#over here! over there! zookeeper experience!

[prskcostumes]

Fuzzy Police

Fuzzy Police is a costume that can be obtained by pulling in any Standard Gacha past the Close Contact! 24-Hour Animal Police! Gacha! The costume comes with an Exclusive Accessory for Shiho and a Standard Accessory!

Alt 1

Alt 2

Alt 3

[lvyseonu]

˖ 　　𝅄✧ㅤ　　⁺　　 (( _ _ ♡)) 🍊'

˖ 　　𝅄✧ㅤ　　⁺　　 (( _ _ ♡)) 🗺'

✿ ⃘🐣 ✿ (♡'ᗜ') ✿ ⃘🌈

[kotaromita]

Closed Starter for @aki-shinonome-official

Kotaro runs up to Akito right outside the front entrance to Odaiba Animal Land. It'd been a minute since the two of them had the chance to be together one-on-one and even longer since they did something as date-esque as this. It was still way too hot outside for him to ask Akito to go somewhere outside unless it was somewhere they could swim and be at nighttime. An indoor zoo was perfect for August and he was excited to see Akito's reactions to all the different animals.

"Akitooo!" Kotaro jeers, barely slowing his pace before hugging Akito. "Looks like you beat me here."

[animeweeb115]

“Nice to meet you, Hashibiro.”

[why-animals-do-the-thing]

The Woodland Park Zoo is my home zoo, and the possibility of a strike has been brewing for a while. The staff at the zoo have been working without a union contract for over 200 days because the zoo is unwilling to pay them a living wage.

Zookeepers around the country are consistently underpaid, and Seattle is an incredibly expensive place to live. The zoo is losing animal care staff rapidly - I've been told they'd lost five keepers and a vet tech to another nearby AZA zoo this year alone - because they can't afford to live here. And I've been told that because there's no contract, the zoo is on a hiring freeze, which means they're perpetually understaffed.

Photo credit: Yulia Issa

There was an informational picket outside of a big event last month, which got a ton of community support. Then the only content the zoo put out for National Zookeepers Week was a single post about how much gratitude the staff are owed, which... hmmmm, came off a little tone-deaf in the current moment.

Now it looks like staff might end up striking to make their point, after almost a year of negotiations.

"Workers at Woodland Park Zoo, who are members of the Joint Crafts Council (JCC) Coalition of Unions, have been making plans to protect the animals if they go on strike. If the group of 200 workers is unable to reach an agreement with their employer over a new contract, they say they will run a skeleton crew that would provide necessary care to the animals but require the Zoo to close its doors to the general public. “We are making contingency plans to ensure the continued well-being of the animals if we are forced to strike,” said Janel Kempf, a learning coordinator who has been with the Zoo for 25 years and is a Shop Steward with Teamsters 117. “A strike is an absolute last resort and one that none of us takes lightly, but the Zoo keeps pushing us in that direction. If the Zoo doesn’t change course soon, we will have no other choice than to withhold our labor.” Negotiations between the Coalition of Unions and the Zoo have been ongoing for the last ten months with workers growing increasingly frustrated at what they say is the Zoo’s failure to value and retain an experienced workforce. “We are hemorrhaging critical animal care experience which directly affects the standard of care we can provide for our animals,” said Allison Cloud, an animal keeper and member of Teamsters 117. “The Zoo is forcing us to choose between our livelihoods and our animals, a heartbreaking decision no zookeeper ever wants to make.” Workers say low wages, the skyrocketing cost of healthcare, low morale, and high turnover have put the Zoo’s AZA accreditation at risk. Loss of accreditation could cripple the Zoo’s resources and lead to the transfer of animals to other accredited facilities. "Woodland Park Zoo cannot maintain AZA accreditation without us,” said Joe Gallenbach, an Exhibit Technician with IATSE Local 15. “The loss of AZA accreditation would demonstrate catastrophic mismanagement on the part of the Woodland Park Zoological Society.” The Coalition of Unions and the Zoo have one more bargaining session on the calendar: Friday, August 9. If the Zoo does not make an acceptable proposal next Friday, workers say they will take their case for fair wages and benefits to the public through direct, concerted action."

Now, when you bring the risk of AZA accreditation loss into the conversation, things get interesting. I've written before about how some zoos are legally or contractually obligated to maintain AZA accreditation and couldn't choose to leave. Woodland Park Zoo is one of those facilities: the agreement with the city that allows the Woodland Park Zoological Society requires them to be AZA accredited. If they lose it, they default on the agreement.

So, would there actually be a chance the facility could lose accreditation if the staff struck? I couldn't find any recent information about staff at other AZA zoos striking and how it related to their accreditation cycle, but I did find this, in an AZA press release about how the Aquarium of the Bay lost accreditation a few months ago.

"Silver Spring, Md. (May 24, 2024) –  The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Accreditation Commission unanimously voted to rescind the accreditation of the Aquarium of the Bay.  The independent Commission notified the institution on May 13, 2024, following its conclusion that the aquarium was not meeting accreditation standards in a number of key areas, including financial stability, staffing capabilities, and employee morale and turnover. Aquarium of the Bay has until June 13 to appeal the Commission’s decision."

So it looks like staffing issues and employee morale can definitely be things taken into consideration. Let's look at the AZA standards for more info. I found a couple standards that appear to be relevant:

7.3 "There must be an adequate number of trained paid and unpaid staff to care for the animals and to manage the institution’s diverse programs." Justification: "Although there is no set formula for prescribing the size of the staff (paid and unpaid), some of the criteria that may be used to define what is considered “adequate” include the number and type of species within the institution, the general condition of the animals and exhibits, and past staffing practices."

7.4 "Compensation for paid staff should be competitive with other similar positions in the local/regional/national market, as appropriate." Justification: "Institutions must be able to recruit and retain qualified paid staff. Competitive compensation is a key component in recruitment and retention of paid staff. Some positions can be successfully recruited for locally, while others are competitive on a more regional or national basis (e.g., animal care specialists)."

Both of those look like they could quite reasonably be an issue for WPZ at this point. They're losing paid staff due to low wages and operating understaffed due to the hiring freeze. Staff obviously aren't getting appropriate compensation if they're looking for jobs at nearby facilities that pay better.

Now, would the zoo actually lose accreditation if a strike came to pass? Honestly, I doubt it, because WPZ is too big a feather in AZA's cap for them to penalize them that harshly. Columbus - an equally prominent institution - got kicked because of a major public animal use scandal, but it was pretty clearly political because of how quickly they were re-accredited. I'd expect AZA might give WPZ a slap on the wrist, some stern public comment, maybe some minor penalties, but I'd be very surprised if they were willing to kick WPZ to the curb over something "just" as minor as a staffing problem.

Regardless, zoo staff deserve to be paid a living wage. I'll be really sad if the zoo is closed to a strike once the snow leopard cubs get old enough to debut - but I'd still rather the staff be paid a living wage than be able to see the fluffballs immediately. I want the people working at the zoos I visit to not be living in poverty. Zoo staff pub in an incredible amount of effort to care for animal collections and to facilitate the guest experience, and they should be able to do that without multiple roommates or three jobs. I know that the practical reality is that not all facilities can afford to pay their staff as highly as is ideal, but I'd expect a big zoo with reliable city funding to be able to do better. Supporting the zookeepers (and other zoo staff) is supporting the zoo.

I'll be keeping an eye on this going forward, both from a personal perspective (I'm a member, and I have a vested interest in what the organization I give money to does) and a professional interest in industry politics (what does AZA choose to do). I'll update if there's anything interesting on either end.

[kaijutegu]

How Do You Move A Crocodilian?

In light of a recent post, you may be wondering: just how CAN zoos move crocodilians without hitting them in the face with a shovel? I linked some good examples in the post above, but here's some more. Sometimes with small crocodilians if you want to move them, you can just... pick them up. Gently and carefully, but you can lift some smaller species without causing them much distress. Of course, there's a lot of trust that needs to be built first, but it can be done! Here's Cincinnati moving their Chinese alligators between habitats.

Great handling here. Two handlers on the gator at all times, pelvic and pectoral girdles supported, easy release into the water. This is a small species so this is safe, and look how relaxed and easy their body language is!

This is another safe way to move a crocodilian- leading them with a target! Obviously you can't pick up a fully grown American alligator very easily, but here's Brevard Zoo showing you how responsive their big boys are to this kind of training.

Zoos all over the world use different training techniques to work on their crocs. Here's a nice video from St. Augustine Alligator Farm that shows how they work their gharials to participate in their own healthcare:

Training is really important for human and animal safety. For the animals, it helps them participate in their own healthcare and know what to expect. It also helps mitigate social tensions, lets you see that every animal is getting the right amount of food, lets you easily work with them in and out of the water (you need to see them on land for an accurate body condition assessment), and provides mental and social stimulation for them.

But also: if your animals trust you and have some training, it protects both you and them in an emergency. When you work with large carnivores like crocodilians, you need to be able to predict the unpredictable, and be prepared for things to go wrong. Part of that preparation is setting the animals up for success. An animal that's scared of you isn't going to cooperate with medical care. It will be difficult to move in case of an emergency, and it will be harder to maintain control during a worst-case scenario.

If you have to evacuate your facility or something, and you need your croc to go into a carrier box, if it is trained to do that, it's not going to add yet another new, terrifying experience to a pile of new and terrifying experiences. Training is how zookeepers protect themselves and the animals, and when you compare this type of thing to more aversive techniques, it should be fairly easy to see why using the right training techniques is important!

[sekaitransparents]

events:

we also have various transparents that were requested or submitted that aren't recent. feel free to search for any other gacha name if you want to see if we have them, as we can't tag them all lol.

2023

a story where you are the star

the best picture wrap!

over here! over there! zookeeper experience!

the tone played on that day

2024 - january to june

next to the unchanging warmth

break down the wall

blacklight lens flare

take the best shot!

the courage to lead the kindness in my heart

the scars left behind with time

relax teatime

keep it steady let's aim for the star!

the first concerto

rise as one!

3900's colourful festival

knowing the unseen

parallel harmonies

whip the wimp girl!!

someday on the stage where flowers bloom

perspective for smile

wedding live with everyone

lead to shine more

reeling in the lights

OVER RAD SQUAD!!

june 2024 bloom festival

2024 - july to december

catch the criminal?! the tales of detective tenma

the night sky we saw that day, someday in the distant future

chase my ideal idol!

let it ring! beautiful sound!

with you at the sekai's beginning

wonderhorror~!? test of courage!

work out and fly! muscle training!

this moment with you!

carry these feelings! dream stage

4th anniversary bloom festival

where does the path of thorns go?

rekindle the flame

happy enjoy music!

once again, when the leaves change color

the power of regret

with our hands, covered in wounds

grow glorious glow

special present for YOU!

unfading wishing

2025 - january to june

2025 new years bloom festival

time to take off!

show your shine

put your heart into this one stitch

rise and strive

old days read-aloud

connect hearts message

you are my hero!!

unreliable notes

find the dream view

4.5 bloom festival

turning pain into drive

choices for the future

and so, the clock hands started ticking

dear my fellows

cheer with my heart!

aim higher and higher!

embraced by ephemeral bubbles

-> back to the masterlist

[bestanimal]

As promised, here is a post about my immortal South American Bumblebee Catfish (Microglanis iheringi) to serve as Actinopterygii propaganda.

I first got into fish-keeping after getting a job at PetSmart in 2014. I figured I needed some experience if I was about to answer peoples’ pet questions (spoiler: most people buying pets ended up being a lot stupider than I thought.) I had a 10 gallon tank with a dwarf gourami and 2 platys for a bit, before I found the 10 gallon too limiting and upgraded to a 30 gallon. The tank needed some sort of bottom feeder to occupy the lower levels of the tank, so I opted for a South American Bumblebee Catfish over a school of Kuhli Loaches. Here’s proof; pay extra attention to the dates:

I’ve tried to add other bottom feeders to the tank, like cory catfish, a bristlenose pleco, and even a sumo loach, but… I’m not sure if the bumblebee catfish was bullying them or if he’s just put a curse on the tank, because none of them lived more than a few months. I’ve since stopped trying to add other bottom feeders.

I still wanted Kuhli Loaches though, so I figured I would just try them after the catfish passed away. Every source online said they lived 3-5 years “under ideal conditions.” I didn’t mind waiting 5 years to get some kuhlis.

I quit PetSmart after two years, went to university, have gone through several jobs and life changes. The 30 gallon tank has seen many fish come and go. An outbreak of Ich in 2019 took my last tetra, and weakened my angelfish. Eventually left with some cherry barbs and the bumblebee catfish, I decided to make an all Asian fish tank, as they seemed to be the hardiest (and my inner zookeeper was screaming at me to at least co-habitate fish from the same continent.)

It is 2024 and I currently have a pearl gourami, a school of black ruby barbs, a school of glass catfish, a female Betta, one very old cherry barb…

… and one South American Bumblebee Catfish.

Surely Kuhli Loaches would fit the Asian theme better. But no. This catfish will never die.

It’s not that I want him to die; I don’t wish any ill on him. I just can’t get any other bottom feeders with him in there. And this fish that is supposed to get to 3-5 years old “under ideal conditions”… I have had for almost 10 years. This is the fish equivalent of a 200 year old man:

I switch up the tank’s decor seasonally for enrichment, and this year the fish got a new haunted house. The catfish loves houses, so here he is celebrating his 9th Halloween.

I never even named him. I go back and forth between “Methuselah” and “Rasputin”, but usually just default to “The Immortal Catfish.”

If you ever feel like you can’t go on, just remember that Methuselah/Rasputin/The Immortal Catfish is out there somewhere, living it up (currently in a seasonally-appropriate gingerbread house ornament), and if he can keep on truckin you can too.

. __ .

[curiouspupsicle]

Good Omens Fan Fic Friday Recommendations (11/22/24)

When I first started reading Good Omens fan fics, I strongly resisted reading Human AUs. For me, the joy of the Good Omens universe was its exploration of issues of morality and philosophy through the interactions of a certain angel and demon. And their relationships with their respective bureaucracies. What could I possible get from stories about human versions of Aziraphale and Crowley that I couldn't get from other literature? Boy, was I stupid. Over time, I came to appreciate writers who use the shorthand of Crowley's and Aziraphale's characterizations in a new, human setting. And opened myself to a delightful world of surprising stories. So here are a few Human AU recommendations that totally surprised me. And gave me a new appreciation for this segment of fan fic. The first Human AU that sucked me in was Postcards from Paris (G) by @mrghostrat. Crowley is drawn into the postcards that arrive in his apartment for a previous resident. He ends up striking up his own correspondence with Aziraphale in response. I love epistolary fics. And I actually do write notes and postcards. So how could I not be charmed? The next (and most impressive) Human AU I read was The False and the Fair (E) by @princip1914. It kept turning up in recommendations. I avoided it until it was the choice for a Tumblr fan fic reading group. Aziraphale is the son of a mine owner in Appalachia; Crowley is a mine worker. Terrible mistakes made and atoned for. Very realistic for the setting and time period (1980s). In the Reptile House (T) by @waywarder features Aziraphale trying to get over his fear of snakes by visiting the reptile house at the zoo. Crowley is the zookeeper who helps him. What makes it stand out is the writer directly addressing the reader in their own voice to encourage. "Rosie doesn’t owe any of us a damn thing. No animal does. They’re not here to entertain us. They’re just here. And maybe you don’t owe anyone anything either. You’re just here, too, and that’s enough, I promise." Fluff. Lovely, lovely fluff. Why would I ever want to read a fan fic about Formula 1 racing? I'm not a fan. I don't even own a car. The only mode of transport I own is a sailboat with a top speed of 6 mph/9.6 kph). But Sit Tight, Take Hold (E) by nieded sucked me into a multipart story about international car racing. The deep level of research and accompanying fan artwork made this world very compelling. Totally surprised at how it lured me in and kept me interested.

If you told me 6 months ago I'd rave about an explicit fan fic about a sex worker falling in love with a client, I'd have thought you were crazy. But @scrapheapdisaster really surprised me with Hired Heart (E). Somehow, they manage to avoid the worst abuses of this kind of story. And created a positive depiction of empowerment, self-care, safe boundaries, disabled sex, the rights of sex workers, etc. All of this hangs on a sweet story about Aziraphale, closeted to the age of 50, hiring sex worker Crowley to help him gain confidence and experience before entering the dating world. I'd call it sex positive education in a narrative framework. And finally, some fics surprise you just by being terribly, terribly sweet. That's the case for Our Homeward Steps Were Just as Light (T) by @on1occasionfork. Crowley is a mischievous resident of a senior care home who could use a friend. He finds one when Aziraphale is assigned the room next door. I'll be back next Friday with more great Good Omens fan fics on a new theme. In the meantime, check out my other favorite fics on this pinned post of weekly Good Omens fan fiction recommendations.

[rock-omelette]

Zookeeper

Rating: E

Relationship: Dr Eggman | Dr Ivo Robotnik/Agent Stone

Add Tags: Mafia AU, pet play, undernegotiated kink, undernegotiated play, non-consensual voyeurism, dom/sub play, coming in pants, cock ball torture, hoo boy, torture, implied/references torture, BDSM, Dom Robotnik, Sub Stone, Dead Dove do not eat, original character death, implied/referenced original character death, don't play with me.

Summary: The Mad Doctor interrogates a caged rat, and gets into a bad mood. Luckily, Stone is always there to lift his spirits.

A/N: I recommend reading my post on my Mafia AU lore for a full immersive experience. However, it is not necessary. Just know that Ivo is part of the mafia and Stone is his right hand man.

Stone sees it first.

He'd been waiting for it since they'd dragged the filthy miscreant into the room, kicking and screaming as two of Gerald's guards cuff him down to the bolted steel chair in the middle of their "interrogation room", which was just a fancy way of calling one of the walled off rooms beneath the mansion.

There is no purchase here—only stale air smelling faintly of copper; cold, grey cement over rough brick walls and a single, bare lightbulb, humming a loud, irritating tune as it that crackles over the silence like sandpaper over a bare wound. Fluorescent light glares down their traitorous rat like a rain of dehydrated piss, and Stone's lip curls just looking at him.

"Look at that glare, Stone." Said the Doctor, bemused. He stands, but doesn't come closer, instead raising his cane to push its tip into a bloodied cheek. The rat bares blood stained teeth, and Ivo ooohs appropriately, chuckling darkly to himself. Stone sees him consider digging the cane deeper, deeper, deeper into the cheek, like he's hoping to skewer his skull all through the other side, but it would make their whole trip down here awfully redundant.

Instead, Ivo brings the cane back down, and the rat continues to glare.

"Listen, Mr...what was your name again? Sue? Sue Allen?"

Sullivan, was the truth, which of course Ivo knew. Ivo so did like playing with his food.

"Listen, Mr Allen." Ivo leans his upper weight against his cane, inspecting the tips of his gloves. "I don't like wasting your time."

Sullivan's eyes narrow.

"I don't!" The Doctor insists. "I am a very, very busy man, Mr Allen. My time is money, and in order to waste your time, I'd have to waste my time and my money, and it all goes back round and round and round blah blah blah, and here we are. One week in and you're still holding. On."

Sullivan breathes in , breathes out, deeply, shaking in rage.

"Now, I have to respect that." Ivo said, insincerely. "I'd clap for that. I wouldn't. Stone would, wouldn't you Stone?"

"I would, Doctor." Humored Stone.

"He'd clap for that." Ivo echoes. He gestures to the Badniks, who make appropriate canned cheering sounds, their lasers still pointed unneringly onto Sullivan's temple. The noises were too loud, too close, echoing between the enclosed walls of the room. "Yeah, hype it up! Come on, clap and cheer for the big boy! Alright! Winner, winner, chicken dinner. Huh?" He lifts the cane, thwacking it against the side of Sullivan's wounded temple as he walks—counterclockwise—around him. "Huh? Big, tough boy?"

He reaches back to Sullivan's front, leaning forward—close, far too close. Stone steps forward, ready to intervene.

"Tough boy, huh?" Ivo whispers. "Last one standing?"

Stone could see the moment the implications dawn on him—last one standing, the survivor, winner—with an uninhibited flash of horror, and Ivo leans back as Sullivan roars, finally. Struggling against his cuffs, the chair, the ropes around his knees and ankles. Ivo laughs. Stone watches.

"No more Pepper!" Ivo cheers, stomping his cane into the floor—a cheerful tapping beat as he dances, beautiful and sinister. "No more Archie and Bass and not even their little dog, too! Poor, poor Sue Allen, all alone, all alone-,"

"You fucker," Sullivan screams, red from blood, flushing up and outwards. "He was a kid, you evil cocksucking motherfucker, he was a fucking kid-,"

"Oh grow up, Allen." Ivo blew raspberries. "He's some nothing bitch from Brooklyn, tons of twinks to go around-,"

"I'll fucking kill you-,"

"He didn't even have anything to say." Ivo rolled his eyes. He lifts his cane again, pressing it's chrome steel tip to the middle of Sullivan's sternum. "But you? Oh boy, Allen, I bet you have plenty to say."

"Fuck you," Sullivan spits. Stone clenches his jaw, but Ivo is far enough away that the spittle doesn't reach him. Hovering over Sullivan's left side, the Badnik Ivo called Veronica (VCRK-44) whines, long and loud in warning. Sullivan looks foolishly unperturbed. "I've got nothing to say to you, you cock-sucking sissy freak."

"Oh, but I disagree, Mr Allen." Ivo leans forward again, the tip of his cane still pressing, pressing, insistently into Sullivan's chest. "Look around. Rub your two single braincells together. Nobody is coming for you, least of all death. Think of the week you've had, and how we could keep that going for days and months and years, driving you insane—I'd take my fucking time with it. I could break all your bones, one by fucking one, keep your heart beating so you could feel every rotten break, and I could flay you alive and salt you. I could starve you and keep you in the same room as the rotting corpses of your friends, and get you to eat them, like the filthy little rat you are." Ivo taps the tip of Sullivan's nose. "So many choices, so little time."

Read the rest on Ao3

[inkabelledesigns]

It's incredibly frustrating and exhausting to have to question every piece of media that passes your screen as to whether or not it was made with generative ai. I don't like that I can't trust people not to use the literal theft machine for their projects. Especially when it comes to indies.

Like, so there's a new indie horror game called Zoochosis, right? I have no stakes in Zoochosis, a game about a zookeeper that's trying to stop the spread of a mutation with the animals isn't really my speed. But I'd heard of the people who made it before, and I wanted to see if they'd grown. The devs behind it are also responsible for another game, Sparky Marky, which used ai voices, much to my frustration. I tuned into a stream today where someone was playing it, and after hearing a little bit of the dialogue from Doc, I asked if they'd hired actual voice actors. The streamer seemed unconvinced that they had. So I immediately turned it off and decided to go hunting instead, because I needed to know if real people voiced in Zoochosis. I needed to know if this dev team learned anything from their last experience.

Thankfully, there are credits for the voice actors of this game, but they're very far down, which is a little disappointing. The common threads between them is that most of them have a Fiverr page, so I imagine they were hired through there, but I can't confirm that. Frankly I don't love Fiverr given they are also run rampant with generative ai right now, it's not inspiring confidence. But a number of these voice actors have full on websites for their voice work that seem pretty legit to me. In the case of Doc's voice, Tim Stephenson, most of his work is in commercial voice over, not character voice acting, so that explains some of what I was hearing. Commercial VO and character acting for games, shows, etc. are different skills with different needs. Just because someone can do one very well doesn't necessarily mean they're perfectly equipped to do both, especially when I didn't see credits for a voice director here. Without a director, you're recording remotely and going off of your instincts, and while many actors can have great instinct for performing, getting a performance that fits the vision of the project still requires some communication.

I think it's too soon to tell if these actors were actually paid for voice acting, of if these are ai voices synthesized from their likeness. The game is so new that it hasn't shown up on their imdb credits or personal website credits yet, and until it does, I'm gonna be a little skeptical. At the same time, there are many explanations for why the voice acting sounded off. The dev team behind Zoochosis has a lot of names that lead me to believe they may not be native English speakers (and I'm fairly certain I've heard that from others too). Writing and editing dialogue for a game in a language you don't speak is NOT EASY! That's a big ask, and if that's what's happening here, then I'd actually be very impressed by the quality of what I'd heard. It's just...frustrating. I expect this from big corporations and companies, but Zoochosis is an indie game. The folks over at Clapperheads are a small team making this thing real. And I'm troubled by the idea of an indie team, something built on passion and a desire for creative freedom, using generative ai. They're not the only ones to do so. Pastra, a YouTuber who loves indie horror, has started a series of videos that play into this found footage/news broadcast horror story, and for part of it, they used ai generated images of photographs of children to represent the victims of the monster. And they defended this by saying that it was better to use these generated images of children than actual real children. And I'm just sitting here confused by that. Because like, the model that that generative ai is trained on is using stolen images of real children to make those fake photos. So not only does it fall under using a child's image without consent, but you don't even know what children you've stolen the visage from. That is not a good look. The same goes for Indigo Park. AI was used for the opening footage of Issac Indigo introducing the park, and that's part of why his facial movements are so janky. Mason from UniqueGeese at least apologized and said he'd do better next time, but like...the chapter 1 revamp came out and that wasn't changed.

It's small stuff and big stuff, but either way, it's not okay. Until generative ai is trained only on data that is given to its developers consensually, it is not a viable tool for creation. It's not ready to be tested until the ethics part is worked out, and even then, I don't think I'd ever want to touch it. Like I get it, game development is hard, and in the indie scene, it's hard to make it all come together. But also, I expect a project built on passion to at least TRY to be creative in its solutions, and for the people making it to know better than to use stolen content. I expect better. Maybe I'm wrong for expecting better. But I expect better.

I'm just...disappointed. It makes me feel like I can't touch anything in modern media. Like I may as well go back and only play games, watch shows/movies, and explore stories made before 2023. At least then I can trust that it was probably done without the use of the theft machine. That's such a hopeless thing, giving up on modern art and all the potential it comes with. I don't want to give up on art. I don't want to give up on people telling meaningful stories in modern times. Please, humans, keep making art with your own two hands. Please give me something to be hopeful for.

[prskcostumes]

Striped Police

Striped Police is a costume that can be obtained by pulling in any Standard Gacha past the Close Contact! 24-Hour Animal Police! Gacha! The costume comes with an Exclusive Accessory for Luka and a Standard Accessory!

Alt 1

Alt 2

Alt 3

[wistfxlwishes]

Over Here! Over There! Zookeeper Experience!

original under cut :3

[midnight-blue-goth]

Gwen as a girl mom vs boy mom headcanons

(I should’ve done this with one with the Duncan version- oh well)

Here‼️

Gwen as a Girl Mom

I imagine Gwen being a total pro at designing, dyeing, and making clothes. So it��s easy to picture her creating the cutest custom outfits for her daughter. Naturally, the kid would pick up on her mom’s creative hobbies and start following in her footsteps.

Gwen would still be environmentally conscious and would pass that mindset down. She’d explain why they can’t buy a new toy every day and teach her daughter that overconsumption isn't the answer, it's better to take care of what they already have.

Of course, the challenge is that her daughter wants to follow trends and keep up with her friends. Which means, yes, Gwen eventually had to cave and get her a Stanley cup. Did it have bats on it? Obviously.

I can see her daughter being a little introverted, and Gwen—knowing firsthand what it’s like to feel misunderstood—would gently encourage her to open up more. She’d validate her need to recharge but also remind her that this is the age to experience the world, not hide from it.

Gwen would definitely have the talk she never got growing up: never let anyone walk all over you. Set boundaries. Learn how to say no. Own your voice.

Their favorite bonding activity? Museums. Especially during her daughter’s inevitable dinosaur phase. 

Art exhibitions would also be a regular thing. Gwen would share the work she loves, letting her daughter explore what speaks to her.

Eventually, the kid would start painting too. Imitating her mom with brushes in hand. Gwen would give guidance on things like composition, but never pressure her. It’s about having fun, not perfection.

When it comes to boys? Gwen’s daughter wouldn’t be interested. She doesn’t really like their attitude, and Gwen totally gets it. No need to rush into anything.

She’d absolutely inherit Gwen’s love for reptiles. Whether it’s a lizard or a snake, there’d definitely be a reptile pet in the house.

That love could grow into something more, maybe a future zookeeper or reptile conservationist. Gwen would support it all the way.

Books would be her other great love. She’d have a cozy little place just for reading. I feel like she would be into fantasy, like Lord of the Rings.

And movies. Gwen would introduce her to her favorite classics. Sundays would be theirs.

She’d be allowed to experiment with fashion, hair colors, and all forms of self-expression… but within reason.

Piercings, though? Gwen would make her wait until eighteen. Not because she disapproves, but because she knows how the world treats those who stand out. They’d have a real conversation about it. 

Gwen as a Boy Mom

She’d make sure her son knew it’s okay to express emotions. Unlike Duncan, who bottles everything up, Gwen wouldn’t let him get away with the whole “I don’t cry” act. 

She’s the kind of mom who can read his mood in two seconds and already knows when someone’s broken his heart, before he even says a word.

If he inherited Duncan’s rebellious streak, Gwen would be constantly on edge. She’d probably implement a ���one police call per year” rule. If he breaks it, and he’s grounded. No discussion.

The patience she’d have with her son? Honestly, admirable. But barely hanging by a thread.

If he got into sports, Gwen would be completely lost. She’d hate the whole scene but still show up, wearing the son's favorite team merch she half-understood. Probably only knows the team’s name and the mascot, and that’s pushing it.

I can totally see him going through an ice hockey phase. Turns out, he’s really good. He would be copying his favorite athletes. Gwen would be terrified he’d get hurt but can’t deny he’s having the time of his life.

Remember Gwen’s brother’s old Gibson Les Paul? Yeah, she gifted it to her son. Not that he plays it—it’s mounted on his wall. No one’s allowed to touch it. Everrr.

He’d definitely be into music. Specifically, producing. Super into the technical side. Spends hours locked in his room, hunched over a screen, mixing samples at annoying volumes.

Gwen has to knock on his door multiple times a week just to get him to turn it down. He always promises “five more minutes,” and then, it’s midnight 🤪

When it comes to lovers, he’d have a few. They’d hang out in his room, playing music, talking, laughing. Gwen wouldn’t interfere, but she’d keep one ear open at all times. Just in case.

He'd definitely have a sarcastic streak. Gwen would pretend to be annoyed, but secretly be proud of how quick-witted he is. Especially when he uses it to defend someone or shut down bullying. “Use your powers for good, not just to roast your uncle at dinner.”

Gwen would be the kind of mom who lets him paint his nails black, wear chipped eyeliner for fun, and experiment with style. She’s not even worried about people making fun of him. He’d snap at anyone who dared to laugh. That’s the Duncan genetics for you.

When he messes up, like reeeally messed up, Gwen doesn’t scream. That’s what makes it worse. She goes quiet, gives him that look, and says something like, “I’m not mad, but you can do better than this.” And somehow, that hits harder than any punishment.

They’d have weird traditions, like midnight gas station runs for snacks and deep talks in the car, or watching horror movies on rainy days. He's a big fan of the Saw franchise.

[animeweeb115]

[generational-atrophy]

Can I request something for China x reader? Yao has a crush on the reader, and he finds out that they're obsessed with pandas, and he takes Y/N to see and hug some pandas. Afterward, Y/N asks Yao if this was a date because they've had a crush on him for a long time.

Did I mention that I love pandas?

hetalia china taking reader to a panda sanctuary

1.1k words ~ gender neutral scenario

tw: none!

a/n: dont hug pandas in real life ): they are bears.

Yao was a man prone to overzealous spending and trips. The entire time you had known him, he'd been in and out of every country, indulging in extravagant expenses and experiences. It was hard not to become a little jealous, at some points, but he always made sure to buy something to send to you back at home. Sometimes golden jewellery and sweet perfumes, but most of the time, it was something related to pandas.

You had always loved pandas, a trait Yao loved. Pandas were always important to him and his culture, so he appreciates being around someone who appreciates them just as much as he does. It's stupid in retrospect, but he has to admit it's partly why he became so attached so fast.

The moment Yao showed you your ticket to Beijing, flying on his own private jet, you were like you were in a dream. You'd lived such a modest life, and now you were being given this opportunity for what? For being Yao's... well, Yao's something? That's it? It was almost guilt-inducing.

Now, a couple of days later, sitting in an expansive panda enclosure felt even more like a dream. Yao had always been given special privileges for some unknown reason, but this must be crossing some line somewhere.

But how are you supposed to think about anything when you're surrounded by pandas?

The instructor had given Yao a whole spiel before you two entered, but it wasn't like you could understand a single thing she had said. He chose to translate the entire speech very simply, ”Don't be mean, don't get too rough, don't pet them too much, and back off when something seems wrong.“

Simple enough. She didn't say anything about hugging them then.

As soon as you entered the enclosure, one panda immediately took to you two. Her name was simply Yangguang, and she was easily one of the cutest there.

She was a tad younger, around 4 years old, and still perfectly fluffy and chubby. Her eyes were like buttons, her pouched stomach barely hidden by her stubby legs, and her mouth permanently curled into a smile.

Although the other pandas bristled when they saw you and Yao, Yangguang had no problem being loved and hugged. Sure, her fur wasn't as soft as you wished it was, but it still felt like hugging a massive stuffed animal.

Like heaven on earth, she even leaned against you, basking in your unprompted affection. It was then that two more huge pandas lumbered up to you. Now you had three, adorable bears chirping at you, presumably wanting food.

As you pet them, all Yao could do was watch. He'd been here plenty of times, so it's not like he was desperate to hug them like you were. Plus, as much as he hated to admit it, seeing you have a good time made him just as happy as those pandas made you.

After about 30 minutes of overwhelming panda affection, including getting to watch them munch on some bamboo like the giant cuties that they are- Yao told you that your time was up.

So you were forced to dejectedly leave Yangguang alone in the forest once again, following behind Yao as the zookeeper went on and on about who knows what. It's always difficult to focus after a life-changing experience, and cuddling pandas for the first time definitely counts as that.

Eventually, the zookeeper leaves the two of you to your devices, and the overlook you were standing on is suddenly deserted except for Yao. Now it was quiet, except for the soft sounds of birds and distant crunching of grass under the panda's paws.

Looking over the enclosure, you were suddenly struck by how beautiful it was. The grass was a vibrant green, contrasted against the slender trees, all along the backdrop of a scenic valley. Mountains rose high above the two of you, almost giving you vertigo as you gazed upon the cloudy peaks.

”Do you like it here?“ Yao asks softly, looking over at you instead of the stunning surroundings.

”Yeah, it's- I don't know how to describe it. It's incredible. Thank you for taking me here, Yao. Really,” You respond quickly.

“You're always welcome back,”

“Really?”

“Yes, of course! Say the word and I'll bring you here. I promise.“

You break out into a wide smile, your eyes crinkling in the corners just the way Yao loved.

”You know, the lady said that Yangguang hasn't found a mate yet,“ He said after a peaceful moment.

”Really? Nobody?“

”Yes, it's very strange. No boys has shown any interest in her. Normally it's the other way around.”

That made you stay quiet even longer, thinking of all the failed romances of your past. Hurt, over and over again, and for what?

Every time you have feelings for someone, something goes wrong. That's why... that's why you and Yao were stuck in this uncomfortable stalemate. Maybe he knew your feelings, and that's why he's doing this. To let you down easy. Or maybe... it was something more?

“How could no one like her? She's so nice and cute,” You remark halfheartedly.

Yao, turns to you, leaning on the railing, ”That is what I was thinking.“

It was hard not to notice his cheeky smile, looking not unlike a panda himself.

“What?” You were forced to ask.

“I know another person who is nice and cute and yet doesn't think anyone likes them either,”

You felt your stomach drop a little, looking at him nervously. You took a deep breath, and asked, “Are you talking about me?”

Yao smiles, this time gently, ”Of course.“

All you can do is scoff and turn back to the enclosure, face just a little bit flushed. The silence between you two became deafening, drowning out the sounds of the forest.

After what seemed like forever, you were startled by the feeling of Yao's soft hand over yours.

”Will you be my Yangguang?“

You spun to face him, shocked at the question.

”What?“

He only smiled wider, “Will you be with me?”

“R-Romantically?” You sputter out, not believing your ears.

“What else?” He asks incredulously.

“I- Well- I- Yes!” You stutter.

Yao breathes out a sigh of relief, visibly deflating. He reaches out to brush aside a strand of your hair, looking at you just as you had looked at Yangguang earlier.

“Was this a good way to ask?”

“It was perfect.”

“Good. That's what you deserve. Perfection.”