Animals
The platypus ‘hoax’ that tricked the world. But illuminated a different animal wonder
One viral specimen had platypus experts snatching up UV torches. They were sorely disappointed – but many other animals glow brilliantly after dark.
- by Angus Dalton
Latest
Lone Pine sanctuary in Brisbane bans koala cuddles
The Brisbane koala sanctuary has ended the popular practice at the tourist attraction, citing “increasingly strong” visitor feedback.
- by Cameron Atfield
Medicare for pets? Government urged to consider subsidising vet fees
The state government should consider subsidising pet care to address burnout, stress and suicide among vets, a NSW parliamentary inquiry recommends.
- by Amber Schultz
Wild Thang crowned world’s ugliest dog after five tries
Perhaps it’s his pink tongue, or the way his eyes poke out from a mop of frizzy fur, but Wild Thang has made judges’ hearts sing.
- by Aimee Ortiz
Updated
Illness
‘Like it’s falling out of the sky’: Bird flu detected on NSW egg farm
A farm north-west of Sydney is under lockdown after bird flu was found in chickens, the first outbreak in the state in more than a decade.
- by Angus Dalton and Jessica McSweeney
Dolphins that play together get the girls together, WA study finds
The wonder of a good wingman and the power of play are clear in the world of Western Australia’s world-famous bottlenose dolphins, a global research team finds.
- by Charlotte Vinson
Updated
China relations
Chinese premier visit to include both ‘panda diplomacy’ and difficult issues
Chinese Premier Li Qiang will visit Adelaide Zoo in a promising sign for giant pandas remaining in Australia. The rest of his visit will be far more serious.
- by Matthew Knott
Fire at Thailand’s famous Chatuchak market kills hundreds of animals
The fire was reported early on Tuesday and quickly swept across more than 100 shops in the market’s pet section.
Eggs, milk, meat? The chink in Australia’s bird flu armour
There’s one group of Australian households of particular importance in keeping bird flu from taking hold in the country.
- by Angus Dalton
The small town between Melbourne and Adelaide where kelpies reign supreme
The Casterton Kelpie Muster has become a wildly successful dog show, resulting in world records and a tourism boom for the small Victorian town.
- by Najma Sambul
The bird flu virus has adapted to sea mammals. Scientists are puzzled
And the new research findings hold a warning: H5N1 may similarly transform to cause large-scale infections in other mammalian species, including people.
- by Apoorva Mandavilli