Latest from Pets & Animals

Pukeko's game of angry birds

New Zealand's cute pukeko, known for its colour both in plumage and personality, has been shown to have a power-hungry, aggressive streak - quite literally.

New tiger sanctuary inside world's largest mangrove forest

India's planning a new tiger sanctuary inside the world's largest mangrove forest.

Auckland and Hamilton zoos swap tigers

In a bid to manage the Sumatran tiger breed, Auckland and Hamilton zoos are swapping tigers.

Teen in court over crossbow attack

A teen accused of firing a crossbow bolt through the head of a cat has been granted name suppression in a brief court appearance.

Reefton sighting sparks hope 'extinct' kokako lives on

Call it the kokako cold case. The fate of the South Island kokako, long a mystery, was thought concluded when the bird was officially declared extinct six years ago.

Racing dogs to be tracked from birth

'Extinct' bird could still be alive

A claimed sighting of the South Island kokako, a bird declared extinct six years ago, has fuelled hopes the species could still be alive.

Zoo tiger attacks man, puncturing his neck

A man has been attacked by a tiger at a Queensland zoo.

Franklin Zoo elephant finds new home in San Diego

The Auckland elephant that killed its keeper has found a new home at San Diego Zoo.

Ngala's visit to the dentist

Auckland Zoo's 11-year-old African Lion, Ngala undergoes a root canal on a tooth at Auckland Zoo.

Elephant v croc: Trunk and disorderly

An over-ambitious crocodile gave a thirsty elephant an unwanted surprise at a Zambian national park.

Pet dog attacks SPCA volunteer

The SPCA is reviewing its procedures around dogs after a volunteer was mauled by a "family" dog that had shown no hint of aggression until it attacked.

Dog owners told to be extra vigilant after 1080 drop

Otter-ly absorbed in Southland

Lloyd Esler describes himself as a "cold hard sceptic", but even he is starting to believe otters may have made themselves at home in Southland.

Eat horse meat says Princess

Princess Anne has suggested people in Britain should consider eating horse meat as it would help to improve the welfare of the animals.

Man's best friend & employee

Dogs may be man's best friend but, on many New Zealand farms, they are also often their best employees.

Kea joins list of threatened birds

Several of New Zealand's most cherished birds - among them the kea and two types of albatross - have been shifted to a more serious conservation status following a national survey.

Where did dogs first appear?

For years, scientists have been dogged by this evolution question: Just where did man's best friend first appear?