The unlikely friendship between a Chihuahua and a postal carrier, Dan Larsen, has sparked a viral internet sensation, with a video of Frannie's love for Larsen receiving 1 million views in just days. The two dogs began meeting more than two years ago, when Frannie met Larsen outside the home of her owners, Lisa and Dwayne Laskey, in Hoffman Estates, IL. The friendship has been so strong that it has led to the nickname "FranDan," which has been coined. The pair's encounters are documented on social media for Frannieโs 730,000 followers, with Larsen reportedly getting along with all dogs on his route.
An unlikely friendship between an orphaned vervet monkey named William and a rescue kitten named Marble at the Twala Trust Animal Sanctuary in Zimbabwe has developed at the sanctuary, where William lost his mother and sought comfort and companionship from Marble, who was also recovering from trauma and the loss of her own mom. The sanctuary plans to integrate William into a troop of monkeys once he is older and stronger, and William's ultimate goal is to return to the wild. Watch the video above to see the unlikely friendship develop.
Jon Rossi, host of The Rossifari Podcast, has been playing drums with an elephant named Emily at the Buttonwood Park Zoo in New Bedford, Massachusetts. The pair first met in 2022 at the zoo and he had the idea to show Emily some of his drumming skills. Emily immediately understood the assignment and showed off her impressive talents. After a first encounter, which circulated online, Jon received many comments about not giving Emily a drum stick. He returned to Massachusetts to play drums with Emily again a few weeks ago, and she seemed keen to drum with her trunk. Jon is a touring musician, actor, and Music Director who visits zoos, aquariums, and conservation organizations while on the road.
A remarkable bond between two African penguins, named Penguin and Squid, was witnessed at the Birdworld in the UK. Despite her age of three, Squid struggles with cataracts, which clouds her vision and leaves her disoriented. Penguin, her steadfast friend, has taken on the role of her 'guide bird'. He guides Squid to food and offers reassurance with his presence. The staff at Birdworld observed the bond between the two animals, revealing a remarkable level of empathy and understanding.
Paintings made by rescued chimpanzees are set to be displayed at Miami's Art Basel art festival, with some pieces selling for as much as $10,000. The animals will collaborate with art-pop group The B-52s to create the artwork for their upcoming album covers. The sanctuary for animals rescued from laboratories, pet trade, and entertainment industry will display 15 pieces made by 16 chimpanzees this year. The works of art are now being sold at various locations, with prices ranging from $750 to $10k. All proceeds from the artwork sold this year will be donated to Save the Chimps.
Conservationists in Devon are using hairy Hungarian hogs to create habitat for the UK's most endangered butterfly, the High Brown Fritillary butterfly. The pigs are being used as โliving lawnmowersโ alongside English Longhorn cattle at a National Trust site on Exmoor, Devon. Wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation believes the animals will create ideal breeding conditions for the butterfly. Ellie Wyatt from the charity described the project as "incredibly exciting".
A stray dog mother, known as the mother dog, made a remarkable act of love and acceptance that saved the lives of her family and one tiny kitten. Despite her struggles to care for her four puppies and protect them from street life, she adopted a stray kitten and nursed them alongside her puppies. A kind-hearted woman who had been feeding the dog when she saw her mother scavenging for food, began to befriend her and began to gradually gain the trust of the dog. She then decided to intervene, transporting the family to a nearby animal shelter and caring for the kitten. The story of this unlikely family quickly spread, giving them a second chance at life. The bond between the dog and the kitten is a powerful reminder of the empathy and kindness that exist in the animal kingdom, often mirroring or surpassing the compassion seen in humans.
The story of Steve, a Border Collie, and Treacle, a baby foal, has been viewed as a testament to the magic of interspecies friendships. From their first encounter, Steve formed an unbreakable bond with Treacle. The video capturing their interactions has been watched globally and has been shared with viewers worldwide. The bond between Steve and Treacles is described as a pure and innocent connection that tugs at the heartstrings. Despite differences in species, Steve's dedication to Treacle never wavers, showing true friendship can transcend boundaries. The story has inspired many to look at the power of love and friendship in their own lives.
A viral video by Buitengebieden has been viewed as a real-life version of Disney's Bambi. The video shows a young deer and a playful rabbit interacting, engaging in playful antics. Since its posting on X, the video has received over 955k views and has been met with heartfelt reactions. Social media users compared the encounter to Disney characters, with many expressing joy and nostalgia at witnessing a real life version of their friendship.
The Greater Middletown Military Museum will host a screening of "Sgt Stubby โ American Hero", an animated film about a dog named Sgt. Stubby who joined his new master, Private Robert Conroy, of the 102d Infantry, while they were training in New Haven, Connecticut, and later accompanied him to the battlefields of the First World War. Sgt Stubby is still recognized as the most decorated dog in American history and one of the first military service dogs. This film is appropriate for all ages and a statue of Sgt.Stubby is located at the Middletsown Veteran's Park.
SAGINAW, MI โ Months after chewing off her own leg in a desperate bid to escape entanglement, a Saginaw dog is heading west for a fresh start. In couple of weeksโ time, the dog whose story went viral will be receiving the rehabilitation she needs amid the desert sands and red rock canyons of Utah. โThis is an absolutely wonderful thing to happen to Bella,โ said Saginaw County Animal Care and Control Director Bonnie Kanicki.
Author Jeffrey Miller has announced the release of his debut audiobook, The Rider: Help from an Unexpected Source, which highlights the power of hope, opportunity, and friendship in unexpected places. The Rider follows the life of a homeless man living in Manhattan who encounters a rat with extraordinary intelligence and compassion, saving him from a life on the streets. The book is available for purchase on Audible.com, Google Play, or wherever books are sold. The author's message is that one does not need to be great to do good and that help may come from unexpected sources.
Chinese police dog Fu Zai, known for his short legs, wide grin and wagging tail, has become a social media sensation with his unique attributes and skills in bomb searching. Despite being listed as a reserve police dog, he still carries a significant workload and is capable of crawling under vehicles or entering narrow indoor spaces by taking advantage of his short leg and body shape. Fu Zia debuted at an open day event at a police camp in Weifang and has been praised for his performance.
Niall Harbison, the CEO of Happy Doggo, rescued an obese dog named Cindy Crawford from death in Thailand a year ago. The stray dog could barely walk, had hair falling out and was covered in sores. After being taken in, doctors discovered that she was suffering from a thyroid issue and advised Harbisson to slow her recovery. After five months of careful training and medication, Cindy was able to begin running and her recovery was taken over by her current owner and personal trainer, Lana. She dropped her weight to 62 pounds and improved her skin in seven months. Cindy is now showing signs of major confidence and is the picture of good health.
Pekingese Pekingese named Wild Thang, owned by Ann Lewis of North Bend, Oregon, won the title at the 2024 Worldโs Ugliest Dogยฎ Contest. This marks Wild Thag's fifth time participating in the contest, a testament to his charm and resilience. Despite numerous challenges, including surviving a distemper as a puppy, Wild Than has emerged victorious to raise awareness about pet vaccinations. He also received a share of $10,000 in cash prizes from MUGยฎ Root Beer, a new sponsor of the contest. In second place and third-place, Rome, a 14-year-old Pug from Rohnert Park, California, took home the "People's Choice" award.
Westchester County Department of Emergency Services dog, Phoenix, has been awarded a national designation as a certified First Responder Therapy Dog. The dog and handler, Samantha Stretz-Fejes, have been training tirelessly to support the emotional health and wellness of first responders in Westchester County. The decision was made in response to the stresses and emotional challenges faced by first responders on their jobs. This is the second time Phoenix has received national recognition, with the American Kennel Club giving him its Canine Good Citizen award and the AKC Novice Trick Dog title.
A Delaware teacher, Brooke Hughes, has started a puppy therapy program at Hanby Elementary School in Hanby, using foster puppies to improve students' reading skills. The program was inspired after Hughes began fostering puppies during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Since then, she has introduced over 50 foster puppies from Rags 2 Riches Animal Rescue in Garnet Valley, Pennsylvania into the school's classrooms. Students and their parents sign up to care for the puppies, and Rags2 Riches provides financial costs and necessities for the care and necessities a puppy needs. The puppies also get adopted within a couple of weeks. Hughes has reported various benefits for her 6-year-olds taught, including an increase in reading scores from fall to winter.
A puppy left abandoned on the streets after being abandoned, named Jeff, has undergone a remarkable transformation after being adopted. Initially found in a poor condition, with its skin completely covering its body, Jeff was so weak that he could barely stand. After being adopted by new owners who provided medical care, good food, and innovative support using lollipop sticks as leg braces, Jeff made a remarkable recovery. The transformation was shared on Reddit, a community dedicated to showcasing the remarkable recoveries of rescued animals.
Stamford Health's Facility Dog, Harrison, has been promoted to Chief Puppy Officer at Stamford Health, marking National Dog Day. Harrison was introduced to Stamford Health from Precision Canine, a nonprofit organization that trains puppies to be service dogs and places them around the country. The promotion was celebrated at a special event at Half Full by Third Place in Stamford, where Harrison was given a new vest to commemorate his new title. Harrison, who has met all of his Key Puppy Goals (KPGs) in the year since he was hired, is known for his unique impact on patients and staff alike. He currently works up to 40 hours a week and has shifts in inpatient rehabilitation, behavioral health, pediatrics, the Bennett Cancer Center and the emergency department at Stamford health. Harrison's handler, Cindy Tanacea, described him as "amazing" and "lovable facility dog."
The SPCA of Brevard has announced its โPuppygramsโ fundraiser for Valentineโs Day surprise gifts. The fundraiser allows for a surprise visit from an adorable foster puppy delivered to a home, workplace, or any location of their choice. The puppies will be delivered to recipients with unconditional love and affection. All proceeds from the fundraiser go directly to supporting and caring for animals under the care of the SPCa ofBrevard. The delivery date and time are limited.
A shelter puppy named Josie, who was enlisted to help students in a first-grade classroom at Hanby Elementary School in Pennsylvania, has found a home after a successful foster program led by teacher Brooke Hughes. The Foster Tales Puppy Therapy Program, which brings puppies from shelters across the area to schools and businesses to support social and emotional health, uses puppies to teach students about empathy, responsibility, and compassion. Josie was part of a litter of five puppies brought to Rags 2 Riches Animal Rescue in Pennsylvania a month ago and quickly bonded with the students. Hughes believes that having foster puppies in the classroom significantly aids mental health and social development. The program's track record shows that 60 puppies have been adopted through the classroom.
A Tamil Nadu Forest Department officer, Supriya Sahu, shared a remarkable story about a heroic rescue and rehabilitation operation involving a sick mother elephant and her three-month-old calf. The team from the Tamil Nadu forest department lifted the mother elephant from the ground using a crane and kept her supported for three days while receiving treatment. The calf was able to join its herd and other elephants in the nearby forest visited the mother at night, which helped her regain her strength. After intensive treatment, the mother was strong enough to be released back into the wild and is now being monitored for her well-being. The post has received over 136k views and numerous reactions, with many expressing admiration and gratitude for the team's dedication and hard work.
Bird breaks world record by flying 8,435 miles without stopping. Guinness World Records announced a juvenile bar-tailed godwit broke the record for the longest non-stop migration by a bird when it flew 8,435 miles from Alaska to Tasmania, Australia.
The Mare and Foal Sanctuary in Newton Abbot, Devon, is using a horse mannequin brought for donations to train for complex animal rescues. The mannequan, named Max, can be used to demonstrate the safest way to recover larger animals from dangerous situations. Dawn Vincent, director of fundraising and communications, said Max the manenequin is fully operable with realistic joint and muscle articulation, muscle definition and a similar weight to a real horse.
Daisy Mae, a 14-year-old mixed-breed dog from Lafayette, won third place in the World's Ugliest Dog Contest at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma. In addition to bragging rights, Daisy also won a $2,000 cut from $10,000 in prize money provided by MUG Root Beer. The contest organizers praised Daisy's unconventional looks and her determination to overcome adversity and find true beauty.
Rush University doctors performed the first of its kind surgery in Chicago to remove a malignant tumor from a monkey. This is the first time doctors have been able to identify and treat the endangered species with this type of oral cancer. The zoo's director of veterinary medicine, Dr. Kathryn Gamble, consulted with the Director of Rush's Head and Neck Cancer Program, Doctor Kerstin Stenson, and performed two surgeries over the past 18 months. Zhang is now cancer-free and the successful surgery means more langurs can be saved with early detection.
National Geographic has produced a new series called "Secrets of the Octopus" to celebrate Earth Day. The series explores the remarkable cognitive, behavioral, and physiological traits of octopuses, presenting groundbreaking discoveries that enhance our understanding of their lives. It is directed by Paul Rudd and produced by James Cameron, with a significant portion of the series dedicated to capturing behaviors never before filmed, including their unique reproductive strategies and their ability to "think" with their arms. The show also highlights the evolution of the species' genetic makeup in response to environmental challenges, highlighting their adaptability and evolutionary ingenuity. Dr. Alex Schnell, a National Geographic Explorer, shared her most surprising behaviors in the series, including a coconut octopus that was threatened by an angry shrimp.
Fat Bear Week celebrates the bulky bruins of Alaska. Katmai National Park & Preserve's annual Fat Bear Week has arrived, with fans of bulky bruins being called upon to vote for their favorite of the park's hibernation-preparing residents.
In Ku-ring-gai Council, New South Wales, Australia, a concerned animal advocate, Dr. Tracey Russell, discovered that many possums were falling victim to busy roadways and asked for a safer way for them to cross. With help from Dr. Nigel Weston, the team designed two rope bridges and installed them over a busy highway in hopes that local wildlife would use them. Remote solar-powered cameras revealed that many of these animals regularly used the bridge, with some navigating inside or on top, ensuring safe passage over the road. The success of these projects is a reminder that community members can create innovative solutions to the welfare of local wildlife.
Cats are known for their independent ways, but sometimes they often form surprising friendships with other animals. These five stories share their experiences, showing that true friendship can occur in the most unlikely places. Mango the parrot and Ponzu the cat, despite initial concerns about their compatibility, quickly became close friends. Billo the cat and Avni the monkey formed a deep and comforting bond after Avni was introduced to Billo's home, becoming a surrogate mother for Avni. Galaxy the cat became a nurturing role with Bernie the baby rat following her mother's lead. A compilation video shows a three-year friendship between Timo and a koi fish. These stories remind us that friendship comes in many forms, and sometimes the most surprising friendships are the most special. Support One Green Planet's mission is to keep the platform free and independent.
Hufflepuff, a therapy courtroom dog from Las Vegas, is set to embark on a cross-country promotional tour to promote the wider use of certified therapy dogs in courtrooms. The goal is to give certified therapy dog full access to courtrooms through the non-profit Courtroom Critters. The tour will take place across the country, with proceeds from the public creating a painted canvas of Hufflepuff's paw.
The Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe (HSTT) has witnessed a remarkable transformation of Greta the Great, a stray found as a stray in early 2023 and later adopted by the San Francisco Animal Care and Control (SFACC). Despite no one came forward to claim Greta, HSTT found her and transferred her to HSTt in February. She was transferred to the Humane Society and placed her with a placement that could harness her exceptional abilities. Greta's story was shared on social media by a volunteer from the Search Dog Foundation (SDF), who recognized her exceptional drive, athleticism, and keen focus. She underwent extensive training at SDFโs National Training Center in Santa Paula, Calif., where she excelled in numerous tests, including searching rubble, heeling off-lead and emergency stops. She graduated from the program and became a national search dog by springtime this year.
Peggy, a six-year-old Pug-Chinese Crested mix, was once crowned Britain's ugliest dog and is now starring as Dogpool in the film, Deadpool & Wolverine. Her unique appearance has attracted a cult following, with her owner, Holly Middleton, championing her unique beauty and charm. After winning the title, she began to rise on BBC Breakfast and gained a dedicated following on Instagram, sharing relatable moments that resonated with fans. Her online presence attracted Ryan Reynolds, who saw in her as the perfect embodiment of the irreverent spirit of Deadpool. She has also become an integral part of the Marvel & Wolverine universe, sharing screen with Hollywood's biggest stars. Her journey to stardom is a testament to the power of individuality and the appeal of an underdog story.
In a remarkable display of canine heroism, trained dogs are saving lives at Levante beach in southern Spain. The specially trained Labradors and Newfoundlands are assisting in rescue operations, using their skills such as towing, swimming endurance, and current-detection skills. Equipped with specially designed life vests, the dogs patrol the beach alongside their handlers and accompany them on jet skis and rescue boats to ensure beach safety. This unique approach to beach safety has proven effective and demonstrates how animals can play a crucial role in lifesaving operations.
Team USAโs gymnastics squad is using a four-year-old golden retriever named Beacon to promote the importance of mental health in their efforts to reduce tension and anxiety. Beacon, a fully accredited and trained therapy dog, is a vital part of the team's mental health strategy, providing support to top gymnasts such as Simone Biles, Jordan Chiles, Suni Lee, and Jade Carey. His training includes techniques to recognize signs of anxiety and respond appropriately, making him an exceptional resource for the gymnastics team. The use of therapy animals in sports reflects a trend that reflects a growing awareness of the importance mental health. Research has shown that interacting with a well-trained therapy animal can enhance emotional resilience and overall well-being for athletes, which can improve performance and ability to handle the pressures of competition.
Look: New York zoo hosts first successful elephant twin birth in U.S. A New York zoo said an Asian elephant at the facility became the first in the United States to successfully give birth to healthy twins.
Researchers from the University of Waterloo have developed man-made turtle 'homes' from moss and lichen in Georgian Bay, Ontario, to protect the endangered species. These habitats were designed to mimic the natural conditions of turtles, which often occur in rocky terrain. The habitats were crafted from materials that retain moisture and provide a stable temperature for egg incubation. They were strategically placed to reduce the need for long journeys by turtles and reduce road mortality and predation. The innovative habitats also addressed another challenge in turtle conservation, the temperature-dependent sex determination of hatchlings. The use of these materials ensures that the environmental impact of the nesting sites is minimized. This innovative conservation initiative can be replicated in similar rocky terrains across Canada, the United States and beyond.
Waltonwood senior living communities are hosting "Seniors Helping Seniors" events throughout August to help older pets find homes for retirement. The events are part of Waltonwood's national adoption campaign, which runs until Sept. 10. The company is also covering the older animals's adoption fees so there are fewer barriers for prospective pet owners. Waltonwood was motivated to assist older shelter animals after learning that they stay four times longer in shelters than younger animals and only about 25% of the senior pets in shelters get adopted each year.
Mouse at San Diego Zoo believed to be world's oldest at 9 years old. Officials with the San Diego Zoo said it is seeking Guinness World Records recognition for a Pacific pocket mouse believed to be the oldest in the world at the age of 9.
New Children's Book "Theodore, The Sloth Who Wants to Race" is about chasing big dreams, friendship, and defying expectations. The book, written by Dr. Sam and J.L. McCreedy, features a 40-page adventure with Theodore, a two-toed sloth with a dream to become a champion sprinter. With vivid illustrations and lively rhyming prose, the book delivers an empowering message for children that your dreams are worth chasing. The story is suitable for group story time or solo reading, educators will appreciate the fun and educational content included at the end. Both paperback and hardcover editions are available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, plus an Audible audiobook and a Kindle version.
A viral video featuring a man who effortlessly captures a snake in a bottle has been viewed over 17 million times on social media. The video, shared by the Internet Hall of Fame page on X, shows the man's skill and composure as he calmly handles the snake. Despite initially appearing daunting, the man handled the task with ease and even touched the snake with his bare hands. He guided its tail into the jar, followed by its head, before sealing the cap. Users have praised his skill and expertise in handling the potentially dangerous reptile, and some believe he is a trained snake-catcher. The footage has also sparked conversations about the importance of snake handling and has been lauded globally.
Michigan man's cat officially named tallest in the world. A Michigan man's 18.83-inch tall pet was awarded the Guinness World Records title of the tallest living domestic cat.
Sea Life London Aquarium has named its newest penguin, Daley, after Olympic champion diver Tom Daley. The penguin will have its wings decorated with a gold band as a tribute to Daley's achievements. The tourist attraction has also given Daley a knitted penguin toy inspired by his hobby of knitting. Sea Life aims to raise awareness about wildlife conservation by using gentoo penguins as "ambassadors" for species threatened by climate change and human activity.
A life-sized โcow lampโ appeared outside the Houses of Parliament in Westminster to draw attention to the potential of livestock poo being used as a renewable energy source. Passers-by took a double take at the unusual replica of a Victorian sewer lamp connected to a cow in central London. The sculpture was intended to symbolise the untapped potential of biogas, which is derived from cow poo and food waste, as a way to turn nearly 91 million tonnes of manure and slurry into eight billion cubic metres of biomethane. The UK government has announced a major new strategy to deliver energy security and net zero, with a nationwide strategy for anaerobic digestion of farm and food Waste.
The SPCA animal shelter in Adams County, Pennsylvania, has been completely empty for the first time in 47 years, according to the Adams County animal shelter. The shelter, which was filled with cats and dogs two weeks ago, is now almost completely empty, except for a stray cat. The SPCa staff and volunteers have credited the community for adopting out nearly 600 animals and reuniting 125 strays with their owners this year. The clearing of the shelter allows the rescue to pull animals from other shelters across the state to relieve stress and save lives. The Adams County SPCAs hopes to continue their mission in 2024.
A video showing a turtle riding a mini-skateboard on a floor, while a cat watching in disbelief has gone viral, capturing viewers worldwide. The video shows a slow, deliberate turtle moving across the floor, with a cat sitting nearby observing the unusual sight. The contrast between the turtle's movements and the cat's expression has resonated with viewers, who have shared the video thousands of times across various social media platforms. The interaction between the two animals offers a contrast, highlighting the diverse ways animals interact with each other. Animal videos have a way of providing a universal source of amusement and entertainment across different cultures. The appeal of animal videos is not limited to this video, but each offers something unique, surprising behavior.
The St. George wellness center in Staten Island, New York, has organized the first miniature horses therapy at ArchCare Senior Life in February 2019. The animals, named Aidan and Pearl, will return to the center on June 27 for their emotional support and comfort. The success of the first visit led to a resurgence in the program, with no restrictions on the COVID-19 pandemic. The Carl V. Bini Memorial Fund, sponsor of the event, established in memory of a New York City firefighter who died on 9/11, aims to build up the Staten Island community through charitable efforts.
LVMPD's peer support dog, Jimmy, celebrated his birthday with a celebration across the valley. The dog was donated to LVMPDโs Wellness Bureau by The Engelstad Foundation and Healing Hearts to help officers recover from traumatic incidents. In his one year, Jimmy has made hundreds of appearances with the department, from the communications center to internal affairs, police academies, and retiree breakfasts. To contribute to his care, visit behindtheblue.org.
A family from South Carolina drove six hours from South to meet and adopt dog Diesel after seeing a video by the Humane Educational Society in Chattanooga. The video, which featured shelter dogs picking their own Christmas gifts from donated toys, went viral after being posted on social media. It had over 16 million views on Instagram, 14 million hits on Facebook, and over 3 million views online. The adoption led to a six-hour adoption.
This week's Be Remarkable episode travels to Temple, Texas, where Lisa Kathan, a woman who pioneered an animal rescue mission unlike any other, named Lisa, has been recognized for her dedication to animal rescue. Her organization, Pearls Place, takes in dogs that are likely to be euthanized, in hospice or be hit by cars, or have skin issues. The award was given to Claudia Yanez and team at Daniel Stark Injury Lawyers who nominated Lisa for the award. If you know someone who is truly remarkable, nominate them at www.kwtx.com/BeRemarkable.
The residents of Emerald Place, an assisted living community in Glenview, Illinois, will be participating in a campaign to promote animal adoption at a local animal shelter. The residents will deliver handcrafted bandanas to encourage animal adoption. The event will take place at 2 p.m. at Border Tails Rescue, 2975 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook. Latisha Coolidge, life engagement director for Emerald Place said that many of the seniors are lifelong animal lovers and are excited to meet new furry friends.
The SPCA Albrecht Center's commitment to shelter pets continues beyond adoption. In March, Ranch, a shelter dog who had waited over 500 days for a permanent home, was adopted but left with a temporary home in Michigan. Seth, our Adoption & Foster Coordinator, volunteered to make a 1,800-mile round trip to bring Ranch back to our shelter. The SPCAs shared Ranch's story on Facebook, asking for donations to cover Seth's journey, which led to an overnight outpouring of support. The response to the post was overwhelmingly supportive. One of the Adoption Application's requirements: Not to sell or give away an animal if I no longer intend to keep it.
Beloved 'Kitty Hall' adoption event returns after pandemic pause. SEATTLE, December 13, 2022 - After a three-year pandemic paws, the Seattle Animal Shelter's 'Kitty Hall' adoption event made a roaring return, giving cats and kittens a chance to find a home for the holidays.
Pet weddings are on the rise in China as the population declines and marriage and birth rates remain low. The popularity of pets and increased willingness to spend on them are driving this trend. In 2023, spending on furry companions rose 3.2% to 279.3 billion yuan (RM181bil) from the previous year, industry figures show. As of 2023 there were over 116 million cats and dogs in urban China, if distributed evenly across the population, roughly one in eight Chinese people own a cat or a dog. Rye Ling and his girlfriend, Gigi Chen, meticulously planned the canine ceremony for months, arranging professional photographers, designing wedding booklets and ordering a custom-made cake. Yang Tao, whose pet bakery prepared the cake, predicts more dog weddings.
The American Museum of the House Cat in Jackson County, North Carolina, houses thousands of cat-themed items collected over decades. The museum was founded by Dr. Harold Sim and has hosted over 35,000 people since its opening in 2023. It features paintings, statues, music, pinball machines, and live kittens. Proceeds from the museum go towards Sim's Catman 2 Shelter in Cullowhee. Sim hopes to get the museum accredited and make it the official Museum of The American House Cat.
The longest-staying cat at a rescue centre has found a new home after receiving offers from as far as the USA. After an appeal earlier this month, the charity was inundated with offers, including one from across the pond. "Zara didn't really fancy travelling that far though and we're over the moon that she's settled in only a few miles up the road with her wonderful new family, Carl and Clare and their two children," Ms Rogers said. Mrs Jones said: "Zara is enjoying her new life with us and has definitely got her paws under the table.
Retired Idaho man, Kelly Kelly, has turned election campaign signs into cat shelters by turning them into animal shelters. The idea came to him from a friend in politics, who suggested the idea. Pilot Pen awarded Kelly $1,000 for his efforts. The cost of the shelters is $1 million.
The Queen City Cat Lounge in Burlington, Vermont, is set to open by late July. The founders aim to provide a remote workspace for cats and humans, with eight to ten rescue cats ready for adoption living in the lounge. The lounge will provide enrichment for the animals until they find a home. Founder Kristina Madarang Stahl and co-founder Kristina O'Brien hope to open the lounge by late summer.
The Puppy Bowl, celebrating its 20th year, will feature 131 puppies, including 13 from Connecticut. The longest-running call-to-adoption television event will showcase puppies from Team Ruff and Team Fluff as they compete for the โLombarkyโ trophy. The event also highlights the work of rescues and shelters across the country. Puppy bowl XX will take place on February 11 at 2 p.m. on Animal Planet.
Ypsilanti-area elementary schoolers are receiving a puppy for their school, Brick Elementary School, after extensive fundraising efforts. The Lincoln Consolidated School Board unanimously approved a proposal to get the school's own therapy dog. The student council raised the majority of the $6,000 needed to purchase the dog and cover veterinary bills and insurance, with community members' donations contributing the remaining costs. The dog will be used to calm emotionally distressed students and help children with special education needs in areas of communication, engagement and sensory issues. The district will purchase the puppy from Joshua Perry, a school resource officer in Adrian Public Schools who trains therapy dogs for schools. Therapy dogs are shown to have a positive effect on students by providing emotional comfort and fostering a sense of calmness.
A homeless man in Bandra, Mumbai, has been praised for his selfless act of kindness towards a stray dog. The man, who was unsure when he would have a meal, provided milk and dog food for the dog, despite uncertain circumstances and uncertain future plans. The video was shared by influencer Saad Khan and quickly went viral. The act of generosity was a powerful reminder of moments of pure love that can still be found amidst daily life.
The Vegas Golden Knights are adding a new addition to the team, a puppy named a seven-week-old male Yellow Labrador Retriever. The team has partnered with America's VetDogs to raise a future service dog, which will be trained to be attached to a United States veteran or first responder with disabilities. The puppy will spend 16 to 18 months undergoing basic training and socialization with Golden Knights players, staff and fans. Once trained, the pup will be able to be adopted by the Knights' foundation. The Knights are asking fans to help identify the puppy's name.
The Great Elephant Migration, a traveling art exhibit featuring 100 life-sized elephant statues, will be displayed throughout Newport, Rhode Island, starting on July 4 and August. The exhibit encourages humans to share space, particularly helping non-profit organizations that are indigenous-led. Proceeds from elephant sculpture sales will benefit Save The Bay, which will also fund initiatives to remove invasive reeds from local salt marshes. The elephants were handcrafted by a community of 200 indigenous artisans from India's Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The public art display aims to develop and host a series of city-wide visual arts presentations in Newport.
The Great Elephant Migration is coming to Newport, RI, with an art exhibit featuring 100 life-sized elephant statues on display along the Cliff Walk. The exhibit aims to raise millions of dollars to support human-wildlife coexistence projects and protect migratory animals. The funds raised through donations and selling elephant sculptures. Each elephant is paired with a conservation non-profit benefiting from the proceeds of sculpture sales. The sale of elephants will benefit Save the Bay's efforts to remove invasive reeds found in local salt marshes.
The Great Elephant Migration began in Newport, RI on July 1 with the debut of 100 life-sized Asian elephants. The elephants were made by members of the Coexistence Collective, a group of 200 Indigenous artisans from the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The herd was produced from the Lantana camara, a toxic, invasive plant that has pushed elephants and other wildlife closer to humans. The exhibition and tour aims to showcase the cultural perspective of human-elephant coexistence and show that conservation is as much a mindset as a management plan. The animals can be seen through September 2, 2024 on the Cliff Walk.
Vantara, a first-of-its-kind initiative in India, came to the rescue of an elephant named Motiprasad who arrived at the facility with severe injuries to his legs, ears, and trunk from multiple spear wounds. The initiative, led by Anant Ambani, aims to be one of the leading contributors to conservation efforts globally and has converted a sprawling space within Relianceโs Jamnagar Refinery Complex in Gujarat into a jungle-like environment designed for the rescued species. Despite initial hurdles, Vantara's team managed to provide care for Motipraad from a distance using innovative techniques such as Bosch car washer cleaning, bamboo sticks applying ointment, and oral medications. Despite persistent hind leg limping due to deep pain, nerve tonic injections were introduced to improve his gait. Within three months, his wounds healed completely, enabling him to walk normally. Vantar's journey exemplifies the power of dedicated care and medical intervention in facilitating recovery from severe injuries.
The Elephant Family USA, a nonprofit group dedicated to protecting Asian wildlife, will host a temporary art exhibition in Newport, R.I. starting in July, featuring 100 life-sized, "migrating" elephant statues in several green spaces in the city of Newport, Rhode Island. The exhibition, titled "The Great Elephant Migration," aims to promote the coexistence of humans and wildlife. Each elephant is crafted by indigenous Indian artisans and will be on display for a year. The exhibit is set to be held at various locations throughout the country and will include landmarks like Rough Point, The Breakers, Salve Regina University, and Great Friends Meeting House. The elephants will be dispersed through lawns at popular destinations such as Rough Point. The display's installation and maintenance cost will be covered by Elephant Family.
A rare white dolphin was spotted swimming with a regular gray-colored bottlenose dolphin near the Clearwater Causeway in Florida. A boater captured the rare sighting on their cell phones. The discovery was shared by WFLA viewer Alanah Carew.
A record-breaking day of Gray Whales sightings occurred off the coast of Orange County, California, on Wednesday, with 25 sightings across six different trips. On the Ocean Adventure vessels, travelers saw 13 different gray whales, with three to seven whales encountered on each trip. The last wave of gray whales arriving will be those of their mothers with their babies, according to Donna Kalez, general manager of Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching. The event was described as a "magical time" for spring break where gray whales on their northbound migration take a break and "vacation."
On cam: Friends pull horse from frozen lake. Grantsburg, Wisconsin, residents worked together to rescue a horse who fell through thin ice after escaping from his pen.
Evergreen Elementary student Kane, ten, was born missing his femur and ankle bones and underwent surgeries and several prosthetics. He now attends physical therapy at Shriners for Children Medical Center in Pasadena and works with Blue Moon, a pony from the non-profit Mini Therapy Horses program. The school's Principal Dr. Gabriel Cardenas praised Kane's dedication and love, setting him apart as a beacon of positivity in the community. Kane is now running around using a prosthetic and dreaming of becoming a basketball player. His story was featured on Fox 11 News.
On this week's Good Life List, Mia Fleming explores the possibility of cuddling cows as a way to improve your mental health with these animals. The article suggests that animals have traditionally been used to provide comfort and happiness for people, but this is a new approach. This week, Fleming found a place with animals that are receiving attention for their size, cuteness, and potential wellness benefits.
In a medical first, doctors transplanted a pig heart into a patient in a last-ditch effort to save his life and a Maryland hospital said Monday that he's doing well three days after the highly experimental surgery.
Daniel, a young man studying to be a vet in the state of Paranรก, Brazil, has been making videos of him singing to Jennifer the goat and dancing with his chicken, Jubnelson. The videos show the tenderness of these animals, with Jennifer listening to Daniel sing while chewing and nuzzling up against him to show her appreciation. Daniel's social media indicates that he has a way with animals and is known for his love of animals.
But with almost 20 months of covid travel restrictions in place, several different species of sea turtles have returned to nesting around Phuket, an ultra-popular beach destination before the pandemic. Between October 2020 and February 2021, 18 nests of leatherback turtles -- which can grow up to 400 kilograms as an adult and are the largest species of sea turtles -- were found in Phuket. "The pandemic may offer sea turtles a welcome break," Thon Thamrongnawasawat from Kasetsart University in Bangkok said. Up until a few decades ago, eating turtle eggs was a common custom in Thailand, but gathering them was banned by the Thai government in 1982.
Longview's bridge for squirrels has been a Washington attraction for over 60 years and has inspired a community celebration, the summertime Squirrel Fest. This summer's festival will be a celebration of good samaritanship for all ages. Learn more about the quirky and charming attraction at Nutty Narrows.
An orphaned, wounded sea otter pup, rescued off the Alaskan coast in November, is making his Chicago debut at the Shedd Aquarium. The pup, who has grown to around 20 pounds and fully weaned from formula, is now able to eat clams and learn how to open them. His rehabilitation included weeks of work behind the scenes, but he quickly settled in at the Abbott Oceanarium and quickly dove to the bottom of the 16-foot-deep habitat foraging for food. Since his arrival, the pup has been mastering important skills such as grooming and maintaining their coat of fur. His next step is to meet other rescued otters. The Shedd will update the public on his development and a future name will be announced soon.
Conservationist and herpetologist Sara Horwitz, aka "The Snake Lady," has been nominated for the PAWSitively Good Awards for her role in educating kids about snakes and breaking down misconceptions about them. Horwitz explains why people shouldn't fear snakes and explains that people should not fear them.
The Regional Veterinary Hospital in Kadapa, India, saved the life of a critically injured cobra brought to the hospital by a snake catcher. The Deputy Director of the Veterinary Hospital, K. Rangaswamy, discovered that the cobra was injured by a sharp iron object and a piece remained in its body, causing severe internal injuries and a protrusion of intestines. He carefully repositioned the displaced intestines and sutured the wounds. The hospital staff, including interns, farmers, cattle, and puppy breeders, assisted in the treatment. The reptile will be released back into the wild once its recovery is complete.
The Clifford family is sharing their journey with Terrance the octopus and her many babies on TikTok. The family recently shared an update for their "Octo-Nation" of fans and revealed that they have enlisted an intern to help care for all the babies. The update also included sad news that not all of the babies survived, but the family is in contact with many universities and organizations interested in rehoming them. The joy Terrance is spreading is attracting TikTokers worldwide, with over 400,000 followers enjoying updates. The updates also reveal that the family has chosen not to rehome any babies to private owners to avoid romanticizing their caretaking.
A monarch butterfly landed on the nose of a dog named Olive, posing for her friend at her home in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, when a monarch butterfly was mid-flight. The photo was taken by Keri Godfrey, who was able to capture this adorable photo thanks to Olive's willingness to sit still for her new friend. High-resolution images are being featured on Patch. Please submit high-resolution photos that reflect the beauty and fun of Orange County and show off your unique talents.
A University of Central Missouri parade featuring 50 people riding mules down a road set a Guinness World Record, the school announced.
Ecologists at Mt Gibson Wildlife Sanctuary in Australia have discovered the first batch of rare Polka-Dotted Babies, a rare breed of marsupial mammals known as western quolls. The animals, which play a significant role in controlling populations of small invertebrates, were reintroduced to the sanctuary in an area where they were formerly extinct. This discovery is seen as a positive sign that the reintroduction of these species is working. The Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) has also transported a group of quolls cross-country in an effort to help them thrive more widely. So far, the efforts have been successful, with the population showing promising signs of successful breeding.
The article discusses the unconditional bond between pet parents and their pets, highlighting the true essence of friendship. Meet Arjit Pattnaik, a class 9 student from Rasulgarh area in Bhubaneswar, who shares an unconditional bond with his horse Tuff and dog Mac. Raj Kamal Singh, a pet parent to three horses and four dogs, also shared his love and affection for his animals. Despite a severe health condition and a busy schedule, Singh remains devoted to his animal friends.
Residents of St Pauls Care Centre in London experienced a remarkable day of joy and connection, with their wish granted to interact with ponies. The visit was part of Westgate Healthcareโs Make a Wish initiative, and the Activities team arranged for two ponies, Winston and Trinity, to visit the centre. The ponies, who are specially trained for therapeutic visits and wear special protected shoes and pouches to ensure resident safety at all times, were seen as a major boost in residents' spirits. The event was also attended by team members and families, who were moved by the positive energy and emotional responses observed. Therapy animals, including ponies, have been recognized for their ability to provide emotional support, reduce anxiety, and improve physical health.
Senior Concerns' Adult Day participants have been given special visitors to miniature horses, Romeo and Ziggy, who have been seen as having a special effect on them. The horses' trainer, Sanaa Pharayra Stables, believes that animals are healing because they demonstrate a natural, intuitive existence. Pet therapy or animal-assisted therapy can have many benefits for all, including physical, emotional and cognitive improvements for older adults. It can help reduce loneliness and depression, increase feelings of purpose and belonging, and also reduce the effects of dementia. Studies have shown that seniors who experience pet therapy have higher confidence and self-esteem, improved social skills, and an increase in empathy, caring and gentleness. Actress and film maker Daryl Hannah Hannah, an avid horse person, adopted Romeo two years ago when he needed a new home after his owner passed away. Hannah also adopted Ziggy six months ago, believing that two miniature horses could spread double the magic and joy to others.
A recent study by the University of Bristol has revealed that dogs can detect human stress through their sense of smell. The study, which explored the phenomenon of emotional contagion between humans and dogs, found that dogsโ behavior and judgment were impacted when they smelled stressed-out people. Dogs exhibited more pessimistic decisions when they were exposed to stress-related scents. The findings could have profound implications for both human-dog relationships and understanding of animal behavior. The research could also lead to better practices in animal therapy and pet care. Future research could explore the evolution of the human-animal relationship and the potential benefits of this relationship.
Eddy Temple-Morris, host of Virgin Radio Anthems, brings out Good News stories from around the world, including a horse that ran away from his owner in a remote Alberta area and a plane. The search involved a professional tracker, a plane, and strangers as far away as Germany. The horse, Flex, has been inseparable with Houston Peschl for over a decade and has been reunited with him. In Sussex, the town of Lewes is using an idea first tested in Chile to rewild forests, using dogs to spread wildflower seed from saddlebags strapped to a harness around the dog's tummy. The idea mimics wolves once played the role of spreading grass and flower seeds, before falling off and germinating somewhere else.
Fisherman Renato Borella and his tour guide, Neco, encountered a monkey in a river in Mato Grosso, Brazil, while navigating the waters. Concerned about a dog in distress, they quickly threw a lifejacket towards the animal, which they feared was drowning. The rescue revealed that the monkey was a type of monkey native to the area, typically male monkeys known for their aggression towards humans. Despite their apprehensions about the monkey's potential aggressiveness, Renato and Neco prioritized the animal's urgent need for help. The successful rescue highlighted their willingness to assist and demonstrated a profound respect for wildlife and the importance of compassion in unexpected circumstances.
A 24-hour live stream of a Dutch seal rehab center in Pieterburen, known as the Zeehonden Center, went viral in Japan, where it was shared 30,000 times and reached 14 million people. The live stream was used as a tool in the zookeeper and conservationist toolkit to help with outreach and education. The Japanese account @hokahoka_times shared the live stream, and donations flooded into the recuse center within hours. The center received in a single day as many donations as they typically receive in a month. The popularity of the seals took on a life of its own, with visual artists creating fan art of seals.
Arthur the King, a true-life tale about a heroic dog played by Swedish adventure racer Mikael Lindnord starring Mark Wahlberg, has landed a streaming premiere date on the STARZ app on September 11. The film is based on Swedish adventure racing book Arthur, The Dog Who Crossed the Jungle to Find a Home. It tells the story of the emotional impact a stray dog named Arthur, played by Wahlburg, had on his team during an adventure race. Despite not generating much buzz at the box office, the film ended its domestic run with $25 million in ticket sales and $6.8 million overseas for a worldwide total of $31.8 billion. Since being released in over 3,000 theaters domestically by Lionsgate on March 15, critics gave it a 71% โfreshโ rating based on 83 reviews. The movie is currently available on several digital platforms.
The Town of Avon, CT, has raised funds to save the life of an abandoned dog, "Amelia Airheart," who was thrown out of a vehicle and sustained a broken pelvis. The $6,000 surgery was funded through donations from the public. Avon Police Chief Paul Melanson thanked the public for their assistance in Amelia's recovery. Amelia is now standing, eating and "loving her new life."
Volunteers at St. Huberts Animal Welfare Center in New Jersey can take dogs on field trips to places such as a park, beach, a lake, and a pet-friendly hotel for a weekend getaway. The program allows dogs to experience a new world away from the shelter.
The best dog bar in the United States, started in Kansas City, according to USA Today's "10 best dog bars in the U.S." After a month of readers voting, Bar K won the top spot, beating out other dog bars across the country. The bar, which was selected by an expert panel and voted by readers, also has locations in St. Louis and Oklahoma City. The main area of Bar K is open to all dogs and includes a jungle gym, a shallow splash pool, and a rock climbing wall. Entry is free for human visitors, $10 for a dog and $5 for each additional dog if you bring more than one. Bar K's CEO, Tim Schoenfelder, stated that they plan to continue creating opportunities for people and dogs to socialize and bond.
At least two new wild beaver kits have been born in Ealing, London, just eight months after the reintroduction of a family of beavers to Paradise Fields in West London. The births have been welcomed by conservationists at the Ealing Beaver Project, who reintroduced five Eurasian beavers last year at Paradise Fields. The family had already settled in, building lodges, new waterways and dams, and producing their first beavers kits. The arrival of these kits shows that humans and wildlife can thrive side by side in urban environments, even in sites that are fully accessible and open to the public. The environmental modifications made by the beavers have already improved local water quality and reduced flooding.
Chester Zoo's 10K 'Run For Nature' is returning in 2020, offering participants a chance to aid in the conservation of highly threatened rhinos. The event aligns with World Rhino Day, a global initiative to raise awareness about rhinos' plight. Only 2,500 spots were reserved for the 10K run, which includes a one-mile 'Zoom' fun run for children aged 4 to 15. Proceeds from the event will benefit Chester Zoo's critical work to prevent rhino extinction. Over the past 15 years, the zoo has introduced innovative scientific techniques, such as hormone monitoring, to provide essential insights into rhino health.
Caroline Seignot of Pony Pals has brought a surprise visit to care home residents at Old Raven House in Hampshire. The goats were introduced as part of a unique programme aimed at enriching residents' lives with engaging experiences. The visit, which included feeding and grooming, caused laughter throughout the home and one resident asked if he could keep one. Anne Turner, home manager at the home, said that the visits bring a special kind of joy that stays with them long after the animals leave. The home is dedicated to making every day an adventure, each filled with 'heartwarming' moments, to ensure a fulfilling and vibrant life.
A Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks law enforcement K-9, Cpl. Bradley Starling and his partner, Charlie, were awarded medals of valor from the department for their efforts in locating three missing children. The Medal of Valor is awarded to officers who exhibit exceptional courage in the attempt to save or protect human life, and is the department's highest honor and given to those who stand out for their bravery, heroism, or other creditable actions beyond their duties. The dogs were used to locate three children who had been missing for around two hours from their home in Monroe County, Mississippi. Within 15 minutes, Charlie located the children safely returned home.
A first for Sanford Childrenโs Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota, has welcomed a facility dog named Fox, a one-year-old golden retriever trained to provide comfort and care to patients and staff. Fox is trained to be in a patient's room during medical procedures to reduce stress on children and their parents. A facility dog is not a therapy dog, but a personal pet certified to visit a hospital.
Dementia Dog, a collaboration between Alzheimer Scotland and Dogs for Good, aims to support families living with dementia by bringing in fully trained dogs who can provide support for specific routines such as waking, eating, taking medication, exercise, socialising and sleeping patterns. Community Windpower, which operates its BeGreen office in Dunbar High Street, has donated a ยฃ500 donation to the charity. Anouska Woods, BeGreen community co-ordinator, learned about the impact the Dementia Dogs are making at a Spring Gathering. Kirsty Stewart, Alzheimer Scotlandโs executive lead of fundraising and engagement, said the funds raised help Alzheimer Scotland continue to develop and deliver vital dementia support.
Elliana, a student at the Stripe family, organized a Dog Walkathon for the Humane Society as a reading project. Participants logged their dogs' miles during a two-week period in May, and the dog who walked the most received a gift basket containing treats and toys. The event raised over $135 for the humane society.
A 9-month-old golden retriever named Maverick has been presented to the Pittsburgh firefighters union with a new service dog. Maverick will be used by the union's peer support group, which helps firefighters through recovery. This is the first service dog of his kind for firefighters in the city of Pittsburgh. The program currently provides service dogs to veterans and first responders. Since Maverick is still undergoing training, his new owner Josh Hallmark plans to use him for fire prevention and community activities.
A farmer leader in Belagavi, Karnataka, Manjunath Paragowda took care of an injured monkey and transported it to Chikodi Veterinary Hospital for treatment. Following its recovery, ParagOWda personally ensured its care and recovery, leading to forest department officials transferring the monkey to Belagav Animal Hospital for further treatment. His actions have been widely praised and recognised as a local hero. This follows a similar act of kindness recently captured on video by a tourist in India offering water to a thirsty monkey. The video has been viewed over 40,000 times and 5,000 likes on social media.
Safiiq Mohamad, a 31-year-old snake wrangler for 10 years in the Fire and Rescue Department, has been awarded with the Housing and Local Government Ministry's Excellent Service Medal for his courageous efforts in handling of snakes. The award was presented at the excellence appreciation ceremony 2023 in Putrajay. Despite numerous dangerous encounters with snakes, Safiq and his team have never suffered serious injuries. He is part of a team of seven deployed to catch snakes at residential areas and teaches snake handling courses at the Malaysian Fire & Rescue Department Academy in Marang, Terengganu. He also received the National Workersโ Icon award from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Mamacita, the 2-year-old pet of the week, has come a long way since she was brought to New York by an unkind human who put a BB pellet in her hip. Despite this, Mamacita found the courage to trust humans again and gave birth to two children before moving to NY. She is gentle, affectionate and kind, eager to be adopted by Pawscrossedny. Interested in adopting Mammamita can be found at www.pawsccrossedNY.org/adopt.
The Humane Society of Harrisburg Area (HSHA) has more than doubled its adoption rate under new leadership, placing 174 animals in homes in January, more than doubling the average of 74 per month. The shelter's new leaders aim to make the shelter a "no-kill" facility, which saves at least 90 percent of animals that come through the doors. Changes included dropping "breed labeling" of shelter dogs, expanding adoption hours, and implementing open adoption policies. The new executive director, Adam Lamb, also plans to add climate-control for dog kennels, which had been a concern for volunteers during peak summer temperatures. The outdoor play yards for dogs will also be added, with potential use for larger playgroups and special events.
The Cornish Seal Sanctuary has welcomed 10 rescued puffins into its new home, Puffin Island, a new addition to the site. The sanctuary is the only such facility in the UK and is dedicated to the care of the animals. However, some of the remaining puffins could not be released back into the wild due to their injuries and inability to fend for or feed themselves. The charity hopes this exposure will raise awareness about the challenges facing these endangered birds and lead to action to protect them. Atlantic puffins are also classified as endangered and listed on the red list as a species of concern in the the UK.
A Lewisburg-based sanctuary, Wild Hearts African Farm, has rehomed "Mortie" the tortoise after the late K-9 Officer Seara Burton, who was shot in 2022, has found a new home after Burton's death. Burton had always dreamed of having Mortie live in the country after Burton got married. The sanctuary has stepped in to continue this dream for Mortie, which can be seen in its animal nursery on Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
A giant rooster rooster named Brahma roosters are seen towering over their cat friend, standing tall over the cat. The rooster's size makes it look like they might be fun to hug, especially if they're in a friendly mood. The video was posted on YouTube.
The Humane Society of Greater Dayton announced that cat Griffin, who suffers from a rare and aggressive cancer, has been adopted. The society had been in search for a loving home for Griffin, which they described as remarkable for his love and affection. Griffin's new owner is an individual with a history of rescuing special needs cats.
A Canadian couple has been praised for transforming half their home into a cat paradise for their beloved pets, Jake and Jupiter. The transformation was inspired by Jake being missing for six days and Amber being awarded $1,000 for her efforts. The couple shared their experiences in a video posted on their website.
Hasbro Children's Hospital in Providence has welcomed a new member of its Child Life Services staff, Cora, a Portuguese Water Dog. She is currently learning how to provide comfort and support to patients at their most vulnerable moments. Cora is expected to be introduced as a comfort dog during her training.
Bedfordshire Police has enlisted a new dog, Mutley, to provide "wellbeing support" to its officers and staff. Mutley recently completed his Oscar Kilo 9 (OK9) training and is joined by his handler, PC Mat, who is part of the health and wellbeing team at Bedfordshire Police. The force hopes that interacting with dogs can reduce stress, increase morale and encourage social interactions.
A video showing an Indian family welcoming a puppy into their home has been widely viewed as a heartwarming display of tradition and love. The family performed an aarti, a Hindu ritual of light, to welcome and welcome the furry addition to their household. The video was quickly shared online, spreading joy and warmth across social media platforms. Since its debut, the video has been viewed over 1.1 million times. It highlighted the unique bond between humans and their animal companions and the significance of cultural traditions in everyday life.
The Burbank Elephant Parade exhibition, part of an international art exhibition promoting Asian elephant conservation, featured over two dozen life-size baby elephant sculptures. The exhibition, which will be held at IKEA, was inspired by the first elephant to have received a prosthetic leg after a landmine incident. The 25 artworks have been hand painted by artists and celebrities, including Khloe Kardashian, Katy Perry and Ricky Gervais. After the initial exhibition, the elephants will be placed around Burbank at various landmarks, hotels, public spaces and local businesses from July 1 to Aug. 31. The Elephant Parade was organized and funded by Visit Burbank.
A viral video by Unilad has been shared online showing a touching moment between a man and his elephant, Shavo. The video was originally filmed by Broadcasting and media production company Black Peas Productions and features an interview with the man, while ShavO is shown playing with him. The man mentions the elephant's name and the baby elephant responds with a friendly reaction. Since its upload, the video has received over 5000 likes and has been met with expressions of adoration. This follows another viral video showing two elephants reuniting with their human companion after a month of separation.
The Great Elephant Migration, a public art installation in New York City's Meatpacking District, will be held in the area starting on 6, 2024 and running through October. The exhibition, made possible through a partnership between the Meatpack District Management Association and Elephant Family USA, aims to promote conservation and coexistence between humans and wildlife. Each of the 100 life-size elephants were created by members of The Coexistence Collective, a community of 200 Indigenous artisans in India. The sculptures are made from lantana camara, a fast-growing invasive weed known to push animals out of their natural habitats. The elephants will be available for sale for donations, with donations ranging from $8,000 for a baby elephant to $22,000. Proceeds from the exhibition will be used to promote harmony between humans, wildlife populations. The installation will also feature multidisciplinary works by artist Hadi Falapishi.
Colombian marine biologist Fernando Trujillo has been named the 2024 Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year by the National Geographic Society for his work in South America, enhancing protections for endangered wildlife and supporting sustainable practices for the betterment of local communities. The award is given to an Explorer who highlights vital issues facing the planet and inspires others to act. Trujillillo, who has dedicated his life to saving the Amazon's river dolphins, was given another name by the Tikuna Indigenous people who live along the Amazon River in Colombia: omacha. Omacha is the name of a dolphin that can transform into a man.
Lolita, a 57-year-old whale, is set to be released from captivity at the Miami Seaquarium in the coming 18 to 24 months after 50 years in captivity. Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay helped set up the move, which was announced on Thursday by the seaquarium's CEO. The agreement to move Lolita back to the Pacific Ocean was struck between The Dolphin Company, the entity that manages the MiamiSeaquarium, and Frinds of Lolita, the nonprofit organisation founded to help advocate for Lolitaโs rights, was struck after she was first captured when she was four. The whale has struggled with various health challenges over the years but has at this point been deemed healthy enough to make the long journey north and west and transition out of captivity. There is other evidence to hint at the brutality of life at the Seaqu aquarium, including the death of another whale, Hugo, who died in 1980 of a brain aneurysm after repeatedly ramming himself against the walls of hte enclosure.
New research on pygmy blue whale, a rare subspecies of the blue whale that has revealed previously unseen behaviours in waters north of Australia, including the first footage of a mother nursing her calf. The Timorese government hopes this research will help conservationists preserve the species. The research, conducted over a decade, identified over 2,000 pyigmy blue whales in the Banda Sea, as they migrate north from southern Australia. The discovery has led scientists to identify the area as an important breeding and birthing ground for the species, challenging conventional wisdom about their activities off Timor Leste. The collaboration between Australian universities and the Timoreese government has also improved diplomatic ties.
The Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) have showcased their innovative bird technology at a military exercise in India's Rajasthan. The Indian Army used a kite, a bird of prey from the eagle family, trained for anti-drone activities and surveillance missions. This move reflects a trend of militaries globally incorporating nature-inspired solutions to modern warfare challenges, particularly in the realm of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Drone warfare has transformed warfare in the Russia-Ukraine war and led to the development of anti-Drone technology to intercept and shoot down advanced UAVs. During the military exercise with Japan, the Indian Army showcased two trained eagles named "Arjun" and "Deep" trained to intercept drones and provide live feed with a head-mounted camera system connected via secure communication to ground stations. This innovative setup enables the birds to provide live feedback to ground station.
The Cape May County Zoo in New Jersey has introduced Peanut the Patagonian Mara, a creature from Central and Southern Argentina. The zoo's Ambassador Animal Team has been introduced as Peanut, a rabbit-like creature known as "Cavies" and the second-largest members of the Caviidae family. Despite not being in the main exhibits, Peanut is part of the zoo's outreach programs, making special appearances at schools, assemblies, and community events. Peanut's home base is at the Zoo's Education Center, where she receives top-notch pampering. Patagonians face significant challenges due to hunting, habitat loss, and competition with non-native species. Conservation efforts are essential to protect these gentle creatures, especially in Buenos Aires Province where hunting and agricultural development have taken a toll on local populations.
In Inkster, Michigan, police were called to catch a horse found wandering the streets on May 24. The animal was roaming residential streets and was captured with the help of city councilwoman Lindsay Scott. The incident occurred shortly after 6:30 a.m. local time. Police did not specify where the horse came from.
Redbird, the local blind guinea pig, was unable to secure a victory in the Cadbury Bunny Tryouts despite receiving over 5,700 votes. Despite this, her owners, Jennifer and Terrance Wilson of Preston County, West Virginia, plan to continue raising awareness for rescue animals. Redbird was rescued from a hoarding situation in Maryland and spent five months at the Metropolitan Guinea Pig Rescue before being adopted by Jennifer and Terer Wilson. Despite not being victorious last year, Redbird will continue to raise awareness about rescuing animals.
Shafaq was invited to milk a goat at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. She competed with local media members to achieve the most goat milk in 30 seconds. Despite not being first in the competition, she learned a new skill and a goat friend. The day also included pails of fun and a recap on Axios Texas on Instagram.
King Charles III has granted a royal title to the rare breed of golden goat, named the Royal Golden Guernsey Goat. The title was given during his visit to Guernshire island and will apply globally. The breed is currently listed as "at risk" on the Rare Breeds Watchlist due to its rarity. The king's decision is expected to increase awareness and promote the breed's conservation efforts. Christopher Price, chief executive of the Rare Breed Survival Trust, highlighted the breedโs historical importance and contributions to biodiversity, the environment, and sustainable food production. The Royal Golden Guinea Goat is now recognised for its historical ties and environmental contributions.
A photo of a sleeping polar bear has won the Wildlife Photographer of the Year People's Choice Award. The winning photo, taken off the coast of Norway's Svalbard archipelago, is a visual reminder of the rapid melting of the ice caps due to rising temperatures. The award was voted on by 75,000 wildlife photography and nature fans worldwide. Nima Sarikhani, a British amateur photographer, beat competition with 25 outstanding images including a happy turtle, co-parenting lions and aurora jellies. The winner hopes the photo will inspire hope and inspire action against climate change. The prestigious nature and wildlife photography competition is developed and produced by London's Natural History Museum.
The first giant panda born in South Korea, Fu Bao, has left for China in a high-tech vehicle used for transporting semi-conductors. The internet-famous panda was born in 2020 and became a celebrity in South Korean, with her videos on the zoo's YouTube channel receiving around 500 million views. Her popularity led to a doubling of visitors to Everlandโs Panda World last year, with around 5.5 million people visiting the park. Her parents were gifted to South Korea in 2016 by Chinese President Xi Jinping and can stay until 2031. However, they must return to China before their twin sisters turn four years old.
A rare male giant otter, named Manรบ, has arrived at Chester Zoo as part of an international breeding programme to protect the endangered species from extinction. The three-year-old male otter was selected as a perfect genetic match for Chester Zoo's female, Tibiri. It is estimated that no more than 5,000 giant otters remain in South America, with the species already extinct in Uruguay and Argentina. Anna Starkey, carnivore keeper at Chester zoo, said the pair instantly bonded.
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and its partners in Florida have released 41 federally threatened eastern indigo snakes, the longest snake species native to the U.S. The release took place at TNC's Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve (ABRP) on April 30. This marks the eighth consecutive year the organizations have released eastern indigos into the area. The snakes are doing their part to restore the native habitat by bringing balance to the ecosystem. In 2023, two wild-born snake hatchlings were found at ABRP, indicating a successful species recovery program. The species is an essential component of the now rare southern longleaf pine ecosystem and serves a critical function to balance wildlife by consuming small animals.
Beaver Island, a remote community in northern Lake Michigan, has celebrated its'monarch butterfly island' status as the first and only island nationwide to receive this status under the Monarch City USA program. The island was designated as a monarch butterfly sanctuary last year through the program. Students from the school were leading a group of volunteers to collect monarch butterfly caterpillars and eggs in a meadow on Beaver Island.
A video has been shared of a Dachshund and a Rescue Chihuahua, showing their love for each other. The pair, Cedric and Edith, were found to be soulmates and appear inseparable. The video was shared by their mom, who explained that Cedric was the chosen for Edith at the shelter and they clicked immediately. The positive body language indicates a positive relationship between dogs and their partners, such as playing together and sharing space. The article suggests that this video may be effective for lowering blood pressure and bringing a sense of joy.
Adelaide Zoo's pandas, Wang Wang and Fu Ni, will return to their homeland in China later this year after a 15-year stay at the zoo. The Teddy Bearsโ Picnic, a highlight on the zoo calendar, is celebrated each year to celebrate the zoo's favourite bears' birthdays. This will be their last picnic together, with a line-up of special celebrations including farewelling Fu Ni and Wang Wang. The event will also welcome two new Giant Pandas to Adelaide over the coming months. The weekend is also an opportunity for Giant Panda lovers to learn more about the species' conservation status.
The 2024 Frog Recruitment NZ Top Dog competition will see 40 of New Zealand's most dedicated dogs compete in three categories: New Zealandโs Top Dog with a Job, New Zealand. Other categories include New Zealands Top Office Dog, therapy dogs, pest detectors, teacher aides and sheep herders. Nearly 400 dogs nationwide were nominated for this year's contest, a tribute to their indispensable role in our communities and workplaces. Nighdee, a Border Terrier from Canterbury, is one of 20 contenders for the Top Dog With a Job award. The winners will be announced live on Frog Recrecment's Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn and YouTube channel on Friday, 30 August 2024.
Philo High School in Ohio has acquired a golden retriever facility dog named Mazey. The dog was purchased from the Zanesville Purina Plant by a Philo Alumni and will be used to provide comfort and support for students. Mazey will be trained to work with students and faculty in the Counselorโs Office. Kelly Mock, the 9th and 10th Grade Counselor at Philo, believes Mazey could help students open up about their issues and bridge bridges.
A pig named "Snoop Hogg" has been adopted by a Lehigh County sanctuary after being rescued off the streets of Philadelphia in December. The animal was rescued by a sanctuary and needed expensive medical care, which was covered by the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. The sanctuary said it was sad to see him leave, but knew he was in the best hands. The new family is pictured below.
Mayor Keith Blackburn of Carlsbad, California, has awarded the Donnelly family for saving a 10-week-old Bichon Frise mix, Abe, a dog that was rescued from the street in May. The family adopted Abe as part of the Carlesbad Educational Foundation's Gala to Benefit Students, which partnered with SPOT (Saving Pets One at a Time) Animal Rescue to find a permanent home for Abe and raise funds for the charity's live auction to support both nonprofits. A portion of the proceeds from the family's winning bid will be donated to SPOT Animal Rescue.
A video of a teenager being surprised with a puppy for her birthday has delighted users on TikTok. According to a study published in early May 2021 in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Medicine, "the global interest in pet adoptions surged" in the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, based on Google Trends searches using keywords related to pet adoption. A late May 2021 study of over 5,000 people conducted by the The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) showed that around 23 million households in the U.S. got a pet during the COVID-19 pandemic and "most will not consider rehoming their pet." Matt Bershadker, ASPCA President and CEO, stated: "This incredibly stressful period motivated many people to foster and adopt animals, as well as further cherish the pets already in their lives, and our recent research shows no significant risk of animals being rehomed by their owners now or in the near future as a result of the lifting of pandemic-related restrictions." The latest viral video has melted hearts on TikTok, with several users moved to tears. In a comment that got 1,569 likes, one user said: "I think she's in love! A third said: "Wow made me cry," while user2412237089535 wrote: "Simply adorable .. unconditional love right there , hope you have many years together..
Pet Fed, Indiaโs largest Pet Festival, is a carnival for pets and pet lovers, offering engaging experiences to enhance the bond between pet owners and their pets. The event, organised by Akshay Gupta, aims to provide pet parents with new and exciting experiences. It includes activities such as a Police Dog Show, Training Masterclasses, and a Fashion Show. The festival also promotes the #AdoptDontShop initiative to find homes for Indie Pets, making a positive impact on the community. The International Cat Show is a celebration of feline feline behavior, offering benefits for cat enthusiasts and learners alike.
Photographer Richard Fallows has created an exhibition at Dubai International Airport showcasing the beauty and diversity of wildlife. The images, often taken in extreme conditions, offer a unique perspective on the challenges facing biodiversity worldwide. The exhibition, titled 'The 11th Hour' and 'Moments in Time', is told through two lenses and features shots of endangered species. The interactive element includes QR codes to learn about the stories behind the photographs and how they can contribute to conservation efforts and protect our wildlife heritage. Dubai Airports is committed to supporting global efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade and ensure a safer future for earth's wildlife and biodiversity.
Sudarsan Pattnaik, the acclaimed sand artist from Odisha, celebrated World Wildlife Day with a 50-foot-long sand depiction of a tiger in Maharashtra's Chandrapur district. The artwork, part of the Tadoba Festival 2024, emphasised the need for conservation efforts. The event, which takes place on March 3, aims to raise awareness about wildlife issues such as deforestation, climate change, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. The artist's work was shared on X, formerly Twitter, and served as a wake-up call to action.
The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA) has used cloning to help species conservation and biodiversity. The first successful cloned animal was a Przewalski's horse, a Mongolian horse species driven to extinction in the wild. The second foal was successfully cloned into a foal in 2023, marking a significant milestone in SDZWA's conservation efforts. The Alliance's Wildlife Biodiversity Bank stores all types of biological materials, from cells to seeds, and has reached a milestone of 10,000 individual cell lines from over 1,100 species and subspecies. The nonprofit hopes to replicate this success with its white rhino rescue center in 2022.
The Bruce G. Geary Foundation has donated $1,000 to the St. Peterโs Boys High School Zoology Club in partnership with the Staten Island Zoo. The funding will support the Zoology club's efforts to raise awareness about wildlife conservation, obtain educational materials for students, and provide day-by-day care for several small wildlife species in the school's biology classroom. The zoo has also served as an advisor to the club on the animal care and exhibit requirements for each species, and designed and printed informational graphics for each animal in the classroom. Both the Foundation and the Zoo believe this support will empower students to embrace their roles as stewards of their wildlife collection.
The Daffodils Foundation for Learning, a school in Sanjaynagar, has adopted an Indian Leopard at the Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP). The students of the school raised โฌ50,000 to support the adoption, which was handed over to Dinesha K., BBP range forest officer. An interactive session was organised for the students to learn about nature and wildlife conservation, and to become Ambassadors for wildlife conservation.
Marine conservationists in Thailand have released 11 baby leatherback sea turtles into the Indian Ocean, hoping they can thrive in the wild and return in two decades to reproduce. The release follows an intense conservation effort to boost the endangered species' survival chances after it was discovered in 2018 that the species had returned to lay eggs in southern Thailand. The stronger turtles successfully escaped into the ocean, while others perished after hatching. Thailand is one of five countries, including Sri Lanka and Canada, able to nurse these species of baby turtles up to their first year. The turtles were released in April and have satellite tags to monitor their progress.
Operation Kindness, the no-kill animal shelter, is set to open the Lifesaving Partnerships Hub in Dallas, Texas, on June 6th. The state-of-the-art facility, located near southern Dallas, will offer much-needed veterinary support for shelter partners, a new medical and surgery suite, and a hub for interstate animal transport. The hub will also house a pet food pantry and outreach program, providing resources for families in southern Dallas. The grand opening of the facility will be open to the public and will be shown at 10am on June 4th.
Benjamin, a 9-year-old male retriever/greyhound mix, was the oldest shelter pet living in the Women's Animal Center in Pennsylvania for 2 1/2 years. He was adopted by the shelter in April 2021 and has been a favorite among volunteers and staff. The center's support is in part due to generous donors and donors who help provide safe shelter, nutritious meals, enrichment, and medical care for shelter pets. The Center, which was founded in 1869, provides vital services to pets and people, including pet adoptions, veterinary hospital, dog training, community programs, humane education, and a pet food pantry.
Mark Hamill, the legendary actor, is set to star in DreamWorks Animation's upcoming film, The Wild Robot, directed by Chris Sanders. The film follows the journey of a shipwrecked robot voiced by Lupita Nyong'o, who forms connections with animals on a remote island. Hamill voices Thorn, a fierce grizzly bear, and revealed the project through Peter Brown's children's book of the same name. The ensemble voice cast includes Nyongโo, Connor, Pedro Pascal, Bill Nighy, Stephanie Hsu, and Catherine O'Hara. The movie is set for release on September 20.
A German Shepherd named Bane, who served in Fort Walton Beach, Florida for five years, was rewarded with whipped cream for his service as he retired from the force. The police dog was seen with a handler as another officer shared his thanks and signs off for him over the police radio. The Fort Walton beach Police Department announced that Bane will continue to live with his handler, Officer Trujillo.
Orange County Animal Services (OCAS) is offering two adoption specials during August, commemorating the Summer Olympics and the back-to-school season. The promotions come at a time when OCAS is dealing with a large number of animals in care who are in need of loving homes. Pet adoption fees will be waived for any school district employee who chooses to adopt under the "Teacher's Pet" promotion. The promotion is intended to show appreciation for the efforts of animal welfare workers, teachers and school staff who serve their community. Each pet is spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped before finding a new home.
The 16th annual Wine & Howl event in Lancaster, United States, raised $13K for Lincoln Animal Ambassadors' spay/neuter program and pet food bank. Over 400 people, including 150-200 dogs and one cat, attended the event at Deer Springs Winery. The AM/FM band entertained for the second consecutive year, with lead singer Jadyn Olesen's dad, Bryan Olesens, taking in his place. The event also featured a variety of food and free pup cakes. Over 65 themed gift baskets were raffled, with 25 volunteers assisting behind the scenes. LAA is an all-volunteer organization funded by donations and fundraisers. The financial support helps LAA address the root causes of animal homelessness in the Lancaster County area.
The red pandas that live at Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, Rhode Island, have officially moved into a new sanctuary. The zoo celebrated the completion of the sanctuary with a bamboo cutting ceremony. The sanctuary includes a two-story outdoor exhibit and a climate-controlled indoor habitat, with climbing structures, private dens and bamboo for optimal snacking. The new exhibit is "multiseasonal," meaning the red Pandas will be active year-round. The pair were recommended by the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Red Panda Species Survival Program. The red panda sanctuary is now open to the public.
The Minnesota Wildcat Sanctuary, known for rescuing exotic cats for over a quarter century, is beginning a $1.2 million expansion project called "Catio Town" to expand its reach. The new space will include 10 indoor suites with their own theme and 10 outdoor "catios," a central playroom and year-round space. The sanctuary is currently home to over 50 hybrid cats and over 30 small wild cats. The project requires $240,000 raised by June 30 to be completed. Every donation will be matched up to $100,00.
Scientists are working to transform the Chicago River into a wildlife sanctuary, the world's first floating eco-park, as part of an effort to restore biodiversity in the area. The project is led by Urban Rivers, a team of environmental scientists led by Dr. Lesley de Souza of the Field Museum. The team aims to transform urban waterways into wildlife sanctuaries, with the goal of creating a place where biodiversity and people come together to enjoy the space. Despite criticism, the river is currently home to 105 species of life, showing its transformation is working. The Field Museum partnered with Urban Rivers to collect water samples and study the DNA of other life thriving in the river.
Frosty, a three-month-old chihuahua mix named after Harleigh Garcia from Border Tails Rescue, has found a new home after a late-night adoption event planned for next Friday. Frosty, who is deaf and blind, was introduced to CBS 2 at the CBS 2 Studios with Garcia and her nine-year-old pal Paige. The rescue group is also planning a fundraising event to help homeless pets. The good news comes as Frosty has found his new home with the help of Border Tail Rescue.
The Triple Crown Cat Fanciers held a weekend event in Lexington, Kentucky, featuring nearly 1,000 people from across the Commonwealth. The event aims to raise awareness about full breed cats and find a new furry family member to adopt. A Feline Agility Competition also took place to educate attendees about the uniqueness of each cat. Attendees were encouraged to bring a can of cat food as a donation to the Lexington Humane Society. Proceeds from the event went to local feline shelters and rescues to support their businesses.
The San Mateo County Sheriff has introduced a new community outreach initiative, named Ben, a therapy dog named Ben. Ben will serve a crucial role in comforting people in crisis and fostering positive interactions and strong bonds with the community. The program is designed to serve as a mental health resource for children and adults alike. Sheriff Christina Corpus hopes to expand the program in the near future to meet needs in coastal and bayside communities. Ben is already on the job and is scheduled to attend community events, give demonstrations and visit local schools.
Coast Guard rescues dog from Detroit River. According to a Facebook post on the USCG Sector Detroit's page, the team spotted a dog that had fallen through ice near Grayhaven Island. Officials say the boat crew was able to rescue the dog and kept her until Detroit Animal Care and Control arrived. "Round of appaws for Petty Officer Cole Harper and the boat crew for a successful animal rescue," read the post.
The newest K-9, Athena, was honored with a high-tech safety vest by Hartford HealthCare. The vest was donated by Vested Interest in K9s, an organization that aims to keep law enforcement dogs safe. The vests are designed to prevent serious injuries from bullets and stab wounds. Donor Lisa King has helped process over 500 vests and is committed to helping others in need of such a gift.
Puppysphere, a fitness and wellness center in Toronto, has expanded into Chicago. The company was founded by Francesca Albo and Lea Burbidge and allows guests to focus on their mental and physical health while interacting with puppies. The 45-minute flow yoga session includes 30 minutes of puppy playtime while guests enjoy bottomless mimosas. The experience has been proven to reduce stress levels by boosting oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine. Classes are available from 10am to 4pm Saturdays and Sundays. The second Chicago studio will open at 2518 W. Armitage Ave.
"Dolly Barkon" from the Big Lake Humane Society in Muskegon, Michigan, will represent Michigan in the 2024 Puppy Bowl hosted by Animal Planet. The game will feature over 100 puppies from 73 shelters and rescues across 36 states and will air on Animal Planet at 2 p.m. ET on February 11. The Puppy Football Bowl will also feature a dog named Polly Barkon. The full roster for the event will be revealed in a new video.
Two puppies from Cape Ann Animal Aid in Gloucester spent time brightening up the day at Beverly Hospital, celebrating National Nurses Week and National Hospital Week with some fun, furry visitors. The visit lifted spirits and brought smiles to everyone they met, according to a Beverly Hospital spokesperson.
Nicole Kleckner's 14-week-old golden retriever puppy, Lucky, was brought out for a school run with her son, Luke, when Lucky spotted Luke walking towards the car. The moment Lucky saw Luke, he jumped up and reached out of the window to see his brother. The video of this moment has since been shared on Lucky's TikTok account, which has received over 1.8 million views and 244,800 likes. Since Luke's excitement and excitement for the pair's reuniting with each other can be seen as a precious moment. Since the video went viral, many have praised the bond between the two, while others reminisced about seeing their own dog waiting outside the school gates.
Two dogs from Briarcliff Manor-based SPCA Westchester, Dallas and Melody, will make their television debuts at Puppy Bowl XX on Sunday, Feb. 11 at 2 p.m. The event, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, will feature 131 dogs from 73 rescues and shelters across 36 states and territories. The dogs will compete in teams to win the "Lombarky" trophy and find their homes. The 3-hour show will be broadcast on Animal Planet, Discovery, TBS, truTV, Max, and discovery+.
Two dogs from Briarcliff Manor-based SPCA Westchester, Dallas and Melody, will make their television debuts at Puppy Bowl XX on Sunday, Feb. 11 at 2 p.m. The event, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, will feature 131 dogs from 73 rescues and shelters across 36 states and territories. The dogs will compete in teams to win the "Lombarky" trophy and find their homes. The 3-hour show will be broadcast on Animal Planet, Discovery, TBS, truTV, Max, and discovery+.
The Human Society Silicon Valley brought puppy therapy out to NBC Bay Area and Telemundo 48 studios for Mental Health Awareness month. The shelter's staff brought nine puppies and husky mix, which will soon be available for adoption, to help the team relax and decompress. Research has shown that dog companions can improve people's moods, reduce blood pressure and lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. The adoption of a pet can be a big responsibility, but not everyone is in a position to adopt, with multiple opportunities available.
A Florida police officer spotted a kitten stranded on a busy highway, prompting a rescue mission involving a driver from Mi Apa Latin Cafe. The Alachua Police Department shared the story on Facebook, thanking the driver for his quick-thinking actions and ability to block traffic. The kitten was safely rescued and brought into the officer's car. The officer was able to safely remove the kitten from danger and find a new home with the department's dispatchers.
Franklin City Hall in Middle Tennessee will host its fourth annual adoption event, "Kitty Hall," which will see $25 pet adoptions and giveaways from Mars Petcare for those who adopt. The event will be held in a conference room off the main hallway in City Hall, with adult cats and kittens available for adoption. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Williamson County Animal Center. For those who are not interested in adopting, donations will be accepted throughout the day.
Members of the Crete-Monee FFA chapter were recognized at the 96th annual Illinois State FFA Convention in Springfield. The chapter was one of the newest in Illinois to become part of the National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America. The convention also included a career fair featuring colleges and agribusinesses, and an opportunity to engage in the history of Illinoisโ capital city. The recent Spring Service Day at Morgan Park Academy brought students together for projects aimed at making a positive impact in the community. Midlothian Public Library is partnering with NAWS No-Kill Humane Society to offer Purring Poses yoga with cats and kittens for adults ages 18 and up from 3 to 4 p.m. on June 22.
The CATstravaganza, a cat show at The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center & Fairgrounds in Pennsylvania, was held by Loving Cats Worldwide, a new cat organization that produces cat extravaganzas all over the world. The event, hosted by Steven Meserve, featured an exhibition of cats, with judges from across the globe judging the cat show and vendors offering various items from toys for cats to t-shirts, prints, and paintings. The focus of the event was on supporting local rescues looking to give cats a new home, like South Philadelphia's Kitten Snatchers. Meserve emphasized the awareness of all things cat while educating on the overwhelming rescue situation.
The Oregon Zoo has released a new design for its license plates featuring an Asian elephant, inspired by a 1990 mural on the Old Skidmore Foundation Building in Portland's Old Town Chinatown. The design honors the late elephant, Packy, who was born in captivity at the Oregon Zoo in 1962 and was the firstborn in captivity in 44 years. His birth inspired conservation efforts. Packy lived to 54, making him the oldest male Asian elephant in North America at the time.
The board game Trunk Tales was developed by conservation group the Management and Ecology of Malaysian Elephants (MEME). The game was designed to showcase the complexities of multi-stakeholder management of human-elephant conflicts to achieve coexistence. Players assume roles such as Researcher, Wildlife Department, Village Head, Plantation Owner, and Government, and are tasked with steering through their objectives through a series of strategic action cards. The game, unveiled by Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD) chief executive officer Dr Yatela Zainal Abidin, encourages players to put themselves in the shoes of others. YSD has supported MEME since it was established in 2012 with a total sponsorship of almost RM9mil.
Creative Waco and high school apprentices from across the city of Waco, Texas, hosted a community paint event for the new South African penguin exhibit at Cameron Park Zoo. The exhibit's director, Stefanie WheatโJohnson, said the bright colors and designs are inspired by South African art. The Zoo hopes to have everything ready by late July.
The 36th annual gala at ZooTampa at Lowry Park, known as Karamu, held at the Savanna Oasis lodge and hosted by former Tampa Bay Rays coach Joe Maddon. The event raised over $400,000 for rescue and rehab programs provided by the David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center. The wine-pairing dinner was hosted by Michael Stewart and prepared by Robert Hesse, and a wild auction included a chance to name a newborn rhino, pygmy hippo or African penguin. In all, over 250 guests attended the event.
The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) has successfully released its first stranded dolphin from a Cape Cod rehab facility. The Dolphin Rescue Center, a short-term rehabilitation facility for dolphins and porpoises, responded to a stranded dolphin in Brewster and transported the animal to IFAWโs dolphin Rescue Center in Orleans within 24 hours. The dolphin was released back into the water with a temporary satellite tag. The center's advanced diagnostics and extended care are expected to help guide treatment protocols and decisions for stranded dolphins across the globe. It will also provide training to regional, national and international responders as part of the International Foundation's Academy of Rescue and Conservation.
Nearly 5000 humpbacks have been spotted in Aussie waters in a record-breaking annual migration, as they make a 10,000-kilometre journey from their Antarctic summer feeding grounds to winter breeding grounds farther north. Sunday's census resulted in the sightings of 4792 whales, the largest migration on record. One kayaker had a particularly surreal encounter with one of the humpbacks that was captured by a drone. The rise in whale numbers was due to better weather and cleaner water, according to Steve Trikoulis, vice president of the Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans.
In an exciting collaboration, fragrance house D.S. & DURGA has partnered with Project CETI, a nonprofit organization dedicated to decoding the communication of sperm whales through artificial intelligence and robotics. The new perfume, LETโS DIVE, is inspired by the linguistic bridge between humans and whales and aims to create a comprehensive understanding of whale communication, which could revolutionize marine conservation efforts and deepen our connection to the natural world. The collaboration also highlights the importance of marine conservation and the potential of interspecies communication. The perfume is designed to offer a unique fragrance experience and stimulate conversation about the work being done to understand whale communication.
A diver in the Maldives, filmed by an Instagram user, successfully gliding alongside a majestic blue whale. The video was viewed as one of the most beautiful moments ever and left social media users in awe. It also provided a rare glimpse into the wonders of aquatic life, with viewers expressing their admiration for the experience. The footage has been viewed over 18 million times and over 1 million likes on social media.
Hampshire's Marwell Zoo has welcomed the birth of four new endangered Przewalski horse foals, four of which were born at the zoo near Winchester. The animals, which come from China and Mongolia, are the last surviving sub-species of truly wild horse in the world and were extinct in the wild for nearly 40 years. All four are female and are said to be doing well.
This week on the Good Life List with Mia Fleming, she explored a farm in Kellyville that offers mini cow cuddling sessions. The animals are receiving attention due to their size, cuteness, and potential wellness benefits. Mia found out about High On A Hill Dairy Goats, LLC. Click here for more information about the farm.
The Illinois State Fair has unveiled its official butter cow sculpture, created by Sarah Pratt, with Gov. JB Pritzker and his family. The butter cow is a tradition at the state fair each summer and is designed to capture the fair's magic through the eyes of a child. Pratt, along with her husband and twin daughters, created the sculpture with the theme, "It's showtime." The 13 hearts between the cow and the little girl represent the 13 essential nutrients found naturally in milk. The sculpture will remain on display throughout the fair until August 18 in Springfield.
For the first time ever, Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston transplanted a pig kidney into a living human patient, Rick Slayman, who was suffering from end-stage kidney disease at the time of the transplant. The procedure was described as a "major milestone" in the quest to provide more readily available organs for patients, with over 100,000 people in the U.S. waiting for an organ transplant and 17 people die each day on average waiting for a transplant. Slayman is recovering well at Mass General and is expected to be discharged soon. The pig kidney was genetically edited to remove harmful pig genes and add human genes to improve its compatibility.
EPIC Outreach, an education farm sanctuary in Jacksonville, Florida, is celebrating National Pig Day to honor its rescue pigs. The sanctuary, which rescues and rehabilitates farm animals, has 26 rescue pigs living on its property. The organization is using this day to celebrate the resilience and adorable nature of pigs. Watch some of the pigs enjoying a treat at the sanctuary in the video below.
Staff from six agencies from the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and other agencies released 34 rehabilitated sea turtles from Jekyll Island in Georgia. The turtles, which had been treated for hypothermia-related conditions, spent around five months at the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society, Mystic Aquarium, New England Aquarium and New York Marine Rescue Center. This release was Georgia's largest sea turtle release on record. Volunteers from the nonprofit organization Turtles Fly Too flew the turtles from Massachusetts and New New York.
The work of four artists, Amir Faruk, Kamal Idris, Azri Azahar and Muhd Ikmal Manan has been seen on a Malaysian beach, Pantai Tanjung Pelindung, where beachgoers have been taking selfies with the murals. The mural depicts a giant leatherback sea turtle, which can grow to 2.7m and weigh up to 500kg, which used to nest on local beaches in Kelantan and Terengganu before becoming extinct in Malaysia. The team completed the mural in five days, overcoming weather and uneven rock surface to complete the task. The Pahang Land and Mines Office and Tourism Pahan provided funding for the mural.
A new male African lion named "Slamson II" is set to arrive at the Sacramento Zoo. The zoo announced its arrival on Wednesday, with the announcement made by the Sacramento Kings mascot, Slamson. The new lion will be introduced slowly to his new habitat and will be kept on a rotating schedule with current resident 18-year-old female lion Cleo. The relocation of the zoo is also part of a new partnership between the zoo and Sacramento Kings. The arrival of the new lion underscores the evolution of zoos in conservation.
Drusillas Park, East Sussex, is set to open a new ยฃ500k jungle-themed enclosure for colobus monkeys at the zoo. The habitat will be as close to the monkeys' natural environment as possible and will also feature a heated tree for winter, a waterfall for summer, and CCTV for staff monitoring the animals' behaviour for research and conservation work. Drusillas hopes the new enclosure will raise funds for its partner charity, Colobus Conservation, which protects colobarus monkey habitats in Kenya.
Japanese-born panda, Xiang Xiang, was a popular panda fan in Tokyo for a fan-sharing event for her return to China. The event was attended by approximately 200 fans from across Japan, including Yu Akutsu, a panda wood sculptor from Saitama prefecture, and Wu Jianghao, the Chinese ambassador to Japan, Deputy Governor of Tokyo Rinji Nakamura, and president of China Public Diplomacy Association. Xiang Xiang was born in June 2017 at Ueno Zoo in Tokyo and was the first naturally born and raised at the zoo in nearly three decades. Her parents, Shin Shin and Ri Ri, were both on loan from China. After Xiang Xiang's birth, she became a popular celebrity in Japan and has since returned to Sichuan.
Ricard Claus and Karsten Kiilerich's animated feature "Panda Bear in Africa" is selling in key territories including France, Switzerland, and the Benelux territories. The film follows the story of Pang, a young panda bear who is best friends with Jielong, who is abducted by an African baboon and a crocodile. It has previously sold to distributors in Spain, the Philippines, Indonesia, the UK and Ireland, Greece, and South Korea. The director Richard Claus and producer Karsten Claus have personal connections to the story, with Claus stating that the film is about tolerance towards others who may be different from us.
The San Diego Zoo has released photos of giant pandas Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, who are "acclimating well" to their new habitat at the zoo. The photos were shared by the San Diego zoo Wildlife Alliance, which also shared food adaptability exercises and weight monitoring sessions. Since their arrival in June, staff from both the U.S. and China have been working to cater to their dietary needs and preferences, including creating a local adaptation of wowotou, a traditional Chinese bun. It will be several weeks before the public can see the pandas.
The San Diego Zoo's newest, most anticipated animals, Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, will make their public debut on Aug. 8. They are the first two giant pandas to enter the United States in 21 years and are on loan from China. The zoo will offer various ways to see them next month, including a timed ticket for members or a 60-minute walking tour. The pair have been adjusting to their new home in a private habitat at the zoo under the careful eye of wildlife health and care teams. A conservation agreement was signed in February, with the zoo agreeing to pay $1 million a year in exchange for the animals to support Chinese conservation efforts.
South Korean fans gathered to farewell to Fu Bao, the nation's first giant panda, who was born in 2020 at Everland Theme Park near Seoul. Despite the rainy weather, thousands of fans gathered for a final farewell to the beloved animal. Fu Boao will now live at the Shenshuping Panda Base in China under an agreement between South Korea and China. Her caregivers, including Song Young-kwan and Kang Cheol-won, who also accompanied her on her journey, thanked the public and urged them to always remember Fu Boo. Concerns were raised about Fu B's treatment at the airport, with a staff member from the Chinese zoo reportedly inserting his finger through the container's breathing holes and touching the panda without wearing gloves. As per protocol, Fu Bae will spend a month in quarantine to ensure her well-being.
A rescued northern sea otter pup, Seldovia, has been named by the Shedd Aquarium in tribute to his native Alaskan community. The pup was found in late October and was transported from the Alaska SeaLife Center to the aquarium four months later. The aquarium hopes the name will serve as a lifelong reminder of his story and connection to his home. Seldoviia was introduced to the otter exhibit in the Abbot Oceanarium in February and has been introduced to two southern sea otters. Since his arrival, Seidovia has grown from 10 to about 20 pounds and has learned to divers 16 feet deep in his new habitat and foraging for treats and toys at the bottom.
Mystic Aquarium in Madison, Connecticut, celebrated a "landmark moment" by releasing four rehabilitated gray seals back into the ocean. The release was made possible thanks to Mystic Aquariumโs โFour Out the Doorโ campaign. The seals were rehabilitated after being found entangled in buoys and fishing line earlier this year and undergoing treatment for wounds to their flippers and neck. The campaign has raised nearly $3,600 so far. The aquarium estimates that it costs $10,000 to rehabilitate and release one seal.
The Forth Worth Zoo has released 75 endangered and extremely rare Louisiana pine snakes into the Kisatchie National Forest in Louisiana, marking the most total number of snakes released by the zoo at one time since the conservation program began in 2015. The zoo described this as a "huge conservation milestone," as the snakes are endangered and one of the rareest snakes in North America. The reptiles were raised at the zoo until they could survive in the wild alone. The Fort Worth Zoo is one of only four places in North American that houses the Louisiana pine snake species.
The "iconic" purple emperor butterfly, one of Britain's largest butterflies, has been spotted in Derbyshire for the first time since records began nearly 200 years ago. A scheme to plant goat willow trees in the county was launched last year to attract the insects to the area after the butterfly was spotted moving north from its usual home in southern England. The trees were planted to create a new habitat for the species. Ken Orpe, who runs the East Midlands branch of Butterfly Conservation, said the arrival of purple emperors was a "big deal".
National Zoo gets two Asian elephants from Dutch zoo. The National Zoo in Washington has received two new female Asian elephants, mother Trong Nhi and daughter Nhi Linh, from the Rotterdam Zoo in the Netherlands. โWe are proud of this international cooperation with the Smithsonianโs National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute and the North American breeding program that enables us to support a healthy backup population of this endangered species in America,โ Rotterdam Zoo Director Erik Zevenbergen said. The mother-daughter pair were transported from the Netherlands to neighboring Belgium, then flown 3,700 miles across the Atlantic to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York before being driven another 238 miles down to the National Zoo. While the two elephants are being settled for the short term, the pair are projected to make their public debut sometime in the first half of December. โTrong Nhi and Nhi Linh are not only important social additions to our herd, but also they are key to our efforts to help sustain the Asian elephant population in North America and around the world,โ Brandie Smith, director of the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, said in the zooโs announcement.
The Topeka Zoo welcomed the community for a night of beer tasting, games, and live music with Brew at the Zoo on Saturday night. Not only was it a night to raise funds for the animals that call the zoo home, but it was a chance for local breweries to get some more exposure for their businesses. But for us, itโs a great way to bring everybody together,โ said Jared Bednar, the zooโs Director of Administration and Creative. You get to bump into a lot of old friends, neighbors, family, all sorts of people that just love Topeka and love what we have here,โ added Bednar.
A global animal health company, Zoetis, has developed an experimental vaccine for COVID-19 and is working with zoos across the country to distribute its limited supply to vaccinate the most at-risk species as soon as possible. Great Plains veterinary staff worked closely with zookeepers to deliver the first dose of the vaccine to many of the species considered at risk, including primates and large cats. Because the vaccine is experimental, zoo staff will report on its use and any adverse effects to Zoetis. โIt is a real relief to get our most sensitive animals vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2,โ said zoo veterinarian, Dr. Louden Wright.
Plans to allow weddings to take place in a converted stables at Chester Zoo have been approved by councillors. The stables housed some of the first animals to live at the zoo when founder George Mottershead opened it in 1931. Architects plan to retain many of the stables' original features, including historical brickwork complete with scratch marks made by lions sharpening their claws. It is hoped the new venue will be ready to open by summer 2023.
CHICAGO (CBS) โ The Shedd Aquarium has two new female southern rockhopper penguins, as officials hope to help boost the species' dwindling population. Tussock and Pinguino recently were introduced to the other penguins in the colony at the Shedd, as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' "Species Survival Plan."
A record number of people and pups perused Lake Eola Park Saturday for the 28th annual "Paws in the Park" fundraiser. While the "Paws in the Park" pet festival has been benefiting the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando for 28 years, the group's legacy in Orlando is even longer โ it has been operating in the city for 86 years (which would be 602 in dog years). The Pet Alliance has a longstanding history in the area, but organizers said this year they saw exceptional turnout โ record turnout, even โ and said Saturday's event was the biggest it has ever been. Executive Director Steve Bardy said he's been touched to see the amount of compassion the Pet Alliance has received over the past several months, ever since a large fire ravaged the group's Orlando location, back in September. The event featured a furry fashion show, as well as a lure contest that had many dogs feeling up for the chase.
Discovered in 2005 in a 123 acre swath of virgin rainforest on Union Island, the little gecko instantly became a target of illegal pet smugglers. Conservation groups Fauna & Flora International, Re:Wild, and Union Island Environmental Alliance worked together with the countryโs forestry department to develop a strategy to save the gecko utilizing camera surveillance and anti poaching patrols. MORE GOOD SPECIES NEWS: Georgia Sets Turtle Record With Most Loggerhead Nests Ever Counted on the Beach โLOOK In 2019, the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines also inscribed the Union Island gecko on Appendix I of CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), with I representing the highest standard of protection and enforcement. โAs a Unionite and a community leader, I am extremely proud to be a part of this success story,โ Roseman Adams, co-founder of the local Union Island Environmental Alliance, said in a press release.
A study conducted by the University of Bristol, Cardiff University, and the British charity Medical Detection Dogs has found that dogs can detect the stress levels of their owners or even strangers, which may also affect their own emotional state. The research involved 18 dogs of various breeds, their owners, and eleven volunteers who were unfamiliar with the dogs. The study involved a series of stress-inducing activities and sweat samples collected on clothes, which were then used to test dogs' reactions to food and empty bowls. Dogs who smelled stressed-out sweat were distracted from food, indicating a negative state of emotion, while dogs who smelled from a calm volunteer showed no change in their emotions. Study lead author Dr. Nicola Rooney emphasized the importance of understanding how human stress affects dogs' well-being and training companion dogs and assistance dogs.
Colorado's "Elk Rutting Season" and Estes Park Elk Fest celebration celebrate nature in its pureest form, with elk bulls competing for the title of the ultimate "Elks bachelor." The event coincides with Katmai National Park and Preserve's "Fat Bear Week" in Alaska, which celebrates the local bears' preparation for winter hibernation. Elk rut season, an "Elkingtoberfest" of sorts, provides spectators with a chance to witness the spectacle of hundreds of elk bull elk males gathering in a valley.
The return of miniature therapy horses named Aidan and Pearl to Staten Island has been celebrated at ArchCare Senior Life in Old Town. The June 27 event marked the second time the animals have visited ArchCare, with participants and staff alike expressing their delight at the animals' comfort and emotional support. The event was managed by Lauren Abate, a manager at the center, who expressed her gratitude for its resurgence. The Carl V. Bini Memorial Fund, a sponsor of the event, has long served Staten Island well in its efforts to strengthen the community through programs and sponsorship.
St. Paul's Pet Haven of Minnesota is inviting dog and cat owners to submit their pets to be the face of Surly Brewing's Rescue Brew Pilsner. The third-annual Rescue Brew Spokesmodel Contest is open to all dog or cat owners for the chance to be featured on the beer. The contest aims to raise $50,000 to help manage the increase in Minnesota pets needing homes and the rising costs of pet food and medical care. A $15 entry fee buys 15 votes for the applicant and additional votes may be cast for $1 each. Kerry D'Amato, Pet Havenโs executive director, hopes the contest will help manage a significant increase in adoptions and help manage rising pet care costs.
A critically endangered Amur Leopard cub, named Auckley, celebrated her first birthday at Yorkshire Wildlife Park. Her birth in June was significant as Amur leopards are critically endangered, with less than 100 surviving in the wild and births in captivity are rare. YWPโs Animal Director Dr Charlotte McDonald said that Ackley is the only surviving cub born in the European Programme in 2023 and valuable as she is a rare female, a significant boost for the breeding programme. Global conservation efforts are beginning to improve the Amur Leopards' prospects, with hopes that through the breeding cooperation of the zoo network, it could reintroduce them back into protected areas of their native habitats to boost their population.
The return of giant pandas to the San Diego Zoo has sparked excitement, with the arrival of Yun Chuan and Xin Bao marking their first appearance since the pandemic halted international animal exchanges. The pandas symbolize companionship and cooperation between the United States and China. California Governor Gavin Newsom declared August 8 as 'California Panda Day' and highlighted the significance of the bears' presence. The zoo has been involved in panda conservation since the mid-1990s, leading to improved survival rates for panda cubs from around 10% to over 90%. Two more pandas are expected to be brought to the Smithsonian National Zoo later this year. Despite this success, conservation efforts must continue to be strong and innovative. The Zoo's mission is to promote sustainable practices and educate the public about the importance of wildlife preservation.
For the first time in over two decades, giant pandas are being transported from China to a San Diego zoo in the U.S. This move is seen as part of China's "panda diplomacy" efforts as its relations with the West thaw. Four-year-old Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, a female panda who's turning four in July, departed from Bifengxia Giant Panda Base.
San Diego has welcomed its first giant pandas from China in decades, Xin Bao and Yun Chuan, arriving on August 8, 2024. This is the first time in 21 years that pandas have come to the U.S. from China. San Diego Governor Gavin Newsom has named California Panda Day to celebrate their debut. The arrival of these pandas symbolizes a commitment to conservation and international friendship. The journey from China to the US is part of a long-standing tradition called โpanda diplomacyโ which aims to strengthen ties between nations and raise awareness about endangered species. The day is also a celebration of these magnificent creatures and their role in conservation.
Six baby opposum babies were found clinging to their deceased mother, who had been hit by a car, clinging to her body. Despite their sad story, the babies are doing well and are being cared for in an incubator and a life-size opossum doll. The donations will be matched up to $6000 in donations for the building of our wildlife clinic. The remaining three will be named in the coming days. These donations will go towards building the clinic. Newhouse Wildlife Rescue is grateful for six companies who have offered to match donations.
Plans have been approved by North Yorkshire Council for a coastal wildlife viewing station in Scarborough. The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust (YWT) plans to convert a 1990s structure on Marine Drive into a free visitor attraction. The station will house telescopes to help people spot porpoise, bottlenose dolphin, minke whale and other sea life, alongside information panels and artwork. The project aims to strengthen local communities' understanding of climate change and promote nature conservation. The Turner Prize winner Jeremy Deller has been commissioned to create artwork for the project, which references Scarborough's Roman past.
Castanet.net is hosting weekends to explore the lifecycle of kokanee salmon, a species that travels from Okanagan Lake to their spawning grounds upstream every year. This program is open to all ages and is designed to provide a personalised look at the fish's lifecycle. The program is free and open to participants from all ages.
The Coho Festival is returning to West Vancouver's Ambleside Park on Sept. 8 after a one-year hiatus, under the direction of a new director, David Jones. The festival, organised by the Coho Society, celebrates the annual miracle of salmon returning to North Shore rivers and streams. It aims to raise funds to support the work of North Shore stewardship groups in restoring habitat and supporting populations of salmon and other aquatic species. The society has invested over $750,000 into various projects on the North Shore, contributing significantly to the sustainability and well-being of these ecosystems. The organizers are seeking volunteers to help ensure the success of this year's event.
Marin biology student, Ollie Duke, has won a top prize for his joint research project on positive measures of welfare in farmed fish. The award was presented to him and his research partner, Lottie Oulson, using Operational Welfare Indicators as part of their Aquaculture & Fisheries module. The project was focused on positive welfare linked to dietary choice for Nile tilapia, one of the worldโs most farmed species. The findings indicated that dietary choice might improve fish welfare in an artificial environment, allowing the expression of more natural behaviours. Ollice completed his research project at Swansea University's Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Research. The RSPCA Assured scheme supports these fish welfare projects and aims to inspire students to contribute to a greater understanding of the welfare in the aquaculture industry.
A team from the Schmidt Ocean Institute has discovered a new underwater mountain off the coast of Chile, nearly two miles tall, with a "thriving" ecosystem that could contain multiple rare or undiscovered species. The team surveyed the seamount and conducted an underwater dive with an underwater robot on one of the mountain's ridges, discovering sponge gardens and "ancient corals". They also discovered 20 suspected new species, including rare creatures such as Bathyphysa siphonophores, Casper octopus, and a live Promachoteuthis squid. The expedition also explored nine other features, including an 800-square-mile coral garden home to deep-sea corals, rockfish, brittle stars and king crabs. The Institute hopes the data gathered will help in safeguarding these pristine environments for future generations.
Torness Power Station in Scotland has had another successful year with a pair of visiting peregrines raising over 50 chicks. This follows a decade of environmental excellence at the power station, which has also secured the Biodiversity Benchmark, the only one of its kind in East Lothian. The accreditation recognises the good management of biodiversity on sites owned by businesses. The station, set to stop generating power in 2028, supports a range of wildlife and supports rare species including the ringed plover and yellow wagtails. It is also the only known site supporting the ivy mining bee, along with 120 other invertebrate species.
The Heihe Wetland National Nature Reserve in Northwest China's Gansu province is experiencing a boom in migratory bird populations, particularly the endangered black stork. The reserve's management bureau has reported that 82 black storks have been spotted in Zhangye city, with 32 of these active breeding nests. This year has also seen a successful fledging of 27 young black stets, an increase of four nests from the previous year. The conservationist, Shan Guofeng, has been monitoring the black stow's breeding habits and migration patterns since 2021 and is leading a project to establish a specialized feeding area for the storks. This is part of a larger effort to restore the species' population.
Edward the Emu, known for his adventures with Sheena Knowles and Rod Clement's books, is returning to the stage at ArtsHub Australia. Adapted by Eva Di Cesare, the show is filled with love, laughter, and a lesson or two. It features puppetry, original music, inventive design, and thrilling storytelling. The show has been performed by over 50,000 young people across Australia since its release.
Sparky, a 19-year-old chihuahua, has been celebrated for his remarkable age after a video was shared on TikTok showcasing his remarkable recovery from a stroke that left him paralyzed. The video also revealed that small breeds like chihuahuas have the longest lifespans, averaging between 10 to 15 years, with some living into their 20s. Despite this, larger dogs like Great Danes typically have shorter lifespens. Sparkyโs recovery has been seen as a viral hit. The article also includes a petition to demand Justice for Dogs who were severely neglected and living in filth.
Wagga volunteer Anne O'Connor has been named a finalist in the Aged and Community Care Providers Association Excellence Awards for her volunteer work. Her work involves helping to lift the spirits of those in the community by visiting a nursing home weekly with her dog Ellie May. The Forrest Centre CEO, Evan Robertson, commended Anne's generosity and companionship. The ACCPA CEO Tom Symondson also commended the work of Anne and other volunteers in the aged care space. The winners of the ACCPA Excellence Awards will be announced on Aged Care Employee Day on 7 August.
The LandxSea Film Festival, a Scottish environmental film festival, will return to the Montrose Playhouse in September. Co-produced by Anthon Baxter and international film festival producer Rachel Caplan, will feature films never before screened in Scotland. The festival will open with the Scottish premiere of "Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story", a documentary about an otter love story shot in Shetland. Other films set to feature include "The Bough Breaks" and "The Eagle with the Sunlit Eye", which documents the reintroduction of the white-tailed sea eagle to the UK and its controversy in rural communities. Tickets for the festival will be available for purchase on August 12.
Pit Bull, a pit bull dog, spent over 800 days in a Florida shelter after being surrendered to the Humane Society Naples due to his previous human's housing issues and breed restrictions. Despite his long wait for adoption due to breed and size restrictions, Yogi was able to find a loving home after 802 days in the shelter. After several careful introductions with the new owner, who understood Yogi's needs, he was finally adopted. The shelter staff dedicated to showcasing Yogiโs true personality and his deep bond with his new family. The adoption of Yogi demonstrates that with patience and care, every dog can find their forever family. Please support One Green Planet's mission to fight for a sustainable, healthy, and compassionate world.
The Nature Conservancy is hosting the 7th annual Festival de la Monarca, which celebrates the monarch butterfly's cultural connections to Mexico and helps children and adults connect with nature. The festival will be held at Kosciuszko Park in East Chicago, Indiana, with music, food, dance, and a release of monarch butterflies as they migrate south to their wintering grounds. The event will be free and includes a special video to learn about the monarch's cultural significance.
Qi Qi, a giant panda born on July 17, 2018, celebrated her 6th birthday with a special party at a park in China. She was served a "banquet" of ice cake with bamboo leaves and her favorite foods, including carrots, watermelons, and bamboo shoots. Visitors to the park were applauded and used cameras to record the special moment. She now weighs over 90 kilograms, up from 165 grams at birth.
A memorial plaque was unveiled at Ucluelet's Dog Park, honouring legendary local dog lover Norm Sigmund. The plaque, unveiled by Norannda, Natalee and Nicole, reads "He loved all dogs and Most people" and "We will miss your stories Norm". The event was held at the park to honour Sigmand and celebrate his impact on the community. Bruce Faith and Deb Kelleher co-organised the event, which also included work on maintenance and beautification. Sigmond was instrumental in creating the park and its legacy, with the owner describing it as a "great, relaxing, social area for the owners but also for the dogs".
A fire in Spencer, Wisconsin, resulted in a total loss of the barn structure, but a dog was saved with an oxygen mask. Angie Kramas from Angie Bramas donated the oxygen mask, which was used to treat the dog. The masks are life-saving devices for animals and can be donated to your local department.
The Lorenzothecat Cat Harrisโ24 shirt is a heartwarming tribute to a beloved Siamese cat named Lorezothecat, which passed away in 2021 at the age of 24. The shirt features a captivating image of Lorenzohcat, a beloved cat, with a fashionable Harris tweed collar. The designers collaborated with the cat's family to create the shirt, which is both stylish and meaningful. It is made from high-quality, ethically sourced materials and comes in a range of sizes to accommodate all body types. A portion of the proceeds from each shirt sold will be donated to animal welfare organizations, helping to provide care and support to animals in need.
The BC SPCA 50/50 Lottery for Animals in Need has already sold over 74% of all tickets in just three weeks, with a pot of up to $1.5 million. The prize pot could be won by a ticket holder who could earn up to โฌ750,000. The lottery's mascot, Nova the cat, is the star of the Reddit ad campaign encouraging users to buy tickets while she goes on a diet. The campaign was praised by Redditors, with one calling it "hilarious". Alina Wilson, senior officer of digital giving, said the organization was pleased with the online support. All tickets sold help raise funds for animals in need and the agency has seen a decrease in pet food and supplies donations since 2024.
The Blind Tiger Brewery has renewed its sponsorship of Sumatran Tigers at the Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center for 2024. Every pint, half pint, growler, squealer and keg of Tiger Bite IPA sold at the brewery will provide financial support for the tigers at the zoo. The Brewery also noted that the Topekan Zoo continues to be successful in the Sumatrans Tiger program, with seven tigers added to the endangered population in 2018. The funds raised go to Sumatra itself to employ a ranger who works to prevent poaching and maintain the natural environment for wild tigers. The brewery maintains a strong relationship with a Buffalo rancher to provide The Kansan, a popular lean Buffalo Burger.
NEW PORT RICHEY โ Pasco County Animal Services team members got their moment in the spotlight last month when they were congratulated for their selection as the 2021 Outstanding Agency of the Year by the National Animal Care and Control Agency. The award recognized the team for โremarkably maintaining an animal save rate above 90 percent while helping the most vulnerable pets in Pasco County, including sick, injured, ill, aggressive, abandoned animals and its strong commitment to premier service to the citizens and pets of Pasco County,โ according to the resolution presented by the Pasco County Commission. The honor recognized the Pasco operation for becoming a โtier one shelter with the national Human Animal Support Services program.โ The agency was also recognized for creating community-based shelter programs and adjusting from the traditional shelter method to a method more focused on keeping pets with their owners and โproviding resources not usually seen at the municipal animal sheltering level.โ Staff celebrated the award on Facebook noting that the shelter focuses on strategies to keep pets with their people rather than surrendering them. โWe are still helping thousands of dogs, cats and people every year,โ they wrote, calling it โa group effortโ involving the work from field services, veterinary services, shelter operations, community partnerships and a network of volunteers, rescue groups and community advocates.
Rocko, a 2-year-old boy with one blue and one brown eyed look, has been named Pet of the Week by Pawscrossedny. Native American legend suggests that Rocko can see heaven and earth at the same time, making him an angel. For more information on Rocko, please visit PawScrossedNY.org/adopt. If you can't adopt right now, please share a share of Rocko. Are you connected to an agency that rescues animals for adoption? Email LanningTaliaferro@patch.com.
Sudarsan Pattnaik, a renowned sand artist from Odisha, created a 50-foot-long sand sculpture of a tiger for the Tadoba Festival 2024 in Maharashtra's Chandrapur district. The work was part of a campaign to raise awareness about wildlife conservation and highlight the challenges facing wildlife. Pattnaak's creation highlighted the need to protect the planet's biodiversity. The day, World Wildlife Day, is celebrated on March 3 and aims to promote awareness about the challenges faced by wildlife, including deforestation, climate change, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict.
The China Wildlife Conservation Association has signed a letter of intent to cooperate with the United States' San Francisco Zoological Society and Gardens in an effort to increase the conservation of giant pandas. The two sides agreed to initiate technical consultations on the international conservation of the giant Pandas and promote research and technical exchanges related to giant panda conservation. They will also work to deliver a pair of giant Pandos to San Francisco in 2025. The United States was one of the first countries to cooperate on giant pandan conservation since the 1990s, and their cooperation has resulted in the successful breeding of 17 giant pada cubs.
In pictures: Conservation of Cairngorms' rare hoverlfies. Critically endangered pine hoverflies have been found to be breeding successfully in new populations around the Cairngorms. In Britain, the majority of the insects were only known to inhabit one small forest in the vast area of mountains, hills and woodlands. B๏ปฟut experts have discovered larvae in previously unoccupied tree stumps - the creature's favourite habitat - suggesting conservation efforts are working.
The Royal Belum State Park in Malaysia has been awarded the prestigious Conservation Assured|Tiger Standards (CA|TS) approval for its exceptional conservation efforts and commitment to tiger conservation. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Malaysia provided guidance and support throughout the accreditation process, and placed Malaysia on the map as the very first country in South-East Asia to implement CA|TS. PSPC has implemented a series of initiatives to meet the standards of compliance such as strengthening its management, staffing, stakeholder relationship, community engagement, and protection of the tiger population. WWF Malaysia executive director and chief executive officer Sophia Lim said this was a big step towards creating a long-term conservation impact for the Malayan tiger.
Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter in BRANFORD, CT, recently had its ribbon cutting to celebrate a refurbished, modernized, and expanded shelter. The project involved doubling the size of the building and completely renovating the existing space, including expanded cat space, pet adoption visiting rooms, upgraded kennels, and more quarantine space. It also features separate ventilation to prevent the spread of infection, a medical visiting room, a pregnant cat room, separate offices for animal control activities, and a separate entrance for stray and roaming animals. The goal to have it be the first "net-zero" shelter nationwide was realized when the project was set to begin construction, the building produces its own โdomestic hot water through solar thermal energy.โ The nearly $4.9 million project saw that cost offset by more than $1.5 million in fundraising by CosgrovesSavingLives campaign.
James Middleton, the brother of the Princess of Wales, has shared a video of his son Inigo watching his dog food range, James & Ella, as it hits shelves in Sainsbury's. The 37-year-old entrepreneur, who launched his brand in 2020, named his dog after his late dog Ella and has expanded into air-dried treats and raw food toppers. This week, James announced that his brand is now stocked in over 300 stores across the UK. The video was shared with his 346,000 Instagram followers and has received over 6,100 'likes' since it was posted. James also revealed that his dog, who was the first dog he had as an adult, helped him overcome depression and led him to sign up with Pets Therapy.
DiTommaso Real Estate, a Staten Island realtor, held a Pet Adoption Day at its New Dorp location to promote pet adoption and support animal rescue and adoption. The event was held by realtor Lori Hesterhagen-Ficarra and featured local animal rescue organizations, including Pitbulls and Addicts, Victory 4 the Voiceless, and the Near and Far Animal Foundation. The GRACE Foundation of New York also hosted the event, selling Graceful Bites and Bark Special Treats by individuals supported by the foundation. Proceeds from the sales went directly to supporting TheGRACE Foundation's programs.
Charleston Animal Society, an initiative of Charleston Animal Society (No Kill South Carolina 2024), has organized Pick Me! SC, the largest annual statewide adoption event of dogs and cats in the country. The event, which brings together over 93 shelters, rescue organizations, and Petco Pet Care Centers across South Carolina, aims to save 2,000 animals this year. The nine-day event is supported by Petco Love, in collaboration with BOBS from Skechers, and led by Honorary Co-Chairs, Johnathan Lower and his Golden Retriever Teddy. Most shelters are offering free or low-cost adoptions during the 10-day period. In addition to facilitating adoptions and performing lifesaving spay-neuter surgeries on 250 animals statewide, PickMe! SC's Simon Greer Mobile Spay Neuter Clinic traveled the state in support of the event.
The Wake County Animal Center is launching a special adoption campaign for dogs that have been at the center for over two weeks, allowing them to waive their adoption fees. The center currently has 81 dogs, three cats, and two guinea pigs available for adoption. Among them, 50 dogs have been with the shelter for more than two weeks and eligible for the special adoption fee of $0. Regular adoption fees are $95 for dogs, $45 for cats under five, and $15 for older cats. All adopted pets are fully vaccinated, spayed or neutered and microchipped before going home.
The Paw-Changa Adoption Fiesta is set to take place at the City of San Antonio's Animal Care Services facility on April 13th at 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with activities such as face painting, DIY Fiesta medals, caricatures, and a vendor market. The event will also feature a diverse array of food vendors, including Tony's Kitchen, Dos Perroโs Coffee, Mamas Tacos, Funnel Cake Fanatics, Alamo City Kettle Corn, Fiesta Fresh, and Caffeine & Sammy Snacks. Attendees will also have the opportunity to acquire the coveted 2024 Fiesta medal.
Friends of the Animal Shelter (FOTAS) is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a special adoption event on June 1. Puppy and dog adoption fees will be only $15, with kittens and cats available for $10. The event also celebrates the 10th anniversary of the shelter building at 333 Wire Road. FOTAS's biggest achievement was helping the shelter dramatically increase its survival rate. The nonprofit changed its stats in 2009 from euthanizing more than 90 percent of the 5,500 dogs and cats received per year to saving over 90 percent each year. In 2018, the Aiken County Council unanimously passed a resolution to save every adoptable animal received at the shelter.
Women's Animal Center in Pennsylvania has opened a new cat adoption housing at its Bensalem shelter. The move aligns with current best practices in feline animal welfare and improves the health and well-being of shelter cats waiting for adoption into loving forever homes. The center's fundraising efforts raised nearly $50,000 to purchase the new cat habitats by year's end. The Bucks County Foundation has provided a $10,000 grant to support the upgrade and purchase of the new housing. Funding for animal health and welfare projects benefits pets and people alike as they interact with shelter animals. The Center also provides vital services such as veterinary care, dog training, animal enrichment programs, community programming, and humane education.
The Topeka Zoo is set to introduce a traveling exhibit, "Animal Superpowers," featuring sculptures made from LEGO bricks. The exhibit will be presented by Giant Communications from artist Sean Kenney and will be displayed at no additional cost when guests purchase a general admission ticket at the zoo. This exhibit explores the evolutionary, biological, and environmental reasons for these adaptations and aims to inspire visitors of all ages to appreciate the wonders of the natural world.
The Small Animal Hospital in Mumbai, an initiative by the Tata Trusts, has begun taking appointments following a successful trial phase. The hospital offers round-the-clock Emergency Room, triage and consultation, in-patient care, dermatology, cardiology, and radiology, including MRI, CT, and ultrasonography. It also plans to offer surgical services, including orthopaedic surgeries, and will offer services to stray animals at subsidised rates or no cost depending on the animal's condition. The facility will also feature an annexe for sterilising and treating strays, run by Welfare of Stray Dogs, a city-based animal welfare NGO.
Birds of prey given Scottish sanctuary thanks to community buyout of land. A new nature reserve will be created in the uplands of Galloway, in the south of Scotland, following an agreement between the Langholm Initiative, a community development trust, and the Duke of Buccleuch, formerly Scotlandโs largest landowner. More than 5,300 acres of private land have been brought into communal ownership after the completion of a ยฃ2.2 million deal, announced yesterday. It doubles the total amount of land to more than 10,500 acres after a deal completed two years ago worth almost ยฃ4 million.
Madhya Pradesh's Chief Minister, Rajesh Yadav, announced that cheetahs will be released in Gandhinagar Sanctuary soon. The state government has been working fast to complete the fencing of the sanctuary and is shifting herbivores for release. A tri-party agreement has been signed with South Africa regarding the restoration of cheetah population, which will have significant conservation consequences including re-establishing the functional role of cheetsah within their historical range in India and improving local livelihoods. Yadav also pledged to create more tiger sanctuaries in the state and if there is a demand for tigers from other states, the government will also respond.
Actress Mariska Hargitay has honored Taylor Swift with a cat named Karma, named after her character on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. The actress posted a photo of the cat on Instagram with the caption, "Karma is a Cat @taylorswift. Meet Karma. My Cat.โ The comment section was flooded with puns, including those of Taylor Swift and the Today Show. Both Marrisa and Taylor have been open about their friendship and shared their love for Law & Orders.
Puppy Sphere Chicago is expanding its dog yoga studio to Logan Square, opening in Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood. The company's new location is set to open this weekend and there are other locations in New York and Miami. Francesca Albo, the 27-year-old co-founder of Puppy Sphere, believes that dog yoga can increase serotonin and dopamine in humans and is a good thing for their bodies. The studio was born out of Albo's love for yoga and her own dog, and has locations in Chicago, New York, Miami, and now in Chicago.
First responders in Guilford County, North Carolina, on Sunday helped out an adorable four-legged patient suffering from smoke inhalation from a fire. After giving the puppy some oxygen therapy, it perked back up and three dogs were rescued in all. Crews said they care about every patient, and the puppy is doing okay.
A tiny puppy weighing less than a pound has been rescued after being brought to a local city shelter in Texas with severe low blood sugar and a temperature too low to register. The puppy, Brynlee, was suffering from canine parvovirus, a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects dogs, particularly puppies under 6 months old and unvaccinated dogs. The city shelter reached out to Austin Pets Alive! (APA), an organization known for its expertise in handling cases such as BryNlee's, for specialized care. After a critical blood transfusion and continuous care, Bryne is now gaining weight and weighing over a pound. In 2023, 6.5 million animals entered U.S. shelters, up 4% compared to 2022, and around 850,000 animals were euthanized in shelters in 2023.
Companion Animal Alliance (CAA) and Orphan Kitten Club, a charitable organization founded by Hannah "Kitten Lady" Shaw, have received a $22,500 grant through OKC's Mightycat program. The grant will increase CAA's capacity for neonatal foster kitten care by providing additional supplies and resources to CAAโs neonatal kitten fosters and increasing funding for after-hours medical care. The funds will be vital for the lifesaving e๏ฌorts for the anticipated 350 neonatal kittens placed into their foster program this year.
The Humane Society of West Michigan is raising money to help local shelters care for homeless kittens. The organization has launched a campaign to collect resources for this year's "kitten season." The campaign includes a kitten Caboodles program, which provides specialized care and saves as many kittens as possible. To donate, visit www.HSWestMI.org/Give.
The community of Middleburg Heights, Ohio, held a public open house on April 27 to celebrate the opening of the new Middleberg Heights Animal Shelter and pet adoption center. The open house included raffle baskets, refreshments, and a "free roam" cat room, which was popular with pet owners. Shelter volunteers also provided services. Councilman and longtime animal advocate Tim Ali thanked all those involved in the construction of the facility. Adoptions are currently by appointment only, with the hope of regular hours established by summer. Adoption fees range from $100 to $200, with senior citizens (ages 60 and older) and veterans receiving a $25 discount.
Over 100 shelter dogs affected by the Tustin hangar fire are being relocated to Ohio from Orange County, where they will be placed with partner shelters and offered for adoption. The ASPCA has been working with OC Animal Care since November 7, when the North Hangar initially caught fire. The closure of the shelter prevented staff from safely bringing dogs outside for walks and playtime. The move is being supported by the ASPCA, who are providing critical resources and services to local animal welfare organizations during emergency situations. Additional assistance is also being provided for the kitten nursery by transporting kittens that require specialized care out of the Shelter in the coming days.
The Centennial Education Foundation (CEF) has launched its first Pawsome Pet Contest, a contest that aims to showcase local pets and raise funds for teacher grants in the Centennial School District. The contest will begin on Aug. 15 and progress into a bracket voting format where friends, family, and neighbors will vote via donations. The top 12 pets will be featured on a 2025 CEF Pawsomes Pets printed calendar and the top three winners will be awarded prize packs at the end of the contest. The foundation has been supporting educational programs, scholarships, and in-kind donations since 1997 and has given over $1,000,000 in grants towards experiences that have benefited over 100,000 children in the school district.
Injured baby elephant recovers after being abandoned by herd in Thailand. An injured baby elephant is recovering at a sanctuary in Thailand after being abandoned by its herd. The one-month-old female baby calf, named Tanwa, was found lying in a bamboo shed in Kanchanaburi province on 27 November by rangers from Srinakarin Dam National Park. She was airlifted from the jungle on 3 December to be monitored by vets at the Bueng Chawak Non-Hunting Area in Suphan Buri province. โTanwa has improved a lot.
IAS officer Supriya Sahu shared a video of an annual migration of elephants, including their young calves, in the Nilgiri hills. The video, which also highlights the conservation efforts of the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, was shared on X. The caption accompanying the video describes the majestic procession as a testament to nature's rhythms and the importance of preserving these corridors for the elephants. Sahu also commended forest officials for a successful rescue operation at a tiger reserve in Tamil Nadu, where a lost baby elephant was reunited with its mother and herd.
IAS officer Supriya Sahu has presented a token of appreciation to forest officials who reunited a lost baby elephant with its mother and herd at a tiger reserve in Tamil Nadu. The IAS officer posted a video of the rescue operation on X, which included a video showing the calf snuggling with its mom after the rescue. She praised the field staff of the Manampalli squad at the Anamalai Tiger Reserve and anti-poaching watcher Prabhakaran, who took the viral photograph of the baby elephant and its mother. The most recent photo was taken by Prabakaran. Social media users also applauded the forest officials for their well-deserved appreciation.
IAS officer Supriya Sahu has publicly commended the efforts of the Tamil Nadu Forest Department officials who reunited a lost baby elephant with its mother and herd at a tiger reserve in Tamil Nadu. She posted two videos on X (Formerly Twitter), congratulating the field staff of the Manampalli squad at the Anamalai Tiger Reserve for their dedicated service. Sahu also expressed pride to meet Manikandan, the officer leading the rescue mission. The rescue mission took place in December 2023, when forest officials spotted a baby elephant searching for its mother in the wildlife reserve. With the help of drones and forest watchers, the herd was located and the calf was reunited with its mom.
Kareena Kapoor Khan has praised Anant Ambani for his initiative, Vantara, which has rescued over 200 elephants and thousands of other animals, reptiles, and birds. Kapoor shared a post on her Instagram account praising Ambani's vision and the work of the initiative. She also shared a story about an elephant that was rescued under the initiative, Tarzan, who had cataract surgery that restored his vision. Anant's vision is to be the world's most advanced wildlife institute and to conserve and breed critically endangered species. His soon-to-be wife, Radhika Merchant, is also involved in the initiative and is not a zoo.
Two Magellanic penguin chicks have been born at Potter Park Zoo in Michigan, marking the second consecutive successful breeding at the zoo. The chicks were born on July 16 and 19 to parents Jayde and Skipper, who have shown remarkable dedication to nurturing their younglings. This is the first time in over 10 years that two eggs have successfully hatched in one year. The zoo's lead bird and herp keeper, Jake Brodie, described the experience as "very rewarding and inspiring" for the zoo team. The Magellan penguins, native to South America, are an endangered species due to human impact and environmental changes.
The first little blue penguin chick to be born at Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. The chick made its debut on New Year's Day at the aquarium's Penguin Care and Conservation Center in the Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins Exhibit, which will open in 2022. The aquarium described this as a "remarkable milestone" in its penguin conservation efforts and cooperative breeding program efforts with other Association of Zoos and Aquariums institutions. The female chick is being raised by the penguin care team and has nearly tripled in size in less than a month.
The endangered African penguins that hatched at the National Aviary in Pittsburgh have been named Dave and Rita Mae. The chicks were formerly named Hatchling 1 and Hatchling 2 and have grown into health juveniles under the care of parents Patrick and Owen. They are part of a Species Survival Plan representing hope for the endangered species, which is estimated to be functionally extinct in South Africa by 2035. The aviary is leading AZA SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction for African Penguins, leading efforts to address challenges the species face.
Klook, one of the leading online travel companies, has launched an animal welfare policy that will end the sale of circus-style performances involving elephants, dolphins and tigers. The policy will come into effect by the end of October 2023, ramping up pressure for more travel companies to follow suit as travellers seek more cruelty-free travel options. World Animal Protection Thailand has welcomed the move, citing a survey by Suan Dusit pollster in 2022 which found that 76% of elephant shows in Thailand are considered animal cruelty. Several attractions in Thailand have featured animal shows to attract domestic and foreign tourists, such as elephant bathing, feeding and riding.
A rare blue whale, the world's largest animal, was spotted off the coast of Gloucester, Massachusetts. Cape Ann Whale Watch shared a video of the whale, which was almost as long as its 115 foot boat. The whale was seen off Cape Ann. Whale Watch posted the video on its Facebook page.
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) honoured Emirati fisherman Abdullah bin Rabee, who helped release a stranded whale shark that had become stranded on a Khor Fakkan beach in February 2022. The meeting also saw Al Mheiri presenting the Ministryโs vision for supporting fishermen to develop fisheries wealth as a key enabler of food security in the UAE, while also tackling possible solutions to the challenges faced by fishermen. Dr Mohammed Salman Al Hammadi, undersecretary of the biodiversity and aquatic life sector at the MOCCAE, also discussed issues being worked on by the Ministry, including reconsidering the decision on violations, and coordination with the Critical Infrastructure and Coastal Protection Authority to rescue fishermen at sea when necessary and regarding equipment malfunctions. The meetings discussed the needs of fishermen, their concerns, and their conditions.
Cameras installed on bird feeders on farmland in the Isle of Man have recorded "heartening" evidence of the most endangered bird species. The Manx Wildlife Trust set up 21 feeding stations with a seed mix that includes white millet to provide food for tree sparrows and provide security during breeding season. The project also found that the island was home to more tree sparls than previously thought. Farmland bird officer Rob Fisher said he was "thrilled" to have this evidence for the first time in a decade.
Richard Slayman, a 62-year-old man with late-stage kidney disease, underwent the world's first successful kidney transplant from a genetically modified pig to a human. The operation took place at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), in Boston, and Slayman is recovering well and expected to be discharged soon. The xenotransplantation procedure, transplanting a non-human organ into a human, has been hailed as a significant step forward.
Walai Penyu Conservation Park in Sabah's east coast Libaran island is a key conservationist in the area, with the participation of the local community. The park's founder and managing director, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, praised the community's commitment to promoting and supporting activities that benefit both the environment and local communities. He also praised their raw craftsmanship in producing handicrafts using'mengkuang' (screw pine leaves) and recycled materials, as well as boat making. The aim of the park is to gradually entrust the reins of the Walai Pen Ryu Conservation programme to the community, empowering them to independently champion and sustain turtle conservation initiatives. The unwavering commitment of the community has fostered a cleaner island environment and instilled a sense of responsibility among the islanders.
A sub-adult loggerhead turtle, Badlands, is set to be released from the Marine Science Center in Volusia County, Florida on February 1 after a medical recovery at the center. The release is dependent on favourable weather and surf conditions. Badlands arrived at the MSC on Dec. 15 after being discovered stranded at New Smyrna Beach and showed signs of mild dehydration and an impacted gastrointestinal tract. Under the care of the team at the Center, the turtle regained health and saw an increase in weight from 156 pounds to 167 pounds. The public release event is open to the public, with paid beach parking available on the south side of the ramp.
Isaac Francis, a 17-year-old high school student from Sarasota, Florida, landed a rare catch during a night fishing trip with friends. The goliath grouper, a saltwater fish estimated to weigh 114 kg, proved a formidable challenge for Isaac, who was fishing at Turtle Beach. His father, Stu Francis, praised his son's fishing skills and achievement, crediting him for patience and determination. The species, a 'Vulnerable' species according to the World Conservation Union, is protected from harvest in the US and regulations prohibit possession of this species in personal spaces. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission highlights the vulnerability of large goliath groupers when brought ashore, which may lead to fatal injuries.
The management of Mysuru zoo has thanked Lunar Exports Private Limited, Mysuru, for adopting various animals and birds ny paying the adoption fee of โน10 lakh. Zoo Executive Director Ajit Kulkarni thanked Bastian J. Kottukapally, Managing Director, Walkmate Footwear, Mysuru, for the contribution and said it will inspire other corporate bodies and charitable institutions to follow suit. The company has adopted orangutan, tiger, giraffe, chimpanzee, cheetah, lion-tailed macaque, great white pelican, hoolock gibbon, Malabar giant squirrel, green anaconda, common ostrich, meerkat and emu, for one year from March 24, 2022 to March 23, 2023, the release said.
Good News, Illinois is reporting a positive week in the news, with notable initiatives such as a third location planned for Hewn Bakery in Winnetka and a free entry to the Slammers Box Office for fans named Taylor or Travis. The "Tortured Poets Department" project, Esra Agun, reunited five ducklings with their mother and siblings. The bakery is expanding to Libertyville and plans to open a second location. The award-winning project, "Squirrel Nest boxes" built by Agun are already helping squirrels at Willowbrook Wildlife.
The San Francisco Zoo's Mayor London Breed has asked China's leaders to consider the San Francisco zoo as a temporary home for pandas. She made the suggestion during the APEC Summit in November, after hearing about "Panda diplomacy" being revived by China's President Xi Jinping. Breed believes this move is a way to show respect and build on the city's historic relationship with China. The zoo visitors have said the pandas would give the city a much needed image boost. There is no set schedule for a decision on whether the zoo will receive a panda.
Giant panda Lin Hui turns 21 at Chiang Mai Zoo. She wrote in a good-wishes card that the Chinese Consulate-General in Chiang Mai appreciated the zooโs efforts in taking such good care of Lin Hui for more than two decades. โLin Hui is not only well-provided for by the zoo but also receives much love and adoration from Chiang Mai locals and Thai people. He said more than 7.4 million visitors have dropped by the zoo since October 2003 to see the two giant pandas on loan from China, Lin Hui and Xuang Xuang.
China plans to send a new pair of giant pandas to the San Diego Zoo, a gesture of friendship towards the US after nearly all the bears on loan to US zoos were returned due to sour relations between the two countries. If all permits and other requirements are approved, the two pandas are expected to arrive by the end of this summer, five years after the zoo sent its last pandas back to China. This move is seen as a sign of a thawing relationship between the US and China.
A pair of giant pandas, Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, are headed to California from China, where they were met in China by San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance officials. The two were selected to be cared for by the San Diego zoo and have deep connections to the zoo. An exact date for their arrival in San Diego has not been confirmed. This move marks a resurgence in "panda diplomacy," a symbol of America's relations with China since 1972.
China's National Forestry and Grassland Administration has reported that the population of giant pandas in the wild has nearly doubled due to China's increased conservation efforts. The number of pandas has risen from 1,100 in the 1980s to around 1,900, according to the administration. The Giant Panda National Park was established in 2021, covering a total area of over 22,000 sq km and providing a home to around 72% of the wild pandas. Protected areas for giant Pandas have also grown from 1.39 million ha to 2.58 million ha since 2012. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has adjusted the status of giantPandas from โendangeredโ to โvulnerableโ. The global captive population now reaches 728, with 46 pandas successfully bred in captivity in 2023.
Shout! Studios has secured North American rights to the animated feature โPanda Bear in Africaโ from Cinema Management Group (CMG). The film follows the story of Pang, a young panda who travels from China to Africa to rescue his kidnapped friend, Jielong the dragon. The acquisition marks the fourth collaboration between Shout!, Studios and CMG, following "The Canterville Ghost," "Ainbo: Spirit of the Amazon," and "The Little Vampire 3D." The multi-year deal grants Shout! studios all North American distribution rights in the U.S. and Canada, encompassing theatrical, home entertainment, and various media platforms.
China's giant pandas are contributing to the survival of the species, following decades of global efforts. The number of pandas in captivity and in the wild has increased, and the species is no longer considered at risk of extinction but given the status of vulnerable. Experts suggest releasing more captive pandas to the wild could help the species grow.
The approximately 8-week-old male northern sea otter pup, named after Alaska SeaLife Center, has been adopted by Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. The pup was rescued in late October by Alaska SeaSea Center and is now in the care of Shedd in Chicago, where a team of animal experts are caring for him around the clock. He is bottle fed every few hours, groomed with soft towels and provided with enrichment items, and receives frequent veterinary check-ups. The aquarium will provide updates over the next few months, including naming the pup and when he will be available for guest viewing.
The Sydney Zoo in Australia has shared a spoof video of otters performing the Raygun dance, inspired by Rachael "Raygun" Gunn. The video features otters demonstrating their moves, while others commented on the video preferring the otters' performance. The Sydney Zoo, a world class zoo in Western Sydney, Australia, is home to over 4,000 animals, Australia's largest Reptile and Nocturnal House, and an aquarium. The zoo was founded in 2015 with the aim of creating amazing experiences for the local and international community by introducing animals from all over the world and educating on animal welfare and conservation.
Environmental news has few bright spots these days, but hereโs one: The population of the endangered Hawaiian monk seal species has reached 1,500 for the first time in more than two decades. Environmental news has few bright spots these days, but hereโs one: The population of the endangered Hawaiian monk seal species has reached 1,500 for the first time in more than two decades. The sealsโ habitat is still under duress from climate change, and thereโs a resource management challenge to handle where fishing becomes competitive between humans and the seals. But the recovery is an encouraging sign that intervention for endangered species can succeed.
The newly discovered non-venomous Rhynchocalamus hejazicus, a reptile species found in Saudi Arabia's AlUla, has been identified as a new species. The reptile is part of a genus predominantly found in Jordan, Yemen, and Oman and is adapted to the sandy and rocky environments of the mountainous Hejaz region. The discovery has been met with enthusiasm by local conservationists, who see it as a vital component of the region's ecosystem. This discovery highlights the regionโs ecological richness and its status as a sanctuary for nature and history. AlUala is undergoing a significant ecological transformation, with half of the area now protected as nature reserves.
The 8th annual Eastern indigo snake release took place at the Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve in Bristol, Florida, in an effort to restore the area's natural balance. The longest snake species in the US, which eat venomous and nonvenomous snakes, were returned to nature by researchers at Central Florida Zooโs Orianne Center for Indigo Conservation. The snakes, which measure 5 to 7 feet in length, were bred by the center, which is the only captive breeding facility for the species. This release marks the largest release of the species in one year. Since the effort began, 167 snakes have been released at the preserve.
The Environment Agency has spent ยฃ22,000 on a habitat improvement project at Gunwade Lake in Ferry Meadows, Peterborough, aimed at helping fish thrive in a lake. The project aims to create hiding places for fish to escape from otters. Initial signs suggest that the project has succeeded.
The Long Beach Shopping Center has introduced two hives of docile honeybees to its community through a partnership with Best Bees. The hives were placed in areas where there is no foot traffic to keep bees and shoppers safe. Each hive serves as a data point for Best Bees to monitor colony health and assess the biodiversity of surrounding areas. The move is seen as a step towards promoting a welcoming and dynamic atmosphere for guests and supporting a healthy ecosystem. The public celebration of the hives' installation will be held on World Honey Bee Day on August 17.
The Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary in McKinney, Texas, is set to reopen its seasonal reopening of the Native Texas Butterfly House and Garden on June 8. Visitors will be able to learn about the life stages of native butterflies and other pollinators, including feeding adult butterflies from nectar plants and observing a new butterfly emerge from its chrysalis. The Heard was founded in 1967 by Bessie Heard, who saw a need to preserve a place where future generations could experience nature. The museum's mission is to bring nature and people together through education, particularly for young people, emphasizing an appreciation of nature and its conservation.
The Sioux Falls Butterfly House and Aquarium is opening a new touch pool focusing on East Coast Species. The pool will feature species like horseshoe crabs, sea stars, spider crabs, and more. The project has been months in the making and was designed to be accessible and increase animal well-being.
Ariela of Los Angeles, California, 16, has been nominated as the "star local student" for her work in creating a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Reducing Animal Stress, based on her Girl Scout Silver and Gold Awards. She has received several recognitions for her efforts, including a Hero to Animals Award and 18 under 18 Award. She also won scholarships and grants to support the distribution of her exclusive adoption kits and foster kits throughout Los Angeles. So far, these kits have saved over 100 pets. Ariela's dedication and passion for helping animals will be lifelong, and she hopes to inspire others to be kind to animals.
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden has welcomed its newest addition, a baby bat-eared fox. The boy, born last week, is doing well with bottle feeding and making adorable vocalizations when it's feeding time. The zoo is currently taking name suggestions for the kit. The kit will eventually become an ambassador animal for the zoo.
Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, the first giant pandas to enter the U.S. in 21 years, have arrived at the San Diego Zoo. The pair will be acclimating to their new home in a private habitat at the zoo for several weeks before being monitored closely by wildlife health and care teams. They will not be seen by the public during this period. Earlier this week, a delegation from the US and China held a farewell ceremony for the pandas at the China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Pandas in Sichuan province.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts held a holiday celebration at the Stone Zoo on Dec. 13. The event included s'mores and hot cocoa as members of the Big-Little community gathered to explore the zoo's holiday decorations. The organization, which provides nearly 4,000 youth with an adult mentor each year, celebrates its 75th year in 2024 and has served nearly 25,000 matches. For more information, register your children or become a volunteer mentor, visit www.emassbigs.org.
Zebra shark brothers Timmy and Tony were named after Spurs greats Tim Duncan and Tony Parker. They are already the largest sea creatures in the underwater tunnel at the aquarium and will eventually reach up to 8 feet long. The aquarium is inside the Shops at Rivercenter and features interactive zones for visitors. Tickets can be purchased for discounts on tickets purchased on the aquarium's website.
The St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station is celebrating its first ever โSummer of the Sharkโ celebration through Labor Day. The event, which started on May 29, includes new displays and shark-themed programming, including a scavenger hunt, a baby shark nursery, and a shallow pool where visitors can gently touch two different species of the fin-tastic fish. The American Museum of Natural History in New York sponsors a โSharksโ exhibit, providing a deep dive into the history and mystery of these majestic animals. Other activities include a cart full of prehistoric shark teeth and artifacts, family-friendly story-time sessions, dive shows and a shark-feeding spectacle. All events are included as part of the "Summer of Shark" package for general admission. Tickets can be purchased in advance online at stlouisaquarium.
The Belle Isle Aquarium is opening for special hours during the holiday season, allowing visitors to visit while off of work or school. The historic aquarium will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., every day from Dec. 27 through Dec. 30. The aquarium was recently voted the most beautiful aquarium in the U.S. by Aquarium Store Depot and features the only known collection of all seven species of gar in North America. Admission is free with a suggested $5 per person donation.
The Belle Isle Aquarium, the nation's oldest aquarium, is set to celebrate its 120th anniversary with a free family activity day. The Belle Isle Conservancy will partner with the City of Detroitโs Office of Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurship to host the event, which includes an outdoor aquatic science station, coloring books, crafts, story time, a live DJ, a bounce house, free food and drink. The event is part of a celebration for all ages. The aquarium opened in 1904, when it was the third-largest aquarium in the world.
Kona, a rescued pittie mix, was adopted seven years ago and has remained a constant joyous presence in her home. Her mother, Collyn, introduced her to the family as a puppy and continued to foster puppies throughout the years. Kona's favorite moments were during celebrations, such as dressing up in Halloween costumes or crashing her parents' wedding. She also received her first dog birthday cake at a surprise party. Konna's family celebrated her seventh birthday with hugs and peanut butter cake.
A luxury yacht hosted a dinner cruise off Fort Myers Beach, Florida, when a dog was spotted struggling in the water. The Sanibel Harbor Princess crew quickly intervened, leading to a rescue and reunion of the dog with her family. The rescue was a remarkable moment of heroism and compassion, which showcased the crew's dedication and led to a heartwarming reunion between the rescued dog and her worried family. While the dog had a microchip, it was unreadable, leaving the crew with a task to find the dog's owners. The story of the rescue was widely celebrated by the local community and highlighted the bond between humans and animals.
A recent study by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Network Open has found that forming a strong bond with pets, particularly dogs, can alleviate anxiety and depression in women, particularly those who have experienced childhood trauma. The study involved over 200 women, primarily survivors of childhood abuse, who reported lower levels of distress, anxiety, and depression. The research could provide valuable insights for clinicians focusing on psychological well-being.
Isaac Vaizman, an American man, was rescued from a fire in California when his home began to burn down, prompting the fire department to respond to the emergency. As the fire raged, he called for help and 38 firefighters arrived at his home to rescue his cat, Cheetah. After several tense minutes, one firefighter handed Cheeta over to him, her reaction to seeing her cat alive was touching and exciting. The emotional reunion of the cat and the man, who adopted it after divorcing his wife, created a unique bond with the cat, creating a unique identity with him.
A pride of lions at the Oregon Zoo have been engaging audiences with their playful antics, which have been captured through a hidden camera placed in their enclosure. The camera was initially intended to provide fans with insights about zoo animal care programs but also provided entertainment. The footage, which became popular on the zoo's YouTube channel, was transformed into a source of amusement as the lions played with the camera. This interactive experience highlights the potential for wildlife encounters to bring people closer to animals and increase their curiosity about the natural world. Researchers also observed a unique encounter involving Port Jackson sharks off the coast of Australia, where scientists believe these encounters could hold key to better managing marine environments. The videos, which also highlight the importance of conservation and animal care efforts, can support global awareness and advocate for the joy of these moments.
A new species of cobra snake, named the Albino Spectacled Cobra, has been identified in the wetlands of Uttar Pradesh, marking a potential shift in the local ecosystem. The discovery was made by Rahul Nishad, a research student at the Indian Forestry Research Education Training and Ecological Restoration Center under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The findings have been documented in the international journal โReptiles and Amphibians. Nishad noted that these cobras' preferred prey included termites and frogs, leading them to inhabit areas rich in such prey. This discovery has expanded the understanding of biodiversity and highlighted the ecological health of wetlands.
The Iberian lynx, once threatened with extinction, has been declared no longer endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Conservation efforts in Spain and Portugal have boosted its population from 62 mature cats in 2001 to over 2,000 adults and juveniles. The revival of their primary prey, the European rabbit, played a significant role in this recovery. Craig Hilton-Taylor, head of the IUCN Red List unit, praised the population growth as a 'huge success'. Despite uncertainties about climate change and disease, climate change remains a concern.
Coastal Carolina Wildlife Rehab in Wilmington, North Carolina, has gained popularity with its raccoon rehab efforts after a Facebook post asking for properties to release restored raccoons. Within hours of the post, people offered their properties for the release of these animals. The wildlife center, which started taking in animals in 2008, also takes in fawns, otters, birds, and nearly all other wildlife native to North Carolina. To donate to Coastal Carolina wildlife Rehab, visit their Facebook or website.
Bindi Irwin's daughter, Grace, is already helping out at the Australia Zoo at just 3 years old. Bindi shared photos of Grace feeding a giant tortoise at the zoo, which she described as "the happiest anyone has ever been to feed a tortoise." The sweet pictures were shared by fans who praised Bindi and her late father for giving Grace a unique upbringing. In March 2023, Bindi revealed her struggles with endometriosis and underwent surgery to rectify the disease. She returned to a productive life at the Zoo, sharing photos of little Grace as she discovered wildlife.
Alberta Open Farm Days is taking place across the province on August 17 and 18, offering a two-day province-wide event showcasing the agriculture industry. The event features a variety of farms, including produce, grain, dairy, and livestock, along with breweries and distilleries. The CEO of the Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies, Tim Carson, said the event is important for consumers to learn about where food comes from and is a great opportunity for showcasing diverse offerings across Alberta. This year's theme is the Year of the Alpaca, with nearly 40 per cent of all alpacas in Canada being in Alberta. The 160 farms participating in the event, the highest number yet, are increasing due to producers' interest in connecting directly with the consumer.
The Mongolian Ministry of Environment and Tourism has reintroduced 15 Siberian ibexes to the Jargalant Khairkhan Mountain in Khuvsgul province, Jartalant district, for the second year of the "Yangir" project, aimed at preserving ecosystems and reintroducing endangered and critically endangered species to their natural habitat. The Ministry of Environmental and Tourism of Mongolia is funding this project. Last year, 10 ibex were reintroduced to Jargant Khhairkhan, and another 15 have been released this year to increase the population. The project was successfully implemented in Bulgan district of Arkhangai province last year.
The Nuzzles & Co. adoption event was held at Stioโs Park City Mountain Studio on Saturday, Aug. 10. The event also celebrated the launch of Stio and Wilderdogโs new dog gear collaboration. Attendees were able to shop the new collection, participate in a giveaway, and play with adoptable dogs.
The Oso Bay Wetlands Open House event in Corpus Christi, Texas, was a success, allowing the public to learn about different aspects of nature. Volunteers brought out live hermit crabs and shrimp in a touch-tank to expose children to the many creatures in our environment. The event was part of a larger effort to teach children an appreciation for nature. Tom Sullivan, a volunteer at the Preserve, said the Osobay Wetlands is a special gem in the Coastal Bend and it helps children build appreciation of nature's diversity. Do you have a news tip? Tell 3!
The Sussex Conservation District board of supervisors has approved funding totalling $67,500 for the oyster aquaculture cost-share program. The program will provide an incentive payment for up to 1.35 million harvested oysters that support nutrient reductions in the Inland Bays watershed. A single oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day, and this program could remove over 70,000 pounds of nitrogen from the bays. The goal of the program is to increase water quality by increasing oyster aquatic farming in the region. Cost-share payments will be made quarterly, at $0.05 per harvested oyster, with a maximum annual payment for 150,000 oysters totaling $7,500 per grower.
A critically endangered Egyptian tortoise has been born at Calgary Zoo on July 8. The baby was born from a clutch of two eggs laid in April by one of the zoo's Egyptian tortoises named Alexandria. This is the first successful hatching of an Egyptian tortois since their arrival at the zoo nearly a decade ago. The Animal Care, Health & Welfare Team (ACHW) is monitoring the second egg but remains optimistic about its survival. The zoo's tortoise group, collectively known as a creep, has been working to successfully breed the species since their introduction in 2015.
HOMTV's new mini-documentary series, "Over a Cup of Coffee," has premiered on HOMTV. The series will explore coffee shops all over Meridian Township and discover new morning hideouts. Episode 1 highlights the world of Constellation Cat Cafe, featuring an exclusive interview with Executive Director Kelsey Earle and Social Media Manager Paula Crow.
The Good Shepherd Humane Society in Eureka Springs is hosting its first ever music festival, Dog Days Of Summer, featuring performances by Chucky Waggs & the Company of Raggs, Eureaka Strings, Skye Pollard, Alex Hawd Revue, and Gary Lawrence & The Squirrels. The event also includes an exhibition by local artists, a waterslide, and more. All proceeds will benefit the animals of the Good Shepherd Human Society.
Curly Jo Hobbs, a gifted materials artist, has taken the world of needle-felting by storm with her lifelike miniature animal sculptures. Her works, which range from dogs to donkeys, capture every detail and unique feature of her subjects, making them recognizable. Each piece is created using a photograph and a few details to create a unique representation of the pet. Hobbs' work is a testament to the magic of capturing love in wool one strand at a time.
A group of Maui bird conservationists and state firefighters have received a prestigious award from the U.S. Department of the Interior for their bravery and swift action during a wildfire incident in August 2023. The Division of Forestry and Wildlife firefighters, along with staff from the Maui Bird Conservation Center managed by the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, were recognized for their performance and resilience during a fast-spreading fire sparked by a fallen powerline across the street from the center. The center, which houses rare Hawaiian birds, was a crucial base for firefighters and rescue workers. The award recognizes the quick and decisive actions taken by conservationists, who also contributed to protecting hundreds of species culturally significant to Native Hawaiians.
K9 Magnolia Grace, a service dog named after K9 the Golden Wing, has found a new home with a Marine veteran who served three tours in Afghanistan. The Marino Project will cover the lifetime care of Magnolia, which can be donated to the cause. If you wish to help, click here.
The Miss Winkles Pet Adoption Center in Clovis, Texas, hosted a low-cost microchip, vaccination, and licensing clinic on June 29. The event aimed to provide essential pet care services at an affordable price. The clinic saw an impressive turnout, with more walk-ins than anticipated. The center, named after a West Highland Terrier named after its late owner, David McDonald, was instrumental in establishing the facility in memory of the late pet. The facility, which operates with six appointments per 15-minute time slots, streamlined the microchip registration process, and is equipped with advanced sanitizing technologies, air filtration systems, and a professional staff dedicated to animal welfare.
The Broome County Humane Society held its 14th Annual Duck Derby, which has been successful year after year. Fund Development Coordinator Kim Broderick credits the success of the event to the volunteers, staff, and shelter owners. The Duck Derby is a fundraising event for the shelter. The support for the event is provided by volunteers and the shelter staff.
The Festival of Hawks is set to begin at Holiday Beach Conservation Area in Ontario this weekend, marking the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory's 50th anniversary. The Essex Region Conservation Authority will celebrate the occasion with a special event, including a special Owl Prowl, a guided walk through the woods looking for owls. Other events include beginner bird and family butterfly hikes, a native tree and plant sale, and casting tips from Just Fishin' Friends at Trout Pond. All daytime programs are free, with festival admission costing $20 per vehicle.
First responders in Newington, Connecticut, worked to rescue three ducklings from a storm drain. Firefighters and police were called out by animal control to rescue the ducklings. Firefighter Sam Martinchek was able to climb into the drain to save all three ducks.
Authorities in Farmington Hills, Mich. on Sunday morning after a fire broke out at a Country Glen Condos on 14 Mile Road. Several officers were treated for smoke inhalation but did not require additional medical attention. Residents were evacuated, even rescuing a family dog. Police Chief Jeff King praised the courage displayed by police officers and firefighters who were called to the scene to highlight the dangers they face in the line of duty.
Heaven Can Wait Animal Society, a provider of accessible veterinary care for pets and their families, has announced a grant to help local senior dogs receive $5,000. The grant will help give 8-year-old Pablo the veterinary care he needs to be healthy and happy. Over the past 15 years, The Grey Muzzle Organization has provided more than $4.6 million in grants to support its vision of a world where no old dog dies alone and afraid. To learn more about this Heaven Can Wait animal Society, visit their website.
The grand opening of a new animal shelter in Porterville, California, has been celebrated by residents. The city had been working to relocate its shelter, which was previously located near Lindsay, for eight and a half years. The new location is located in a former bank building on D Street, near the Porterville Police Department. The facility features state-of-art technology, soundproof glass and air circulation for animals, and can accommodate up to 120 animals for adoption and care.
Former zookeeper Amy Morency and her family have moved to Waco, Texas, to start an animal sanctuary called Untamed Hope. The sanctuary aims to help rescue and rehabilitate birds of prey and primates, and is currently in the process of securing a permanent location. Moreyncy hopes to connect with other zoos and sanctuaries to bring in more animals who need professional care and a new home. She also aims to provide an enriching and permanent home where animals live and thrive.
A video of a family of elephants was captured on video by IFS officer Parveen Kaswan, and has now gone viral. The video shows the jumbo family enjoying a peaceful moment in a pond, with a majestic tusker standing out in its presence, indicating a significant role of guardianship over the gentle giants. Kaswan shared the video on social media, highlighting the significance of the tusking's role in protecting the gentle animals. The internet has long held a fascination for such intimate glimpses into elephants' lives, with videos featuring these magnificent animals often garner significant attention and spreading rapidly across platforms.
A video of two men rescuing stranded dogs from floodwaters in Chennai has gone viral, showing the compassion and resilience of individuals during challenging times. The video, which has been shared on social media, shows the men carefully transporting the distressed dogs from a flooded road and securing them in a vehicle. The caption of the video expresses gratitude to the rescue team, stating that humanity prevails even in the most challenging circumstances. The clip has received over 163k views and numerous reactions.
Sabah Wildlife Department in Malaysia has celebrated its successful pangolin conservation efforts, including a successful awareness campaign and a workshop organised by conservation partners Pangolin Aware, Land Empowerment Animals People (LEAP), Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort, and the Sabah Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997. The department, along with conservation partners, has also introduced specialised transportation crates for the safe transfer of rescued pangolins back to their natural habitats. The Sabah wildlife department has made significant upgrades in collaboration with its partners to rescue and rehabilitation equipment and awareness campaigns. The efforts have been seen as crucial in broadening the reach of pangoline conservation messages and making a difference in public perception and behaviour towards these animals.
The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) Dining Services by Sodexo demonstrated their commitment to making a difference in the community through volunteer work and catering support for The Wild Animal Sanctuary (WAS). The sanctuary is dedicated to rescuing and providing lifelong care for captive great cats, bears, wolves, and other large carnivores living in substandard conditions across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Central and South America. In support of WAS's mission, UNC Dining services catered an event at the Wild Animal Refuge in Springfield, CO, with approximately 2,000 attendees. The Summer Safari event also raised funds for WAS in Keenesburg, CO and the Wild Animals Refuge in Worcester, CO. All leftover food from the event was donated to the sanctuary to feed the animals. The event was a rewarding experience that helped raise awareness of the sanctuary's mission and fostered a sense of unity and purpose among attendees, volunteers, and organizers, creating a lasting impact on the community.
Students from PS 25 South Richmond High School Seaview Academy have donated original animal banner artwork to the Staten Island Zoo. The students were hand painted and donated to raise awareness about wildlife conservation and care. The artwork is being displayed under the Zoo pavilion and is being appreciated by the zoo's Executive Director Ken Mitchell. For more information on the project, contact Tiffany Feo, director of External Affairs at the Staten island Zoo at tfeo@statenislandzoo.org.
The City of Temple, Texas, held a grand reopening for its animal adoption center, renamed Heart to Home Animal Adoption Center. The center was renovated to provide a more comfortable space for the animals and provide an easier experience for visitors. The reopening included a ribbon cutting, open tours, giveaways and half-priced adoptions.
A video of a mam lion reuniting with her cubs at the MalaMala Game Reserve in South Africa has gone viral, gaining over 6,00,000 views and over 1,000 likes on YouTube. The video was captured by a tour guide and shows the Kambula lioness leading a group of forest rangers to her den where the cubs are found. The cubs can be seen running towards their mother, jumping on her, purring, and wagging their tails before feeding. Users reacted to the video with love, noting the relief of lion cubs nursing from their mother.
The eButterfly mobile application has been launched by Espace pour la vie, the Vermont Center for Ecostudies (VCE), Mila โ Quรฉbec Artificial Intelligence Institute, and the University of Ottawa. The free application uses artificial intelligence to identify butterflies from photos taken on a smartphone and allows users to share their observations directly from the field. The app also incorporates an image recognition algorithm trained using millions of pictures of butterflies, which can detect unique patterns and characteristics for each species. Since its launch in Canada in 2012, the platform expanded its reach in North America, becoming global in 2023. All data is uploaded to GBIF โ the Global Biodiversity Information Facility, and is accessible to researchers worldwide.
Best Friend's Animal Society is partnering with Mark Wahlberg and his new film "Arthur the King" to promote animal adoption across the country. The society's CEO, Julie, shared the importance of adopting pets from local animal shelters to save thousands of lives. Pilot Pen donates $1,000 to Best Friend's Animals Society to help save more animals.
NBCUniversal's annual adoption campaign, Clear the Shelters, has returned for its 10th year to encourage families to adopt pets as part of its free adoption event at Riverside County Animal Shelters. The event, which includes waived fees, also included microchipping, all of their vaccines, and spay/neuter. Clear's Shelters is NBCUniversal Local's pet adoption and donation initiative, which has helped over 1 million pets find homes.
Darla, a 3-year-old female Pitbull mix, has been at the Lower Bucks Co. shelter for over 600 days, making her one of our longest residents. She enjoys human companionship and belly rubs, and would prefer a home with older children. Darla is currently available for adoption at Women's Animal Center, 3839 Richlieu Road, Bensalem. The center can be reached at 215-750-3100 or donate to adopt or donate.
Spara Town & Country Days, the 83rd year of the festival, began its first weekend in the city of Sparta, Michigan, with a full weekend of activities planned. The Michigan Mafia String Band played the opening night of the event, with free kids games and activities, including a hay bale toss, petting zoos, camels, cows and goats, and a band and bounce houses. The festival will also feature a Grand Parade on Saturday, starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday. Organizers say the best part of the weekend is sharing the fun with the community, with families enjoying the fun.
The 'Whip City Animal Sanctuary' in Westfield, Massachusetts, hosted its third annual Cookies and Cocoa with Santa event. All animal lovers were invited to the sanctuary for free and children were able to take home coloring books, toys, and candy canes. The event was also accompanied by carols from the Westfield high school band and a free entry into the sanctuary. All food donations were collected to help the community feed families during the holiday season.
Rich Boziwick, a Northport Village trustee and the club's person of the year, has donated $2K to Friends of the Farm, a nonprofit that funds animal care, gardens, and educational programs at the farm. The donation will help the farm cover medical expenses for its aging animals, which can surprise volunteers. The farm's financial support comes from the community, with volunteer Melanie Marzano stating that the donation will be "very helpful." The donation was supported by the Northport/East Northport Kiwanis Club, president Bob Doherty, president of Northport, who initially did not want recognition but supported the donation.
Support Reality's Chance Rescue & Sanctuary, a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of horses in need. The 4th Annual Barn Street Fair will be held at the same place as the Humane Society with adoptable dogs. The event, which includes vendors, food trucks, performances, vendors, line dancing, horse drawn Cart Rides, Natureโs Rehab Demo, Boyer Magic Balloons, and a dunk tank. The fun event takes place Saturday, June 22nd at 4519 E Berry Rd Pleasant Lake, MI.
Costa Mesa, California, has unveiled a new โMariposa Gardenโ at Marina View Park, designed to attract various insect species, including the monarch butterfly. The park was part of a $725,000 Westside Restoration Project that has been under development since 2021, with approximately $100,000 of the total allocated for the project used to fund the new garden and art installations. The event also featured the debut of a butterfly-themed art installation called โLa Magia de Colletaโ by Los Angeles-based Panamanian artist Marisabel Bazan. Assistant City Manager Alma Reyes said two more butterfly gardens with accompanying art installations are planned for locations yet to be determined.
Shih tzu, Betty, was rescued after being left alone outside for over a week due to the weather, busy streets, rain and wildlife. The rescue was made thanks to the community and a skilled animal trapper who saved her. Betty, a quick learner and a willing dog, is eager to show off her tricks, including her stand-and-spin for treats. After all her ordeal, Betty deserves a forever home filled with warmth, comfort, and endless cuddles.
The Jom! Karnival Kucing Madani cat showcase in Kuala Lumpur, attended by people of all races, was seen as a platform to unite Malaysians. Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, wife of the Prime Minister, stated that the publicโs response demonstrated that Malaysians were a united family with strong bonds and mutual goodwill. She also congratulated the organisers and sponsors for their commitment to advocating animal welfare. The Social and Economic Research Initiative chairman, Nurul Izzah Anwar, called for similar initiatives to instill good values in society.
A cat adoption center and shelter in Norristown, Pennsylvania, is planning to build a new location that it says will help it better fulfill its mission. The Kitty Cottage Adoption Center, a no-kill, cage free shelter, will be located on 750 Forest Avenue. The current facility was not specifically designed to function as a shelter, and this is the construction of a new purpose-built facility specifically designed for animal rescue operations. The organization has been helping the region address cat overpopulation and humane care for stray and homeless cats since 2002. The new building is currently being funded by donors to complete the outfitting of their new home.
Sage the miniature poodle was crowned America's top dog at the Westminster dog show in New York City, the home of the US Open tennis championship. The three-year-old dog was put through her paces at the Billie Jean King Tennis Centre and was praised by the judges and crowd. Her Delaware-based owner and handler, Kaz Hosaka, won best in show in 2002 with Sage's great-grandmother, Spice, and burst into tears when he won for the second time.
A group of individuals came together to rescue a dog trapped in a water reservoir, a remarkable display of compassion and teamwork. The rescue was captured on camera and shared on Instagram by Pubity, highlighting the group's extraordinary efforts. The video shows one member of the group climbing down the steep slope to comfort the dog, while the others devised a plan to save the animal. They formed a human chain to hold each other's hands to maintain their balance on the slippery slope. The group's efforts saved the dog's life and inspired countless others. The incident was widely praised and received widespread appreciation from viewers.
The Coventry Police Department has welcomed a new comfort dog, K-9 Jovie, from Boonefield Labradors. The black Labrador puppy was brought to the department from the labradors, which have been donating comfort dogs to police departments across New England for several years. Jovie began training for her comfort certification with her handler, Coventry School Resource Officer Jadine Ferri.
The "Kitten and Puppy Palooza" is set to take place at 10 a.m. Saturday at Animal Friends of the Valleys in Wildomar. The shelter is dedicated to helping lost and homeless animals throughout Canyon Lake, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Murrieta, Temecula, and Wildomer. In mid-May, the shelter is flush with kittens and puppies and in need of supplies. A recent donation from a student from the Santa Rosa Academy of Menifeee led a donation drive for cat and dog food, which filled the back of an SUV. Despite the recent donation, Animal Friends remained low on certain supplies, including kitty litter.
Artist Keith "Teachr" Biele has designed a Puppy-themed t-shirt for the support of spcaLA. The shirt is available for purchase at abc7.com/shop and 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the merchandise will benefit spca LA. The logo, featuring a large dog collar with an asterisk symbolizing "teach, peace, and learn," highlights Biele's commitment to these values. The t-shirts are sold for $100 each.
Former New England Patriots QB Brian Hoyer fostered a dog and puppy from the Boston MSPCA after visiting their Boston Adoption Center after someone surrendered 60 boxers from a single home in June. Hoyer also made a generous donation to the shelter and fostered the mother dog and her puppy. The shelter praised Hoyer's efforts as a testament to fostering the life-changing power of fostering. If you have any interest in fostering or adoption visit their website.
A missing puppy was found by strangers in Ocean City, who helped him find his way home after he escaped into the Jersey Shore marsh. The strangers were able to reassure him that humanity is generally kind and generous, even though their love for others can be found through kindness. The incident occurred during a vacation in which a dog was found wandering into the marsh.
Dog races and competitions began in Carol Stream, Illinois for the 7th Annual VetBros Charity Dog Show on Sunday. The event, which aims to help owners cover life-saving pet medical expenses while educating the community on pet health, took place in a bid to raise awareness about the uniqueness of our pets and provide education. The best puppy competition saw five dogs compete for the title of "Best Puppy." Four-month-old Estelle won, marking her third win for her owners. The VetBos mission is to have fun and educate the community about pet health.
A California Highway Patrol officer, Victoria Bretz, rescued a kitten stranded on Interstate 80 in Oakland, California, after receiving a call from the police about a kitten alone on the I-80 westbound to I-580 eastbound transition. The agency praised Bretz's quick action and calm demeanor as the kitten was left on the side of the highway. The CHP posted photos of Bretz holding the small black cat in her arms.
The Greater Birmingham Humane Society (GBHS) is offering $17 adoptions throughout March as part of a St. Patrick's Day celebration. The $17 adoption will help families find a loving home and help overcrowding shelters across the country. GBHS CEO Allison Black Cornelius emphasized the importance of ensuring every animal that comes through the organization can find a home. The adoption also provides a way to support the local shelter.
Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper, Trooper Halle Paris, saved a group of puppies from the roadway in Huron County in June. The incident was captured on body cam and posted on the agency's Facebook page. Paris led the puppies back to their home and managed to corral them into their kennel and close the open garage door to prevent other dogs from escaping. The homeowner returned the puppies to care for them.
The Johnson City Sketchers store presented a $10,000 check to the Washington County-Johnson City Animal Shelter. This is part of Skechers' nationwide effort to support animal shelters and rescue organizations. The annual register round-up from Skechers and partner Petco Love encouraged customers to donate their in-store purchases to animal welfare organizations, including Johnson City's shelter. The check was presented at the store to celebrate the work of the shelter and offer furry friends for adoption. Skechersโ Johnson City Store Manager Corey Hammonds said this yearโs fundraising event had raised millions of dollars to support local shelters across the United States.
Actor Anthony Hopkins celebrated International Cat Day with a series of sweet photos from Morocco. The images featured him cuddling a kitten and an array of beautiful cats in Ouarzazate, North Africa. Hopkins, who is also known for his work with Paws of War to rescue animals internationally, also shared a carousel of photos with his friends. The animal adoption shelter that Hopkins tagged in his caption, Adopt Moroccan Animals, expressed their gratitude for Hopkins' support on their Instagram Stories.
Chennai Super Kings honored elephant caregivers Bomman, Bellie and Kartiki Gonsalves (The Elephant Whisperers) at a special ceremony in Chennai on Tuesday, May 9, 2023. CSK's talismanic captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni presented personalised jerseys to the trio at the M A Chidambaram stadium. The ceremony is set to take place ahead of Wednesday's game against the Delhi Capitals, with CSK Co-owner Rupa Gurunath and CEO KS Viswanathan also present personalised shirts to the three elephants. CSk tweeted that it was a matter of great pride for all of us that our own people had reached the global stage and extended their support to the two elephants Ammu and Raghu by contributing towards their living expenses.
The Topeka Zoo celebrated two of its largest animals, Asian and African elephants, on World Elephant Day. The event was held to raise awareness of the endangered species and was also a birthday party for Tembo and Cora. The zoo does not know their exact birthdays, so the event served as a celebration. Zookeeper Shannon Trainer said seeing families learn about elephants and celebrate them is exciting for staff. Poaching is one of the leading causes of elephant endangerment. The Topeka zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., reminding visitors that there is more to life than just ourselves.
A viral video of a baby elephant enjoying a mud bath by Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Parveen Kaswan has gone viral, garnering over 39,000 views and a flurry of comments expressing admiration and delight. The video, which shows the joy of nature, was shared alongside a captioned "while on field found this elephant calf enjoying in a river". Some viewers expressed concern about the safety of the baby elephant's herd and surroundings. This isn't the first time Kaswan shared captivating wildlife encounters, with another video showing a top-angle view of elephants enjoying their day in the grasslands.
The Tamil Nadu Forest Department of Tamil Nadu has released a captured wild elephant, Arikomban, who has been trying to integrate with other herds of pachyderms since being captured earlier this month. The elephant is healthy and in great shape, and the forest department is monitoring the elephant daily from ground zero in Upper Kodayar. The pachderm was tranquilised and released into the reserve forest area of KMTR, which is spread across Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari districts.
A 60 elephant-themed art trail featuring 60 sculptures from across the West Midlands is set to be installed in parks, streets and open spaces across Lichfield, Tamworth and Sutton Coldfield, with contributions from designers across the region. The sculptures will be displayed in parks and streets across the summer, raising funds for St Giles Hospice when they are auctioned off in September. The project is part of the March of the Elephants project, which aims to increase footfall for local businesses and stimulate the regional economy. The art trail will also raise funds for the hospice, which spends about ยฃ10m a year providing its specialist services and receives 25% of its funding from the government and relies on donations and income generated from the community.
The annual Elephant Festival was held in the northern Lao province of Xayaboury, marking the start of the province's Visit Laos Year 2024 programme. The festival, which included a parade of elephants performing circus acts and competing in a fun painting competition, aims to raise awareness of elephant conservation and promote local tourism and economic development. Deputy Governor Phetphixay Sounvilay said the festival was intended to highlight the need to preserve Laos' dwindling elephant herds. To ensure safety and cleanliness for tourists during Visit Laos year 2024, tourism-related workers have been given extra training about cleanliness and safety, and prices will be kept at reasonable levels.
The Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, New York, has shared two photos of one-year-old Yaad, the more adventurous brother of the "Miracle Eletwins" born at the zoo. The photos were taken by Alinda Dygert, a member of the animal care staff who works closely with Yaad. These photos are part of a larger trend that Yaad has been making headlines since birth. In November 2022, Mali the elephant gave birth to Yaad and his twin brother, Tukada, which are considered "historic" as they only make up 1% of elephant births worldwide. The zoo encourages donations to elephant conservation efforts.
A video of the rescue and reunion of a baby elephant with its mother has gone viral on social media, with over 61,000 views. The Tamil Nadu forest department conducted a rescue operation in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve. The video was shared by IAS officer Supriya Sahu, who praised the efforts of forest rangers, guards, watchers, and officers involved in the rescue. Since the video was posted, many people expressed their appreciation for the effort, particularly Anand Mahindra.
IAS officer Supriya Sahu shared a video of a rescue operation by forest officials in Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore District, where a young baby elephant accidentally fell into a canal and was reunited with its mother. The team of forest officials from FD Ramasubraniam, DD B Teja, Pugalenthi FRO, Thilakar Forester, Saravanan Forest guard, Vellingiri Forest Guard, Murali Forest watcher, Rasu Forest watchers, Balu APW, Nagaraj APW (Mahesh APW), and Chinnathan forest guard. Despite difficulties in the rescue operation, the forest officials' efforts led to the successful reunion of the baby elephant with its mom. The video of the elephant mother expressing her gratitude to the foresters was viewed over 18k times after it was shared online.
A rescue mission in Dhenkanal, Odisha, successfully saved an elephant calf that had fallen into a trench. The Indian Forest Service (IFS) Officer, Susanta Nanda, shared the rescue on social media platforms including X (formerly known as Twitter). The calf was reunited with its mother, who waited nearby for the rescue operation. The video, which was shared with viewers, showed the distressed calf attempting to find its way out of the trench while its mother waited nearby. A ramp was made in a trench at 2 to 3 places and the calf was able to escape. The post was shared two days ago and has since received over 17,000 views.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made his maiden visit to Kaziranga National Park in Assam, where he took an elephant and jeep safari. The visit was accompanied by park director Sonali Ghosh and senior forest officials. The prime minister is also set to inaugurate the 125-ft high 'Statue of Valour' of legendary Ahom general Lachit Barphukan in Jorhat and lay foundation stones of projects worth around โฌ18,000 crore. He is also scheduled to address a public meeting at the same venue.
Frischeree Zoo in California has never had an elephant born in its care since its founding in the nearly 100th century. The zoo's African elephant, Nolwazi, gave birth to a healthy male calf on Aug. 16, marking a historic moment for the zoo. This is the first elephant calf born in Fresno Chaffee Zoo's 95-year history. Zoo Director Jon Forrest Dohlin expressed gratitude for the Zoo's dedication to the Animal Care and Vet Team. Another expectant mother among Fresno's African elephants, Amahle, is expected to give birth soon. African elephants are Earth's largest land animals and can grow to 13 feet tall and weigh up to 15,432 pounds.
A Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching vessel in South Orange County, California, was able to observe a lively pod of bottlenose dolphin on board a Dana Whararf SportFishing and Wharwatching vessel. The dolphins were spotted feeding alongside young dolphins and their mothers, and a pod of 15-20 offshore bottlenoses also feeding nearby. This photo of the dolphins is considered the Photo Of The Day.
Colombian marine biologist and expert on river dolphins Fernando Trujillo has been named the 2024 Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year. His work combines scientific research with action to save the species and care for the Amazonโs riverine communities. The award was supported by Rolex and National Geographic Society as part of its Perpetual Planet Initiative, which champions those who are at the forefront of finding solutions to environmental challenges. Trujillillo has also co-founded the Fund Omacha, a conservation organisation promoting sustainable aquatic ecosystems in Colombia. He is currently participating in the Rolex/National Geographic Perpetually Amazon Expedition exploring the ecosystem functions.
The New England Aquarium Whale Watch, in partnership with Boston Harbor City Cruises (BHCC), began its season on May 16, 2024 with a spectacular sighting of two humpback whales off the coast of Massachusetts. The whale watch cruises venture into the Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary, a feeding ground for many whale, dolphin, and bird species. The naturalists guide passengers to learn about these marine animals and their behaviors. The cruise also provides various options for passengers with mental disabilities to handle the long four-hour journey. The partnership aims to protect the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale and inspire people to form a deeper connection to the ocean and take action to protect it.
The coastal Bigg's killer whale population has welcomed seven new calves this year, with one born last year but not seen until now, according to the Pacific Whale Watch Association. The third calf of T030B3, born in 1993, is the third calf born of the same species. The population growth is due to an increase in prey, seals, sea lions and porpoises. Despite this, the southern resident orcas, which are under threat of extinction, remain stable.
A study published in Frontiers in Marine Science suggests that the endangered species of blue whales, which were hunted to the brink of extinction in the 20th century, may be thriving in the region. The study used sonobuoys off the coasts of Antarctica to record whale vocalizations, which are among the loudest noises made by any animal. The findings also revealed that whale songs occur throughout their historic Antarctic and sub-Antarctic feeding grounds and have been significantly more numerous in recent years than in the past, suggesting a possible resurgence of the species. However, researchers also noted that there may be other factors affecting the increased number of recorded songs.
In The Garden: Bird feeders. BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Vermont Fish and Wildlife says putting a bird feeder is a great way to support our wildlife during winter months. Charlie Nardozzi and Sharon Meyer show us some ways to bolster our birds on this weekโs In The Garden.
The city of St. Charles, Illinois, will be officially recognized as a Bird City community by Bird City Illinois on May 8, 2024. Only 10 towns in Illinois are designated Bird City communities. The criteria includes nine criteria including bird-friendly natural areas, community activities, and education about World Migratory Bird Day and Dark Skies awareness. The St Charles Natural Resources Commission highlighted the city's commitment to bird conservation and conservation efforts. St Charles has been a Tree City USA community for 26 consecutive years.
Ready to welcome Year of the Rabbit. Ready to welcome Year of the Rabbit A woman shares a tender moment with a child near a rabbit statue at the Chinese New Year display at the Araneta City Complex in Cubao, Quezon City on Friday. Establishments are gearing up for an expected influx of customers during the celebration of the Lunar New Year as it ushers in the Year of the Rabbit on January 23.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and First Lady Lori Shapiro hosted their annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Governor's Residence. About 140 pre-Kindergarten students, along with teachers and advocates, attended the event which included a visit from the Easter bunny and petting areas. The event also promoted Shapiro's plan to invest more money in early childhood education in the state. The children were from around the Commonwealth and included groups PreK for PA, PHEAA Child Care Center, Keystone Learning Center, A-Plus Early Learning Center and Pennsylvania-based influencers.
Celebrate Rusty, the winningest rabbit in Colorado, at a free event at Greyhound Grounds Coffee House in Commerce City, Colorado. The event will be open to all participants, with performances by the Colorado Youth Mariachi Program Band and a free afternoon of free activities. The celebration will be held at the Coffee House and is set to be free and open to family, friends, and pets. The public art sculpture is part of the event to celebrate Commerce City's new public art installation, Rusty.
Kaila Estrada, the daughter of screen veterans Janice de Belen and John Estradas, has been named as the cover star for a local fashion magazine, Preview. The magazine's cover shoot took place in a rice paddy in Plaridel, Bulacan, with Estada accompanied by two horses named Dime and Abraham. EstrADA stated that she wanted to enter the showbiz industry on her own, not relying on celebrity connections. She also mentioned that she is trying to create a name for herself and establish herself.
Brazil has sold the world's most expensive cow, Viatina-19 FIV Mara Movรฉis, for $4.2 million according to the Guinness Book of World Records. The cow, which is twice as heavy as the average adult for her breed, weighed more than 2,400 pounds (1,100 kilograms). It was sold for three times more than the previous record holder. The cattle industry in Brazil is a major source of cash flow for the country's economy and is the worldโs top beef exporter. The million-dollar cow is a result of years of meticulous breeding and breeding. Its price tag is based on three desirable traits: rapid muscle growth, exceptional fertility, and ability to pass these qualities on to her calves.
Cattle farms are using cow manure to generate sustainable energy. The transition to renewable energy has been a growing subject in Kern County. One dairy farm in Fresno has found a new way to help meet our growing need for sustainable energy production.
California dairy farms will soon be able to feed their cows seaweed to fight climate change, making it the first state to do so after the department of food and agriculture approved the use of a seaweed feed shown to reduce methane emissions from cow burps. On Friday, Blue Ocean Barns, which produces the red seaweed at a farm on the Big Island of Hawaii, announced that the supplement had been approved for use on both conventional and dairy farms. Called Brominata, the red seaweed variety has been shown to cut methane emissions in dairy cows by 52% over 50 days but so far has only been used in trials.
Kashen Young from the Rogers County 4-H received a record $175,000 offer for his pig at the Oklahoma Youth Expo's Night of Stars sale. The sale also set a record at $1.6 million. Kashen Young, a young man from Green Country, was among the first to receive a record-breaking offer for a pig. The total for the sale was $1,6 million, according to the Expo.
Hoosier Solar, a renewable energy company, is sponsoring the inaugural National Pygmy Goat Association-sanctioned youth show in Starke County, Indiana. The company, which is building 400 MW of electricity generation in the largely rural county, is funding the goat show, which will take place at the Starke county Fairgrounds on May 25. The event, now in its eighth year, is free and open to the public. Participants will receive constructive feedback from the judges and stay to observe experienced handlers in the show ring. The show is expected to draw youth from across the area, including neighboring LaPorte County.
Sepilok Jazz 2024, organised by Friends of Sea Turtles Education and Research (Foster), will be held at the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) in Sandakan on Sept 6 and 7. All proceeds from the event will go towards marine turtle conservation efforts on Libaran Island, off the coast of Sandakhan. Since its inception in November 2011, Foster has released around 45,000 baby turtles from the award-winning Walai Penyu Conservation Park. Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew praised Foster's efforts and urged public to support the event for its dual purpose of entertainment and conservation.
The number of sea turtle nests on Anna Maria Island, Florida, has reached a record high, with 595 nests on the beach as of Monday morning, surpassing the previous record set in 2019. The nests are all laid by loggerhead sea turtles. The island's Turtle Watch has been monitoring the beaches and distributing literature around the island for conservation efforts. The biggest tips for conservation are to keep lights off the beach at night, cover holes and remove sandcastles, and remove any unnecessary items from the beach.
British amateur photographer Nima Sarikhani has won the 2023 Wildlife Photographer of the Year People's Choice Award for his image of a polar bear sleeping on a bed carved into an iceberg off Norway's Svalbard archipelago. The winning image was chosen by 75,000 members of the public, a record number. Over 50,000 photographs were entered into the competition, with 25 shortlisted. Other winners included a dragonfly landing on a turtle's nose, a pair of lionesses playing lioness in Kenya's Maasai Mara, and Audun Rikardsen capturing the aurora borealis in northern Norway.
State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said this was the second award to be won by Sabah's rural tourism operators after Kadamaian Tourism Association's ASEAN Community Based Tourism Award in 2019. "I commend the Walai Penyu Conservation Park for demonstrating how tourism can be managed sustainably and effectively in order to protect sea turtles," he added on Wednesday (March 9). Walai Penyu Conservation Park managing director Alexander Yee received the award at the Tourism, Art, and Culture Ministry (Motac) in Kuala Lumpur on Monday (March 7). Yee said that the award was an honour as it was a reflection of the genuine involvement of the local fishing community in turtle conservation that benefited the people through the homestay that drew foreign and local tourists. He said local villagers were employed while the community earned additional income from sales of handicrafts and even coconuts tourists coming to see turtle landing between July and November. Yee, who is also part of the Friends of Sea Turtles Education and Research (Foster), was accompanied by Kampung Libaran village chief Sarief Nasidif and Honorary Wildlife warden Sardi Baral at the national-level presentation ceremony.
The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has reported that 1,83,497 Olive Ridley hatchlings were released into sea along the Tamil Nadu coast this year, the highest in the last seven years. The count has been above the 1-lakh mark since 2017-18, when 1,21,289 turtles were recorded entering the waters. The increase in hatcheries helped push up the number of hatchlings, and the breeding season marked a rise from 1,72,339 in 2021-22. Sea turtles are known to encounter a number of hurdles while making their way to the coast for breeding, such as the threat of fishing gear and the introduction of sea turtle conservation rehabilitation centres.
Steve Gorman's favorite neighborhood squirrel, Stumpy, has been pictured enjoying a loquat at peak ripeness in Alameda, CA. The photo is part of our Photo Of The Day series, which includes high-resolution images of nature, children, pets, and unusual activity. High-resolution photos are appreciated for showing off your unique talents. Cell phone images are also being considered.
Population increase for endangered red squirrels in Arizona. SAFFORD, Ariz. (AP) โ The latest survey shows another increase in the population of the endangered Mount Graham red squirrel in the Pinaleno Mountains of southeastern Arizona, according to authorities. State Game and Fish Department officials said Thursday that the annual survey estimates that there currently are 156 of the rare squirrels, up from 109 last year.
A Minneapolis home is displaying a remarkable display of spring colors, with a garden of tulips outside of a corner house. The tulips are attracting people with cell phone and long-lenses, with Drew Kincade using a Nickelodeon PhotoBlaster to capture four images in one frame. The homeowner is also concerned about squirrels eating the tulips, which have been kept at bay by April rain showers. To deter squirrels, a nearby light pole is adorned with squirrel ornaments with funny costumers. The homeowners have been praised for their efforts.
The world-famous Smokey Bear Bear has celebrated his 80th birthday with events and programs across New Hampshire to celebrate his milestone birthday, including a ceremonial first pitch for Youth Camp Day on Aug. 7. The events are part of 'Smokey Bear Week', which includes a weeklong celebration of the famous bear's birthday. The Forest Protection Bureau has partnered with the N.H. State Library and libraries across the state to promote the joy of reading while teaching children about wildfire prevention. The USDA Forest Service and the Collaborative Summer Reading Program are also partnering to promote Smokey's message that "Only you can prevent wildfires". The campaign, created in 1944, is the longest-running public service advertising campaign in U.S. history. New Hampshire has experienced an average of 285 wildfires annually over the past 20 years, affecting 221 acres. Wildfires have the potential to negatively impact life, property and the stateโs valuable natural resources.
The sloth bear rescue centre at Bannerghatta National Park (BNP), known as the second largest in the world, has completed its 18-year expansion. The facility, which started with two buildings, now includes five large enclosures, a state-of-the-art operation theatre, and an eco-friendly bear kitchen. It is also the first fully solar-powered rescue centre run by the organisation. Special focus has been placed on outreach programmes, including celebrity visits to the centres and active volunteer work. Sandhi Priya, Deputy Director-Corporate and Philanthropic Partnership, SOS, highlighted the centre's evolution into a sustainable haven for bears and humans.
The Topeka Zoo celebrated World Lion Day with visitors learning about African lions through various activities. The zoo's goal was to raise awareness of challenges that wild lions face and to explain why it is important to conserve them. 43% of Africa's wild lions have been lost in the past 15 years, so events like these are important in raising awareness. The Topeka zoo's two lions are Tatu and Asante. Tickets can be purchased for the event.
A new male African lion will be introduced at the Sacramento Zoo, marking the arrival of a new animal that adds to the zoo's rich history with these majestic animals. The new lion is scheduled to be introduced by the Sacramento Kings, highlighting a new partnership between the team and the Sacramento zoo. Zoo officials will introduce the new lion slowly to his new habitat, with current resident 18-year-old female lion Cleo expected to be on a rotating schedule. The zoo's relocation plans are also progressing. The animal's name is yet to be named.
Over 800 sea lions have returned to San Francisco's Pier 39, marking the highest number in seven years. The population boom is due to a large school of anchovy from the Farallon Islands, which have been a popular attraction since the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. The pier has reported a surge in sea lions since the earthquake.
The Great Plains Zoo in South Dakota is about to complete a new lion enclosure, with the arrival of Simba and Amahle, the first lions at the zoo in over 30 years. The enclosure will be housed in one of the largest lion exhibits in North America and is designed to encourage whole life care for the animals. Once completed, staff hopes the exhibit will create a better viewing experience for zoo goers. The ribbon cutting for the lion enclosure is set for June 28.
Dublin Zoo has welcomed a male Asian lion named Kushanu into the zoo as part of a breeding plan for the endangered species. The five-year-old Kushanu joined Kamala, a nine-year old female lion, following his move from Edinburgh Zoo in March. He is reportedly forming a strong bond with Kamala and it is hoped that the pair will breed and produce healthy cubs. Dublin Zoo is part of the European Endangered Species Programme for the Asian lion, managing their population and breeding.
Health improving for Holly the mountain lion cub at Oakland Zoo. Zoo spokesperson Erin Dogan said zoo medical staff told her around 2 p.m. that "Holly continues to improve today. California Department of Fish and Wildlife workers brought the emaciated cub to Oakland on Monday night after a Santa Cruz resident noticed the cub on her property and called them. The hospital treated her with fluids, vitamins, anti-nausea medication, and anti-parasitic medication.
The Sacramento Zoo is partnering with the Sacramento Kings to introduce a new male African lion. The 3-year-old animal will make its first appearance at the zoo on Thursday after a 30-day quarantine period. The arrival is part of the zoo's long-term planning for a more modern zoological park in Elk Grove. The partnership between the Kings and the zoo reflects a shared regional commitment to conservation, community, and unity. The zoo will slowly introduce the new lion to its habitat and surroundings over the first several days.
A zoo in East Sussex has opened a ยฃ500,000 monkey habitat, its largest ever investment in an animal enclosure, at Drusillas Park in Alfriston. The habitat, designed to house colobus monkeys, is located in a custom-designed area that offers a "naturalistic, enriching home" for the animals. The zoo's spokesperson stated that the habitat offers a wide variety of activities and experiences as close to their natural environment.
Two new koala bears, Dharuk and Telowie, have arrived at Louisville Zoo from the San Diego Zoo for indefinite stay as part of an agreement with the Australian government. They will live indefinitely in a renovated habitat near Lorikeet Landing, which previously housed snowy owls and red pandas. The koalas will undergo a 30-day quarantine before being housed separately in their exhibit. Louisville Zoo Director Dan Maloney, who previously worked at the Melbourne Zoo in Australia, is excited to see these new koalan bears return to the zoo.
Twin red pandas were born at the Detroit Zoo last week, with Ravi, a 7-year-old red panda, and Ginger, a 3-year old red pandanda, a first-time mom. The cubs are healthy and vigorous, with Ginger being an attentive mom. For the next two to three months, Ginger will be caring for the cubs in a nest box. The pedestrian rope bridge over the habitat will be closed to reduce potential stress to the cubas. Zoo officials hope these cubs will grow to be strong ambassadors for their wild counterparts and raise awareness of red pandan conservation needs.
New York's Sunset Zoo has welcomed a red panda cub, named Sunisa, Suni, after the birth of its parents, Loofah and Simone on July 14. The cub is currently under the close monitoring of zookeeper staff and being cared for around the clock. The name Suni was chosen as an ode to Olympic gymnast Sunisa Lee and a reference to Simone's mother's name Simone. Red pandas, native to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China, are classified as โendangeredโ by the IUCN Red List and are at significant risk for extinction in their native ranges due to decreasing wild populations and increasing threats from deforestation and climate change.
Three-year-old red panda Esha has moved to Peak Wildlife Park near Leek, Staffordshire, from her former residence at Paignton Zoo in Devon. Once established in her specially-made enclosure, Esha will be joined by her sister Riya. Park director James Butler said Esha's arrival created a "real buzz" at the attraction.
A 10-month-old red panda, Flint, has arrived at Amazon World Zoo Park on the Isle of Wight as part of an endangered species breeding programme. Flint was moved from Belfast Zoo to the park, where he met with the zoo's 10-year-old female red pandan Xiao in a specialist enclosure for the animals. It is hoped that the pair will successfully breed in the next few years.
The UK's only giant pandas, Yang Guang and Tian Tian, are set to return to China after a 12-year absence from Edinburgh Zoo. The announcement of their departure led to a surge in visitors from across the country, with visitors from as far away as Bristol and Kent visiting the twin enclosures at the zoo's sloping site. Senior carnivore keeper Michael Livingstone, who is travelling with the bears next month, says that the visitors have been in high interest and have been excited about seeing the bears return.
California has celebrated the unveiling of an exhibit at the San Diego Zoo featuring two giant pandas brought in from China, with Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) declaring California Panda Day. The zoo unveiled its Panda Ridge exhibit a month after the pandas, Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, landed in the US and are the first to enter the U.S. in 21 years. The announcement comes less than a year after the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C., announced that two pandas would be sent from China to the zoo by the end of 2024.
The Adelaide Zoo has revealed the names and pictures of its two new pandas, named Xing Qiu and Yi Lan, set to arrive later this year. The three-year-old male and female pandas will travel from China in the coming months. The zoo has entered into a 10-year agreement with China for the loan of the animals, costing about $1.5 million per year, with hopes the new duo will have offspring. The announcement was made at the Adelaide Zoo's last annual 'Teddy Bears' Picnic where both pandas celebrated birthdays.
The National Zoo in DC is set to receive two young pandas, named Qing Bao and Bao Li, from China later this year. The announcement comes as part of China's 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties. The two 2-year-olds are the son of Bao Bao, born at the National Zoo, and the grandson of Mei Xiang and Tian Tian. Chinese Ambassador Xie Feng expressed hope that American friends will see pandas more often due to this new initiative.
Singapore-born giant panda cub, Le Le, was visited by Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean from Singapore on March 19 at Dujiangyan Panda Base in south-west Chinaโs Sichuan province. The visit took place during Mr Teo's six-day official trip to China. Le Le was seen feasting on bamboo leaves and rolling around on a platform. The cub was born in Singapore and shares an enclosure with his twin sisters, Qing Zai and Qing Bao, a month younger than him. Mr Zhang Guiquan, head of the panda base, said Le Le is doing well and has a hearty appetite.
Six otter pups have made their debut at Brookgreen Gardens in South Carolina, three months after they were born. The pups were born at BrookGreen's Lowcountry Zoo on January 20. They were kept out of sight while they grew and developed their swimming skills. Five of the pups are female and one is male. They are currently in excellent health and will soon be on display in the indoor river otter habitat. The zoo also features hundreds of native Lowcountry animals, including alligators, bald eagles, foxes, and more.
Three North American river otter pups were born at Potter Park Zoo in Lansing, Michigan, on February 2. This is the fourth litter of Nkeke, a North American otter named Nokeke, and their second set of triplets. The zoo's Director of Animal Health, Dr. Ronan Eustace, said raising the triplets will be challenging but the pups are doing well and are doing so well. The otters were born as part of the Species Survival Plan (SSP) recommended by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which has led to the birth of ten pups so far.
The first nature museum in the Southeast, Discovery Place Nature in North Carolina, is set to undergo a major transformation in its home. The museum, which opened more than 70 years ago, will close its doors to welcome in a new generation of learning. The new site will include a new otter habitat, a learning lab, and a massive animal collection of local species. The updates are designed to teach kids about North Carolina's ecosystem.
Newly unveiled at Newport Aquarium, the giant pacific octopus, has a new habitat in the Octopus Den, offering a floor-to-ceiling display where visitors can explore its natural color-changing, shape-shifting behaviors. The exhibit also includes a rotating collection of other octopuses and strange fish, including the wunderpus, an unusual striped octopus that mimics the appearance and behaviors of venomous animals. A 360-degree display of hydrothermal vents and animals that live on them will also feature. Other new animals include the painted greenling and penpoint gunnel, an eel-like fish that can mimic the colors of its surroundings and breath air. The aquarium is located at 1 Aquarium Way, Newport, Ky.
Newport Aquarium is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a new exhibit, "Ring of Fire: World of the Octopus," which will open its doors on Friday, March 22. The exhibit will focus on creatures that live between volcanos and deep ocean trenches, an area that has the most earthquakes of any planet on Earth. Tickets for general admission for ages 13 and older can be purchased in advance or increase depending on expected attendance. The new exhibit will also feature a new habitat for the giant Pacific octopus and a rotating collection of other animals.
Connie Bush shared a photo of a Monarch butterfly emerging from Chrysalis in her front yard in Fremont, California. This is the 10th and last Monarch to emerge in the last month. If you want to draw Monarch butterflies to your yard, plant Milkweed, the host plant for caterpillars, along with flowers, bushes or trees that provide nectar, a favorite of adult butterflies. High-resolution images are being featured on Patch.
A new green corridor on Sentosa, Singapore, has been established to attract and grow the local butterfly population. The 500 square metre green corridor, which includes over 3,000 native plant species, is designed to aid in the recovery of their species. The plants provide caterpillars with food for caterpillar laying their eggs, and also provide food for birds and bees. The open-air corridor allows butterflies to freely travel across more than 40 hectares of forests and nature reserves in Sentosa. The project was led by Sentosa Development Corporationโs (SDC) Chief Executive Officer Thien Kwee Eng and Mr Khew Sin Khoon, an avid lepidopterist known as โButterfly manโ in the butterfly community, who led its ceremonial planting ceremony.
RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CA โ The Ranch Palos Verdes City Council this week voted to enter an agreement with the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy to jointly purchase nearly 100 acres north of Palos Verdes Drive South to expand the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve. The move will also protect the endangered Palos Verdes Blue butterfly and make sure the space is dedicated to the natural habitat, the Daily Breeze reports. The City will contribute approximately $1.3 million toward the acquisition, which is expected to close by the end of June.
Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming at The Shops at Farmington Valley in Canton, CT, is hosting a rescue dog adoption event on March 24 for Women's History Month. The small business, owned by Renata Ikonomidis, is celebrating Womenโs History Month with a special event to give back to the community. The event will be held at 110 Albany Turnpike from noon to 2 p.m. Wooof Gang is a small business owned and operated by Ikonomid, who opened the Canton location in 2022, two years after acquiring the second location. The pet store, which serves the Greater Farmington community, offers premium dog treats, toys, accessories, healthy pet food, and a full-service grooming salon. It also works with shelters in southern states and New England to save the lives of dogs who have lost their way and find themselves on death row.
San Francisco SPCA's Clear the Shelters Community Adoption event will be held on August 17th at 11am to 3pm. The event offers free Cat & Dog Adoptions for all animals 5 months and older, with no adoption fees. Also features a Plinko Board Game with the chance to win prizes. Stuffed Animal Adoptions at $5.00 will benefit our shelter animals. The day will be filled with excitement and furry friends.
The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control is expanding the hours at its Agoura Hills shelter, which will allow people more time to adopt furry family members and search for lost pets. The increase to 36 hours per week marks a 56 percent boost in hours, and the AgOUra Animal Care Center, as well as the county's six other sites, will be open from 11am to 5am on Mondays through Saturdays. DACC Director Marcia Mayeda said the new schedule was developed to provide the greatest access for the public while working within budgetary limitations.
Ecologists are predicting a "big year" at Newhaven Wildlife Sanctuary near Alice Springs, Australia, following the discovery of a baby bilby in December and the announcement of a federal Recovery Plan on Thursday. The plan includes $1.6 million to address threats to bilbies in Central Australia, including from feral predators and fire. The annual Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) bilby census recorded 3,315 marsupials across a network of sanctuaries in 2023, more than double what was recorded in 2022. The success of the greater bilby population at NWS and other conservation sites across the country was largely attributed to the safe haven they provided for a range of at-risk species. The AWC chief science officer Dr John Kanowski said the growth was thanks to favourable weather conditions across the Country and welcomed the plan's emphasis on First Nations-led practices for safeguarding the bilby populations.
The Gorilla Family Housing Facility was inaugurated at Mysuru Zoo in Karnataka, with a cost of โน5 crore being funded by the Infosys Foundation. The facility was constructed with financial assistance under a CSR initiative of the foundation. The zoo's management and the Zoo Authority of Karnataka expressed their gratitude to Ms. Sudha Murthy for their support. Shrutee Khurana, director of the Infoys Foundation, inaugurated the facility. Quembo, a male Western Lowland Gorilla brought from Frankfurt zoo in Germany, was put on display for the first time since his arrival.
The Potter Park Zoo in Michigan celebrated Father's Day with free admission to the park for free. The event allowed families to spend time together and learn about the animals on display at the park. Jeff Drouillard, a dad, said the experience was an amazing experience and they have been traveling across Michigan to see different zoos and animals.
Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye has donated RM20,000 to Zoo Negara, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to wildlife conservation, education, and recreation. The funds were from the sales of Lee's biography, Call Lee LamThye. The donation will be used to enhance animal habitats and improve facilities, furthering conservation efforts. Zoonegara Malaysia president Datuk Zaharin Md Arif expressed his gratitude for Lee's generous contribution.
Houston Zoo has announced that its capybara colony has grown to 11 with the addition of five new pups and two meerkats born just two weeks ago. This is the first time the two new babies have been born together, and Poppy, a first time mom, is doing amazing so far with her new babies yet to be named.
Dartmoor Zoo in Devon has welcomed a new Carpathian Lynx from Germany, named Emily, to its site. The zoo hopes the seven-year-old cat will be a new love interest for its existing male Lynx, Flaviu. The big cat was selected as a "compatible match" within the European Breeding Programme. The director of Karlsruhe Zoo, Prof Matthias Reinschmidt, expressed his delight at the arrival of the new big cat and expressed his pride at being part of the European Lynx breeding programme.
John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has announced its opening day for the 2024 season for March 22. The zoo will also open to the public with new animals, including a new chimpanzee named Zuhura, and four male Chacoan peccaries. The Amur tiger, previously relocated to the Toledo Zoo, is returning to be part of a breeding program. An educational experience called Wild Explorer will allow guests to experience habitats at the zoo in a new way. John Ball Zoo will open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., open from the week to weekends.
The North Carolina Zoo has welcomed Winnie the baboon, a young female baboon who was born on June 16. She joins the zoo's band of Hamadryas baboons in the band, and is the second daughter born to Babu and Candy. Winnie was named in honor of her late paternal grandfather, Gondar "Winslow." The zoo said Winnie's arrival provides an excellent opportunity for guests to learn about the primates' social dynamics and their counterparts in the wild.
San Antonio Zoo breeds endangered psychedelic rock gecko. The San Antonio Zoo's Reptile House gained several new additions this year, including 11 psychedelic rock geckos bred by the zoo's Ectotherms Team, according to a news release issued by the zoo. The Zoological Association of America recognized the Alamo City's zoo with an award for "Excellence in Breeding."
The New England Aquarium has celebrated the birth of its 100th epaulette shark to hatch at its facility since 2012. The male shark was born on Jan. 10 and will remain "behind the scenes" for five or six months before he is large enough to join the Science of Sharks exhibit. The aquarium's shark and ray rearing system will teach about the species' development, characteristics, and longevity. The shark's father, at 22, is the oldest epaurette shark on record in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums studbook program. The Aquarium started breeding epauxlette sharks in 2009 and achieved consistent success in 2012.
The Oregon Coast Aquarium has opened its Rocky Coast gallery, formerly known as Rocky Shores, in time for Memorial Day weekend. The new gallery features a touch pool where visitors can gently prod intertidal creatures. The renovation also includes aesthetic updates, a larger footprint and new educational signage. This is part of a $18 million project that aims to overhaul much of the facility, which opened in 1992. Other features include a new outdoor play area, a rebuilt entrance, and a renovated Sandy Coast gallery. The next project is the opening of a new sea jelly gallery and a renovation of the Coastal Waters gallery, which are expected to open by fall 2024.
The City of Detroit and the Belle Isle Conservancy are celebrating the 120th anniversary of the historic Belle Isle Aquarium. The city's Office of Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurship is partnering with the island's organization for the party, set to take place on Sunday, Aug. 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., which will include an outdoor aquatic science station, coloring books, crafts, story time and a live DJ. The celebration will be free of charge for the first time. The aquarium opened in 1904, when it was the third-largest aquarium in the world.
The Howard Davis Farm Trust, the owner of a farm devastated by the loss of more than 100 Jersey cows in December 2022, has provided financial aid to rebuild his herd. An investigation into the deaths of the cows found they were likely caused by botulism, and the trust has agreed to part-finance replacement cattle through the purchase of cows and heifers from other local dairy farmers. The trust hopes the award will help the Woodlands herd be rebuilt and be an important step in protecting and preserving the Jersey dairy industry.
Essex County officials have opened a dog park in Vailsburg Park, which is approximately 24,000 square feet in size and has separate fenced-in areas for small and large dogs. The park also features a gated decorative entrance, agility apparatus, water fountains designed for dogs, benches, garbage cans, and an information kiosk. Meanwhile, a renovation of the existing restroom building adjacent to the children's playground is taking shape, with modern fixtures, asbestos removal, new flooring, ceiling, partitions, lighting, and plumbing, mechanical and electrical systems being updated. The restroom building is expected to open later this winter.
The Department of Natural Resources has stocked Lake Michigan with one million chinook salmon this spring, the high point of years of growth in the lake. In 2022, the DNR put in 800,000 more fish than the previous year. This is the third year in a row where fisheries have been strong and providing opportunity for fishermen to get out and catch the big fish. Salmon are naturally reproducing too, playing a โsignificantโ role in the growth of the fish in Lake Michigan, and other fish species are doing well right now. Anglers will have a lot of salmon to catch this weekend at the Big Red Classic, the Holland fishing tournament.
Cumberland Village, a senior living community in the U.S., offers activities such as crafting, book clubs, and pet therapy. Craft projects are organized by Robin King, a member of the activities team, and residents also engage in lively discussion over coffee and hot chocolate during the book club. Pet therapy is another activity offered to residents, which can promote relaxation and improve motor coordination by petting or giving treats. The dog Cooper, owned by Resident Engagement Director Kristina Thomas, also visits residents.
RSPCA NSW has kickstarted its Seniors for Seniors program, giving older pets a deserved second chance in finding their forever family. They're offering a 50% discount for Seniors Card holders to adopt one of RSPCA NSW's golden oldies - dogs and cats aged over eight years old.
Bindi Irwin has made a surprise cameo on Bluey, where she will narrate a video teaching viewers about broad shelled turtles. The video includes a video with a real broad-shelled turtle. Fans were overjoyed to learn about Bindi's involvement, with her mother Terri expressing "this is so special". This isn't the first time Bindi has voiced for Bluey; her brother Robert, set to host I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!, voiced the character of Alfie in an episode set to air in November 2020.
The Flint Hills Discovery Center (FHDC) celebrated Kansas Day with activities, stories, and education opportunities dedicated to the Sunflower state. The FHDC featured a Bison box presentation, learning about the state's symbols, the Barred Tiger Salamander, and the Ornate Box Turtle. Over 500 people attended the celebration.
Charlie the cougar, a cougar who played a significant role in bonding the community during his journey from California to Jupiter Farms, has joined Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jupiter Farms. T.A. Walker shares the story of Charlie's journey to the sanctuary, highlighting his calm demeanor amidst nature's challenges. The sanctuary has been dedicated to celebrating Charlie's arrival at the age of 13.
Anand Mahindra, the industrialist, held a caption contest on X, inviting his followers to come up with a creative caption for a picture of a dog peering through a metal fence. The winning entry was "Indognito mode (incognito)" by @raptorsworld. The prize for the contest was a scale model Mahindria Furio truck. This contest showcased Mahindras' lighter side and showcased his use of social media in unique ways.
The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries said it created a new record category when an angler reeled in an "exceptionally large" red hind.
Now farmers and beekeeers also have a way to protect bee colonies that are crucial for growing crops, by using robotic hives that protect pollinators from any hazard. By completely redesigning the beehive, a company called Beewise was able to address many of the inefficiencies of the box and significantly improve beesโ well-being and life longevity. Through the Beehome device, the Israeli startup says it has saved over 160 million bees over the course of the last 12 months. RELATED: Bees Have a New, Lifesaving โVaccineโ to Make Them Immune to Pesti-Side Effects โWe are deploying precision robotics in tandem with the worldโs most innovative technologies including AI and computer vision in order to save the bees,โ stated Saar Safra, CEO of Beewise. Beewise also unveiled a new lighter-weight Beehomeโ32% smaller and 23% more cost-effective to transportโwhich increases hive mobility, enabling farmers to effortlessly care for millions of bees and ensure seasonal crop pollination.
In fact, Nepal has nearly tripled the number of tigers in the wild, according to results of the National Tiger and Prey Survey released last week. The results bring both great hope and reassurance about tigersโ long-term future in Nepal. The target to double wild tigers worldwide, also known as Tx2, was set by governments in 2010 at the St. Petersburg International summit on tiger conservation. CHECK OUT: Couple Buys Up Acres Around Indian Tiger Reserve For Reforesting So Big Cats Can Roam WWF-Nepal was an implementing partner in the survey which was led by the Department of National Park and Wildlife Conservation.
What went right this week: wins for nature, health, plus more good news. No rhinos were poached last year in the worldโs largest reserve for the greater one-horned rhino, Indian police said this week. People in England and Wales who struggle to manage type 1 diabetes could be offered new technology to help them control their condition with minimal human input. Despite a global agreement to protect 30 per cent of nature by 2030, wildlife needs more help than ever.
Charli the Shar-pei was rescued after citizens spotted her being dragged on a chain behind a truck in Texas. The authorities intervened and Charli was taken in by a local shelter. Due to safety concerns, Charli's new friends decided it would be unwise for her to stay in Texas and decided to transport her to Chicago. Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) has been instrumental in rescuing nearly 3,000 animals a year from under-resourced shelters in South and Central Texas. Many of these pets are rescued from being euthanized and sent to rescues across the country to find their forever homes.
Opie, a Goldendoodle named Opie, has become a global sensation after becoming a big brother to his newborn human sibling. The video of Opie's first encounter with his baby brother, which has been shared widely across social media, captures the deep, unconditional love that pets can bring into our lives and demonstrates the extraordinary bond between animals and humans. The film, which captures Opieโs reaction to his new sibling, shows a deep bond between Opie and his baby sibling, a bond that transcends species and touches the hearts of people worldwide. The emotional impact of this encounter has been captured in the video, with viewers worldwide expressing their love and affection for Opie.
Tanganyika Wildlife Park in Kansas has been named one of the Best Animal Encounters in the United States by Newsweek. The recognition came after a public vote and expert panel review, with Tanganyika taking 2nd place. The park is known for its "Wildly Different Experiences," offering guests unique and intimate interactions with animals. The award also highlights its role in wildlife preservation and education, contributing to the preservation of endangered species and inspiring future generations to care for the planet's biodiversity.
Adopting a senior animal companion can be a rewarding experience for animal lovers. These older animals often have a harder time finding permanent homes but bring unique love and companionship to those who give them a chance. Examples include Alaska, a senior German shepherd who spent most of her life in a shelter, where senior dogs are often overlooked. Johanna, originally from Germany, adopted Suchi, who immediately bonded with Johanna. Peter and his husband adopted Heiko, a stray cat who was brought to the shelter in poor health with severe infections and dental issues, and placed his ashes in a tree in their garden. Jessica, part of a rescue organization, discovered Mr. Whiskers, a 17-year-old cat with FIV and FeLV, at a shelter filled with kittens and decided to bring him home. Despite his short life, Jessica cherished the special bond they formed.
Reuters journalists produce compelling multimedia features and human-interest stories from across the globe every week, including a unique yoga class in Los Angeles featuring adoptable puppies. Researchers in Indonesia have made significant progress in uncovering the mysteries of the extinct 'Hobbit' people, thanks to the excavation of a tiny arm bone mistaken for a crocodile fragment. These stories are available on Reuters Connect.
A heartwarming video of a dog's reunion with her owner, Miley (Miley Staffy), has been viewed over 2.5 million times on Facebook. Miley, a young Staffordshire bull terrier, was so excited when her mom returned home after five days of absence. The video, which has 87,600 likes and over 2 million views on Facebook, shows Miley's excitement as her mom arrives and Miley leaps up repeatedly to catch a glimpse of her mom. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) explains that many dogs can experience separation anxiety when left alone, which can manifest in behaviors like pacing, barking, or destructive activities. The American Kennel Club recommends that Staffordshire Bull terriers form strong bonds with their families due to their gentle nature.
Pet owners worldwide participated in a scientific experiment by playing recordings of humans crying and humming, demonstrating the unique emotional bond between dogs and humans. The dogs, both purebreds and mixed breeds, were played the sound of sad human cries and other human emotions, which indicated they were stressed or agitated. However, when dogs heard neutral humming, they were less responsive and didn't seem so concerned. The study's findings were published in the journal Animal Behavior. The researchers also found that while pigs responded differently to the humming, their behavior may have led to a higher level of emotional contagion in dogs.
Actress Shraddha Kapoor celebrated Friendship Day by posting a series of heartwarming pictures with her pet dog, Shyloh. The pictures, which show their love for each other, challenge the notion that only humans can be best friends. The actress, known for her roles in films like 'Aashiqui 2', 'โ, โโ and โ', often shares glimpses of her life with ShylOH on social media. The post was received with love and appreciation from fans and followers. This post also serves as a reminder that true friendship transcends species.
Waverly School (Pasadena, CA) Summer Camp was recently visited by some adorable furry friends, bringing a natural touch to the camp experience. Campers had the opportunity to interact with animals, including puppies and bunnies, and a charming alpaca. The hands-on experience also provided valuable learning moments about animal care and the importance of empathy. The visit was a highlight of the summer camp, creating lasting memories and fostering a greater appreciation for the animal world.
A family of seven critically endangered Red Wolves will leave Durham's Museum of Life and Science and move to the Wolf Conservation Center in South Salem, New York in October. The transfer follows the Red Wolf SAFE program's determination that first-time parents Adeyha and Oak are still a genetically valuable pair and should breed again in 2025. Senior Director of Animal Care Sherry Samuels expressed excitement that the family will remain together at the center, which is three times their current habitat. After the wolves leave, another mated pair of Red Wolves, Oka and Martha, will be transferred to the museum. This relocation is part of efforts to ensure the survival of these critically endangered species.
Dolce & Gabbana has launched a new perfume, Fefรฉ, named after the dog of the brand's co-founder Domenico Dolce. The Italian luxury fashion house's latest campaign includes a video of a dog wearing an exclusive dog collar. For โฌ99 (ยฃ84), owners can have their pets smelling of the warm notes of ylang ylang, musk and sandalwood. The new dog mist has a 24-carat gold-plated paw on the glass bottle and is available online. However, it remains uncertain whether there will be a market for this perfume. By 2030, the global pet industry is expected to grow to $500bn from an annual $320bn.
Italian fashion brand Dolce & Gabbana has launched Fefรฉ, a $100-per-bottle luxury fragrance for dogs. The product, named for D&G cofounder Domenico Dolce's dog, promises a "gentle and delicate" scent that can be applied to pet fur. The fragrance combines scents like musk, sandalwood, and ylang-ylang for an "olfactory masterpiece" that appeals to dogs. However, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals warns that strong-scented products should be avoided due to sensitive noses.
The UK's animal charity, the General Society for Prevention and Welfare (GSPCA), has released the last three seal pups in its care back into the wild. The pups, named Doyle, Dolly and Valentine, were rescued in Guernsey during the winter season and had shown excellent progress during their rehabilitation. The GSPCA's head of marine mammals Geoff George said the trio had more than doubled and tripled their weight and were released during favourable weather.
The LaPorte County Fair set an all-time attendance record of 102,308 this year, according to Brett Kessler, treasurer of the La Porte County Agricultural Association board. This is the first time over 100,000 people have topped this mark in the fair history. The record has significantly increased since 2017, when attendance was only 68,000. Kessler credits good weather, new attractions such as the Curious Kids Tractor Trail and sting ray petting zoo for the increase. The fair ended on July 13 after an eight-day run. Changes to the fairgrounds have also contributed to the record turnout, with improvements to electrical wiring and drainage, and construction of a new cattle barn.
The New Canaan Police Department has added K9 Lito, a 19-month-old German Shepard from Slovakia, to its ranks. Lito was named by Officer Sebastian Obando in honor of his late father, Raul Obando. Both officers began their training at the K9 Academy in April and have completed all their certifications, making them ready for active patrol. Lita and Obando were named after Lito by DeFelice.
The Tropical Reef Aquarium at Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Seattle has been renovated for $7.09 million following structural and system repairs. The project involved revitalizing the exhibit with new coral reefs, tropical vegetation and mangroves, creating an integrated design that better mirrors the tropical reef ecosystem. The original 15,000-square-foot aquarium exhibit, previously known as the South Pacific Aquarium, was built in 1989 and opened in 1989. The restoration included structural and structural improvements to the Outer Reef shark tank, including a new heat pump, ventilator, industrial dehumidifier, electrical updates and improvements to life support systems for the animals. The new exhibit features hands-on marine animal experiences, including the Eye-to-Eye Shark Dive, and the Tropical Shallows habitat.
Zoosiana in Broussard, Louisiana has welcomed three cheetahs to its facilities, offering a new attraction that educates visitors and teaches them about the exotic animals it is home to. The animals are known for their distinctive dark markings on their face, which help reduce glare from the sun. Zoosiana's social media page shared photos of the animals' arrival and their welcome.
The Seattle Aquarium's new Ocean Pavilion, a new building on the Seattle waterfront, has opened its doors to connect visitors to the global ocean. The long-awaited building features a new exhibit that includes over 3,500 tropical fish, invertebrates, plants, and animals, including endangered Indo-Pacific leopard sharks, rays, reef fish, seahorses, mangroves and corals. The public can also see over a dozen new habitat exhibits, which together make up the largest tropical reef ecosystem in the Pacific Northwest.
The St. Louis Zoo has introduced three new dwarf mongoose pups, which were born in May and have been growing rapidly. The animals' survival skills and independence have significantly improved, allowing for more exploration and playtime around their habitat in the River's Edge at the Saint Louis Zoo. The zoo now allows visitors to observe these pups and 10 other members of the dwarf mongose pack in their habitat.
The Water Vole, Britain's largest vole species, has found a new home in Hull Road Park. The Environment Agency has been working with partners on the York Urban Becks project to restore wildlife habitat in the city, using Water Environment Investment Funding and a biodiversity enhancement scheme. The project is supported by a Yorkshire area flood and coastal risk management scheme. This has been specifically focused on water voles along Tang Hall and Osbaldwick becks. The success of the scheme has allowed voles to spread out along Osb Baldwick beck as far as Hull Road park. The presence of these water vols indicates further diversity within the beck habitat.
The 136th Malton Show, the first agricultural event of the year, was held at Scampston Park, near Rillington. The event featured a wide range of livestock from across the area, including cattle, sheep, goats, and alpacas. Camels also made an appearance for the first time in the main ring to participate in racing. Other attractions included childrenโs races, miniature railway, and rides for youngsters. The show was supported by Yorkshire Cancer Research and featured 28 craft tent stalls, 100 trades stands, vintage tractors and machinery, farm exhibits and farm machinery, a horticulture section, food stands, bar and membersโ area.
The Erie Zoo has unveiled a new River Otter Exhibit, three times larger than its previous home, and features grass, streams and pools. The new exhibit is part of a larger effort by the zoo to regain accreditation and is expected to continue this modernization. The zoo is also working on upgrading a viewing area for their painted dog exhibits and their red panda home. The Zoo hopes this new exhibit will continue to attract donors and members, particularly as Otters are a big draw. The expansion is part part of the efforts of the zoo towards regaining accreditation. Following this expansion, a new vet center is also in the works, which will include a surgery suite, recovery area, quarantine space, and imaging suite.
The Adelaide Zoo in South Australia held a two-day birthday celebration for two giant pandas, Wang Wang and Fu Ni, who turn 19 and 18 years old this year. The zoo celebrated their birthdays with fun activities, including a scented enrichment bubble bath and a rendition of "Happy Birthday" by crowds. Wang Wang was born on October 31, 2005, and Pu Ni was born in China in 2006. They have lived in Adelaide Zoo for 15 years and have been celebrated every year since 2009. Adelaide Zoo is the second oldest zoo in Australia and attracts large numbers of visitors each year.
South Australia will welcome two news pandas to Adelaide Zoo, following the offer from the People's Republic of China. The announcement was made by Chinese Premier Li Qiang during his visit to the zoo, marking the first visit by a Chinese Premier to Australia since 2017. The South Australian Government will collaborate with the Commonwealth Government, Adelaide Zoo and Chinese officials to select the pandas and complete all necessary steps before their arrival. The state government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with China's National Forestry and Grassland Administration to promote panda conservation. The current pandas, Wang Wang and Fu Ni, have been a popular attraction at Adelaide Zoo since 2009.
The San Diego Zoo has announced the date of the public debut of its giant pandas, Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, starting on August 8. The pandas will be available to view at the zoo from the start of the day. The zoo is offering three ways for visitors to experience the pandas: a complimentary giant panda time ticket, a standby line, and a 60-minute early morning pandas walking tour. They are the first pandas to enter the U.S. in 21 years and arrived safely on June 27.
Mongolia has introduced the โWelcome to MonGOliaโ campaign, offering adventurous experiences such as reindeer sleigh rides, camel racing, and breathtaking landscapes. The campaign is part of a wider effort to increase tourism in the East Asian country, which has introduced flights, streamlining the visa process and offering visa-free visits.
The National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) has distributed Gala goats worth Sh 17.4 million to vulnerable pastoral households in Laikipia North Sub County in Laikkipia County, for breed improvement. The goats were distributed by the Indigenous Movement for Peace Advancement and Conflict Transformation (IMPACT) in partnership with the NDMA CEO Hared Adan, who stated that restocking was an initiative by the government to build resilience in pastoral communities. The gala goats, which have high milk production and meat, will be distributed to various groups for cross breeding aimed at improving the traditional breed. Area member of Parliament Sarah Korere praised the restocking exercise, stating it would help pastoral families rebuild their lives after their livestock was destroyed due to severe drought.
Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington, has celebrated its first birth of a sea lion pup in its 119-year history. The female pup was born on June 6 and has been nursing, growing, moving, vocalizing, and bonding with its mother, Eloise, who is a natural at parenting. The pup's name will be voted on by zoo guests later in June.
The California sea lion pup was born June 6 at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington. The public is being asked to vote on one of four names chosen by keepers. The pup has been living behind the scenes with her mom, Eloise, and will join her in the public viewing pool later this summer. She is the first sea lion puppy to be born at the zoo in its 119-year history. The contest will close on July 7.
Over 100 walkers took part in the Fast & Furriest fun walk on the new Zimbali Lakes golf course. The event took place on a Saturday morning, with dogs of all shapes and sizes leading their owners on a merry walk. The sixth edition of the walk will take place in September to celebrate the start of spring.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is set to open its new Manatee Rehabilitation Center on June 28th. The facility will provide restorative care for manatees affected by habitat loss, boat strike wounds, cold stress syndrome, environmental factors, and will undergo ozone treatment and medical habitats with false bottoms. The opening ceremony will take place at 10:00am. The new facility will allow guests to witness life-saving care in real time.
The Pauls Valley Foundation for Academic Excellence provides teachers with grants for their individual classrooms and schools. This year, junior high teacher Margaret Johnson received grants for her co-op class and a science class, allowing for a field trip to the Oklahoma City Zoo. Her art class was provided with art supplies, canvases, watercolor paper, paints, brushes and art pallets. Students painted self-portraits and a second art piece of their choice, which were displayed publicly at the annual Special Olympics art show. The science class also benefited from a special trip to Stingray Bay, exploring different living animals, habitats, and ecosystems studied this year.
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change's marine team has successfully rescued a loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), one of the four species of turtles known to inhabit and feed in Qatar's territorial waters. The team provided first aid and cleaned the turtle's shell before releasing it. The ministry encourages the public to report any sightings of this species to help protect marine wildlife.
The Bodega Marine Laboratory, a marine research facility part of UC Davis, has been recognized globally for its innovative marine science efforts. The lab, which includes part of the UC Davis campus, is renowned for its work in marine science, including climate change, invasive species, and pathogen studies. It is also leading efforts to save critically endangered species like the white abalone, which is critically endangered and listed as one of NOAAโs โSpecies in the Spotlight.โ The lab also offers tours, educational programs for K-12 students, and community outreach initiatives. The recipients of the prestigious Bilinski Fellowship for the academic year 2024-2025 have been awarded $25,000 each for their innovative research projects.
Aqua Expeditions is set to expand its fleet in 2025, with new sailings in the Seychelles and Zanzibar, Tanzania. The inaugural departures are set for December 2025. Four different itineraries will include five- to nine-night itineraries, with some potentially combining them for a 14-night exploration of the Seyschelles archipelago. These itineraries rotate with comprehensive 10- and 11-night sailings. The company's CEO, Francesco Galli Zugaro, is excited to showcase the beauty of the Indian Ocean and the Aldabra Atoll, home to over 150,000 giant tortoises. Since 2007, Aqua has grown to sail eight destinations with three river ships and two superyachts.
The Greenburgh Nature Center in Scarsdale, Westchester, offers unique animal experiences at its home. The nature center, which houses at least 100 rescued animals, teaches visitors about the care of these animals and their survival. The Sulcata Tortoises, which can grow up to 150 lbs. and can live through generations of visitors, are among the animals at the center's new barn. Visitors can also learn about animals and reptiles from all over the world at an indoor exhibit.
Hailu Dagnachew, a Veterinary Technician and Animal Care Supervisor at Born Free's Ensessa Kotteh team in Ethiopia, has received his Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) degree from the University of Ambo. Hailu Daggachew is a vital member of the Ensessa team at BornFree's wildlife centre, Ensessa in Ethiopia. She ensures the health and wellbeing of rescued animals at the centre, from lions to antelopes, geladas, and tortoises, and ensures any nursing of sick animals follows protocols. Hailou has worked for Born Free for six years and has been awarded a Bachelor's degree in Veterinary Science after five years of hard work.
The International Falcon Breeders Auction 2024 (IFBA) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, saw a record-breaking sale, with an Ultra White falcon sold for $106,000. The falcon was the highlight of the event, which was attended by U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Michael Ratney. The IFBA supports the Saudi Falcons Club's mission to lead in falcon breeding, production, and care innovations, and promotes cultural preservation, economic support for the falconry industry, and environmental awareness. The auction features participation from 54 top breeding farms from 19 countries and will continue through August 24.
The National Trust has begun a ยฃ7.3m project to transform a former golf course into a wildlife haven near Sutton-on-Sea, Lincolnshire, with the aim of increasing wildlife and migratory birds. The scheme will include open water and islands, reedbeds and ponds at the 25-hectare site. The National Trust expects the wetland nature reserve will encourage more wildlife and return to the area, including marsh harriers and curlew sandpipers. The construction is expected to be completed by autumn 2025. The reserve will also include a community space and a renovated car park, with proceeds from the project funding conservation efforts.
Puffins in Maine have had a successful year, according to Don Lyons, director of conservation science at Audubon's Seabird Institute. This is a significant increase for the population, despite challenges such as scarce food and extreme weather which can lead to low chick survival. Despite these challenges, Lyons maintains that the population is still healthy and even a record high at Seal Island. Lyons attributes this success to a higher proportion of puffins' diet of invertebrates, such as krill.
The 36th Art in Gadsden has announced its winners, celebrating the Gadsgen Arts Center & Museum's 30th year. The exhibition, which presents 100 works of art by established and emerging artists, will be celebrated with special events throughout summer. The Best of Show award went to Cathy Hathaway for her acrylic painting titled, "Joyce." Sarah Painter Hayes won first place for her painting, "Black Bear Girl," which she said symbolizes the future of protecting and preserving wilderness for generations to come. The third place award was given to Doell West for her art. The show is also being celebrated with a luncheon with recent Best ofShow winners on June 27 and Artist's Studio Visits on July 27.
Prince Frederick Chrysler has sponsored the Pet Of The Week program by sponsoring this program each week by paying adoption fees for featured dogs. Truno, a 6 1/2-year-old male Beagle, is 6 months old and weighs 30 lbs. He is a very sweet and friendly boy. Click here to submit an adoption application for Truno or any other available dogs.
Our Great Yorkshire Life, on Channel 5 HD, airs on 25 June. Peter Wright visits a donkey sanctuary, where rescued donkeys Donald and Alf are about to be rehomed if they pass a health check. Adam and Moira Domican-Gough from Ingleton share their experiences of living off-grid. Leeds-born chef Matt Healy is on the verge of realising his lifelong dream of opening his own restaurant in Horsforth, where he grew up.
The third annual golf scramble will be held at Shenango Lake Golf Club, in Transfer, on July 20. The event aims to support the Shenango Valley Animal Shelter, with about 30 teams registered so far. Proceeds from the event will go towards helping the shelter's animals, paying for veterinary bills and continuing its maintenance. Prizes will be awarded, including $1,000 for the first place team, $600 for second place, and $400 for third place. The 50/50 raffle and basket raffles will also feature golf equipment, a flat screen TV and more. Shelter Manager Devin Keeley said this will be her second major fundraiser with the animal shelter.
O.T.I.S. pet brand, the maker of dog treats, supplements and oils, has donated $42,000 to three hospital facility dog programs. The donation brings the company's total fundraising to $77,000 since its launch in April 2023. The company chose these programs align with its mission to help children heal from trauma. The donations were made to support the Canine Assistants Service Dog Puppy Sponsorship Program, which places 75 to 100 service dogs annually. The brand's products are all-natural and contain no artificial flavors, flavors or preservatives. The O.T., which also includes a real dog named Otis, was inspired by Otis' ability to connect with, calm and support children healing from trauma, and the brand's product line was launched in his honor.
The Duluth Police Department has announced the addition of K9 Maverick, a Hanoverian/Plott hound, to their force. Maverick will join with his handler, Officer Bustamante, who has completed extensive training. K Maverick's advanced tracking and trailing skills will significantly enhance the police's ability to respond to urgent situations and support investigations. His training will focus on locating missing persons, lost children and suspects involved in various incidents.
Petmania is inviting Ireland's most adorable puppies to compete for the title of its Puppy of the Year 2024, a 9th year popular annual competition. The winning pup will be chosen based on their personality, coat and appearance, obedience, and any special talents. The prize includes โฌ1,500 in grooming at Petmania Grooming Studios, a year's supply of Beta dog food, a two-night dog-friendly hotel stay from Blue Book, and a professional photoshoot. Petmania's spokesperson, Emily Miller, stated that the competition is a celebration of the unconditional love and companionship dogs bring to our lives and a chance for Petmania to unite its customers and communities.
The TSA is leading a social media contest to identify the cutest dog in their ranks, with four finalists: Carlo, Badger, Barni, and Birdie. The dogs use their unique sense of smell to detect drugs and explosives, and are essential to airport security. Voting begins on Instagram, X, and Facebook. Over 1,000 dogs are trained and partnered with handlers across the TSA.
HC-One's Hodge Hill Grange Care Home in Birmingham, celebrating International Dog Day on August 26 to highlight the benefits and joy of a special dog that brings to residents and colleagues. Ruby, a Cockapoo named Ruby, has been with the home since she was nine-weeks old and has been making a significant difference when she visits. The day was created in 2004 by pet lifestyle expert Colleen Paige to raise awareness about the condition of animals and encourage adoption. Having a pet dog in a care home can offer many benefits to residents, including enhancing therapeutic care and providing companionship, and improving wellbeing by engaging with dogs.
Zoeta Dogsoul, a renowned organization for its contributions to Dog Education and Dog Training, has launched its innovative Dog Training App for iOS & Android. The app, designed to revolutionize the way dog owners and trainers interact with their canine companions, emphasizes a holistic approach that goes beyond traditional training methods. It includes customized videos and emotional intelligence to enhance the bond between dog and owner, and offers a personal training assistant in 95 languages. The innovative app combines cutting-edge technology with a deep understanding of canine behavior. The launch of the app marks a significant milestone in the company's journey and is expected to become an indispensable tool for dog owners, trainers alike.
Nova Dairy has announced a comprehensive initiative to improve animal welfare within its cattle supply chain, aiming to educate farmers across various regions about the importance of animal welfare. The initiative will provide training and resources to promote best practices in cattle management, ensuring animals are treated with care and respect throughout their lives. The company's focus is on creating a more resilient and productive supply chain. One of the key components of the initiative is advocating for the freedom of cattle to graze naturally, as research has shown that cows that are allowed to roam and graze freely exhibit better mental and physical health compared to those that are confined. The increased milk production in free-grazing cows is attributed to their reduced stress levels and improved overall health.
The Cutcombe Village Feaste and Dog Show was held on August 3, with the opening ceremony being hosted by ITV Weather presenter Becky Mantin. The family-friendly event was attended by a large crowd and featured local entries in various categories, including cookery, flowers, and ripened vegetables. The winners included Gerald Matravers, who won three trophies for his achievements in fruit, veg, and flowers. Other winners included Wendy Schofield and Audrey Delve for their cookery skills and Leanna Coles for Best Overall Photo. The event also included a fun gundog scurries, with a little white terrier named Salt winning the fastest bale-jumping time. The fete raised money for local charities.
Artist Giffy Duminy has created two bird murals on the walls of Ocean View Montessori in Durban North, a gateway to the city. The outer walls of the school now feature two Purple-Crested Turacos or Purple-crested Louries. Lucy Cronje, owner and principal of the MontessorI, felt these murals were a standout feature for pedestrians and motorists entering the area. The project was inspired by a trip to Virginia Bush Nature Reserve and Cronje enlisted the help of final year DUT horticultural students to design the veg garden. The feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly positive.
The China Wildlife Conservation Association (CWCA) and Austria's Schonbrunn Zoo have signed an agreement to strengthen cooperation on the protection of giant pandas and related research. A new pair of pandas from the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda will be sent to Austria under a 10-year project. The agreement was signed to ensure the pandas' health in Austria, with Chinese experts visiting to offer guidance on facilities, feeding, food management, and health care. The CWCA and SchONBRunn Zoo began cooperating in 2003 on giant panda protection in 2003 and have achieved successful outcomes in panda conversation, breeding, scientific research, technological exchange, personnel training and public education.
Cindy Gordon, secretary of the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi Board of Directors and a past president of the DeSoto Arts Council, has been honored with the city's Community Service Award. Gordon also led the effort to build a dog park at Renasant Park, which is now run by the parks department. Gordon has been involved in the annual Hernando Veterans Parade and luncheon and the Christmas luncheon for veterans and families. She thanked the city for supporting her volunteer efforts.
The Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) is launching its new fundraising event, the DSPCA Woodland Dog Walk, which aims to raise over โฌ50,000 in the month of September to support the provision of services to animals in need. The event, supported by the Dublin Mountains Partnership, aims to encourage exercise for parents, dogs, and children, with emphasis on safe walking and ensuring dogs are on leads at all times. This year alone, the charity has responded to over 2,000 cruelty and neglect calls in the Dublin and surrounding areas. Since its foundation in 1840, DSPPA has rescued, rehabilitated and rehomed over 500,000 animals.
The Oktibbeha County Humane Society's 14th annual Dog Paddle, held at the Moncrief Park Pool in Starkville, Mississippi, raised over 100 dogs for the annual fundraiser for the OCHS second chance fund, which provides ill and injured dogs with care. The event was a success, with early registration starting at $25 and day-of registration at $30, with each additional dog costing $10. The funds raised for this event will benefit the Second Chance Fund, which was started years ago to provide additional care for animals with injuries or illnesses that need to be treated. Additionally, the fund is for pet owners with an animal who has experienced a catastrophic injury or illness.
Maxol is raising money for guide dogs for the blind in its Northern Irish forecourt convenience stores by selling specially branded air fresheners. The company's Chief Executive, Brian Donaldson, introduced the PAWsome car accessories after learning about the benefits of guide dogs. The ยฃ3 items will be donated to Guide Dogs Northern Ireland in the UK, with a similar arrangement in the Republic where stores will donate to Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. The initiative aims to raise awareness of the costs involved in meeting the demand for guide and assistance dogs, which each cost around ยฃ45,000 during their training and working lifetime.
Danvers High School students Olivia Henry and Brooke Wilichoski, both 15, will host a dog park birthday party at the town's dog park on August 31 as part of their DECA project for the upcoming school year. The event will take place at the Danvers Dog Park in Endicott Park in Danvers, ending at 3 p.m. All money raised from the event will benefit the Danver Highโs DECA chapter and the dog park.
Port City Cat Rescue has moved to a new location in Bossier City, Louisiana, after a retired dentist and other volunteers donated the funds to the move. The building was purchased by a couple after a dentist put his building up for sale for sale and a couple purchased it. The move was made possible through extensive renovations and a nine-month process of zoning requirements and renovations. The cats have room inside and a catio outside to roam. An open house will be held next month.
Emmy Ritchie won the grand champion cat, Furfy, at the Lyon County Fair cat show, her first time showing Furfy at the fair. This was a challenging experience, as Furfy was not comfortable in a setting where he felt comfortable. Ritchie plans to return Furfy to the fair next year with more training and preparation for the upcoming event.
A new study has found that Thailand's tiger population in protected areas in western Thailand has more than doubled over the past two decades, according to camera-trapping data. The recovery has been attributed to long-term efforts by rangers to control poaching and restore key habitats and water sources. The tiger population has also increased in the numbers of prey animals, such as sambar deer and wild cattle. The most important conservation site for tigers is the Huai Kha Kha. The study's findings suggest that lessons can be applied to support tiger recovery in other parts of Thailand and underscore the importance of the core WEFCOM population as a vital source of tigers repopulating adjacent landscapes. The researchers used camera traps at over 270 locations throughout the HKK-TY UNESCO World Heritage Site, which comprises three distinct reserves out of the 17 that make up Thailandโs Western Forest Complex (WEFCOM).
Actor-filmmaker Rishab Shetty and his wife Pragathi Shetty recently shared a video of their visit to Bengaluru's Prani pet sanctuary with their children, Ranvit and Raadya. The video shows the couple interacting with animals and providing children with fun-filled day. This is part of Shetty's commitment to his family, with previous posts showing him posing with his wife at the Hanuman Garhi temple in Ayodhya and the inauguration of Ram Mandir. His directing and acting career began in 2022 with the Kannada blockbuster Kantara, which earned over Rs 350 crore gross in India and over Rs 400 crore internationally. The film is set to be released in December 2024.
Marine Rescue NSW crews are working with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and volunteers to free an entangled whale off Five Islands. A private vessel is also helping the rescue mission. The weather conditions are favourable and the rescue vessel will escort the NPWS Zodiac to the entangled whale shortly.
The cast of "Cobra Kai" have shared their favorite moments of the series, including Ralph Macchio, William Zabka, Yuji Okumoto, Xolo Maridueรฑa, Jacob Bertrand, Mary Mouser, Peyton List, Tanner Buchanan, and Gianni DeCenzo. The cast also shared their thoughts about the series ending after six years. They shared their love for the show and their excitement about the upcoming Karate Kid movie. The full interview was conducted during the Puppy Interview. The episode is now part of Pup Culture Rescue and is now available on Netflix.
Atomic Kitten star Liz McClarnon has revealed her first photo of her new husband, Peter Cho, in an Instagram post. The 43-year-old singer secretly married him in a Lake District ceremony last year, but kept his identity a secret until now. The couple celebrated their one-year anniversary on the same day. Liz thanked her 85,000 followers for their love and support and shared a photo of their wedding day with their pet dog. Her announcement was met with well wishes and support from famous friends and fans alike.
China will gift a pair of giant pandas to Hong Kong as the finance hub celebrates its 27th year under Chinese rule. The former British colony was handed over to China in 1997 under a governance model that guaranteed key freedoms and a high degree of autonomy. City leader John Lee praised the gift as a sign of China's support for Hong Kong, while he also highlighted the passage of a homegrown security law, Article 23, which exists alongside a national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020. Lee also noted a rise in property transactions and a stable property market, with the city expected to grow between 2.5 and 3.5% this year compared to a 3.3% rise last year.
The Hero Pets in Action is a weekly feature on the web showing remarkable animal rescues, from brave dogs to clever cats who help humans in need. These animals are often seen as heroes who make a difference and inspire us all. The series includes stories of animals coming to the rescue, with some of the most engaging examples of heroic behavior.
A viral video showing a dog named Mabel waiting for her owner's boyfriend's return has gone viral, garnering over 643,400 views and over 22,300 likes on TikTok. The video highlights the special bond between Mabel and her owner, highlighting the depth of this bond based on positive experiences shared with them. The depth of the bond can vary depending on the amount of time spent together and the care provided. The viral video also highlighted the importance of pet ownership to develop a strong bond with your dog.
The John Ball Zoo has announced the birth of a female eastern mountain bongo, a critically endangered species and one of the largest forest antelopes. The newborn calf, named Chestnut, was born on July 23 and is currently being cared for by her mother, Carrot, behind the scenes. The zoo is thrilled about this new arrival and its positive impact on bongo conservation efforts. The birth of Chestnut is a hopeful sign for the future of the endangered species, which is threatened by poaching, habitat destruction, and illegal trapping. Carrot and Beckson were paired through the Species Survival Plan Program, a collaborative effort by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums to ensure genetic diversity and manage endangered species.
Construction has begun on a $2 million dog park in downtown Milwaukee, set to be completed by the end of the winter. The park will be a nearly 22,000-square-foot turf park for large and small dogs, with fenced areas for big and small, a washing system for the turf and new lighting. Fromm Family Pet Food is the title sponsor of the dog park and plans to build a brewery near the site. The project also includes a new section of the Riverwalk between East Clybourn Street and West Saint Paul Avenue. The public and private supporters of the project include the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and Milwaukee County.
Scientists from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have successfully produced a genetically modified cow that produces human insulin in its milk. The researchers inserted a specific human DNA segment coding for proinsulin (a precursor to insulin) into cow embryos and implanted them in normal cows, resulting in the birth of a single healthy calf. The milk contained proteins similar to human proinsinsulin and insulin, suggesting that the cow's milk may have converted proinsin into insulin. While production levels were low, researchers believe this approach has significant potential for scaling up. This research could potentially provide a stable and affordable supply of insulin for diabetics worldwide.
Edinburgh Zoo's pandas, Yang Guang and Tian Tian, are set to return to China after their stay in Scotland was extended by two years. The animals have been a major attraction since their arrival in 2011 as part of a 10-year agreement between the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) and the China Wildlife Conservation Association. The zoo is preparing for their departure, with access to the panda enclosure closing from 3.30pm on Thursday. David Field, RZSS chief executive, said the pandas' impact on nature has led to increased public interest in conservation causes and conservation efforts.
Taylor Swift and Mariska Hargitay have a long-standing friendship, starting with a cat connection. Swift has been a fan of her long-running drama, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and has named her cat Olivia Benson. She returned the favor by naming her pet Karma in November 2023, in honor of Swift's hit song off her Midnights album. Haggitay was one of the celebrities featured in Swift's "Bad Blood" music video at the 2015 Billboard Music Awards. They also shared a photo together at a concert featuring their mutual friend, Ingrid Michaelson.
International Dog Day is celebrated on August 26, a day that celebrates the unique connection between humans and dogs. The day is a reminder of the unconditional love that dogs offer to humans, highlighting the benefits that human-dog interactions bring to their lives. Dogs have been loyal companions for thousands of years, offering unconditional love, comfort, and loyalty. They can ease loneliness and provide a sense of comfort during difficult times. Dogs also play a vital role in therapy and service, helping individuals with disabilities and providing comfort in hospitals and nursing homes. Studies have shown that interactions with animals can reduce blood pressure and decrease cortisol, a stress-related hormone, and increase feelings of social support.
Buckrail readers have sent in photos of local dogs enjoying local waterways throughout summer. The majority of these photos featured dogs enjoying the water, often in personal floatation devices. Submissions are now closed, but stay tuned for another collection of reader-submitted dog photos soon. A video of a classic summertime dog maneuver was also included.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) had fun when she was surprised by this progressive pup on the campaign trail.