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TIL An elephant's memory is so good that it not only recognizes all the members of its own clan, but even other creatures who leave a strong impression on them. A pair of elephants who had performed in a circus together were able to recognize each other when they met again after 20 years.

1aRY4 TIL The flag of Bikini Atoll closely resembles the USA. It is a symbolic reminder of islanders' belief that a debt is owed by USA to their people, because the US government detonated the Castle Bravo hydrogen bomb on the island in 1954.
vPbA8 TIL The 1984 UK parliamentary by election in Chesterfield was contested by 17 parties as diverse as the acne party, the Elvisly yours party, the I am not a number party, the Welshman party, the monster raving looney party and the reclassify the Sun newspaper as a comic party.
69Apl TIL on average, about 330 people died in national parks each year, or roughly six people every week
9YGpm TIL the first proto-bicycle was invented because a huge volcanic eruption sent ash around the world, changed the climate, led to famine and disease, and ultimately resulted in the slaughtering of horses for food -- a new mode of transportation was needed to fill the void.
4aYN TIL of Erik Wolpaw, an employee at Valve that was sick for an extended period of time. Gabe Newell surprised him by offering an extended leave with pay. “Your job is to get better,” Newell said. “That is your job description at Valve. So go home to your wife and come back when you are better.”