From Space Dogs to Penguin Dads: Amazing World Facts

The First Living Beings in Space Were Animals

Before humans ever made it to space, animals went first and came back alive! On the Soviet spacecraft Sputnik 5, two dogs, a gray rabbit, 42 mice, two rats, and a group of fruit flies made the journey and safely returned to Earth.

Ukraine Made the List of Most Dangerous Countries

In 2017, Ukraine was ranked as the tenth most dangerous country in the world. It was the only European country on the list. Syria took the top spot due to its ongoing civil war.

The Smartest Bird? The African Grey Parrot

The African grey parrot is considered the smartest bird in the world. From a young age, it learns to mimic sounds to confuse predators. Some can even understand many human words especially those raised by one caring owner who gives them lots of love and attention.

Where Did the Word ‘Robot’ Come From?

The word “robot” comes from Czech. It was created by Czech writer Karel Čapek, inspired by the word “robota,” which means forced labor. He introduced it in a play featuring these strange new beings.

A Strange Law in New Jersey

In the U.S. state of New Jersey, there’s a law that makes it illegal to wear a bulletproof vest while committing a murder. Of course, murder is already a serious crime, but wearing a vest while doing it adds another offense!

In Sweden, You Can’t Flush After 10 PM

If you live in an apartment building in Sweden, it’s against the law to flush your toilet after 10 PM. Only people living in private homes are free to flush anytime.

Emperor Penguins Brave the Harsh Winter

Emperor penguins are the only animals that stay on land in Antarctica during winter. The males keep the eggs warm while the females go off to find food in the sea. Their tightly packed feathers, about 100 per square inch, keep them warm in the freezing cold.