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Animals
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Animals. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
Confiscated shark fins on display at the Customs and Excise Department’s Tsing Yi Station on October 7, 2021. Photo: Dickson Lee
Hong Kong environmental issues

Editorial | Study shows Hong Kong must do better to end illegal shark fin trade

A recent study showed products from endangered species are still entering Hong Kong’s market, revealing worrying gaps in oversight.

Animal welfare in Hong Kong

Animal welfare groups slam Hong Kong pet shop for offering cat rental service

Japan

As the crow flies: how Tokyo’s 25-year pest purge ended in triumph

Japan

Japan’s ‘genius’ chimpanzee, who learned Chinese characters, dies at 49

Ai, the chimpanzee advanced primate intelligence studies by mastering languages and colours, leaving a legacy in cognitive research.

Ai is seen in 2018 at Inuyama in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Photo: Kyodo
Japan

Meow arriving: Japan railway’s newest cat stationmaster clocks in

Yontama is the third cat to become stationmaster on the Kishigawa Line in Wakayama prefecture after the death of her predecessor last year.

Pets

Rare genius dogs learn vocabulary by eavesdropping, study shows

Some gifted canines pick up words simply by overhearing people speak to each other without needing to be taught.

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Animal welfare in Hong Kong

Hong Kong group saves 351 animals in 6 months as trapping, smuggling cases surge

Paws Guardian Rescue Shelter reports that animal cruelty cases are ‘alarmingly common’ as it calls for stronger action to be taken.

Animal rescuers warn that illegal trapping and pet smuggling are becoming alarmingly common in Hong Kong, with an average of two animals saved daily. Photo: Edmond So
Chinese culture

3 Hong Kong events to celebrate the Year of the Horse 2026

From a horse show to a run in nature to a special character’s appearance at Hong Kong Disneyland, ring in the Lunar New Year at these events.

Singapore

‘Deeply distressing’: Singapore’s animal shelters struggle with costs

Cases of animal cruelty and poor welfare have also surged, with the SPCA reporting 961 confirmed cases last year.

South Korea

South Korea ends bear bile industry, but 200 moon bears in limbo

As the ban takes effect January 1, disputes over farmer compensation and limited shelter space leave hundreds of captive bears with nowhere to go.

A bear looks out from a cage at a bear farm in Dangjin, South Korea in 2014. Photo: AP
Tourism

Expedition to Chile’s Cape Horn reveals awesome nature at the world’s end

A 5-day cruise to South America’s southern tip stuns with fiords, penguins and wind-blasted cliffs reached via the world’s deadliest waters.

Expedition crew members walk in Chile’s Cape Horn National Park, one of the southernmost points of South America. A five-day expedition there presents spectacular nature – and danger. Photo: dpa-tmn
Thailand

Thailand rediscovers ‘extinct’ flat-headed cat after three decades

Elusive feline spotted with cub, offering hope for endangered species’ survival.

2025 Cambodia-Thailand conflict

Thai marines rescue starving lions, bears from Cambodian border casino

Officials say the two lions, two Asiatic black bears and one sun bear suffered from underfeeding and prolonged neglect at Thmor Dar Casino.

Japan

‘Juicy, delicious’ and sold out: culled bear meat sparks Japan feeding frenzy

‘With news about bears growing, the number of customers who want to eat their meat has increased a lot,’ an eatery owner says.

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People eat bear meat hot pot at a restaurant in Chichibu, Japan’s Saitama prefecture. Photo: AFP
Beauty

Explainer | What is horse oil and why is it a popular skin treatment in East Asia?

Horse oil is said to intensely hydrate skin, fortify hair, and diminish the appearance of wrinkles, but research is lacking on such claims.

Horse oil has been used for centuries to treat burned and chapped skin, and later as a beauty product. Photo: Shutterstock
Japan

Bear aware: Japanese drone school develops AI system to track animals

The new system being developed in Akita prefecture can detect bears and share their locations via smartphones.

Chinese culture

‘I have witnessed magic’: how horses help Hong Kong people with disabilities

Riding for the Disabled Association instructor Joelle Scott reveals some of the amazing ways equine therapy can help those with disabilities.

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Indonesia

Indonesian elephants tasked to help in flood recovery spur conservation debate

The four elephants deployed to lift debris in Aceh last week after flooding were also involved in the 2004 post-tsunami recovery efforts.

Sumatran elephants deployed to help clear tree debris last week following flash floods in Meureudu, Pidie Jaya district, Aceh province, Indonesia. Photo: AFP
Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Editorial | Tai Po pet rescues put Hong Kong’s compassion on show

Hong Kong’s efforts to save pets at a time of such heartbreak are a sign of the city’s care and compassion.

France

French farmers spray manure, block roads over cow ‘mass slaughter’ policy

Farmers in southern France are incensed by the government’s mandatory slaughter of herds to contain ‘lumpy skin disease’.

Chinese culture

5 of the best-known horses in Chinese legend, from the Red Hare to qilin

Horses play a fascinating role in Chinese folklore, ranging from the downright disturbing – one kidnaps a girl – to the gently auspicious.

Warlord Lu Bu and his famous horse Red Hare are depicted in the 2013 video game Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends.
Art

Famous horse-related works of art as the Year of the Horse 2026 approaches

To celebrate the nearing Year of the Fire Horse, we look at paintings, books and plays that show how the use of horses in art has evolved.

A scene from War Horse, performed at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts in 2019. The award-winning British play is one of many artworks made over the centuries with a strong equine focus. Photo: Winson Wong
Trending in China

Chinese woman with social anxiety feeds 120 stray cats with banquet leftovers

Woman has participated in wedding banquets about every 10 days in past 3 years, sometimes bringing home 30kg of untouched leftover food.

The Philippines

Brutal dog killing in Philippines sparks outrage, calls for tougher protections

Viral footage of Axle the dog’s shocking death has galvanised the country’s animal activists to demand harsh legal repercussions.

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Indonesia

‘Could go extinct here’: orangutans at risk as Indonesia floods devastate habitat

Orangutans have disappeared since landslides struck Sipirok in North Sumatra province.

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A Tapanuli orangutan, and its young, hanging on a tree in Batang Toru, Tapanuli, North Sumatra, Indonesia in 2015. Photo: Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme/EPA-EFE
Indonesia

Meet ‘Rio’, the first giant panda cub born in Indonesia

The newborn is stable and showing healthy early signs such as strong vocalisation, effective nursing and steady weight gain.

Hu Chun holding her newborn cub. Photo: Taman Safari Indonesia via AP
Conservation

Florida kicks off first black bear hunt in a decade, despite outcry

The rifles and crossbows are out, after a limited 172 permits drew over 160,000 applications.

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Brazil

Teen mauled to death after climbing into lion enclosure at Brazil zoo

Authorities say 19-year-old Gerson de Melo Machado, who had mental health struggles, scaled a six-metre wall to enter the enclosure.

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