Conservationists hit crocodile jackpot, finding dozens of endangered chompers in CambodiaNovember 18th, 2009 more imagesRare crocs found hiding in plain sight in CambodiaBANGKOK — Conservationists searching for one of the world's most endangered crocodile species say they have found dozens of the reptiles lounging in plain sight — at a wildlife rescue center in Cambodia. DNA taken from 69 crocodiles housed in the moats of the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center showed nearly 50 percent were Siamese crocodiles, which until recently were believed to have become extinct in the wild, researchers said Wednesday.
Prehistoric goat lived like a reptile on Spanish islandNovember 18th, 2009 more imagesWASHINGTON - A new study has determined that a prehistoric goat on a Spanish island survived for millennia on a resource-poor island by living like a reptile, changing its growth rate and metabolism to match the available food supply. Fossils of the ancient goat, called Myotragus, were first found on the Spanish island of Majorca in the early 1900s.
Hostel for pooches in Bihar to ease dog owners' worriesNovember 13th, 2009 SONEPUR - A hostel for pooches in the Sonepur region of Bihar has solved the problems of pet owners looking for a place where they can leave their pets when absent. Claiming to be the first such centre, 'Pedigree Kennel' in Sonepur region, offers a host of facilities apart from providing a shelter to the dogs in their owner's absence.
Woman with child in lap drives into aquarium at Tampa airport, killing most of fish in tankNovember 10th, 2009 more imagesWoman drives into aquarium at Tampa airportTAMPA, Fla. — The driver and the child in her lap survived when a pickup truck slammed into a 1,500-gallon aquarium at Tampa International Airport.
Donations down, bills overdue, staying afloat is goal at overloaded SoCal basset hound rescueNovember 10th, 2009 Bill collectors keep hounding basset rescue ownerLOS ANGELES — The basset hounds at Daphneyland aren't the only ones with long, sad faces. Donations to the nation's largest basset hound rescue have never been so low, bills so overdue, the need so crucial or the help so thin, said Dawn Smith, Daphneyland's president and founder.
Where's my hamster? With inventories thin, holiday shelves are already going emptyNovember 9th, 2009 Can't find the hot new toy? Blame the economyNEW YORK — Robotic toy hamsters, the latest Barbie dolls and stylish boots are disappearing from store shelves as holiday shoppers start to get serious. But don't confuse this with the days of Tickle Me Elmo.
Battery-powered hamsters become 'must have' toy for Christmas 2009November 9th, 2009 LONDON - Brit parents are thronging toy shops in a bid to lay their hands on battery-powered hamsters that have become the latest Christmas craze this year. Priced at around 10 pounds, these Go Go Pets, known as Zhu Zhu pets is the latest entrant in the toy market to have swept the consumers.
Swine flu confirmed in 13-year-old Iowa cat, veterinarians say virus also found in 2 ferretsNovember 4th, 2009 Officials: Swine flu confirmed in Iowa catDES MOINES, Iowa — A 13-year-old Iowa cat has been infected with swine flu, veterinary and federal officials said Wednesday, and it is believed to be the first case of the H1N1 virus in a feline. The domestic shorthaired cat was treated last week at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Ames and has recovered, officials said.
Pet dog better companion than partner on stranded desert island!October 30th, 2009 MELBOURNE - Most people would prefer being stranded on a desert island with their dog than a human, a new study has found. The survey found that 56 percent of the 1000 pet lovers questioned online could not stay away from their pets.
Pet animals walk ramp in style at Nagpur showOctober 4th, 2009 NAGPUR - Pet animals walked down the ramp with élan along with their masters at a special fashion show here. The show was organised by the Indian Society for Animal Welfare.
Woman fries, eats ex-hubby's goldfish after fight!October 1st, 2009 MELBOURNE - Angered by her former husband's reluctance to return the jewellery she asked for, a woman fried the seven goldfish they kept as pets, and ate three of them. When informed, Pasadena police said that no charges could be filed against the woman because it was a civil matter.
Jumbo Transformer, squeaking hamster among the toys on Toys R Us' holiday toy listSeptember 24th, 2009 Toys R Us makes its bets on holiday toysNEW YORK — The nation's biggest toy-store chain is placing its holiday bets — and because the stakes are high, the prices are lower. If Toys R Us' testing is any indication, a $10 toy hamster might be a runaway hit.
Jaycee Dugard wants her pets back from home where she was held captive for 18 yearsSeptember 18th, 2009 Kidnapped woman Jaycee Dugard wants her pets backANTIOCH, Calif. — Jaycee Dugard wants her pets back after they were taken from the property where she allegedly was held captive since being kidnapped 18 years ago.
Salvation from above: Volunteer pilots fetch animals from full shelters, fly them to new livesSeptember 15th, 2009 A paw and a prayer: Pilots save shelter animalsTAMPA, Fla. — Lady Di is a lovely purebred collie with a pleasant disposition, just like lots of other dogs dumped at shelters in areas that lack anywhere near enough would-be owners.
Dogs were tamed 16,300 years ago in China as livestock, not petsSeptember 4th, 2009 WASHINGTON - A new genetic analysis has suggested that dogs were tamed for the first time 16,300 years ago in southern China, not as pets, but as livestock. "In this region, even today, eating dog is a big cultural thing," study co-author Peter Savolainen, a biologist at the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden, told National Geographic News.
