These were the top animal stories on NPR in 2024, including a boy's pregnant octopus
The animal kingdom showcased significant stories of companionship, mystery, and survival in 2024, highlighting human-animal interactions and unexpected events.
The wild tale of a young animal keeper, an angry tiger and a torn circle net | Aeon Videos
Darcy Prendergast's film highlights the dangerous conditions faced by staff at Australia's Bacchus Marsh Lion Safari in the 1970s and '80s.
These were the top animal stories on NPR in 2024, including a boy's pregnant octopus
The animal kingdom showcased significant stories of companionship, mystery, and survival in 2024, highlighting human-animal interactions and unexpected events.
The wild tale of a young animal keeper, an angry tiger and a torn circle net | Aeon Videos
Darcy Prendergast's film highlights the dangerous conditions faced by staff at Australia's Bacchus Marsh Lion Safari in the 1970s and '80s.
Which Came First, Color Vision or Colorful Things?
Animals had color vision 500 million years ago, long before vibrant colors evolved.
Inside the 'swat team' -- how insects react to virtual reality gaming
New technology allows scientists to study invertebrate behavior in virtual worlds, enhancing understanding of their navigation and interactions.
Scientists baffled as orcas seem to revive an 80s trend: dead salmon hats
Orcas may be reviving a trend of balancing salmon on their heads, a behavior observed in the 1980s.
Moonstruck: tropical mammals take their cues from lunar cycles
Some mammals are 'lunar phobic', while others thrive in bright moonlight.
The art of animal architecture DW 10/30/2024
Animal architecture showcases diversity and intricacy in nest building and community living among various species.
It's a dietary niche': researchers amazed to find squirrels hunt and eat voles
California ground squirrels actively hunt voles, contradicting previous beliefs of them being primarily herbivorous, revealing complex dietary behaviors.
Which Came First, Color Vision or Colorful Things?
Animals had color vision 500 million years ago, long before vibrant colors evolved.
Inside the 'swat team' -- how insects react to virtual reality gaming
New technology allows scientists to study invertebrate behavior in virtual worlds, enhancing understanding of their navigation and interactions.
Scientists baffled as orcas seem to revive an 80s trend: dead salmon hats
Orcas may be reviving a trend of balancing salmon on their heads, a behavior observed in the 1980s.
Moonstruck: tropical mammals take their cues from lunar cycles
Some mammals are 'lunar phobic', while others thrive in bright moonlight.
The art of animal architecture DW 10/30/2024
Animal architecture showcases diversity and intricacy in nest building and community living among various species.
It's a dietary niche': researchers amazed to find squirrels hunt and eat voles
California ground squirrels actively hunt voles, contradicting previous beliefs of them being primarily herbivorous, revealing complex dietary behaviors.
Flipping adorable! Bottlenose dolphins 'smile' as they play
Bottlenose dolphins use a 'smile' expression to communicate during social play, highlighting their complex interactions and intelligence.
The 6 Most Hilarious Things We Learned about Animals in 2024
Researchers have observed unique animal behavior and adaptations that highlight the wonders of nature, emphasizing humor and awe in scientific discoveries.
Hear How Baby Humpback Whales Burp and Bark to Beg for Food
Humpback whale calves use unique vocalizations resembling burps and snorts to communicate their hunger to mothers, indicating a new aspect of whale behavior.
Flipping adorable! Bottlenose dolphins 'smile' as they play
Bottlenose dolphins use a 'smile' expression to communicate during social play, highlighting their complex interactions and intelligence.
The 6 Most Hilarious Things We Learned about Animals in 2024
Researchers have observed unique animal behavior and adaptations that highlight the wonders of nature, emphasizing humor and awe in scientific discoveries.
Hear How Baby Humpback Whales Burp and Bark to Beg for Food
Humpback whale calves use unique vocalizations resembling burps and snorts to communicate their hunger to mothers, indicating a new aspect of whale behavior.
Dad duty: Same-sex flamingo couple hatches egg, cares for chick at San Diego zoo
A pair of male flamingos at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park became first-time parents after hatching a chick from a fake egg.
These Beautiful Wolves Are Freaks For Nectar | Defector
Ethiopian red hot poker plants remarkably attract Ethiopian wolves, revealing a unique nectar-loving behavior among wildlife rarely observed before.
Week in wildlife in pictures: cheeky macaques, busy bees and an unfazed egret
The article showcases various wildlife across the globe, stressing the significance of biodiversity and the need for conservation efforts.
Female penguin renamed after park staff discover she's in fact a gay male
Magnus, initially thought to be a female penguin, is actually male and gay, presenting unique challenges in breeding at Birdland Park.
Week in wildlife in pictures: bears caught in the act, a glamorous seal and a fugitive emu
The article highlights various wildlife interactions and conservation efforts across different regions, emphasizing the significance of biodiversity and habitat preservation.
Gay flamingo dads raise adopted chick after hatching egg at San Diego Zoo
Two male flamingos at San Diego Zoo have successfully raised an adopted chick, demonstrating impressive parenting skills in a same-sex couple.
Dad duty: Same-sex flamingo couple hatches egg, cares for chick at San Diego zoo
A pair of male flamingos at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park became first-time parents after hatching a chick from a fake egg.
These Beautiful Wolves Are Freaks For Nectar | Defector
Ethiopian red hot poker plants remarkably attract Ethiopian wolves, revealing a unique nectar-loving behavior among wildlife rarely observed before.
Week in wildlife in pictures: cheeky macaques, busy bees and an unfazed egret
The article showcases various wildlife across the globe, stressing the significance of biodiversity and the need for conservation efforts.
Female penguin renamed after park staff discover she's in fact a gay male
Magnus, initially thought to be a female penguin, is actually male and gay, presenting unique challenges in breeding at Birdland Park.
Week in wildlife in pictures: bears caught in the act, a glamorous seal and a fugitive emu
The article highlights various wildlife interactions and conservation efforts across different regions, emphasizing the significance of biodiversity and habitat preservation.
Gay flamingo dads raise adopted chick after hatching egg at San Diego Zoo
Two male flamingos at San Diego Zoo have successfully raised an adopted chick, demonstrating impressive parenting skills in a same-sex couple.
Killer whales bring back wearing salmon hats, but it's not for fashion
Killer whales with dead salmon on their heads are not making a fashion statement; it's likely a practical behavior related to food.
Humpback whale surfaces under NYC bridges in 'surprise' appearance as expert has warning for local fishermen
A humpback whale was spotted in the East River, marking its first visit in two years, likely in search of food.
Killer whales spotted doing seemingly 'cruel' act by Central California coast
Killer whale calves were seen 'playing' with prey, prompting discussions about their behavioral learning processes and the impact of environmental threats.
Killer whales bring back wearing salmon hats, but it's not for fashion
Killer whales with dead salmon on their heads are not making a fashion statement; it's likely a practical behavior related to food.
Humpback whale surfaces under NYC bridges in 'surprise' appearance as expert has warning for local fishermen
A humpback whale was spotted in the East River, marking its first visit in two years, likely in search of food.
Killer whales spotted doing seemingly 'cruel' act by Central California coast
Killer whale calves were seen 'playing' with prey, prompting discussions about their behavioral learning processes and the impact of environmental threats.
When 170 Wild Monkeys Escaped From a 'Jungle Camp' and Terrorized New York
Frank Buck was a famous animal collector and author known for capturing and documenting a vast number of wild animals for zoos and entertainment.
A pufferfish: probably nature's greatest artist' | Helen Sullivan
Pufferfish use water to inflate, becoming a hard target for predators, but their toxin serves as a deadly warning against consumption.
Why dogs shake when they're wet - Harvard Gazette
Researchers decoded the biology behind the 'wet dog shake', revealing it involves sensory neurons and a specific brain area.
The pet I'll never forget: Mr Wags, the bolshy, beautiful dog we rescued when he was 12
Mr Wags, a difficult rescue dog, symbolizes co-dependence, resilience, and the deep bond that can form through shared struggles.
Flow' Review: A Cat's Life
Flow celebrates animal authenticity and avoids excessive sentimentality, offering an engaging adventure featuring a relatable black cat navigating survival during a catastrophic flood.
Chimps Share Knowledge Like Humans Do, Spurring Innovation
Female chimpanzees are key innovators, enhancing tool use and cultural complexity in their new communities through knowledge sharing during migration.
Animals' Understanding of Death Can Teach Us About Our Own
Chimpanzees display profound emotional and cognitive understanding, as seen in their reactions to an albino infant, showcasing their grasp of life and death.
Chimpanzees are show-offs! Apes perform better with an audience
Chimpanzee performance in tasks is influenced by the presence of an audience, indicating an inherited 'audience effect' from our ancestors.
Chimps tickle and wrestle in play to pave the way for teamwork
Play among adult chimpanzees promotes cooperation and alleviates social tension.
Chimps Share Knowledge Like Humans Do, Spurring Innovation
Female chimpanzees are key innovators, enhancing tool use and cultural complexity in their new communities through knowledge sharing during migration.
Animals' Understanding of Death Can Teach Us About Our Own
Chimpanzees display profound emotional and cognitive understanding, as seen in their reactions to an albino infant, showcasing their grasp of life and death.
Chimpanzees are show-offs! Apes perform better with an audience
Chimpanzee performance in tasks is influenced by the presence of an audience, indicating an inherited 'audience effect' from our ancestors.
Chimps tickle and wrestle in play to pave the way for teamwork
Play among adult chimpanzees promotes cooperation and alleviates social tension.
In Praise of Mini Pigs and Their Therapeutic Potential
Pigs are intelligent, social animals that can be effective emotional support and therapy pets.
Who's a clever boy? Study reveals the most INTELLIGENT dog breeds
Smaller-brained dog breeds exhibit better training responses and memory, contradicting the assumption that larger brains equate to higher intelligence.
This Elephant Uses a Hose to Give Herself a Shower Every Day
Mary the elephant showcases advanced tool use by showering with a hose, indicating cognitive sophistication in animals.
Elephants can wash with a hose and sabotage shower time, scientists say
Elephants display advanced tool-using skills, as shown by Mary using a hose like a shower, highlighting their intelligence and social behaviors.
Scientists dub elephant queen of showering' after learning to wash itself with hose
Mary the elephant demonstrated remarkable self-care by methodically washing herself with a hose, indicating advanced cognitive abilities in non-human animals.
Wrinkles reveal whether elephants are left- or right-trunked, study finds
Elephants have a side preference for their trunks, with physical attributes like wrinkles reflecting this usage pattern.
The Shower Beef Between Elephant Mary And Elephant Anchali, Explained | Defector
Female elephants can have underlying tensions, illustrated by a recent clash between Mary and Anchali over their social dynamics.
Elephant pranks friend by turning off the water mid-shower
Elephants are capable of playful behavior and sophisticated tool use, as demonstrated by the interactions between Anchali and Mary.
This Elephant Uses a Hose to Give Herself a Shower Every Day
Mary the elephant showcases advanced tool use by showering with a hose, indicating cognitive sophistication in animals.
Elephants can wash with a hose and sabotage shower time, scientists say
Elephants display advanced tool-using skills, as shown by Mary using a hose like a shower, highlighting their intelligence and social behaviors.
Scientists dub elephant queen of showering' after learning to wash itself with hose
Mary the elephant demonstrated remarkable self-care by methodically washing herself with a hose, indicating advanced cognitive abilities in non-human animals.
Wrinkles reveal whether elephants are left- or right-trunked, study finds
Elephants have a side preference for their trunks, with physical attributes like wrinkles reflecting this usage pattern.
The Shower Beef Between Elephant Mary And Elephant Anchali, Explained | Defector
Female elephants can have underlying tensions, illustrated by a recent clash between Mary and Anchali over their social dynamics.
Elephant pranks friend by turning off the water mid-shower
Elephants are capable of playful behavior and sophisticated tool use, as demonstrated by the interactions between Anchali and Mary.
Why do wet dogs shake themselves dry? Neuroscience has an answer
Mammals possess complex neurological mechanisms for responding to sensations through their fur, which could lead to enhanced understanding of skin sensitivity.
You May Not Be Able to Outrun a Vampire Bat
Vampire bats can run effectively on land to stealthily stalk and feed on their prey, relying on energy from protein.
Scientific Study Explores the World of Drunk Animals
Animals have likely been consuming fermented fruits and getting drunk since prehistoric times, evidenced by scholarly research.
The study hints at a long-standing evolutionary behavior towards seeking out intoxicating substances, predating human existence.
Penguin reaches Australia after swimming 2,100 MILES from Antarctica
An emperor penguin was spotted on the Australian south coast, marking a rare, significant observation for the species traveling from Antarctica to Australia.
Lone creature travels hundreds of miles and visits California neighborhoods. See it
A female black bear named Yellow 2291 has been exploring crowded California suburbs after being relocated, possibly due to food sources.
If You Think You Can Hold a Grudge, Consider the Crow
Crows have increasingly attacked people, causing widespread fear and prompting some to change their daily routines to avoid encounters.
In a rematch, mama bear Grazer defeats rival that killed her cub to win Fat Bear Week
Grazer won Fat Bear Week 2023, overcoming a tragic event in her life as her cub was killed by her opponent.
Coyote chases bobcat up huge tree in California - then the feline fights back. See it
A hiker captured a thrilling moment of a bobcat and coyote in a standoff, showcasing the unpredictable dynamics of wildlife interactions.
Scientific Study Explores the World of Drunk Animals
Animals have likely been consuming fermented fruits and getting drunk since prehistoric times, evidenced by scholarly research.
The study hints at a long-standing evolutionary behavior towards seeking out intoxicating substances, predating human existence.
Penguin reaches Australia after swimming 2,100 MILES from Antarctica
An emperor penguin was spotted on the Australian south coast, marking a rare, significant observation for the species traveling from Antarctica to Australia.
Lone creature travels hundreds of miles and visits California neighborhoods. See it
A female black bear named Yellow 2291 has been exploring crowded California suburbs after being relocated, possibly due to food sources.
If You Think You Can Hold a Grudge, Consider the Crow
Crows have increasingly attacked people, causing widespread fear and prompting some to change their daily routines to avoid encounters.
In a rematch, mama bear Grazer defeats rival that killed her cub to win Fat Bear Week
Grazer won Fat Bear Week 2023, overcoming a tragic event in her life as her cub was killed by her opponent.
Coyote chases bobcat up huge tree in California - then the feline fights back. See it
A hiker captured a thrilling moment of a bobcat and coyote in a standoff, showcasing the unpredictable dynamics of wildlife interactions.
How Pigs Shaped Medieval Life: Surprising Roles in Politics, Warfare, and Law - Medievalists.net
Pigs played significant roles in medieval history, influencing urban sanitation, royal tragedies, and even justice systems.
Drunk butterflies and inebriated elephants: Animals also consume alcohol
Alcohol consumption is widespread in the animal kingdom, with various species, including butterflies, birds, and primates, showing preferences for fermented foods.
Bats make mental maps using echolocation
Bats use echolocation not just for short-range obstacle avoidance but also for long-distance navigation over several kilometers.
Gay farmer raises flock of gay sheep saved from slaughterhouse
Michael Stücke is promoting acceptance and visibility for LGBTQ+ individuals through his flock of gay rams in Germany.
Nine reasons we love our spooky, kooky model organisms
Crows exhibit advanced cognitive skills comparable to great apes and challenge misconceptions about their behavior.