Recently scientists have announced the discovery of the true color of two dinosaurs.

One group of researchers used electron micrography to determine that Sinosauropteryx, a turkey-sized carnivore, had reddish-orange feathers and striped tail.

Another group of researchers determined that Anchiornis huxleyi, a chicken-sized dinosaur, had black and white wings and red crown – similar some woodpeckers. This group used scanning electron microscopes to study pigment samples from fossilized feathers.

To read more and see additional photos, visit National Geographic here and here.

The country of Ecuador is the home to many exciting animals, even ones no one knew existed! Recent exploration by U.S. and Ecuadorian researchers have found more than 30 new species. Among the new species is the scaly-eyed gecko, which, even when full-grown is small enough to sit atop the eraser of a pencil. These geckos crawl along the forest floor, making them difficult to spot.

Researchers worry that deforestation and global warming could wipe out many of Ecuador’s unique creatures.

To read more, and to see a complete list of the newly found species (including a frog with see-through skin!), visit National Geographic.com.

Many of you may be familiar with the story of Christian the lion, a YouTube sensation (and if you’re not, you really should see it). This Saturday, September 26 at 8pm ET/PT, the National Geographic Channel is showcasing several heartwarming stories about animal bonds, including the tale of Christian the lion, in its program, Unlikely Animal Friends.

The one-hour special will also feature an orangutan and a hound dog, a tortoise and a hippo, a cat and a crow, an elephant and a dog, and more.

Catch a sneak peak here:

For more info, see NationalGeographic.com