
A weekly round-up of the most important animal stories happening around the world.
Join over 150,000 others who start their week with the latest animal stories delivered straight to their inbox. We are currently accepting feature pitches. Learn more →
We are currently accepting feature pitches. Learn more →
How prison labor is used in animal agriculture
Whether you know if or not you have likely bought products produced by unpaid or low-paid prison labor.
Victory: Utah amusement park transfers its captive big cats to a sanctuary
After a decades-long campaign calling for their freedom, a tiger, lion, and leopard are among those living in a new sanctuary home.
One in five US butterflies disappeared in the last twenty years, reveals landmark national analysis
Researchers say the beloved insects are disappearing at an “alarming rate,” with many butterfly species showing extreme declines of more than 50 percent.
Hunters in the US would be banned from importing hunting trophies of endangered species, proposes new bill
If passed, the legislation will help curb the negative impact of trophy hunts, which are said to kill more than 100,000 animals each year.
“Extreme” animal cruelty revealed at major Arizona dairy farms
The horrific undercover footage was taken at dairy farms which supply Fairlife, a billion-dollar brand owned by Coca Cola.
Cultivated pork to be sold in US in “historic” first as cultivated meat company Missions Barns is approved by FDA
The company’s pork products, which include bacon and meatballs, are cultivated from animal cells to produce “real” meat but without the need to slaughter an animal.
Airbnb cuts ties with controversial camel rides at Egypt’s pyramids
The travel giant is leading an industry move away from supporting camel rides at the iconic destination after an investigation showed animals being exploited and abused to give rides to tourists.
UW-Madison tops list for most animal welfare violations at top-funded universities, analysis reveals
The university received 35 violations within a two-year period, including incidents where animals suffered or were killed due to staff failures.
Victory for wild horses as federal court overturns BLM’s “corrupt” cash-for-adoption program
The Bureau of Land Management’s controversial scheme offered $1,000 for each wild horse adopted, but records revealed some people were ‘adopting’ the animals and then just sending them to slaughter after payment.
As US egg prices reach record high, here’s the best animal-free egg alternatives you should try
From scrambled tofu to Just Egg, these foods are tasty, reliable, and don’t harm chickens.
California bill seeks to ban public contact with wild animals over welfare concerns
Sloths, lemurs and kangaroos are among species increasingly being used at roadside zoos and petting zoos, but experts say the interactions are unnatural and often lead to stress and trauma for the animals.
After decades of being kept in a city zoo, Argentina’s Pupy the elephant is finally being sent to a sanctuary
The 34-year-old female, who is the last captive elephant in all of Buenos Aires, will now experience a more natural habitat where she can roam freely, forage, and meet other elephant companions.
Dunkin’ eliminates surcharge for plant-based milks in hot drinks, marking “major milestone” for plant-based accessibility
As the second-largest coffee chain in the US, Dunkin’s 9,500-plus locations across the country will now offer plant milks at no additional cost.
Wild fish can recognize different humans, study finds
Scientists discovered that fish were able to remember and follow specific divers based on which ones had previously offered food.
Baby monkey abuse uncovered on Thai island where new season of The White Lotus is set
The show’s creator is calling on Thailand’s prime minister to end the use of forced monkey labor.
Conserving wolves: there are now more satellite-collared wolves in California than ever before, wildlife department says
The milestone means officials can more easily monitor and understand wolf packs in the state so that their populations can thrive.
Wildlife charity WWF “helping facilitate” trade in polar bear fur, reveals investigation
The NGO’s controversial stance on backing some forms of trophy hunting including the continued trade of polar bear fur has sparked surprise and outrage from supporters who say donations shouldn’t be used to fund animal exploitation.
Prawns have their eye stalks cut off while still alive to speed up the breeding process, animal welfare groups warn, as leading retailers reevaluate common seafood industry practices
Despite around 440 billion shrimps being farmed each year, the species has typically faced little-to-no animal welfare protection.
France will no longer ban “meaty” labels on plant-based foods
The country’s top court has ruled against government attempts to outlaw food companies from using terms like “steak” and “burger” on plant-based meat.
Paying extra for plant milks could be a thing of the past as Tim Hortons, Dutch Bros Coffee and Scooter's Coffee end surcharge following Starbucks' lead
As the popularity of oat, almond, and soy milk continues to soar, coffee chains across the US are making it free for customers to swap cow’s milk for plant milks.
