A Dozen Puffins Will Get You 800 Mackerel: Inside The Weird Economy Of Zoos
Zoos and aquariums almost never buy or sell animals. But trade is thriving.
Animals
SeaWorld Hopes New Orca Habitats Will Stem A Tide Of Criticism
The theme park says a 2013 documentary critical of its captive orca attraction has hurt its bottom line. Now, it's pushing back with a social media campaign and plans for new habitats for its whales.
Crocodile Meets Godzilla — A Swimming Dino Bigger Than T. Rex
It roamed land and sea and snacked on giant fish. The first few spinosaurus bones were discovered a century ago, but destroyed in WWII. A more complete, second specimen reveals a terrifying predator.
Why The U.S. Chills Its Eggs And Most Of The World Doesn't
In many countries, eggs aren't refrigerated and they're still considered safe to eat. But in the U.S., we have to chill them, because we've washed away the cuticle that protects them from bacteria.
Souls Tumbling In The Light
Every fall, birds head south and, around Sept. 11, New York sends two beams into the sky. When birds and lights collide, that could mean trouble — but New York is surprisingly gentle.
U.S. Gets Middling Marks On 2014 'State Of Birds' Report Card
Domestic cats, high-rises and vanishing habitat are taking a toll on more than 33 species of American birds, a comprehensive update reports. Still, wetland and coastal birds are faring better.
Dogs Are Invited To A Costume Party In Boulder, Colo.
It's a competition, meant to encourage people to clean up after their dogs and use a waste composting program. The contest is called: There's No Such Thing as the Poop Fairy.
When Wildlife Documentaries Jump The Shark
Networks like the Discovery Channel have been criticized for pushing entertainment at the cost of science, with fake "documentaries" about everything from mermaids to mythical monster sharks.
Lone Passenger Pigeon Escapes Pie Pan, Lands In Smithsonian
Passenger pigeons used to be the most abundant bird in North America. But hunters drove them to extinction, and by 1914, only one was left. A century later, that pigeon, named Martha, is on exhibit.
Making Sure Those Walking Horses Aren't Hurting Horses
Animal rights groups say Tennessee walking horses' distinctive high-stepping gait is partly the result of trainers hurting the animals. This year, a major show is testing to try and curb abuse.