When Cecil the lion was lured out of his sanctuary in Zimbabwe, a train of events started that ended in his beheading and an American trophy hunter going underground, writes Sandra Kyle.

More people are reporting concerns about the welfare of farm animals, official data shows, particularly on lifestyle blocks.

GRAPHIC CONTENT: A former Westport dairy manager has been convicted on a raft of charges of wilful and reckless animal cruelty.

Dog bites are causing increasing numbers of people to be hospitalised every year, a new study shows.

They woofed and they walked with their owners yesterday to kick off a fundraising appeal for people in need of assistance dogs.

We have a dog. His name is Colin. He's an 8-month-old miniature schnauzer, jack russell cross. He's my best buddy. I love him, writes Matt Heath.

The father of a young boy who was savagely attacked by a dog is shocked by new dog bite statistics.

Despite the initial reports, there are hopes Jericho is still alive after the team tracking his GPS said news of his death was 'utter sensationalism'.

The Minnesota dentist is the target of worldwide odium after it was revealed he had wounded a well-known and much-loved lion who was king of the Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe.

Terrifying footage of a mega shark attacking a tiny boat in New Zealand waters is making fresh waves online.

A surfer's desperate attempt to fight off a shark that was mauling him has been described as a "Mick Fanning replay" by a friend who witnessed the attack.

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service wants to talk to Walter Palmer. But it can't find him.

Margot Robbie was given a rat by Jared Leto while filming Suicide Squad. Leto, who plays the Joker, sent his co-stars creepy gifts to get in character.

Police take custody of lion's head in bid to diffuse the anger surrounding US dentist's hunting trophy.

Watching tropical fish swim around a tank, it can seem like they don't have a care in the world.

People angered by the killing of Cecil the lion in Zimbabwe are being urged to donate to efforts to save Africa's dwindling population of the big cats, and some animal-rights activists are pushing for African countries to stop trophy hunting.

Breath from his flared nostrils moistened condensation on the thick glass as he stared me down.

New Zealand's first gorillas have settled in to their new home at Orana Wildlife Park in Christchurch. Powerful primates Fataki, 12, Fuzu, 7, and their half-brother, Mahali, 6, arrived in the middle of last month. They have completed quarantine and park staff have since been steadily settling the animals to their newly-built $6 million home.

Ridley the endangered Olive Ridley Sea Turtle is making a healthy recovery and plans are now being made to send her to Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium in Auckland for rehabilitation.

Thousands have taken to the internet to leave "karma-reviews" for the business owned by the man responsible for killing lion.

A girl who broke her jaw and needed more than 100 stitches after a horse kicked her in the face didn't even cry when she came to after the accident.

A yellow-eyed penguin is ready to return to the wild after life-saving care that included a toe amputation at Wellington Zoo.

It is believed Ridley, as she has become known, was caught in strong currents. Normally found in tropical waters, she was suffering from hypothermia, shell damage and dehydration. A recent scan revealed clear lungs and no internal damage or blockages. Zoo veterinary manager Dr Lisa Argilla was pleased with the results.

When Cleo the golden Labrador came into the life of little Melissa, who has Type 1 diabetes, the assistance dog "changed it completely", her mother said.

A 12-year-old girl who suffered serious injuries after being attacked by a cow is just the latest victim among thousands of cases of people being hurt by cattle.

The world's big cats are dangerously close to being driven from existence. A man with a camera lens who is intent on saving these handsome animals brings their story to New Zealand next month.

A former rescue dog, which was once on the edge of death, has been trained as New Zealand's only specialist kauri dieback sniffer dog.

Rising sea levels are likely to prove a "turtle disaster" and people power may be required to ensure their survival, Queensland scientists have found.

Wildlife photographer Steve Winter tells Linda Herrick about cheating death, and the images he wished he didn't have to take.

Roosters crow in order of seniority - the top cock announcing daybreak while juniors patiently wait their turn, a new study revealing a long-guarded secret of chickendom shows.