Marike Stucke

Freelance Author

As a child, Marike Stucke always wanted to be a vet. Unfortunately, it soon turned out that she couldn't see blood - extremely unfavorable for her career aspirations. So she studied biology and became a journalist. Today she is able to live out her love for animals privately by riding horses and professionally by writing about pets for PETBOOK. Her dream is to one day set up an animal rescue center on the Canary Islands.

Beak Like a Shoe Eerie Sight! This Giant Bird Even Hunts Crocodiles

Have you heard of the shoebill? PETBOOK provides an overview of this bird with a beak like a shoe!

Risk in the Savanna Are Giraffes More Frequently Struck by Lightning?

Tall trees are at risk of being struck by lightning during thunderstorms. But are giraffes also more frequently struck by lightning?

When Every Minute Counts! Could You Recognize Gastric Torsion in Dogs?

A gastric torsion in dogs is always an emergency and requires immediate treatment. Here's how to recognize the symptoms and which breeds are particularly affected.

Whether it's an octopus, dolphin, or orangutan, many animals surprise us with abilities such as tool use, strategic thinking, or an exceptional memory.

Hard to Believe These Animals Are Much Smarter Than Most People Think

Which animal is the smartest and as intelligent as humans? PETBOOK provides an overview of the world's smartest animals.

Garden birds typically seek shelter quickly in the rain to avoid getting wet.

Suddenly Gone Why Birds Disappear When It Rains

PETBOOK explains how birds protect themselves from rain and how this behavior varies among different bird species.

Fresh grass, exercise, and companionship—for horses, the pasture is a paradise. However, plants that can seriously harm their health may also grow there.

Caution in the Pasture Plants Horse Owners Should Protect Their Animals From

Not all plants found in horse pastures are suitable for the large animals. Some are even toxic and can be deadly.

World's Largest Cat The Siberian tiger even hunts bears.

Only about 500 Siberian tigers now roam the far east of Russia and small parts of North Korea and China.

A cat shows clear signs of feline acne on its chin.

Itching & Inflammation Chin Acne: Causes and Treatment of Pimples in Cats

Unlike human acne, chin acne in cats does not have a hormonal cause. PETBOOK explains how to identify feline acne.

From Kitten to Senior How Much It Costs to Acquire and Care for a Cat

Consider the Financial Implications Before Getting a Pet: The Costs of Owning a Cat

Designer Dog Doodles Are So Yesterday—Have You Heard of the Whoodle?

The Whoodle is a hybrid dog that captivates not only with its curly appearance. It also requires proper grooming and plenty of exercise.

12 Ideas for People and Pets The Best Christmas Gifts for Cats and Cat Lovers

On December 24, cat lovers delight in receiving fitting gifts. Christmas presents for cats also bring joy to the pets themselves.

Myth Debunked Why Do We Still Believe Mice Eat Cheese?

Children are taught early on that cheese is a treat for mice and that they are even responsible for the holes in the cheese.

Snakes, Adders, Vipers The 7 Native Snake Species of Germany and How to Identify Them

Even in Germany, there are snakes—two of which are venomous. PETBOOK introduces and explains how to distinguish them.

Collage Featuring a Snail with Snail Bait (Circle) and a Dog and Cat on the Lawn

Danger in the Garden Slug Bait Can Be Deadly for Dogs and Cats

Slug Bait Protects Gardens but Can Be Deadly for Pets: What Owners Need to Know

A rabbit is showing clear symptoms of myxomatosis.

First Time Also in European Hares New Cases of Rabbit Plague in Germany! Pets Also at Risk

Myxomatosis is a serious disease, also known as rabbit plague. Rabbits or hares can become infected.

Attentive and Eager to Learn Why Siamese Cats Are Considered the Dogs of Cat Breeds

With its striking blue eyes and contrasting point coat pattern, the Siamese cat is one of the most distinctive cat breeds in the world.

Heart Attacks and Related Conditions These Are the Reasons Why Guinea Pigs Suddenly Die

Guinea pigs are popular pets because they are easy to keep and quickly become trusting. PETBOOK explains the reasons they suddenly die.

Gentle Giant Newfoundland – the Dog with Webbed Feet

Majestic in appearance, gentle in nature, and nearly unbeatable in the water—the Newfoundland is a true specialist among dog breeds.