Plane hit: 39 flamingos killed as Emirates aircraft flies through flock

As many as 39 flamingos were killed in Bombay after an Emirates flight from Dubai coming in to land at the city’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport flew into a flock of the birds. The Boeing 777 aircraft, with more than 300 passengers on board, made a safe landing. The birds had no such luck. “The aircraft landed safely and all passengers and crew disembarked without injury,” a spokesperson for the airline told BBC. “However,...

Fisheries institute identifies 2 new species of needlefish off Indian coast

Researchers at the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute in Cochin, Kerala, have identified two new species of needlefish from Indian waters. The discovery was made through genetic and molecular analysis, revealing that what was previously considered a single species, the flat needlefish (Ablennes hians), is actually a complex of at least three distinct species. The new species have been named Ablennes joseberchmansis and Ablennes gracalii​, The New Indian Express newspaper reported. The research was led...

American Kennel Club applauds Farm Bill’s protections for dogs, owners

The American Kennel Club, a not-for-profit organization, world’s largest purebred dog registry, and leading advocate for dogs, has lauded the draft bill for the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024 released by the U.S. House Agriculture Committee. This must-pass bill reauthorizes U.S. Department of Agriculture programmes for five years and typically serves as a vehicle to address federal priorities in the federal Animal Welfare Act. “We appreciate the tireless and bipartisan efforts of...

Take your pick: America’s 10 most amazing shelter dog makeovers

May is National Pet Month in the USA, a time to celebrate the love and companionship the furry creatures bring into human lives. It is also a time to spare a thought for pets still awaiting their forever homes. The USA is the world’s largest pet-owning country, with dogs being the most popular. Yet, the explosion in pet ownership has had an unfortunate side effect. As many as 3,000,000 dogs enter shelters every year, according...

Canada seizes elvers worth $367,000 being exported illegally

Officers from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, abbreviated as DFO from its previous name Department of Fisheries and Oceans, with officers from the Canada Border Services Agency, seized about 109 kg of elvers at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport on Wednesday evening. The elvers, estimated to be worth Can $500,000 (about U.S. $367,000), were to be shipped overseas. An investigation into possible violations of the Fisheries Act is underway, a press release from DFO said. “The magnitude...

World Bee Day acknowledges pollinators who keep the world alive

Today is World Bee Day, a day to acknowledge the role that bees and other pollinators play in keeping the ecosystem humming and to focus on the importance of preserving honey bees and all other pollinators. It was on May 20 that pioneering beekeeper Anton Janša was born in Slovenia in 1734. Beekeeping is taken so seriously in the tiny Balkan republic that the country’s unofficial motto is “Land of the Good Beekeepers”. Slovenia produces...

Rehabilitated green sea turtle released back into the Pacific

The Aquarium of the Pacific, Southern California’s largest aquarium located in Long Beach, last week released a rehabilitated green sea turtle back into the ocean. The turtle was initially rescued near Avila Beach, California, and brought to the facility for surgery and recovery. The surgery, performed on an injured front flipper, was successful, and the turtle responded well, eating and healing effectively, as reported on the website of the Aquarium of the Pacific. Found in...

Kaziranga National Park records highest revenue in 50-year history

Kaziranga National Park in Assam, renowned for its one-horned rhinoceroses, achieved record revenue of ₹8.8 crore in financial year 2023-24, the highest amount in its 50-year history. The surge is attributed to a significant increase in tourist numbers, with 3,27,493 visitors, including 13,919 foreigners​, The Statesman newspaper reported. The UNESCO World Heritage Site’s diverse attractions, such as jungle and elephant safaris, have greatly enhanced the visitor experience. As reported by the website Northeast Today, the...

Would you help build a ‘baby house’ for orphaned orangutan infants in Indonesia?

The Orangutan Project, a conservation organization established in 1998 to protect the critically endangered primate species, has issued an urgent appeal to help build a “baby house” for an influx of orphaned orangutans in need of immediate care. Over the past six months, The Orangutan Project has experienced a surge in the number of orphaned orangutans rescued from deforested habitats, illegal wildlife trade, and other threats, the organization said in a press statement. These vulnerable...

Choosing a pet: A guide to finding the right companion for your home

Introducing a pet into your home is an exciting and fulfilling experience, but it comes with great responsibility. Whether you are considering a playful puppy, a cuddly kitten, or a chirpy bird, finding the right pet for your home requires careful consideration. Each animal has its own needs, temperament, and care requirements. To ensure a harmonious relationship and a happy home environment, it is crucial to choose a pet that fits well with your lifestyle,...