Crocodile in Costa Rican Zoo Impregnated Itself, a First Ever Recorded
The first known case of a crocodile that became pregnant without ever having mated has been identified at a Costa Rican zoo. How do we know that? The semiaquatic reptile produced a foetus that was 99.9 percent genetically identical to itself! The phenomenon is often referred to as a “virgin birth” and has been reported in various species of fish, birds, and reptiles. It has not, however, been seen in crocodiles before — but was anybody checking? Apparently not, but we’ll get to that in a minute. The egg was laid back...
Keepers at Kazkova Dibrova Zoo Risk Lives to Protect Animals After Flood Kills Hundreds
In the past year, the keepers at Kazkova Dibrova zoo in southern Ukraine have faced incredible challenges while protecting their animals under Russian occupation. Even as access routes to the zoo were blocked, making it impossible to evacuate the animals, workers risked their lives to feed the animals each day, dodging bullets fired by Russian troops across the Dnieper River, the Washington Post reports. Over the winter, one volunteer brought home some of the smaller animals that would have perished in the cold. Farmers and residents also...
Scientific Survey Reveals Promising Conservation Efforts for the World’s Most Endangered Marine Mammal
The vaquita, a small porpoise and the world’s most endangered marine mammal, is teetering on the edge of existence. However, the latest scientific survey of the species reveals that new conservation efforts are showing promise, providing a glimmer of hope for their survival. María Luisa Albores González, Mexico’s secretary of environment and natural resources, shared the survey results at a news conference, conveying a sense of optimism. “Today, we have good news, hopeful news,” González said....
Food Allergies in Pets – Signs, Sources, & Solutions
Think your pet has food allergies? Maybe. Maybe not. Research shows that just one in 10 pets suffering from allergies can attribute their troubles to food. Your pet could be suffering from environmental, flea, skin or contact allergies. Or it might be a reaction to impure, unnatural ingredients in their food. Or, yes, it could be a food allergy. Any way you look at it, feeding your pet the best possible food – using all natural, human-grade, carefully sourced ingredients – is sure to improve their lives by leaps and bounds. So,...
Organ Meat for Dogs: Safety and Preparation Tips
Feeding your dog organ meat, as opposed to muscle meat, is a treat, not a balanced meal, says Dr. Jessica Taylor, vice president of veterinary medicine at Petfolk Veterinary and Urgent Care, which has locations in Florida, Georgia and North Carolina. Organ meat for dogs typically includes chicken, duck and turkey liver, heart and gizzards, but encompasses other internal organs and entrails from larger farm animals, such as cattle and sheep. Is organ meat safe for dogs? Dr. Taylor says that organ meat is high in vitamins dogs need like iron,...
A Family of Foxes Regularly Visits Grandma’s House to Play and Spread Happiness
Having animals around makes the place happier and more exciting. It’s fascinating to see how they express themselves most adorably. Every little thing about them can immediately make someone smile — even during mischief. For this reason, cute animal content quickly goes viral on the internet. A bunny simply eating a strawberry can gain millions of engagements. Sometimes the videos can get extra random, such as a cat acting like an electrician. You’ll even see various stories of animal encounters that are entertaining,...
Hairless, Skinny Dog Rescued From the Streets, Becomes the Jokester of His Forever Family
The following story was a finalist in the Pawsitively Picture Perfect photo contest. The top three finishers received $500 in cash, as well as $2,000 in cash and supplies for their favorite shelter. To read more stories, click here! We adopted Finnegan at the beginning of the pandemic in March of 2020. Although we already had two cats and a dog, we were working from home, and it was an ideal time to help a new family member settle into our home. PHOTO: DEBORAH CATES We had previously adopted a dog from a wonderful rescue called Compassion...
Dog Loses His Eyes Due to Neglect, But He Doesn’t Hold a Grudge
The following story was a finalist in the Pawsitively Picture Perfect photo contest. The top three finishers received $500 in cash, as well as $2,000 in cash and supplies for their favorite shelter. To read more stories, click here! I rescued him two years ago. He was collapsed in the street suffering from heat stroke. I brought him home and tried to find owners. He had cataracts really badly at the time. When we couldn’t find the owners, a friend asked if they could have him. Since the shelters were full, I agreed but kept in contact....
Here’s How to Effectively Handle Problematic Behaviors of a Newly-Adopted Stray Dog
First, what is a stray dog? Not a simple term to define, according to a report of the World Society for the Protection of Animals & The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals International, and that’s because countries differ in their interpretation of “stray” with many of them having national and local regulations for stray animals such as dogs and cats. Photo: YouTube/The Dodo However, out of the necessity to conduct an investigation of stray dog and cat population control practices across Europe, the...
How to Keep Yourself and Your Dog Safe If You Come Across a Moose
Moose can stand up to seven feet tall and weigh well over 1,000 pounds. When people think about animal encounters out on the trails, they may focus a bit more on the predators, but an encounter with these giant herbivores can also get a bit dicey. In fact, more people in Alaska are injured by moose than bears each year. They aren’t typically aggressive, but a wildlife agency from another state rich in these big ungulates has some tips for making sure you limit the likelihood of such aggression. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources...
