A weekly round-up of the most important animal stories happening around the world.
Join over 200,000 others who start their week with the latest animal stories delivered straight to their inbox. We are currently accepting feature pitches. Learn more →
Outrage as wild horse and burro roundups get underway during peak foaling season
Campaigners are shocked that multiple federal roundups are taking place during foaling season, when the animals are at their most vulnerable.
The world’s most desperate elephant needs veterinary treatment, says new report
A leading elephant expert expresses “significant concern” for the physical and psychological health of Viola, who has tried four times to escape her life in a traveling circus.
Wildlife park euthanizes entire wolf family that lived together for a decade
Wildwood Trust in the UK has euthanized all five members of a captive wolf family, triggering public outcry and calls for an independent investigation into whether all alternatives were exhausted.
Police attacks activists at attempted beagle-saving raid
Police fired tear gas and rubber bullets as hundreds of activists descended on a Wisconsin beagle-breeding facility — in an attempt to rescue dogs held for laboratory research.
How Ukraine's volunteers keep the animal welfare system alive
Nadiia Maksiuta, a Ukrainian volunteer and lawyer, has been helping animals since 2023. She rehomes them and fights legal battles for those who have been abused. Again and again, she sees abusers walk free.
Leaked video reveals monkeys living in squalor in the largest lab in the US
An animal rights group has filed a complaint against research center at University of Louisiana.
Controversial deal to bring pandas to San Francisco Zoo is off
The struggling zoo has continued to pursue a panda program since 2024, despite the huge costs involved, and repeated warnings from animal welfare charities and government inspectors alike.
22 North Atlantic right whale calves born in the 2025-2026 calving season
Hope re-emerges for the critically endangered species.
Protestors stage open rescue at controversial beagle farm in Wisconsin
Around twenty beagles were rescued from Ridglan Farms, which has a well-documented history of committing “ongoing unaddressed violations.”
Controversial permit to shoot a wolf for being too tame has now expired
An exceptional license was granted to kill Grindi, a popular wolf who often posed for photos with hikers in Germany’s Black Forest.
Michelin travel guide bans animal attractions
The 100-year-old Michelin Green Guide will exclude mention of ‘cruel’ animal attractions such as bullfighting and camel rides.
Should incarcerated people receive plant-based food?
In most U.S. prisons, inmates cannot legally obtain plant-based food - even if they offer to pay for it themselves.
Pittsburgh Zoo elephant case will head to Pennsylvania Superior Court
The move comes after an Allegheny County judge dismissed the case seeking freedom for five African elephants at the Pittsburgh Zoo.
Virus outbreak kills 72 captive tigers at Thailand tourist attraction
Campaigners point to low welfare standards and poor disease management, as the mass deaths shine a harsh light on wildlife tourism.
Thousands apply to adopt dog abandoned at airport ticket counter
After the media frenzy, the pup found a new home with one of the police officers who rescued him.
The beginning of the end for South Africa’s captive lion industry?
For decades, lions have been bred for profit under the guise of conservation. Now, as the government considers new restrictions, advocates say meaningful change cannot wait.
Gorilla skulls, ivory, and pangolin scales seized at Cameroon–Nigeria border
The ‘shocking’ seizure of illegal wildlife parts has led to the strengthening of anti-poaching efforts between conservation and government bodies.
Commercial whaling continues in three countries, 40 years after ban
Despite a global moratorium adopted in 1986, Norway, Iceland and Japan continue to kill whales under objections or outside the agreement.
Baby orangutan rescued from captivity as a family pet
Chained tightly by its neck to a wooden box, the young orphan is now recovering in a rescue centre.
Mountain lions in California added to Endangered Species Act
Campaigners celebrate “a major milestone” as six groups of mountain lions are granted protections amid multiple ongoing threats to their survival.