Animals

Hvaldimir pictured in Stad, Norway, earlier this year, shortly before he began his abrupt journey south.

An alleged Russian spy whale is in Sweden — and danger. Here's why his tale matters

11:59am May 31, 2023

by Rachel Treisman

Hvaldimir unexpectedly headed south after several years in Norway, fueling concerns and efforts to bring him to safety. Experts say his story shines a light on how humans treat animals in general.

Tykee James, president of the DC Audubon Society, and Erin Connelly, holding her 10-month-old son, Louis, search in the treetops in Fort Slocum Park in Washington, D.C.

National

Heads up! Stunning birds are all around us, even in dense cities

2:42pm May 30, 2023

by Melissa Block

If you pay attention, you can see or hear a wide variety of birds, especially in migration season.

Why our allergies are getting worse —and what to do about it

1:39pm May 30, 2023

by Dave Davies

From excessive hygiene to low-fiber diets, author Theresa MacPhail explores the deep-rooted causes of rising allergy rates in her new book Allergic.

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Seton Hall University gave Grace Mariani's service dog, Justin, a special doggie diploma this week, to the delight of Mariani and her fellow graduates.

A service dog gets his own college diploma, winning huge cheers

7:00am May 27, 2023

by Bill Chappell

When Grace Mariani graduated from Seton Hall University this week, the school president had a special gift for Justin, her service dog.

Stuck in a hole in Scotland, a dog named Bear finally digs his way out

5:52am May 23, 2023

The dog, a Cavapoo, went missing in a park in Aberdeen. Another dog led Bear's owner to a foxhole. After three days underground — hearing his owner call for him — Bear managed to dig his way out.

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Chonkasaurus the snapping turtle rests on a pile of rusty chains along the Chicago River.

Opinion: Progress can be a turtle

9:05am May 20, 2023

by Scott Simon

NPR's Scott Simon considers Chicago's newest star, a snapping turtle nicknamed Chonkasaurus.

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Screenshot of the social post for "CatVana" created by Kayla Delcoure for Pippi's Place.

Arts

How a cat rescue worker created an internet splash with a 'CatVana' adoption campaign

3:58pm May 19, 2023

by Matt Adams

If you're on the market for a "2015 Furcedes" named Buddy you're in luck, thanks to a social media manager's campaign modeled after Carvana. Pippi's Place in Atlanta has a Furrari and a Meowzda, too.

An alligator got safely across Highway 80 in Pearl, Miss. — then the jokes started

6:08am May 19, 2023

One person responded to the police department's post suggesting they give it a vest and make it an investi-gator. Someone else suggested that since it was on the highway, it might be a tail-gator.

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Conservationists rush to vaccinate California condors as avian flu strikes

5:12pm May 18, 2023

Conservationists are rushing to vaccinate critically endangered California condors against deadly avian flu. Ashleigh Blackford of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is overseeing the effort.

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A close-up of the rainbow sea slug found in a rock pool in Cornwall.

An 'extremely rare' rainbow sea slug was spotted along the coast of England

11:24am May 18, 2023

by Joe Hernandez

The rare rainbow sea slug, or Babakina anadoni, is typically found in the warmer waters off Spain, Portugal and France.