I don’t have a single favorite, but every now and then a critter will become the subject of my latest ADHD hyperfixation. I remember thinking skunks were cool in 5th grade. They’re like badgers with chemical weapons. For the months leading up to getting my first guide dog I devoured stuff about dogs in general. I had always had pet dogs so it wasn’t a new subject, just a more intense interest.
For a while it was octopi, then parrots. For some time in 2015 or early 2016 it was possums, the US’s only marsupial.
Right now it’s monkeys. I used to think monkeys were gross and disturbing in an uncanny valley sort of way, so humanlike but not human at the same time. But I’ve taken a shine to orangutans. They’re quiet and introverted like me. Also new world monkeys like capuchins and woollies. Having a prehensile tail would be awesome.
I’ve seen that pic around and wondered if it was photoshopped. That nose looks really human. Anyway, now I know it’s a macaque taking a selfie.
Interesting tidbit from the wikipedia article,
(emphasis mine)
Wonder what that means for AI images.
Yes, actually, I think this law is what is responsible for recent rulings in the US, where it was found that AI generated art is not copyrightable.
Maybe we have this monkey to thank for setting that precedent. Forget Harambe this monkey is our true saviour.
I think in a vacuum I would have agreed with the photographer. They spent the time and effort to acquire the photo. But I suppose when making legal decisions you have to think about how it will affect other situations.
I also wonder how PETA thought the monkey could have possibly exercised its copyright on the image.