Ringling Bros. Says No More Circus Elephants By 2018
The "Greatest Show on Earth" has been under pressure for years from animal rights advocates over its use of Asian elephants in its 5,000 annual shows.
Animals
Monarch Butterfly Population Rejuvenated After Last Year's Record Low
Monarch butterflies have arrived in Mexico, and conservationists are applauding the country's crack down on illegal loggers who contributed to habitat loss and decline of the species. Now they are turning their attention to the U.S. to help save the migratory insect.
Why Shark Finning Bans Aren't Keeping Sharks Off The Plate (Yet)
Fewer shark fins are being imported into Hong Kong, the epicenter of shark-fin soup, a culinary delicacy. But while the trade in shark fins may be down, the trade in shark meat is still going strong.
Cuteness Break: The Genial Quokka Steals Scenes And Hearts
In many photos from an Australian island, the marsupial appears front and center, adding its enigmatic smile to images of happy tourists.
U.S. Biologists Keen To Explore, Help Protect Cuba's Wild Places
Birders especially know that Cuba harbors hundreds of rarely seen, little-studied species. As the island nation opens to more U.S. visitors, scientists hope "green Cuba" can survive increased tourism.
Science-Based Artist Gives Celebrity Tortoise A Second Life
Lonesome George was the last surviving member of his species and a conservation icon. When the tortoise died, taxidermist George Dante set out to preserve his body, and his legacy.
To Curb Bear Population, Florida Reinstates Hunting Season
In the past decade, the number of bear-related calls Florida wildlife officials have received has increased by 400 percent. To stop the rise in bear population, officials have agreed to start hunting.
Rats Blamed For Bubonic Plague, But Gerbils May Be The Real Villains
Rats have had a bad reputation ever since they were blamed for spreading bubonic plague. But perhaps the blame was misplaced. NPR's Scott Simon reflects on the roles of rodents.
Researchers Examine The Ways Of Southern Coyotes
The number of coyotes in the Deep South is growing, but biologists know relatively little about their habits across the south and how they are diverging from their cousins out west.
Eyelashes Grow To Just The Right Length To Shield Eyes
Eyelashes keep dust out and fend off drying breezes, a study finds. To do that they need to be a very precise length. Extra-long fake eyelashes hurt more than they help.