5 clever animals that treat and prevent their own illnesses 

Researchers have uncovered several instances where animals have been found to self-medicate in surprising ways. From primates applying their own natural insect-repellants to butterflies medicating their offspring by selecting plants that ward off a particular disease, and so much more. While experts claim it's impossible to know for sure that the animals are aware that their actions (i.e.: rubbing a particular plant on their bodies) are accomplishing a desired effect (i.e.: repelling biting insects), these studies are an astounding look at the complexity of animal behavior across a wide range of species. 

Birds have cultural traditions that affect nest building, new study finds 

A study of over 450 nests built by white-browed sparrow weavers in South Africa has revealed new insights into the complex culture of birds. In spite of popular opinion, researchers found that the sparrow weavers in question were not necessarily building nests based on instinct or environment. Instead, there was a "tradition" passed down from generation to generation where birds within a particular family tended to emulate the type of nest that their parents had built and so on. 

Solitary humpback whales manufacture bubble-nets as tools to increase prey intake 

Humpback whales are known to use a technique known as "bubble-net feeding" where they dive beneath a school of small fish and blow bubbles as a way to disorient and corral their prey. This type of feeding is often a carefully orchestrated routine between a group of whales, which speaks to their incredible intelligence and cooperative communication. However, research has also shown that humpback whales can perform this type of behavior solo and that they can even adjust their "technique" to be more efficient – a key indicator of their problem-solving prowess. 

Delaware criminalizes possession of animal fighting paraphernalia 

In a bid to improve animal welfare and strengthen restrictions on cruel practices such as dog- and cock-fighting, Delaware has signed Senate Bill 198 into law, criminalizing the possession of animal fighting paraphernalia (in addition to sale, transfer, and manufacture of such items). 

How Conservationists are Saving Baby Parrots from Extinction

With only about 1,000 individuals left in this sub-species of scarlet macaw, conservationists in Mexico have stepped up to protect this endangered species. The Scarlet Macaw Protection, Conservation and Reintegration Program led by biologist Diego Noriega has successfully rescued and released over 200 chicks since 2005 and remains committed to ensuring as many birds as possible remain wild and free from the cruel wildlife trade. 

Bill Would Ban Feeding Farmed Animals Excrement

The bill known as the "NO Stool in Herds' Troughs Act" or the "NO SHT Act" would "prohibit the practice of feeding excrement to farm animals." U.S. Senator Cory Booker introduced the legislation following recent concerns about the spread of avian flu. According to Cory Booker's website, "The NO SHT Act specifically targets the alarming practice of feeding chicken litter—which includes dead birds, feathers, and chicken excrement—to cows in large-scale feedlots and dairies." 

Sphen, Half of Famous Same-Sex Penguin Couple Passes Away at Age 12

Sphen, famous for his role as half of the same-sex penguin couple at Sydney Sea-Life Aquarium has sadly passed away at the age of 12. Aquarium caretakers reported that when Sphen passed, his partner Magic looked upon him and began to sing, stirring the remaining penguins in the enclosure into a moving tribute of vocalizations. While it is not uncommon for penguins to form same-sex relationships, Sphen and Magic's connection will remain in the hearts of all who were inspired by their bond. 

Scientists Develop New Less-Invasive Ways to Study Wildlife

As hunting and farming continue to impact local flora and fauna across the United States, scientists increasingly look for less invasive ways to research wildlife in an effort to better protect them. Thus, Robert Long, a  senior conservation scientist along with his team at Woodland Park Zoo has developed some remarkable methods for studying wildlife like the elusive wolverine. This includes using "vegan scent lures" instead of animal-based bait which may carry pathogens or require more human involvement. 

Do cats experience grief? Research suggests they might

Researchers from Oakland University in Michigan recently conducted a survey of 412 cat caregivers who experienced the loss of a pet in the household. Caregivers were asked to report changes in behavior in their cat(s) following the loss of another animal in the home. What the researchers discovered delighted them: many of the cats in the study experienced behavioral changes consistent with signs of grieving. While the researchers don't necessarily want the cats to be sad, these findings may indicate a depth of emotion in domestic cats not previously well-studied and could signify a broader range of complex emotions in the animals with which we share our homes and hearts. 

Federal Court rules NIH violated First Amendment in blocking critical animal testing comments on social media 

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) was found by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit to have violated the First Amendment when it blocked keywords on social media accounts in order to hide comments critical of animal testing. The move enables those concerned with the cruelty behind animal testing to freely ask questions, share resources, and express concern across social pages managed by NIH. 

As extreme weather ramps up, animal rescue faces new challenges 

With climate change comes new challenges such as more frequent and intense significant weather events from heat waves to wildfires, hurricanes, and more. This increase in natural disasters has put a strain on animal rescue efforts, particularly as some regions of the country are largely unprepared for weather events not typical for their area, such as the PNW which has recently experienced uncharacteristically high temperatures putting pets and people at risk. Experts strongly advise that one way pet owners can help reduce the strain on rescue efforts is to actively prepare for natural disasters. You can learn more about preparing your family - and create your own kit here.

Study finds that dogs can smell your stress – and make decisions accordingly 

A recent study published in the Journal Scientific Reports reveals that dogs can tell if we're stressed by detecting cortisol levels in our bodies. But,  that's not all: when dogs detected higher levels of stress (or cortisol) in their humans, they were less likely to approach new scenarios with a sense of "optimism" or eagerness – showing that their owner's emotional state may impact their own. 

Heat wave disrupts salmon migration – until scientists offer them a ride! 

With heat waves hitting the Pacific Northwest and water temperatures nearing lethal levels for sockeye salmon, some scientists have decided to lend a hand (or a ride) to assist the fish in their seasonal migration. This species of salmon is considered among the most endangered in the region, so scientists and biologists in the region have had to get creative in their conservation efforts as the impact of climate change continues to threaten the sockeye salmon's natural behaviors. In this case, that means humanely catching the fish in a "salmon sock" to be loaded into a tank in the back of a truck and carted north to cooler waters. 

A three-legged lion was filmed making record-breaking swim in crocodile-infested waters

A 10 year-old, 3-legged African lion known as "Jacob" and his brother, "Tibu" were filmed swimming nearly a mile across a channel in Uganda's Queen Elizabeth National Park... surrounded by crocodiles and hippos known to have taken down adult lions in the past. This marks the longest-ever recorded swim of an African lion, with the previous longest distance measuring 650 feet. While experts speculate on the reason for this long-distance swim, it's just another death-defying moment in Jacob's life after being gored by a water buffalo and losing a leg to a poacher's trap. 

Why mourning a pet can be more challenging that morning a person

The loss of a loved one, whether pet or person, is a heavy weight for those left behind to carry. Researchers studying the connections between humans and their animal companions discovered that the death of a pet can also carry with it some additional challenges including guilt following the decision to euthanize and the perceived lack of social acceptance, which may cause pet owners to avoid properly mourning those who have crossed the rainbow bridge. 

Massachusetts law banning sale of products from animals kept in confinement upheld

In Boston, a U.S. District Judge has upheld a state law that bans the sale of animal products such as pork, veal, and eggs from animals kept in cruel confinement. The move is a positive one for the welfare of farmed animals and echos the voices of 78% of voters who approved of the initiative in 2016. 

Octopus farming in the U.S. would be banned under a new bill 

Recently, a large seafood company in Spain unveiled plans to farm octopuses for human consumption on a massive scale. Following outrage and growing concerns that such a move would inspire similar ventures in the United States, a bill was quickly introduced in Congress and seeks to ban factory farming of these incredible creatures nationwide. 

Chimps share humans' 'snappy' conversational style

Researchers discover that wild chimpanzees have conversational styles not unlike humans. Although chimps mostly communicate with gestures and facial expressions, scientists who studied their interactions noted that the primates also took "fast-paced turns" and at times, interrupted each other with a pace similar to human conversation. 

During heatwave, Texas woman opens up a "squirrel spa" to keep them cool 

Breyana Elwell of New Braunfels, TX was inspired to help the critters in her backyard when one day, she had put a fan on her porch and spotted a squirrel lounging in front of it, desperate to keep cool in the extreme heat. Since that fateful day, Elwell has created a veritable "squirrel spa & resort" complete with fresh fruit, plenty of fans, and even a "highway" to help the animals travel back and forth between the porch and the trees. 

Do elephants have names for each other like humans do? A new study suggests they may. 

Researchers discover an unusual type of communication among African elephants - never before seen in nonhuman animals. While animals like dolphins have been found to mimic each other's signature whistles as a way to "call" one another, researchers discovered that African elephants use a system of name-caling that is much more similar to humans. In a study of 469 vocalizations, it was discovered that elephants come up with an original sound (typically a low rumble) to refer to specific individuals within their family. 

Sharks often get a bad rap, but oceans need them

With Shark Week recently come and gone, NPR's Regina G. Barber and Hannah Chinn join shark scientist Melissa Christina Marquez to discuss the importance of these incredible yet often misunderstood creatures in keeping oceans healthy, mitigating climate change, and so much more.

Indianapolis introduces new animal registry ordinance to help curb overpopulation and backyard breeding

The city of Indianapolis is moving forward with a new proposal to help curb dog overpopulation and backyard breeding in their area. This new proposal would require all pet owners to register their unaltered dogs, maintain health records, report new litters, and microchip puppies before they are sold or transferred – and is meant to help ease the burden on over-crowded animal shelters. 

Biologist Ximena Velez-Liendo helps protect bears while using honey

As human influence, including deforestation, continues to threaten species such as the Andean (Spectacled) Bear, biologists must get creative in their efforts to protect them. As a result, conservation biologist Ximena Velez-Liendo has dedicated her life to supporting the vulnerable species, with which she shares her home country of Bolivia. After hearing from local farmers that the bears have historically been a "threat" to their livelihoods, Velez-Liendo set to work to come up with a solution which could encourage a more peaceful coexistence between the local community and the native species. One surprising solution thus far has been the switch from less eco-friendly agricultural models to beekeeping, which allows the local farmers to sustain themselves while using less land, reducing the need for deforestation, and allowing the bears to travel and exist in their natural habitat without incident. 

Florida Allocates Gambling Revenue to Conservation Measures

Earlier this year, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill which allocates 96% of the state's gambling revenue towards conservation efforts including wildlife corridor support, water quality improvement, and more.

‘Frog Saunas’ Could Protect Species from Devastating Fungal Disease

A deadly fungal disease known as chytridiomycosis has killed off 90 frog species around the globe, but scientists may have found a simple yet effective solution. Meet the "frog sauna"! With research revealing that the disease is more deadly in cold, wet climates than warm, dry ones, experts have set upon creating mini "saunas" (little enclosures made of material like brick, which can warm up in the sun and provide the frogs with warm, dry resting places). So far, the experiment has proven successful for a hard-hit species in Australia known as the green and golden bell frog and scientists are hopeful that it can help protect more frogs affected by the fungus. 

Bird flu has been invading the brains of mammals. Here’s why 

As H5N1 (avian flu) continues to spread, experts note that this virus can cause neurological issues such as seizures or paralysis in mammals. Such severe cases in humans are rare, but with every new infection, H5N1 continues to adapt, thus it's important to pay close attention and for researchers to continue their work to understand the virus and slow the spread where possible. 

A Bridge for Wildlife Could Help Get Grizzlies Off the Endangered List

The 2021 infrastructure bill assigned $350 million for highway wildlife overpasses to lower human and animal deaths. One in Montana may be key to getting grizzly bears off the endangered species list.

Michigan Bill Would Create Animal Abuser Registry

In a bid to better protect animals from cruelty, the proposed bill would “require individuals convicted for offenses related to animal abuse, cruelty, torture, and fighting to be listed by limited information on a publicly available listing in order to prohibit the convicted individuals’ ability to own, possess, use, buy, sell, offer to buy or sell, import, export, or handle animals." 

Researchers Observe Ants Perform "Life-Changing Operations" on One-Another, a First for Non-Human Animals

Carpenter ants have been found to perform life-saving amputations on their fellow colony members. Ants are known to "war" with outside colonies, which can result in nasty injuries and according to researchers, carpenter ants have been observed taking drastic measures to save the lives of their "comrades." While amputation may seem drastic, researchers discovered that those who underwent the "operation" had a 75% survival rate, vs just 15% for those who sustained similar injuries but did not receive "treatment." 

Over 100 Dolphins Saved After Shallow Tide Left them Stranded Off Cape Cod

IFAW, armed with the support of numerous volunteers and marine animal rescue experts, has responded to what is being called the "largest stranding event" of the organization's history. Roughly 125 dolphins found themselves stranded in Cape Cod during low tide. Thankfully, with the quick and dedicated work by those involved, over 100 dolphins were saved. 

Iberian Lynx is Back from the Brink of Extinction Thanks to Conservation Efforts

In 2001, the Iberian Lynx, native to Spain and Portugal, was on the brink of extinction with only 62 known adults left in the wild. Now, 23 years later, there are over 2,000 known adults and juveniles. Dedicated conservation efforts, which included habitat restoration and the creation of new protections for the species were pivotal in ensuring the continuation of these incredible animals. 

Tribes Honor the Birth of Rare White Buffalo & Reveal Its Name

Earlier this month, a rare white buffalo calf was born in Yellowstone National Park - signifying the fulfillment of a sacred prophesy by several Native American tribes. To celebrate this momentous occasion and spread awareness for the prophecy's message to take better care of the Earth, a ceremony was held wherein the calf was given a name "Wakan Gil" ("Return Sacred" in Lakota) by local Native American leader, Arvol Looking Horse. 

Denmark to Become First Country to Tax Farmers for Greenhouse Gases Emitted by Livestock 

Beginning in 2030, Denmark plans to become the first country in the world to tax livestock farmers for the greenhouse gases emitted by their cows, sheep, and pigs. The goal of such a measure is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70% by 2030 and become climate neutral by 2045. 

Colombia's Legislature Votes to Ban Bullfighting

Following an overwhelmingly positive 93-to-2 vote on a bill to ban bullfighting, Colombian President Gustavo Petro is expected to sign the bill into law, which would go into affect in 3 years. Once enacted, Colombia  will join the ranks of many countries including Argentina, Canada, Cuba, Denmark, Italy, and the UK which have already outlawed the cruel practice. 

Florida Bans Intentional Release of Balloons to Protect Marine Life 

"Balloons rank among the deadliest ocean plastic for key wildlife" according to Hunter Miller, a representative from environmental group Oceana. The new law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis aims to protect sea turtles, marine birds, whales, and dolphins from ingesting the deflated balloons that often pollute our oceans and harm marine life.