The Dallas Zoo is gearing up for the icy weather headed their way. After a tough winter storm in 2021 left a third of the park without power, they've learned their lesson. Nine new generators are ready to kick in if needed, keeping the animals cozy. Staff will be doing overnight checks to make sure
Imagine a veterinarian who opens her doors to animals in need during a wildfire. That’s exactly what Annie Harvilicz, a Los Angeles vet, did. She welcomed over 40 dogs, cats, and even a rabbit named Oreo into her home and an empty pet hospital. Why? Because their owners couldn’t take them along as t
Have you ever thought about what kind of animals live beneath the surface of Australia? One amazing creature that calls this vast land home is the marsupial mole. Scientists from the University of Melbourne recently dug into the secrets of this peculiar animal by examining an old specimen from a mus
Ever wondered how lizards and birds perceive their world? Scientists looked into this by studying how often these animals shift their gaze. Gazing around helps these critters change their focus, like switching channels on a TV. Lizards, generally loners, spend a lot of time resting. When they're up
Mental health is a complex topic, and scientists are constantly searching for new ways to understand and treat it. One exciting area of research involves tiny particles called microRNAs and extracellular vesicles. These little guys play a big role in how our cells communicate. Imagine microRNAs as
In 2018, an orca named Tahlequah, part of the critically endangered southern resident killer whales, made headlines for carrying her dead calf for 17 days. Recently, she's been spotted doing the same with a newborn that has passed away. Scientists believe this behavior shows her grief. Orcas, like
Zoo animal welfare is under the microscope these days. While zoos have made strides in care and management, there's still room for improvement. To push things forward, turning theoretical welfare ideas into real-life actions is crucial. Let's start with a well-known definition to set a baseline for
Imagine having a crystal ball to predict the best conditions for your pigs. Well, scientists have created something similar: a smart model that uses deep learning to forecast the environment in pig houses. This model combines several advanced techniques, including Bayesian optimization, squeeze and
Imagine tiny, self-organizing brain models grown from stem cells. These are brain organoids, one of the 21st century's biggest scientific advancements. They mimic the structure and function of human brains. But as they get more complex, they raise new legal questions. What if they become conscious o
In Washington, a horrible event struck the Wild Felid Advocacy Center. Over the course of a few weeks, bird flu claimed the lives of 20 big cats, which is more than half of the sanctuary's population. Located in Shelton, this non-profit sanctuary is now under quarantine to halt the spread of the vir
