the country.  What Does This …

Read More about Namibia & Its Animals Facing Another Drought

This heartwarming video tells the story of Jimba, a dog rescued in Bali, gaining back her health and even finding joy! From the heartbreaking moment she was first discovered under a car to the playful and happy pup she is today.  First Moments Jimba was first found under a car looking like an ancient dog, …

Read More about Watch: Heartwarming Recovery of a Rescue Dog in Bali

Watch as Dash, the cutest tiger cub, explores and experiences life for the first time! From opening his eyes to exploring the snow and his first birthday party. The first year of the tiger cub Dash’s life has been captured in this heartwarming video! Seeing the World For the First Time Dash was welcomed to …

Read More about Watch: The First Year of a Tiger Cubā€™s Life

Ever wondered what shark species are swimming around in the waters of North Carolina? Well, I have! Although many more shark species reside or cross through the North Carolina ocean, here is a list of 20 shark species you can find in North Carolina.  1. Great White Shark Great White sharks, Carcharodon carcharias, notorious for …

Read More about 20 Shark Species Found in North Carolina

Just as I thought baby elephants couldn’t possibly get any cuter, I saw this video of a baby elephant seeing the ocean for the first time. Share our joy through the article!  What is happening here? In the video, we see a baby elephant – cute enough as is – experience a moment of pure …

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I love sharks! And recently I have been wondering: of the hundreds of shark species swimming in our world’s oceans, how many are found in Florida? Well, let’s have a look!  1. Blacktip Sharks Blacktip sharks, Carcharhinus limbatus, are known for the spinning leaps they make out of the water while feeding on big schools …

Read More about 16 Shark Species Swimming in Florida

With fashion week season on the go around the world, it had me wondering – who are considered the most fashionable animals in the US? Although trends and seasons change, people’s opinions differ, and popular culture influences which animals are considered fashionable, here is a list of 30 of the most fashionable, and adorable, animals …

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The Amazon Rainforest has for years been the home of many interesting, and slightly weird, creatures. Let’s have a look at some of these weird animals in the Amazon!  1. Pink Amazon River Dolphin The Pink Amazon River Dolphin, also known as the Boto, probably stands out the most due to its pink coloration – …

Read More about 15 Fascinating & Weird Animals in the Amazon RainforestĀ 

John Varty, also lovingly known as JV, has an incredible connection to animals and wildlife. In fact, he has gone on so many expeditions and adventures that I hardly know where to start this article! Nonetheless, here is an attempt to tell you a little more about who John Varty is.  Track Record Besides having …

Read More about Meet the Man Who Survived a Tiger Attack, Helicopter Crash, and Malaria 14 Times – John Varty

Two rival apex predators, a leopard and a hyena, were caught on camera sharing an impala meal – and a rare moment of peace between the two species.  The Video The rare moment was captured by Christopher Farao in Zambia. Where the two predators share an Impala meal without any drama. A special moment, as …

Read More about Rare Footage of Leopard and Hyena Eating Side by Side

When hearing the word fastest, the word tortoise hardly ever springs to mind. Nonetheless, Bertie broke the stereotype and was crowned the world’s fastest tortoise in 2014! To this day he still holds the Guinness World Record. Meet Bertie Bertie is a Leopard Tortoise, who lives in Brasside, Durham, northeast England in the family adventure …

Read More about The Fastest Tortoise in the World – Meet Bertie

Enjoy this moment of pure joy where Maruay the tiger floats with his ball!  Blissful Tiger When looking at this video it is hard to believe that all Maruay the tiger knew was a concrete floor and a small cage a mere 18 months ago. Now he is blissfully floating around on a big red …

Read More about Watch: Rescue Tiger Maruay Floating with His Ball in Thailand

If you, like me, were shocked to learn that some chameleons give live birth – this is the article for you! Let’s take a look at four really cool ovoviviparous chameleons, and what being ovoviviparous actually means.    But first, here is a video of a Cape Dwarf Chameleon giving birth: What does ovoviviparous mean?  Ovoviviparous …

Read More about Discover 4 Chameleons Who Give Live Birth

I didn’t know what my life was missing until I came across this adorable, yet fascinating sea slug. The leaf sheep, or leaf slug, is the only non-plant organism in the world with the ability to photosynthesize. How incredible is that!  Some Quick Facts About the Leaf Sheep Scientific Name Costasiella Kuroshimae Size Around 0.4 …

Read More about Meet The Adorable Photosynthesizing Leaf Sheep

Recent sightings in North Carolina of alligators chilling in frozen water have everyone talking about these creatures’ magnificent survival tactics. Let’s have a further look at these alligators chilling, and why they can.  In the video we can see the alligators are completely submerged in ice water, except for their snouts – quite eerie.  Cold-blooded …

Read More about Watch: Alligators Chilling (Literally) in North Carolina

Join us in learning more about the AMES Foundation and their fight against Rhino Poaching in South Africa. Who is the AMES Foundation? The AMES (Africa’s Most Endangered Species) Foundation is a German non-profit organization working against the exploitation of African Wildlife. Since they originated in 2020, they have built a global network of guardians …

Read More about The AMES Foundation and Their Fight Against Rhino Poaching

The ‘Masters of the Air’ series has everyone looking up at the sky and imagining aerial wonders. It got us thinking about the masters of the air in the animal world. In this article, we will explore some of nature’s aerial wonders.  The Avian Marvels The ‘Masters of the Air’ series introduces planes soaring through …

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Have you ever wondered what is the world’s roundest bird? Well, we have! Meet the Bearded Reedling, a distinctive-looking yet elusive avian species.  Physical Attributes of the Bearded Reedling Despite its name, the Bearded Reedling – also known as the bearded tit – does not have a beard. It rocks a mustache instead! The males, …

Read More about The Worldā€™s Roundest Bird – Meet the Bearded ReedlingĀ 

Taylor Swift has skillfully crafted a musical menagerie through her song storytelling. Swift’s lyrics frequently assign symbolic roles to animals, and we have compiled a list of 12 animals that stealthily roam through her songs. 1. Cats Without a doubt, Taylor Swift’s affection for feline friends is extensively documented, found mentioned in songs such as …

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In honor of Confederate Memorial Day, we are paying tribute to the animals that played an integral role during the Civil War. This pivotal time in American history was not just a human endeavor, but a multifaceted saga where animals were indispensable – a fact that is sadly often overlooked. But not anymore!  Here are …

Read More about Confederate Memorial Day: These Animals Are Unsung Heroes of The Civil War

If someone were to ask me who would win in the fight, a Meerkat Mob vs Cobra, my money would have been on the Cobra. But after watching this surprising video of Meerkats taking on a threatening Cobra I can’t contain my amazement! In the video we can see the Meerkat mob surround the Cobra, …

Read More about WATCH: Meerkat Mob vs Cobra – Who Are You Betting On?Ā 
Bald Eagle Family Expand Their Nest In California Bear Walks Past Alaska Hikers and They Don’t Move an Inch Man Trains Alligator to Be a Cuddle Buddy Bald Eagle Rescued By River Rafting Team Video Showcasing A Leopards Extraordinary Climbing Abilities