Two giant pandas are being sent to San Diego Zoo from China

China is planning to send a new pair of giant pandas to the San Diego Zoo this year, quelling fears after nearly all the iconic bears on loan to U.S. zoos were sent home as bilateral relations began to sour.

70 coins pulled from white alligator's stomach in Nebraska

Last week, Thibodaux, a 36-year-old leucistic alligator at the Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, underwent a procedure to remove a stomach full of coins. Leucism is a condition that causes partial loss of all types of pigmentation.

Anti-aging drug for dogs in the works: Meet Boo, the 1st dog taking the pill

One of the hardest parts of being a dog owner is knowing how short their sweet lives can be. A new line of drugs in the works hopes to give them a little more time.

Hawaiian cat lost during Maui wildfires reunited with family in Montana

After spending 100 days in the fire zone, the Maui Humane Society's Fire Task Force and trapping team were able to catch Mahina safely.

Count birds this weekend to help researchers around the world

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is asking people to participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count this weekend to help researchers gather information about birds around the world.

Nine puppies killed in house fire as crews work to determine cause

A house fire in Utah resulted in the tragic loss of nine puppies. The fire broke out on Monday evening in a two-story duplex, with firefighters managing to control the flames from the basement.

Owatonna firefighter rescues deer trapped in icy water

A firefighter in southern Minnesota rescued a deer struggling to stay above water after falling through thin ice. 

Ingo the flamingo, famous Berlin zoo resident, dies age 75 – and maybe older

The Berlin Zoo is mourning Ingo the flamingo, its oldest resident, who died at what is believed to be at least 75 years of age and had lived there since the mid-1950s.  

Officer replaces therapy pig for young boy after tragic animal attack

A Kansas police officer stepped in to replace a therapy pig for a young boy after the original one was attacked by another animal.

Minneapolis animal shelter lowers 2024 adoption fees to help clear space

Minneapolis Animal Care and Control (MACC) has changed its pet adoption fees in hopes of more animals finding their fur-ever homes and to help clear space as the shelter nears capacity. 

Rusty is FOX 9's pick of the litter
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Meet this week's pick of the litter from the Minnesota Animal Humane Society. This is "Rusty." He is a 5-year-old Australian Shepard miniature mix. AHS says he is a curious and laid-back dog who loves people. He is looking for a family that will help him continue working on his manners. He needs to go to a home without other dogs. "Rusty" is available at the Coon Rapids location. To learn more about him and other available animals head over to Animal Humane Society website.

Woman, 68, dies in dog attack despite brave neighbors' efforts to save her life

A tragic incident unfolded in England's Jaywick neighborhood as 68-year-old Esther Martin succumbed to injuries inflicted by two dogs despite valiant efforts from neighbors to save her.

MN dogs embrace the sport of Barn Hunt
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Many dog breeds were created to hunt vermin and that?s the idea behind a sport that tests both a canine's nose and dexterity. Barn hunt is a combination of agility and scent work. Dogs and their handlers work as a team to locate rats that are safely held in aerated tubes and hidden in a maze of straw. A local business offers classes and a space to compete in time trials. For the Love of Dogs is in Mendota Heights. It is in the same facility as The Dog Tank, which offers dog diving. Barn hunt has titles and levels of increasing difficulty. The titles are recognized by the American Kennel Club. The business is located at 2415 Pilot Knob Road in Mendota Heights.

Groundhog Day 2024: How accurate is Punxsutawney Phil?

The famous groundhog has been at it since the 1880s and will continue his tradition of predicting the weather on Friday morning. Here's his accuracy rate.