The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Powell, Ohio, has welcomed a rare echidna baby, known as a puggle, after a three-year breeding effort by its animal care team. The zoo said the baby echidna was born in December and is being monitored closely as it continues to grow. The puggle joins its mother, Edna, and adds to a small North American population of echidnas living in professional care. Rare Puggle at Columbus Zoo Draws Attention Senior Speciali

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. — A Washington Park Zoo wolf attack injured two zookeepers on Wednesday morning, June 3, 2026, after staff responded to the overnight death of a wolf inside the Michigan City, Indiana, zoo. Both employees were taken to hospitals and were reported stable after the incident, which remains under review by zoo officials and local authorities. What Happened in the Washington Park Zoo Wolf Attack Zoo officials said one of the fa

The Trump administration has moved to restore the use of controversial M-44 cyanide traps on public lands across the United States, reviving a predator control method that had previously faced restrictions due to environmental and public safety concerns. The decision follows a memorandum signed in April between the Bureau of Land Management and the Agriculture Department’s Wildlife Services program, allowing the agencies to coordinate the possible deployment of restricted pesticides, includ

What happened to Ernie Dosio in Gabon? A veteran hunter dies after elephant encounter A California vineyard owner and longtime hunter died after a fatal wildlife encounter during a safari expedition in Central Africa, authorities and affiliated organizations confirmed. Fatal encounter in Gabon rainforest during licensed hunt The incident occurred on Thursday, April 17, 2026, in Gabon, a Central African nation, where 7

A rare sighting of a “cloud jaguar” in Honduras is offering renewed hope for wildlife conservation after the elusive big cat was photographed at high altitude for the first time in a decade. The lone male jaguar was captured on camera traps on Thursday, February 6, at approximately 2,200 meters (7,200 feet) in the

The Dallas Zoo has announced the birth of two Sumatran tiger cubs and is inviting the public to help name one of them through a donation-based voting initiative. The cubs, a male and a female, were born on Saturday, February 22, 2026, to mother Sukacita, also known as Suki, and father Kuasa. At birth, each cub weighed approximately 2.5 pounds. Zoo officials described the arrival as a significant milestone, particularly given the fragile status of the species. The Sumatran tiger, nat

A new attraction has arrived at Six Flags Great Adventure, where a 2-month-old brown bear cub named JJ has made his public debut at the park’s Wild Safari. Park officials confirmed that the cub is currently residing in a dedicated habitat alongside his mother, Hollywood, offering visitors an opportunity to observe early-stage wildlife development in a controlled environment. JJ’s introdu

A young gray whale has been found dead after traveling approximately 20 miles inland along the Willapa River in Washington state, according to an update shared by the Cascadia Research Collective on Saturday (full date not specified in the official report). The juvenile whale, which had drawn local attention and was nicknamed “Willapa Willy,” had been observed in the river for several days before its death. The whale was first spotted on Wednesday in the north fork of the Willapa River, located about 145 miles southwest of Seattle. At the time, researchers noted that although the animal appeared thin, it showed no visible injuries and was behaving normally. Teams had initially hoped the whale would navigate back toward the ocean on its own, but it ultimately did not leave the river. Researchers now believe hunger may have been a contributing factor. Gray whales undertake long seasonal migrations along the Pacific Coast, traveling north in the spring to feeding grounds in Arctic waters. During this journey, they rely heavily on stored energy reserves. Scientists say that when food sources become scarce, whales may deviate from their typical routes in search of alternative feeding areas. Recent environmental conditions have added pressure on gray whale populations. Reduced food availability in the northern Bering and Chukchi seas has been linked to declining health among the species. According to NOAA Fisheries, the eastern North Pacific gray whale population was estimated at approximately 13,000 during the winter of 2025, marking one of the lowest levels recorded since the 1970s. Additional incidents in the region have raised concerns among researchers. Earlier in April, two adult gray whales were found dead near Ocean Shores, both showing signs of malnourishment, with one also exhibiting injuries consistent with a vessel strike. These events highlight ongoing risks facing the species, including limited food resources, ship collisions, and entanglement in fishing gear. The Cascadia Research Collective is assessing conditions to determine whether a detailed examination of the juvenile whale can be safely conducted, which may provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding its death.

As egret season approaches, city officials in Fort Worth are urging residents to prepare ahead of the annual migration to reduce the impact these birds can have on neighborhoods. Each year, large numbers of egrets arrive to nest, often settling in residential areas where their presence can create challenges for homeowners. To address concerns before the birds arrive, local animal care authorities have launched an outreach effort focused on education, prevention, and community cooperation.

A grey seal that became a favorite among caretakers and veterinarians at the Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine has died during a medical procedure, the facility confirmed. The animal, rescued earlier this year, had been under treatment for a severe injury to its back flipper and had captured the hearts of those involved in its recovery. The seal was brought to the center in April after being found stranded along the New Jersey shoreline. Staff members at the Marine Mammal

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has announced a gesture of support for federal workers affected by the ongoing government shutdown, offering them free admission for a limited time this month. The initiative, designed to provide a brief respite for workers and their families during a period of financial and emotional strain, will run from November 1 through November 20. Federal employees will be able to enjoy complimentary admission for themselves and up to five guests, along with free

New Jersey’s annual bear hunt is now underway, and early figures from the first phase of the 2025 season indicate that 249 bears have been harvested across the state’s designated hunting zones. The figures, released following the completion of the initial segment, highlight regional variations in bear activity and hunting success, reflecting ongoing efforts to manage the state’s growing black bear population. The fall hunting season is divided into two separate segments. The f

Every year on October 8, marine enthusiasts, conservationists, and nature lovers around the globe come together to celebrate World Octopus Day — a day dedicated to one of the ocean’s most fascinating and intelligent creatures. First observed in 2014, this annual event highlights the extraordinary abilities of octopuses while calling attention to the growing environmental and ethical challenges they face in the modern world. The octopus, with its eight flexible arms, keen intelli

Residents in Passaic County witnessed an unusual wildlife encounter over the weekend when a bear in West Milford was caught opening a car door and then strolling onto a nearby deck. The surprising scene began when the bear approached a parked vehicle, stood upright, and used its paws to open the driver’s side door. After inspecting the interior of the car, the animal wandered toward a nearby home and made itself comfortable on the deck, seemingly unbothered by its surroundin

A massive 10-foot, 291-pound alligator was safely relocated from Eagle Mountain Lake in Texas as part of an ongoing wildlife research project. The effort was carried out by the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge’s Natural Resources Team in coordination with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The relocation was prompted by concerns from local residents after the reptile was spotted near residential docks, raising safety concerns for those living and

A troop of western lowland gorillas currently residing at the Dallas Zoo will be relocating later this fall to a new home at another Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited facility. The bachelor group, consisting of Shana, Zola, Juba, and B’Wenzi, has become a familiar sight to zoo visitors over the years, and their departure marks a significant moment for both the facility and the community that has grown to appreciate them. The relocation is not the result of a

A wildfire sparked by a lightning strike is continuing to burn through a remote and ecologically sensitive bird sanctuary on the Bolivar Peninsula, located near Port Bolivar, Texas. The blaze, which started Friday evening, has now spread across approximately 160 acres of brush and marshland and remains active several days later. Emergency responders are currently monitoring the fire closely but are not attempting direct suppression due to the remote nature of the affected area. The fire has so f

Austin Wildlife Rescue (AWR) is urgently searching for a new location for its Intake Center before its current lease expires at the end of November. Having been based in East Austin for 25 years, AWR is looking for a new facility to continue its vital work rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife. The nonprofit posted on social media asking for help in finding a suitable property, as its current location on E. MLK Jr Boulevard no longer meets their needs.

Emperor penguins, the largest of all penguin species, are facing an uncertain future as new scientific research highlights the accelerating impact of climate change on their habitat. Although these majestic birds live in the cold, remote expanses of Antarctica, far removed from industrial civilization, they are now suffering the consequences of a rapidly warming planet. A new report published in the journal Nature has raised alarm among scientists who have spe

Shanny Feigenbaum, a dedicated Scout from Livermore, California, has achieved the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout the highest honor in the Scouts BSA program thanks to her impactful community project focused on wildlife conservation at Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area. Feigenbaum, a member of Troop 2942 sponsored by St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, becomes the third Eagle Scout from her all-girls troop. He