A weekly round-up of the most important animal stories happening around the world.
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The ultimate guide to vegan Valentine gifting
From roses and chocolates to scented candles and much more, here are the ones we'll be wishing for come 14 February.
The Endangered Species Act is being gutted. Here’s where it stands today
Species Unite examines recent federal actions that threaten longstanding wildlife protections and the future of the Endangered Species Act.
Public outrage sweeps Brazil after killing of beloved street dog
Florianópolis street dog Orelha was tortured in a case that is shaking the nation.
Roadside zoo in east Texas may still be operating despite suspension, allege campaigners
An animal rights group is demanding a full investigation into Canton Grand Safari, which had its license suspended earlier this year for multiple animal welfare violations, including keeping lemurs in rat-infested enclosures.
Sabrina Carpenter criticized for performing with live bird at the Grammys
The singer’s decision to bring a dove on stage has been slammed as “stupid” and “cruel”.
Animals are still dying for your makeup. Here's how we can stop it
Animal testing for cosmetics seems like a thing of the past – but it's still an ongoing battle.
Indonesia becomes the first Asian country to ban elephant rides
Tourists can no longer ride elephants at zoos or parks, after authorities respond to mounting calls for enhanced animal welfare standards.
Biomedical research company Charles River purchases Cambodian monkey breeding farm
Animal advocates say the $510 million deal contradicts the company’s claims of moving toward non-animal science.
Amsterdam becomes the first capital city to ban meat advertising in public spaces
The ban – which also applies to fossil fuel products – reflects a nationwide shift in the Netherlands towards a greener, plant-based future.
Influencer carries shelter dogs around New York subway to find them new homes
Bryan Reisberg's adventure days out with rescue pups are garnering attention and helping the dogs get adopted.
YouTube superstar visits cultivated meat company
MrBeast, who has 464 million subscribers on YouTube, posted a video of him touring Californian cell-cultivated meat company UPSIDE Foods.
History made for elephants held at the Pittsburgh Zoo
A judge has issued Pennsylvania’s first habeas corpus order for a nonhuman animal, advancing NhRP’s fight to move five African elephants from the Pittsburgh Zoo to a sanctuary.
Two orcas stuck in closed marine park should move to sanctuary in Canada, says french government
Campaigners hope Wikie and her son, Keijo, could finally experience a better life having spent years in concrete tanks and forced to perform.
Mountain gorilla gives birth to twins, in major boost for the endangered species
The birth took place in the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo, where the population of mountain gorillas continues to rise, despite multiple human threats.
Cows can use tools, prompting science to rethink animal intelligence
An Austrian cow is exhibiting capabilities only previously observed in humans and chimpanzees.
This new meditation app aims to foster empathy for chickens
Empathize, is the first-ever mindfulness app focusing on compassion for animals – starting with chickens.
‘Mortality crisis’: one in four elephant calves born in US zoos die
The 25% death rate is prompting renewed criticism of zoo breeding programs and fresh calls to prioritize sanctuary-based alternatives.
Mexico to relocate 350 captive dolphins to coastal sanctuaries after landmark legislation
Almost 10 percent of the world’s captive dolphins are held in Mexico, but they will now enjoy far greater protections and welfare after the country voted to shut down the entertainment industry.
Inside the fight to stop Ridglan from killing 3200 “surplus” beagles
A prosecutor’s deal gave America’s second-largest beagle breeder until July 1, 2026 to “dispose” of its dogs, while a bipartisan adoption bill faces amendments critics say could doom them.
Could this new EcoPark proposal replace San Francisco Zoo?
A bold new plan sets out to transform the struggling zoo into a space of sustainability and awareness.