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Animals

Animals
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Animals. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
A photo of Axle circulating on social media (left) and a screenshot from the viral video showing the moments before the dog was fatally beaten in Sadanga, Mountain Province. Photos: Handout
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

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Indonesia

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

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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Members of the Animal Rights Foundation of Florida protest against the proposed black bear hunt in Orlando in May. Photo: TNS
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.

Science

United we stand: why mammals that band together may face lower cancer risks

In cooperative societies – like elephants or whales – natural selection seems to favour genetic mechanisms that suppress cancer, study says.

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Spain

Suspected swine fever cases rise as Spain struggles to limit damage to exports

Two cases and 12 possible infections reported as the European Union’s top pork producer scrambles to limit economic impact.

A warning sign reading ‘African Swine Fever Surveillance Zone’, near Barcelona. Photo: AFP
Spain

Spain stops pork exports to China after African swine flu cases

Pork farms within a 20km radius of where two boar died, in the nation that is the EU’s leading pork producer, will face restrictions.

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Viral stories

Japan security guard’s bond with cat moves many; museum honours feline’s memory

Friendly feline made regular visits to play with venue guard; staff create calendar bearing photos of their interactions for posterity.

Pets

When did domestic cats arrive in Europe? Much later than previously thought

Domestic cats may have arrived in Europe 2,000 years ago via Roman trade routes, not with farmers in prehistoric times, a new study says.

Despite cats’ popularity as pets, the history of their domestication has remained difficult for scientists to decipher. Photo: Reuters
Bird flu viruses

Bird flu could risk pandemic ‘worse than Covid’ if it mutates

French institute warns that a bird flu pandemic could be severe, and affect healthy people, including children.

A researcher wearing a protective suit at the Institut Pasteur in Paris, where scientists work to monitor and prevent the spread of avian influenza. Photo: Reuters
Indonesia

‘Look for its benefits’: Jakarta’s dog meat lovers chew over how to stomach ban

‘The government should rethink the policy,’ a resident says, arguing fans might be forced to prey on stray dogs if the ban is enforced.

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Asia travel

Meet the quokka, the ‘world’s happiest animal’. Just don’t touch them, please

Famed for their perpetual smiles, quokkas are found on Australia’s Rottnest Island. But if you’re going there for a selfie, follow the rules.

Donald Trump

This Thanksgiving, Trump pardons turkeys and roasts foes

The US president took aim at senior Democrats Schumer and Pelosi, predecessor Joe Biden and son Hunter, and Chicago’s J.B. Pritzker.

US first lady Melania Trump looks on as US President Donald Trump pardons Gobble the turkey at the White House on Tuesday. Photo: AFP
Indonesia

Jakarta bans dog and cat meat sales to curb rabies, in win for animal rights

Indonesia’s capital prohibits meat consumption of the animals, challenging a cultural delicacy and cheap protein source for some.

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Dogs in a cage at a slaughterhouse in Tomohon, North Sulawesi, Indonesia in 2023. Photo: AP
India

Ambani zoo, India cleared of probe curbing endangered animal imports

Vantara, a 3,500-acre zoo in Gujarat run by the Ambani family, faced allegations of improper imports of some endangered animals.

Canada

11 hurt as grizzly bear attacks students, teachers on Canadian walking trail

A male teacher was critically injured trying to fight off the ‘aggressive bear’, which remains on the loose.

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Science

When was the first kiss? Probably around 20 million years ago, scientists say

A new study suggests our primate ancestors were kissing - but how it emerged remains a subject of debate, as does why it persisted.

Humans, chimpanzees, bonobos, orangutans and gorillas all kiss, which strongly suggests the habit was inherited from a shared ancestor. Photo: Shutterstock
Japan

Video | Japan deploys barking drones to keep bears at bay

Bear sightings in Japan have jumped eight-fold compared to the previous year.

Singapore

Singapore seizes US$867,000 worth of rhinoceros horns, largest-ever haul

The horns, along with other animal parts, were detected in cargo labelled ‘furniture fittings’ and originating from South Africa.

Trending in China

China 3-legged puppy, destined to be put down, becomes effective SWAT police dog

Crime-fighting canine forms special emotional bond with his ‘comrade’ handler who also has leg problems; pair share sense of ‘hardship’.

A puppy born with three legs that was recommended for euthanasia by veterinarians has become a specialist police dog in China. Photo: SCMP composite/CCTV
Pets

What is ‘hobby dogging’? Trend of training imaginary dogs ridiculed online

‘Hobby dogging’, where dog lovers train with imaginary pets on the end of leashes and harnesses, has taken off in Germany.

Dog trainer Barbara Gerlinger (centre) holds an empty dog leash while teaching “hobby dogging”, a viral trend of training imaginary dogs, to participants in one of her courses. Photo: dpa
Trending in China

Chinese hotel offers lion cub wake-up call for guests spending US$88 per night

Viral online video shows little big cat accompanied by keeper strolling into room to play with child; critics question ethics, safety of service.

Trending in China

Chinese woman’s pet alpaca dies from cold after groomers fail to dry it properly

Animal from species regarded as ‘pet celebrities’ online is considered adorable and intelligent, was left overnight with damp fur.

Italy

Italy’s South Tyrol region scraps planned dog tourist tax

The regulation would have required a daily fee of US$1.70 for each dog brought to the region from next year.

People at a street in Bolzano, capital of the South Tyrol region. Italy’s northernmost province is a particularly popular holiday destination for German and Austrian tourists. Photo: EPA-EFE
Africa

Wildly different: Botswana and Namibia offer contrasting safari experiences

andBeyond resorts in the Namib Desert and the Okavango Delta – favoured by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle – bring different perspectives.

andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge in Namibia. Photo: Handout
Japan

Japan faces more wildlife menace as monkeys invade homes, steal food

The intrusion of monkeys in residential areas has prompted authorities to create a group to chase them away.

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Animal welfare in Hong Kong

Hong Kong hooked as endangered stingray fished out of Victoria Harbour

Ocean Park identifies fish as endangered longhead eagle ray and urges anglers to release rare species immediately if caught.

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