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Animals
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Animals. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
A bear looks out from a cage at a bear farm in Dangjin, South Korea in 2014. Photo: AP
South Korea

South Korea ends bear bile industry, but 200 moon bears in limbo

As the ban takes effect January 1, disputes over farmer compensation and limited shelter space leave hundreds of captive bears with nowhere to go.

Tourism

Expedition to Chile’s Cape Horn reveals awesome nature at the world’s end

Thailand

Thailand rediscovers ‘extinct’ flat-headed cat after three decades

2025 Cambodia-Thailand conflict

Thai marines rescue starving lions, bears from Cambodian border casino

Officials say the two lions, two Asiatic black bears and one sun bear suffered from underfeeding and prolonged neglect at Thmor Dar Casino.

Two bears found caged inside a Cambodian casino were later rescued by Thai marines. Photo: Facebook/DNP1362
Japan

‘Juicy, delicious’ and sold out: culled bear meat sparks Japan feeding frenzy

‘With news about bears growing, the number of customers who want to eat their meat has increased a lot,’ an eatery owner says.

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Beauty

Explainer | What is horse oil and why is it a popular skin treatment in East Asia?

Horse oil is said to intensely hydrate skin, fortify hair, and diminish the appearance of wrinkles, but research is lacking on such claims.

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Japan

Bear aware: Japanese drone school develops AI system to track animals

The new system being developed in Akita prefecture can detect bears and share their locations via smartphones.

D-Academy Tohoku tests a bear-detection drone at a zoo in Kitaakita, Akita prefecture, in April. Photo: D-Academy Tohoku/Kyodo
Chinese culture

‘I have witnessed magic’: how horses help Hong Kong people with disabilities

Riding for the Disabled Association instructor Joelle Scott reveals some of the amazing ways equine therapy can help those with disabilities.

Indonesia

Indonesian elephants tasked to help in flood recovery spur conservation debate

The four elephants deployed to lift debris in Aceh last week after flooding were also involved in the 2004 post-tsunami recovery efforts.

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Editorial | Tai Po pet rescues put Hong Kong’s compassion on show

Hong Kong’s efforts to save pets at a time of such heartbreak are a sign of the city’s care and compassion.

Pets are rescued by firefighters as four buildings are still engulfed in flames at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po on November 27, a day after the fire broke out. Photo: Eugene Lee
France

French farmers spray manure, block roads over cow ‘mass slaughter’ policy

Farmers in southern France are incensed by the government’s mandatory slaughter of herds to contain ‘lumpy skin disease’.

A tractor sprays liquid manure on the facade of Millau’s local government building during a farmers’ protest in the central France town on Sunday. Photo: AFP
Chinese culture

5 of the best-known horses in Chinese legend, from the Red Hare to qilin

Horses play a fascinating role in Chinese folklore, ranging from the downright disturbing – one kidnaps a girl – to the gently auspicious.

Art

Famous horse-related works of art as the Year of the Horse 2026 approaches

To celebrate the nearing Year of the Fire Horse, we look at paintings, books and plays that show how the use of horses in art has evolved.

Trending in China

Chinese woman with social anxiety feeds 120 stray cats with banquet leftovers

Woman has participated in wedding banquets about every 10 days in past 3 years, sometimes bringing home 30kg of untouched leftover food.

A young woman with social anxiety moved many by “crashing” 100 weddings to collect leftovers for 120 stray cats, inspiring a following of 1.5 million as she shared her journey. Photo: Douyin
The Philippines

Brutal dog killing in Philippines sparks outrage, calls for tougher protections

Viral footage of Axle the dog’s shocking death has galvanised the country’s animal activists to demand harsh legal repercussions.

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A photo of Axle circulating on social media (left) and a screenshot from the viral video showing the moments before the dog was fatally beaten in Sadanga, Mountain Province. Photos: Handout
Indonesia

‘Could go extinct here’: orangutans at risk as Indonesia floods devastate habitat

Orangutans have disappeared since landslides struck Sipirok in North Sumatra province.

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Indonesia

Meet ‘Rio’, the first giant panda cub born in Indonesia

The newborn is stable and showing healthy early signs such as strong vocalisation, effective nursing and steady weight gain.

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Conservation

Florida kicks off first black bear hunt in a decade, despite outcry

The rifles and crossbows are out, after a limited 172 permits drew over 160,000 applications.

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Members of the Animal Rights Foundation of Florida protest against the proposed black bear hunt in Orlando in May. Photo: TNS
Brazil

Teen mauled to death after climbing into lion enclosure at Brazil zoo

Authorities say 19-year-old Gerson de Melo Machado, who had mental health struggles, scaled a six-metre wall to enter the enclosure.

Science

United we stand: why mammals that band together may face lower cancer risks

In cooperative societies – like elephants or whales – natural selection seems to favour genetic mechanisms that suppress cancer, study says.

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Spain

Suspected swine fever cases rise as Spain struggles to limit damage to exports

Two cases and 12 possible infections reported as the European Union’s top pork producer scrambles to limit economic impact.

A warning sign reading ‘African Swine Fever Surveillance Zone’, near Barcelona. Photo: AFP
Spain

Spain stops pork exports to China after African swine flu cases

Pork farms within a 20km radius of where two boar died, in the nation that is the EU’s leading pork producer, will face restrictions.

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Billions of animals, including pigs, are reared and eaten around the world each year. Photo: Reuters
Viral stories

Japan security guard’s bond with cat moves many; museum honours feline’s memory

Friendly feline made regular visits to play with venue guard; staff create calendar bearing photos of their interactions for posterity.

Pets

When did domestic cats arrive in Europe? Much later than previously thought

Domestic cats may have arrived in Europe 2,000 years ago via Roman trade routes, not with farmers in prehistoric times, a new study says.

Bird flu viruses

Bird flu could risk pandemic ‘worse than Covid’ if it mutates

French institute warns that a bird flu pandemic could be severe, and affect healthy people, including children.

A researcher wearing a protective suit at the Institut Pasteur in Paris, where scientists work to monitor and prevent the spread of avian influenza. Photo: Reuters
Indonesia

‘Look for its benefits’: Jakarta’s dog meat lovers chew over how to stomach ban

‘The government should rethink the policy,’ a resident says, arguing fans might be forced to prey on stray dogs if the ban is enforced.

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A worker feeds rescued stray dogs at a shelter in Jakarta. Photo: AFP
Asia travel

Meet the quokka, the ‘world’s happiest animal’. Just don’t touch them, please

Famed for their perpetual smiles, quokkas are found on Australia’s Rottnest Island. But if you’re going there for a selfie, follow the rules.

Donald Trump

This Thanksgiving, Trump pardons turkeys and roasts foes

The US president took aim at senior Democrats Schumer and Pelosi, predecessor Joe Biden and son Hunter, and Chicago’s J.B. Pritzker.

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