Hey HapiFriends! Today is a day of imagination and creativity!

On March 23rd, 1857, Elisha Otis installed the first commercial passenger elevator in a New York City building, revolutionizing urban architecture and transportation. This invention allowed us to reach new heights, quite literally, making skyscrapers and vertical living possible.

Elisha Otis' ingenious invention has transformed cityscapes and modern life, enabling us to construct towering structures that stand as testaments to human ingenuity. It's a key factor in shaping the vibrant, bustling cities we know today.

Anyway, let's get into some uplifting news stories from across the globe! 👇

Quote of the Day 🗣

90-Year-Old Tortoise Becomes a Father of 3 🐢

The Houston Zoo announced that a 90-year-old radiated tortoise named Mr. Pickles and his 53-year-old partner, Mrs. Pickles, have welcomed three hatchlings, Dill, Gherkin, and Jalapeño. The births are significant because the radiated tortoise is a critically endangered species native to Madagascar, with their numbers in decline due to over-collection for illegal sales and a low reproduction rate.

A herpetology keeper at the zoo discovered Mrs. Pickles laying her eggs, which were then moved to the Reptile & Amphibian House as Houston's soil is unsuitable for the Madagascar native tortoises. The hatchlings will remain in the Reptile & Amphibian House until they are large enough to join their parents.

Fascinating Finds 🔍

🖼 Long-lost mural of George Washington is found

Historian Patricia E. Millen discovered a long-lost mural by George M. Harding depicting George Washington's crossing of the Delaware River in 1776; the artwork had been stored in a New Jersey state park basement for over 50 years. The Washington Crossing Park Association is raising $60,000 to restore the mural for display in a new visitor center being built for the 250th anniversary of America's founding in 2026.

📜 Couple work to unearth secrets of lost Mayan civilization

Using LiDAR technology, an airborne laser mapping system that can see through trees and reveal hidden spots that might otherwise have taken decades to discover, an American couple is unearthing the ancient Mayan city of Caracol in Belize, discovering insights that could inform future urban planning, such as walkability, green spaces, and effective resource distribution.

💰 $2 million in scholarships for Ukrainian students

Dickinson alumnus Sam Rose has provided $2 million for scholarships that will cover all costs for Ukrainian students affected by war, offering them a chance to receive a world-class education at Dickinson College, including tuition, textbooks, living expenses, and mentorship and internship opportunities.

🐕 Spain passes landmark animal welfare law

Spanish lawmakers have passed an animal welfare law, increasing prison sentences for animal mistreatment and implementing new regulations for pet owners. The law does not apply to farm animals, hunting dogs, or bullfighting.

Hapi Hits 😊

🚪 Doggy door training: Momma dog teaches puppy how to use the doggy door and it’s adorable

🐘 Elephant playtime: Baby elephant has fun playing around with a basketball and rolling around

🐶 Face only a doggy-mom can love: You simply can’t say no to the face this dog makes

HapiReview of the Day 🎉

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