🐘 See the Cutest Herd of Elephants

Good morning. In Kenya, a photographer’s lens captured the playful spirit of what may be the world’s happiest elephant herd. In Indonesia, architects are reimagining emergency housing with a stylish prefab home that can be quickly set up wherever it’s needed most.

And in Barbados, scientists have rediscovered the world’s smallest snake after two decades, underscoring the importance of protecting our planet’s rarest creatures.

🎧 P.S. Don’t miss today’s new episode of Good News To Go, your 5-minute boost of joy on the move.

—Stephanie S

Award-winning photographer Andy Rouse captured heartwarming images of a Kenyan elephant herd he calls the world’s happiest. The playful young calves were seen tugging on branches, chasing birds, and even mock-charging their vehicle, all under the watchful eyes of their relaxed matriarch.

Rouse, who has spent 25 years photographing elephants, emphasized the importance of understanding and respecting these gentle giants. He described the Samburu elephants as exceptionally calm, allowing for close encounters.

The experience was made even more special as Rouse shared it with his 10-year-old daughter on her first safari.

These joyful moments remind us of the wonder of wildlife and the need to protect it for future generations.

Once unwanted and alone, Chewy the Shih Tzu was found wandering Austin’s streets. After his former owners refused to take him back, staff at The Philomena assisted living center welcomed him in.

Now, 75 seniors share the joy of caring for Chewy. He brings smiles, joins Scrabble nights, and even helps residents with dementia connect.

Chewy’s story is a heartwarming reminder that everyone deserves a second chance at love and belonging.

Architects in Indonesia have created the Drop Pod, a modular prefab home designed for quick deployment in areas hit by flooding or in need of emergency housing. The structure stands on a raised stone foundation, making it flood-resistant and suitable for sloped terrain.

The Drop Pod is stylish, expandable, and can be built in just one week. Its light wood interior, loft bedroom, and built-in storage make it both practical and inviting.

This innovative home offers hope for communities facing climate challenges, showing that prefab can be beautiful and resilient.

The world’s smallest snake, the Barbados threadsnake, has been rediscovered after nearly 20 years. Found under a rock during an ecological survey, this tiny reptile measures just 3 to 4 inches long and is rarely seen in the wild.

Scientists had been searching for the elusive species as part of a conservation project. Its rediscovery highlights the importance of protecting Barbados’ remaining forests.

This find offers hope for the island’s unique biodiversity and reminds us of nature’s hidden wonders.

Happy 40th Birthday to “The Great 8,” Alexander Ovechkin. Since joining the Washington Capitals in 2004, the Russian left winger has become one of the most prolific scorers in NHL history. He’s won three Hart Memorial Trophies as league MVP, three Lester B. Pearson Awards as best player (voted by his peers), and a record nine Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophies for most goals in a season.

Ovechkin’s career is filled with milestones, from 600 goals to over 1,000 appearances, all capped by leading the Capitals to their first Stanley Cup victory in 2018. In April 2024, he scored his 895th goal, surpassing Wayne Gretzky as the NHL’s all-time leading scorer. Every game he plays now carries record-breaking weight, cementing him as one of hockey’s true legends.

Other notable September 17 events:

1821: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua declared independence from Spain.

1920: Forbes Magazine was founded by B.C. Forbes, which has become one of the world’s top business publications.

1962: The Trans-Canada Highway, stretching 4,800 miles coast-to-coast, officially opened.

1982: USA Today published its first edition.

🦈 Papua New Guinea: The elusive sailback houndshark, unseen for 50 years and unique to Astrolabe Bay, has been rediscovered by scientists and local fishers.

🐾 Missouri: A steakhouse provided a free steak dinner, a condolence letter, and a gift to a man who ordered a special last meal for his beloved dog.

🧸 Wyoming: Police reunited an 8-year-old boy with his lost stuffed animal after a family road trip.

🌧️ Brazil: The area of the Amazon rainforest burned by wildfires dropped by 65% this year, reaching the lowest level since monitoring began.

🌾 Asia: Rice prices have dropped to an 18-year low as per-acre yields have doubled, boosting global food security and harvests to record levels.

— Henry Melvill

Each day reveals breakthroughs and bright moments that show us the beauty of life. Here are five reasons why now is the best time to be alive:

📦 Eco Packaging: Biodegradable packaging is replacing plastics in major industries, cutting down long-term waste.

💧 Smart Irrigation: Smart irrigation systems are conserving water while boosting harvests for farmers in arid regions.

🌿 Rooftop Gardens: City rooftop gardens are improving air quality and providing habitats for urban wildlife.

🔥 Clean Cooking: Biogas systems are turning agricultural waste into clean cooking fuel for rural households.

⌚ Diabetes Tech: Wearable glucose monitors are helping people with diabetes manage their health with ease.

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