Dr. Jane Goodall, renowned ethologist and conservationist, passed away at 91 on October 1, 2025. Known for her groundbreaking work with chimpanzees and her advocacy for environmental and animal welfare, she founded the Jane Goodall Institute and Roots & Shoots, inspiring global change through her profound insights and messages of hope. Continue reading Dr. Goodall: a Life of Ethology
The Chapultepec Zoo in Mexico was the first outside China to breed Giant Pandas, starting with Pe-Pe and Ying-Ying in 1975. Their offspring included Xen Li and Xin Xin, the oldest panda in captivity at 35 years. Attempts to breed Xin Xin have been unsuccessful, raising concerns about future panda replacements as China no longer gifts them. Continue reading Xin Xin, the Last Giant Panda in Latin America
Fourteen staff members at Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter were hospitalized after the FBI burned methamphetamine in the facility’s incinerator, filling it with smoke. The shelter’s director, Triniti Halverson, expressed concerns about the incinerator’s safety, emphasizing she was unaware of the drug disposal. The shelter awaits damage assessments for necessary repairs and remediation. Continue reading Animal Shelter Evacuated After FBI Burned Two Pounds of Meth in the Same Building
Cane toads, introduced to Australia in 1935 to control insect populations, have become one of the worst invasive species, with around 200 million now present. To manage their numbers, programs like toad-busting involve humane euthanasia. Dr. Rick Shine’s new approach uses CRISPR to block their metamorphosis, creating permanently juvenile tadpoles. Continue reading Scientists Create Genetically Modified Tadpoles that are Cannibals
A newly discovered cat coat color named “salty licorice,” originating from Finland, has been identified among feral cat populations since 2007. This distinct coloration results from a genetic mutation linked to a recessive trait. Ongoing research by Dr. Heidi Anderson’s team is exploring its inheritance and potential implications for hearing. Continue reading New Cat Coat Color Discovered: Salty Licorice
Recent research reveals that male blue-lined octopuses use venom to immobilize females during mating to prevent being eaten. Female octopuses, larger than males, often consume their mates. Males inject venom into the female’s aorta, sedating her temporarily. This behavior, linked to sexual cannibalism, ensures males can mate before dying after reproduction. Continue reading Male Blue-Lined Octopuses Use Venom During Sex to Avoid Being Eaten
The kākāpō, a nocturnal, flightless parrot native to New Zealand, faced extinction due to introduced predators. Conservation efforts have increased their population from 51 in 1995 to about 250, with a recent reintroduction to the mainland. Continue reading Scientists are Reintroducing the Kakapo to New Zealand
Moo Deng, a pygmy hippo from Thailand, and Pesto, a large king penguin from Australia, have become internet sensations. Their fame has brought both admiration and disturbing visitor behavior, prompting increased security at their respective zoos. Continue reading Silly Animals Are Taking Over the Internet
A study by the Instituto Oswaldo Cruz found cocaine contamination in sharks near Rio de Janeiro, with all analyzed samples testing positive. This research highlights environmental drug exposure, emphasizing ongoing investigations to understand the implications of marine contamination. Continue reading Brazilian Sharks Test Positive for Cocaine
Flaco, the popular Eurasian Eagle Owl in New York City, tragically passed away after colliding with a building. His death sparked controversy, as it was revealed that he carried lethal amounts of rat poison and pigeon herpes virus, shedding light on urban wildlife health issues. Continue reading Beloved Eurasian Eagle Owl Escapes Zoo and Dies
